The Samurai Museum in Berlin harnessed an L-Acoustics sound system to bring the history and culture of the Samurai to life.
Located in Berlin’s main gallery district, the museum makes use of multimedia installations to breathe life into the 1,000 Samurai artefacts on display.
The audio experience is made possible through an L-Acoustics Syva and X series sound system, designed by consulting company MMT-Network and installed by integrator PIK.
MMT-Network worked with music director Christian Steinhäuser to help with the conceptual design of the audio system, bringing PIK on board to perform the system installation and carry out configuration work in the museum.
L-Acoustics’ Syva and X series are installed in five different exhibition areas, using a combination of room acoustics and smartly designed audio system to create an unobtrusive acoustical space for each exhibit.
“The Samurai Museum has a modern and open room architecture, with only a few doors and walls separating the exhibition areas and their glass display cases” says Silvia Weise, technical project manager, PIK, “By using L-Acoustics Syva and X Series, we were able to create a unique and immersive atmosphere for each area within the exhibition, without spilling over into neighbouring exhibits. To achieve this, the sound pressure level can’t be too high, so the audio has to deliver impact with clarity and transparency. L-Acoustics does this beautifully!”
The museum is also home to the No¯ Theatre, a 14th century wooden structure, which was shipped to Berlin. L-Acoustics’ X4i coaxial speaker was selected to provide a powerful sound experience while remaining discreet. A Syva sub was installed in the stage lip to reinforce the system.
An interactive multimedia installation, located in the cinema room, also features projections and touchscreens, with punchy audio support delivered via four X8 cabinets and an additional Syva sub, designed to discreetly blend into the venue’s décor.
The venue’s Japanese Desk exhibit uses two Syva cabinets, delivering clear vocals and a smooth, horizontal polar pattern. Four X4i cabinets support this space with a Syva sub.
Moving into the Faces of Battle and Sword Production exhibit, visitors come face to face with two Syva cabinets, a Syva sub and four X4i loudspeakers, bringing a sturdy and atmospheric sound to the display.
A single AVB network covers the entire space, simplifying monitoring of the system. Content is played and distributed via two PC/Macs using an AVB interface.
For control, the system uses LA12Xi amplified controllers, located at the exhibition objects. This setup enabled the use of a single CAT7 cable between the server room and the exhibits.