{"id":1004880,"date":"2025-11-26T18:31:36","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T17:31:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.l-acoustics.com\/?post_type=press-release&p=1004880"},"modified":"2025-12-02T10:23:34","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T09:23:34","slug":"japans-biwako-hall-transforms-middle-hall-into-opera-ready-venue-with-l-acoustics-kara-ii","status":"publish","type":"press-release","link":"https:\/\/www.l-acoustics.com\/fr\/press-releases\/japans-biwako-hall-transforms-middle-hall-into-opera-ready-venue-with-l-acoustics-kara-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan’s Biwako Hall Transforms Middle Hall into Opera-Ready Venue\u00a0with L-Acoustics Kara II"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lakeside cultural landmark upgrades from point-source to line array system, gaining the acoustics of a music hall in a medium-sized space designed for traditional theatre<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

OTSU, Japan – November 2025<\/strong> \u2013 The Shiga Prefectural Art Theatre, known locally as Biwako Hall, sits on the shores of Lake Biwa, 10 minutes by train from Kyoto. The venue’s 804-capacity Middle Hall has long hosted traditional kabuki, kyogen, and theatrical plays, with acoustics optimized for dialogue clarity. But as programming expanded to include opera and vocal ensemble performances, the hall faced a fundamental challenge: its short reverberation time and acoustic characteristics weren’t suited for these musical forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solution came through a comprehensive sound system upgrade featuring L-Acoustics Kara II line arrays, transforming the venue’s sonic capabilities while maintaining operational flexibility for its diverse programming. The system designed by L-Acoustics Certified Provider Bestec Audio and installed by Yamaha Sound Systems marks a significant step forward for the venue, which also houses a Large Hall and Small Hall as part of its complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Japan\u2019s
Japan\u2019s\u00a0Shiga Prefectural Art Theatre, also known as Biwako Hall, recently\u00a0upgraded to a L-Acoustics Kara II line array system in its Middle Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The\u00a0804-capacity Middle Hall of\u00a0The\u00a0Shiga Prefectural Art Theatre\u00a0upgrades to a line array system of L-Acoustics Kara II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Recreating Music Hall Acoustics in a Medium-Sized Space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“At 804 seats, the Middle Hall is the right scale for opera and vocal ensemble performances\u2014similar to what you’d find in European opera houses,” explains Masahito Oshitani, Head of Stage Technology at Biwako Hall. “But the hall was originally designed for theatre, where you need short reverberation for dialogue clarity. For opera, we needed more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The desire to recreate the acoustics of a vast music hall in this medium-sized space while also adding a secondary performance option in the complex for smaller orchestras and concerts was what drove the comprehensive upgrade. The venue’s previous positive experience with L-Acoustics Kara mobile speakers established the foundation of trust that informed this installation decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"The
The\u00a0Middle Hall of\u00a0The\u00a0Shiga Prefectural Art Theatre\u00a0proscenium LCR system consists of seven L-Acoustics Kara IIi boxes per hang<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Point-Source to Line Array: A Fundamental Shift<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The upgrade represented more than just new equipment\u2014it was a fundamental shift in approach. Previously, the hall used point-source speakers that limited how technicians could optimize sound throughout the space. “We could only make sound decisions from the centre of the audience area,” Oshitani notes. “Switching to line arrays has dramatically improved directionality and sound distribution. Now operators can create appropriate sound from any position.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The improved coverage control delivered immediate operational benefits. “We gained significant feedback margin with just reference tuning\u2014no extensive adjustments needed,” Oshitani explains. “That reduced the workload on operators and let audiences focus on the performance instead of the sound system.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"The
The Biwako Hall side arrays of 10 L-Acoustics Kara IIi speakers topped with an SB18 IIi subwoofer, while X15 HiQ enclosures provide in-fill and X8 and X12 deliver stage monitoring<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Comprehensive System Design for Versatile Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bestec Audio designed a complete L-Acoustics system centred around Kara II technology. The proscenium LCR system features seven Kara IIi boxes per hang to cover the main floor and balcony seating areas. Side arrays of 10 Kara IIi speakers each topped with an SB18 IIi subwoofer give even coverage across the main floor seating area. A pair of X15 HiQ enclosures provide in-fill coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strategic placement of additional speakers ensures comprehensive coverage throughout the hall. Two X15 HiQ speakers flown above the middle of the hall serve as an overhead system, accompanied by one SB18 subwoofer for additional low-end definition. Twelve X8 boxes are distributed across three catwalk trusses in three groups of four, with another 12 X8 enclosures strategically mounted on the hall’s side walls to ensure surround audio for all seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For stage monitoring, musicians and performers rely on a pair of X8 and a pair of X12 as foldback systems. The installation is completed with two X15 HiQ mounted on two SB18 subwoofers as a mobile system. The entire setup is powered by 14 LA12X, 16 LA4X, and two LA2Xi amplified controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Otsu
Otsu Japan\u2019s\u00a0Biwako Hall\u00a0professional sound system is powered by LA12X, LA4X, and LA2Xi amplified controllers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Two
Two L-Acoustics X15 HiQ mounted on two SB18 subwoofers as a mobile system in Japan\u2019s Biwako Hall in the city of Otsu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Production Quality and Artist Flexibility with Kara II<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact extends beyond pure acoustics. “The quality of the entire production has improved,” says Oshitani. “Sound, lighting, the whole stage\u2014everything gets better reviews since the upgrade. Audiences tell us the performances were excellent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The consistency of the L-Acoustics sonic signature proved particularly valuable. “Kara II delivers consistent sound quality and SPL throughout the venue,” Oshitani notes. “No matter where you’re sitting, the sound is natural and comfortable. L-Acoustics provides wide range from low to high frequencies, and sounds great even at low volumes\u2014critical when you need well-balanced sound during performances.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new system has also expanded the venue’s capabilities. “We can now accommodate artists and productions that specify L-Acoustics products,” Oshitani says\u2014increasingly important as the brand’s touring presence grows in Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the L-Acoustics Kara II system upgrade complete, Biwako Hall’s Middle Hall can now deliver the acoustic environment required for opera while maintaining its versatility for traditional theatre. The venue continues to serve the Kansai region with programming that spans orchestral concerts, vocal performances, Kabuki, and Kyogen\u2014all now supported by a sound system designed for musical precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about Bestec Audio at www.bestecaudio.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about the Biwako Hall in Japan at www.biwako-hall.or.jp<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Press realease assets are found by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lakeside cultural landmark upgrades from point-source to line array system, gaining the acoustics of a music hall in a medium-sized space designed for traditional theatre OTSU, Japan – November 2025 \u2013 The Shiga Prefectural Art Theatre, known locally as Biwako Hall, sits on the shores of Lake Biwa, 10 minutes by train from Kyoto. 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