Tokyo-based audio specialist 3NIL SOUND DESIGN has been handling a variety of sound production projects for almost nine years. From concerts and corporate events to audio streaming, the company prides itself on delivering premium solutions, and its commitment to high quality is reflected in its rapid growth as a trusted audio partner for a wide range of events.
3NIL SOUND DESIGN’s founder and President, Masatoshi Iitika, recently reviewed the company’s system inventory with a view to improving efficiency and flexibility in practical and logistical terms, without compromising on audio quality.
He felt that the point source system he was operating was often inefficient or simply insufficient to meet the needs of certain events, with larger projects occasionally requiring the hiring in of extra kit. Added to this was the time and effort required for the setup and dismantling of bulky and heavy loudspeaker units, as well as uneconomical transport.
Highly experienced audio engineer Masatoshi, who had worked widely in live and studio sound before setting up 3NIL, chose a CODA Audio solution to upgrade his system.
On numerous occasions whilst working as a freelancer, Masatoshi had encountered CODA Audio systems and always been impressed by their high output, compact size, and detail, so when 3NIL began exploring an upgrade to its system, he took a close look at CODA’s available range. He takes up the story:
“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.”
N-RAY is a compact, three-way line array, which can be flown or ground-stacked, and places the benefits of CODA’s flagship AiRAY patented technology into a shallow, lightweight cabinet perfect for theatres, performing arts centres, and corporate events. Used with CODA’s proprietary LINUS DSP amplification platform, the system offers a reliable and expandable solution which is fast becoming a go-to for rental companies and installers across the globe.
3NIL used demo units to conduct live tests with a band in their warehouse and in actual venues, conducting comparative listening sessions with other products in the same class. Their decision was easy, according to Masatoshi:
“N-RAY was the system worthy of entrusting the future of our company to. 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.”
3NIL have now enjoyed using their new system for several months, and its real-world performance has confirmed to them that N-RAY was exactly the right choice. One of the system’s first outings was with unique Tokyo band The Namu’s, whose live show combines tight pop music melodies with humorous lyrics and spoken-word comedy sketches. Working on front-of-house at the 300-capacity Yokohama Kannai Hall (the smaller of two spaces at this popular culture centre), Masatoshi recognised the importance of balance and separation in the mix in order to best convey the band’s subtleties:
“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, and we received high praise for the sound from both the artist and audience.”
For the Namu’s, 3NIL deployed 3 x N-RAY and 2 x SCN-F per side as ground stacks, using the system’s variable horizontal coverage and variable vertical curving to avoid the sound scattering and flutter echo created by the venue’s exposed ceiling structure, whilst still ensuring complete front-to-back coverage. He comments:
“Because I hadn’t been using the system for very long, and wasn’t yet used to anticipating the SPL, I set the system up with two SCN-F per side. As it turns out, the low end was more than sufficient, so I ended up using it at a lower level. Next time, in a hall of this size, just one sub will be more than enough. It’s amazing what it can produce from just that single 15” box!
“It’s worth adding that even with three N-RAY and two subs, each stack is shorter than an average adult, so it doesn’t feel intimidating on stage and results in better sightlines for the audience and lighting personnel.”
For a busy rental company like 3NIL, transport and handling are key considerations for every event, and Masatoshi is full of praise for the N-RAY system in this respect: “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 means they are unloaded in minutes – the rigging is simple and straightforward, saving time on setup and taking down.”
He concluded: “The system allows us to create highly flexible configurations, including ground-stack, flown, and on stands, depending on the type and scale of the project. We have been able to reduce the time and effort required for loading, setting up, and dismantling, and our staff are very happy. Most importantly of all, sound quality is a vast improvement in comparison to our previous system. All things considered, N-RAY is a very rewarding system to use.
“From my point of view, considering the product lifespan and expandability relative to the investment, I believe CODA is a manufacturer with whom we can enjoy a long-term relationship – both the equipment and the people.”
