Eggman breaks into a new era
Eggman breaks into a new era
The sound system at Tokyo’s Shibuya Eggman has been replaced with L-Acoustics A Series loudspeakers in a bid to deliver consistent audio across the historic venue’s diverse programme of live bands, acoustic performances, idol groups and club nights.
Supplied by L-Acoustics Certified Partner Bestec Audio, the new system has been installed at the 350-capacity venue, which opened in Tokyo’s Jinnan district in 1981. A longstanding launchpad for emerging Japanese artists, Eggman hosts a mix of house-engineered and visiting productions, with external engineers mixing approximately 40% of its shows. Accordingly, the new system has to behave predictably for anyone walking in for the first time.
Shota Kodama, sound engineer at venue operator Eggman Base Co, has worked at the venue for 17 years and proposed the upgrade to better reflect the demands of contemporary music and sound technology. “Considering the evolution of the modern music scene and sound technology, I felt a strong desire to create a sound that can express the atmosphere of ‘today’ and move on to the next generation of sound,” he said.
Having regularly worked with L-Acoustics K2 and K3 systems at external events, Kodama conducted comparative listening tests across several manufacturers before selecting the A Series. The installation comprises four A15 loudspeakers for the main system, eight KS21 subwoofers, seven X12 stage monitors and five LA4X amplified controllers. The system’s ability to maintain tonal consistency at different volume levels was a key consideration, alongside its physical dimensions. With limited space available for loudspeaker positioning, the A15 provided the required coverage while preserving sightlines within the compact venue.
Eggman’s club programme, which has run alongside live performances since the early 2000s, also influenced the specification. The eight KS21 subwoofers provide the low-frequency required for dance music, with their bass reflex ports facing downwards to protect against drinks and debris.
Separate LA4X session files allow Kodama to switch between live and club configurations without physically altering the system. The resulting coverage has reduced differences in perceived sound between audience areas and the front-of-house mixing position, making the room easier for visiting engineers to mix.
Onstage, the seven X12 monitors have replaced the venue’s previous 15-inch wedges. Four are positioned across the stage front, with one dedicated to the drummer and two available for side fill or in fill applications. The smaller, lighter enclosures simplify repositioning, while using the same loudspeaker brand on stage and in the audience has improved consistency and reduced spill onto the performers. “With conventional speakers, you had to input a fairly loud volume to get a good sound, but with L-Acoustics, you can hear clearly and distinctly even without turning the volume up that high,” continued Kodama.
Beyond improving the experience for artists and audiences, Kodama hopes the installation will help develop the next generation of sound engineers, establishing Eggman as a venue where both performers and technical teams can continue to learn and grow.
