JAPAN: Osaka-based sound reinforcement specialist Tsugawa Pro Co., Ltd. has become the first rental company in Japan to deploy NEXO’s new Alpha+ hybrid source sound reinforcement system, marking an important milestone for the latest evolution of one of the company’s most iconic loudspeaker platforms.

Established in 1986, Tsugawa Pro has built a long-standing reputation across Japan’s live sound sector, delivering audio reinforcement for a broad spectrum of productions ranging from live concerts through to corporate events. Operating from Kita-ku, Osaka, the company is led by second-generation representative Kengo Ide and maintains a compact but highly agile team focused on flexible deployment capabilities across varying venue environments.

The introduction of the Alpha+ system forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand deployment options beyond conventional line array workflows while maintaining operational efficiency across diverse project requirements.

“We currently operate two line array systems but, since we pride ourselves on our agility, we introduced the Alpha+ system as a new option so that we can still accept new projects even when all our line array systems are out,” reports Mr. Ide.

The new Alpha+ platform draws heavily from the legacy of the original NEXO Alpha system, which gained widespread popularity throughout the 1990s for its high-output performance and powerful sonic character. The modern Alpha+ system reinterprets that concept through a hybrid source architecture designed to combine aspects of line source coupling with the deployment simplicity traditionally associated with point-source loudspeakers.

“Back in the day, Alpha was everywhere, so I used it a lot,” continues Mr. Ide. “I still remember my first impression of it; I was surprised that something of that size could produce such volume. I thought ‘wow, that’s incredible sound pressure’.”

“I really loved it too,” comments fellow Director Mr. Takeshi Yagi. “In a word, it’s a speaker that lets you get as much sound out as you want.”

According to the company, the decision to adopt Alpha+ followed an extensive demo session conducted in a large hall environment, where the new system immediately evoked the sonic characteristics associated with the original Alpha platform.

“I had a demo of Alpha+ in a large hall last fall, and the first listen immediately brought back the impression of the previous Alpha model,” says Mr. Ide. “I really liked the nuances of the subwoofer range, and I thought, ‘This is definitely Alpha!’ I’m always checking out new speakers, but I felt that this speaker was exactly the system we were looking for to broaden our options.”

Mr. Yagi echoed those sentiments, noting that the system’s balance and musicality distinguished it from many contemporary high-output reinforcement solutions.

“I hadn’t even considered introducing new speakers until I auditioned the Alpha+,” comments Mr. Yagi. “I thought it was a well-balanced speaker, different from Alpha in a good way, and I was reminded once again that this system has a truly musical sound.”

A major factor in the adoption decision centred around deployment flexibility in venues where flown line array systems are not practical due to infrastructure limitations, rigging restrictions, or budget considerations.

“In the projects we handle, there are many situations where flying is not possible due to venue equipment limitations that prevent the suspension of line arrays, budget constraints, etc.,” explains Mr. Ide, as he concludes “The Alpha+ M210’s soundstage and reach are reminiscent of a line array system and the bass from the cabinet configuration of L20 and B218 is particularly excellent. Because it’s a ground stack system, installation time is also reduced. Once it’s unloaded from the truck, moved to its designated location, and wired up, mixing can immediately begin. I feel that the hybrid source concept is incredibly logical. The ‘Alpha+’ that we introduced this time is a concept that makes perfect sense for our company.”