DUBAI: Yamaha Professional Audio has delivered integrated audio solutions at a high-profile installation in Dubai for Kasumigaseki Capital Co., Ltd – a Tokyo-based real estate and development firm, that includes an elite destination restaurant called the Kasumigaseki Restaurant operated by its related company, KME Investment and Management LLC.

Set against the backdrop of the Dubai Master Plan 2040 announced in March 2021, which outlines long-term population growth and economic development, Kasumigaseki Capital identified an opportunity to enter the international hospitality space, opening a restaurant at the prestigious Vida Emirates Hills. And Japanese systems integrator KDDI Systems was chosen to design and install the AV and IT infrastructure; wherein after thorough testing and evaluation, they chose Yamaha professional audio products, supplied through Yamaha’s UAE distributor, Thomsun Trading & Establishment.

Conceived around the idea of importing Japan to Dubai, the Kasumigaseki restaurant aims to deliver an authentic and immersive Japanese dining experience, with cuisine inspired by the ancient Sumi Fire technique and interiors guided by the Wabi-sabi design philosophy. The audio system was therefore required to integrate seamlessly into the décor while meeting very different operational demands throughout the day. In the main dining and bar area, which features a notably high ceiling, the system enhances ambience during daytime service without intruding on guest conversations, before transitioning in the evening to support foreground DJ and live music performances spanning Japanese and western styles. Two private rooms further extend the venue’s flexibility, accommodating meetings, corporate presentations and discreet dining.

The audio system at the restaurant is built around a Yamaha MRX7-D digital signal processor, distributing audio across multiple zones including the main dining space, private rooms and an outdoor seating area. The main area system is specifically tailored to the ceiling height and room dimensions, utilising Yamaha CHR10 two-way passive loudspeakers and CXS15XLF subwoofers, complemented by VS6 and VXS10S surface-mount speakers to provide fill coverage in the bar area. This configuration supports subtle background music by day and powerful, immersive sound by night, while maintaining clarity and consistency throughout. The DJ booth is equipped with DBR10 two-way powered loudspeakers for monitoring, while the bathrooms feature discreet VXS1ML speakers, inset using the CMA1M ceiling mount adaptor, ensuring a consistent audio experience across the venue. Additional VS6 and VXS10S speakers serve the outdoor seating area, creating a comfortable atmosphere for guests dining outside.

In the VIP private room, two VXL1-16 slim line array speakers and a VXS10S support a large visual display, with local audio control provided via a DCP1V4S surface mount controller. A smaller private room is fitted with two VXC4 full-range ceiling speakers. System amplification across the restaurant is handled by XMV8280, PX8 and PA2030a power amplifiers, while a Yamaha MusicCast WXC-50 unit enables online music streaming when required. Centralised control of all zones is managed from the reception area using a Yamaha MCP1 controller alongside an iPad running ProVisionaire Touch software, delivering intuitive day-to-day operation.