JAPAN: Toei Kyoto Studio Park has reopened the first phase of its renovations with a new park-wide audio infrastructure built around Martin Audio, Powersoft and NETGEAR technology. Audiobrains, an official partner for the aforementioned brands in Japan, supported the project, which introduces a remotely controlled system for the park’s new “Immersive Live Show” experience.

Located in Kyoto and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Toei Kyoto Studio Park recreates an Edo-period townscape where visitors encounter live shows, street food and cultural experiences. The latest renovation focuses on creating what the park describes as an “adult immersive experience park”, with performances unfolding throughout the village rather than being confined to a conventional theatre space.

At the centre of the audio system is Martin Audio’s CDD12-WR, a weatherised passive two-way loudspeaker incorporating the company’s Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology. The 12-inch LF/1-inch exit HF coaxial design is intended for outdoor applications where equipment is sheltered from direct exposure to the elements, with an IP54 rating and a stated 62Hz-20kHz frequency response. Its differential dispersion pattern varies from 110° to 60° horizontally, with 60° vertical dispersion, allowing coverage to be shaped according to the requirements of each performance area.

The choice of CDD12-WR was particularly relevant to the park’s distributed performance concept. According to Audiobrains, the CDD series’ coaxial asymmetric diffusion enables the system to cover the wider plaza with relatively few loudspeakers. The technology also narrows the sound diffusion area as distance increases, helping minimise overlap between sound from different locations and allowing individual performance spaces to operate across the recreated Edo streetscape.

The amplification platform comprises Powersoft T602, T604 and T904 amplifiers. Part of Powersoft’s T Series touring amplifier range, the models combine onboard DSP with analogue, AES3 and Dante inputs, alongside remote control and signal-processing capabilities through ArmoníaPlus. The T Series is offered in two- and four-channel configurations and is designed for small- and medium-scale systems.

Networking is handled through NETGEAR’s M4250 series, with M4250-16XF, M4250-26G4F-PoE+ and M4250-9G1F-PoE+ switches forming part of the infrastructure. The M4250 platform is designed specifically for AV-over-IP applications, providing the network foundation for the system’s distributed and remotely operated architecture.

The change represents a significant operational shift for the park. Before the renovation, show sound was primarily managed using portable loudspeakers and analogue equipment. The new installation moves operations to a remote-control system, allowing the technical team to manage the sound infrastructure remotely while responding more flexibly to changing requirements on site.

The result is an audio system designed around the park rather than a single performance venue. With loudspeakers distributed across the Edo-period environment, shows can emerge at different points around the village while maintaining separation between performance areas. The approach supports the park’s ambition to make live entertainment part of the surrounding environment, creating an experience in which performances appear to unfold directly in front of visitors.

Audiobrains received sales cooperation for the project from S.C. Alliance Soundcraft Engineering Co., Ltd.