JAPAN: The Osaka-Kansai Expo has returned to Japan for the first time in 20 years, with its theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” drawing global attention over six months of technology showcases, cultural exchange and performances. One of the main venues, EXPO Arena Matsuri, accommodates 16,000 people on its bright green artificial turf, with a vast 8m x 15m landscape screen at the front and daily live performances forming the centrepiece of the programme.

A Martin Audio Wavefront Precision WPL system has been installed as the main PA, delivering precise coverage and powerful sound pressure across the expansive arena. Complementing the system are SXH218 subwoofers, WPS enclosures deployed as infills and lip fills, WPS with SXCF118 cardioid subwoofers for side fills, and XE300 monitors on stage. Martin Audio’s optimisation software ensures consistent coverage while addressing noise control and minimising spill beyond the venue.

System Engineering Co., Ltd. oversaw design and construction of the system, with the project team comprising Mr Goto (Sales), Mr Kawachi (Sales technology), Mr Yamochi (Design) and Mr Hashimoto (Construction management). “We have often used Martin Audio in the past in situations where we wanted to produce good sound but also keep it cost effective,” the team noted. “Also, we were familiar with their sound, having heard it many times at auditioning sessions, so we had a sense of trust.”

For the Expo, sound quality, performance and cost benefits were once again priorities. “So we chose Martin Audio as our preferred solution for those reasons. The acoustic simulation provided when proposing this to the association was also very speedy, so we were able to submit it with confidence,” they explained.

The system’s precise directivity also proved crucial, as they inform “The ability to finely adjust the directivity was a big plus. And the sound really does disappear from the area where the attenuation is set. The moment you leave the venue, it feels like the sound has disappeared entirely. Despite this being such a large-scale system, there were no major issues, and we were told it sounded great.”

It is learnt that System Engineering Co. will provide support throughout the duration of the Expo. “We are extremely honoured that Martin Audio has been selected for such a prestigious international exposition,” the team concluded.