Bestec Audio transforms Japan’s Premier Live Music Destination with Cutting-edge Live Sound Technology, Setting New Standards for Artist Versatility and Audience Experience

Billboard Live Osaka has raised the bar for Japan’s live music scene, unveiling a brand-new L-Acoustics K3 sound system that cements its status as the Kansai region’s most forward-thinking music destination. Nestled in Osaka’s buzzing Umeda district, the venue becomes the first in the region to embrace the acclaimed K3 line, bringing cutting-edge sound to an already world-class stage.

One of only three Billboard-licensed venues in Japan, Billboard Live Osaka has long been known for pairing premium dining with performances from international touring acts and Japan’s own leading artists. Determined to meet the expectations of today’s top-tier talent, the venue tapped L-Acoustics certified partner Bestec Audio for a full-scale system upgrade this spring, ensuring its reputation stays ahead of the curve.

“We want to attract a wider range of customers to Billboard Live than ever before,” explained Takuro Okuno, Artist Relations Production Manager from the Planning & Production Department of Billboard Business Headquarters, Japan. “To achieve this, we require a variety of performing artists in our weekly program, and we felt that L-Acoustics K3 was essential to hosting such artists. Billboard Live is home to not only renowned artists, but also renowned sound engineers, so we wanted to welcome them with the best possible system.”

The choice of K3 came after Okuno and Booking Producer Masahiro Shibasaki heard its performance during a demonstration at Inter BEE 2022. For the team, the decision represented more than just a technical upgrade—it was an investment in the future of the venue. “We received various sound system proposals from other companies, but considering that we would be using the system for the next 10 years or more, we decided that the latest innovation in live audio solutions that Bestec Audio presented would serve our needs best,” said Shibasaki. “When we looked at the riders for touring artists from around the world, L-Acoustics is always listed as the preferred choice.”

The final system features a main left-right hang of 6 units of the K3 per side, supported by 3 units of the KS21 subwoofers per side. Out-fill consists of a single unit of the A10 Focus and 2 units of the A10 Wide per side, with centre-fill handled by units of the X8 enclosures. Power is supplied by 4 units of the LA12X and 3 units of the LA4X amplified controllers, while Bestec maximised efficiency by reusing existing rigging points.

The new system was unveiled in style at an exclusive listening party, with acclaimed guests Seiji Kameda, Ryota Nozaki, and Chaki Zulu—three of Japan’s most respected producers and artists—testing its limits before a capacity crowd. “All three are accomplished musicians, and in their own right, regarded as some of the top track makers and producers in Japan,” Shibasaki noted. “With their involvement in creating a wide range of music, from rock and pop to jazz and electronic music to hip hop, they were the ideal musical guests to present on the K3 system, and to appeal to a wide range of music fans, from the younger generation to the older appreciators.”

Feedback has been instant and emphatic. “Until now, there were some areas where the sound wasn’t reaching all the way to the back of the venue,” revealed Shibasaki. “Now, the coverage area has expanded, and we’re able to hear the same quality sound no matter where we are in the space. Low frequencies are also delivered with a richer feel.”

Sunphonix Osaka mix engineers Ayaka Tanaka and Ayaka Mizuta confirmed the step-change in performance. “By switching to L-Acoustics, the overall acoustic performance has improved,” said Ms. Tanaka. “The K3 speakers reproduce solid bass even on their own, and the addition of the subwoofer has made it possible to reproduce low frequencies with even more power. What’s more, we’ve heard several guest operators and engineers comment that it is easier to work with, which has increased the overall sense of confidence in the main PA.”

With the K3 now at its core, Billboard Live Osaka is positioned to resonate with both audiences and professionals like never before. “We are now a venue primed to resonate with new audiences,” concluded Okuno. “The power and versatility of the L-Acoustics K3 system will allow Billboard Live Osaka to take on the challenge of the future—to present all forms of modern music and its future trends, and appeal to newer generations of music listeners through L-Acoustics’ unrivalled live audio technology.”