Two of Malta’s most distinctive restaurants recently chose L-Acoustics sound systems to complement their atmospheres and cuisine – LOA, a South American-inspired seaside venue in St Paul’s Bay, and Aki, an Asian fusion restaurant in Valletta.

LOA draws inspiration from the ancient Río Loa River and LOA goddesses in a bright seaside venue that offers a culinary journey through Argentina, Chile, Peru and Mexico.

In Malta’s capital city, Aki pus a modern twist on Asian cuisine, combining Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian culinary traditions and expertly crafted cocktails,

Both venues required unique audio solutions to enhance their distinct character, and provide background music during dining hours and energetic DJ performances in the evening. The DB Group, owners of both restaurants, sought a versatile, high-quality sound system to meet these varying needs while enhancing the overall ambiance without overpowering the dining experience.

To achieve this aim, DB Group partnered with Black Box, L-Acoustics System Integrator Partner in Malta since 2017. After demonstrations at the Black Box showroom, where the dynamic range and sound quality of L-Acoustics systems stood out even at low volumes, the project moved forward.

The challenges faced including the need for multi-zone set-ups to accommodate different music levels throughout the restaurants and the requirement for high-quality sound reproduction at both low and high levels. David Zammit, Technical and Sales Director at Black Box, led the project, using L-Acoustics Soundvision software to precisely model the acoustic environments of both restaurants. His designs ensured optimal loudspeaker placement and coverage to give every guest an exceptional experience, regardless of their location or time of day.

The installation at LOA features a combination of 34 5XT coaxial enclosures and ten SB15M subwoofers in the restaurant and lounge. Aki’s system includes six X4i and 12 5XT coaxial enclosures, six X8 coaxial point-source loudspeakers, and four SB15M subwoofers, strategically placed to cater to different areas of the restaurant, bar, lounge and private dining room. The venues are served by six LA4X and four LA2Xi amplified controllers respectively, with LOA also using an LA12X for additional power and control.

The L-Acoustics systems have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both the restaurant owners and patrons. The ability to maintain clarity and dynamic range even at low levels has been particularly praised for enhancing the dining experience without overpowering conversations.

‘Working with L-Acoustics products allows us to deliver audio experiences that truly complement the atmosphere these restaurants have carefully created,’ says Zammit. ‘The dynamic range and sound quality of L-Acoustics systems, even at low volumes, set them apart from other brands in the industry.’

The success of these installations has not only transformed the dining experience at LOA and Aki but has also inspired other venues in Malta to consider premium audio solutions.

More: www.l-acoustics.com