JAPAN: Tokyo-based 3NIL SOUND DESIGN has upgraded its sound system inventory with CODA Audio’s N-RAY line array, seeking to improve deployment efficiency and flexibility without compromising audio quality. The company, founded by President Masatoshi Iitika almost nine years ago, handles concerts, corporate events and audio streaming, with its previous point-source system sometimes proving inefficient or insufficient for larger productions that required additional equipment rentals.

Iitika, an experienced live and studio audio engineer, had encountered CODA Audio systems while working as a freelancer and was impressed by their output, compact dimensions and detail. When evaluating options for an inventory upgrade, he initially auditioned CODA’s CiRAY before focusing on the ultra-compact N-RAY. “Our goal was to own our own line array loudspeakers that were compact, powerful, and would allow us to better control the amount of equipment needed according to the scale of each job. Having initially auditioned CiRAY we moved our focus to CODA’s ultra-compact N-RAY which appeared to best match our requirements,” says Iitika.

Before committing to the purchase, 3NIL tested demonstration units with a band in its warehouse and at live venues, comparing their performance with other products in the same class. The results convinced Iitika that N-RAY could meet the company’s requirements for both sound quality and operational flexibility.

“When we brought the demo system into the hall and heard the band’s sound, we were astonished and thinking ‘wow, is the sound really this good?!’ We were immediately convinced that the units had the versatility to handle multiple inputs with ease. The system was extremely clear, with high resolution and rich detail without sounding ‘thin’ in any way, and even when it was turned up really high there was no distortion. The low frequency control of the SCN-F (N-RAY-compatible sensor controlled subwoofer) is excellent, and it’s amazing that the unit produces so much sound with just a single 15-inch loudspeaker. The combination of the system’s compactness and portability with its high output and superior sound quality were the deciding factors behind our adoption of N-RAY.”

One of the system’s early deployments was a performance by Tokyo band The Namu’s at Yokohama Kannai Hall, a 300-capacity venue. Combining pop melodies with humorous lyrics and spoken-word comedy, the band required a mix that could preserve the clarity of its words without losing the energy of the music. Working front-of-house, Iitika relied on N-RAY’s resolution and output to maintain that balance. “The aim was to make sure the words are heard, not just the voices, whilst losing nothing of the band’s high energy music. The resolution and power of the N-RAY system effortlessly allowed this”

For the show, the system’s variable horizontal coverage and variable vertical curving helped manage sound distribution in the hall, where the exposed ceiling structure could otherwise contribute to scattering and flutter echo. The configuration was designed to provide coverage from the front to the rear of the venue while maintaining control over the room’s acoustic challenges.

Iitika also confirms the N-RAY’s compact footprint and low weight have made a noticeable difference to daily operations. “Even after loading all the necessary equipment, including the system and all the peripherals, there’s still plenty of room left in the van. That relieves a lot of stress! The light weight of the units mean they are unloaded in minutes – the rigging is simple and straightforward, saving time on setup and taking down.”

The system can be configured for ground-stacked, flown or stand-mounted use, allowing 3NIL to adapt its deployment to the scale and requirements of each project. The combination of reduced handling demands, expandability and improved audio performance has also been well received by the company’s staff.