Exceptional sound for a high-end restaurant and a real estate office.

Kasumigaseki Capital Co., Ltd, based in Tokyo, is a leading real estate development company specializing in high-impact projects, socially responsible development and next-generation hospitality.

The company has commissioned Yamaha audio systems for two prestigious installations in Dubai: a high-end restaurant and the offices of its associated company KME Investment and Management LLC.

In March 2021, the Dubai government announced the Dubai Master Plan 2040, which anticipates population growth and economic development over the next 20 years.

Kasumigaseki Capital Co., Ltd saw great potential in this plan and, as a company with a passion for gastronomy, has taken its first step into the international culinary scene by opening a restaurant at the prestigious Vida Emirates Hills resort in Dubai.At the same time, KME Investment and Management LLC was established to pursue opportunities in real estate and investment, based at a new office located in the exclusive Dubai Hills residential area. Both spaces required high-quality audio systems that would deliver exceptional sound to visitors and staff alike.

Based on the idea of “bringing Japan to Dubai”, the main goal of the Kasumigaseki restaurant is to offer an authentic and immersive Japanese dining experience.

With cuisine inspired by the ancient Sumi Fire technique, the interior design follows the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of Wabi-sabi, and it was essential that the audio system blended naturally into the décor.

The main dining and bar area features a very high ceiling, where during the day the sound must enhance the atmosphere and cuisine without interfering with guest conversations. In the evening, the system must operate as the main DJ and live music system, with a varied programme ranging from Japanese to Western styles. Two private rooms are also included, designed for meetings, corporate presentations and discreet dining.

Meanwhile, at the KME Investment and Management LLC office, the client also required state-of-the-art sound reproduction. As employees and visitors come from different nationalities and have different first languages, it was important to ensure that the system delivered high-quality sound to guarantee equality during meetings. In addition, speaker placement had to be carefully coordinated with the décor and the design of a spacious, open environment. Furthermore, employee clock-in and clock-out times vary, so it was important that the background music selection could be easily adapted to different time slots.

The solutions

Japanese systems integrator KDDI Systems was chosen to design and install the AV and IT infrastructure for both projects. After thorough testing and evaluation, they selected Yamaha professional audio products, supplied through Yamaha’s UAE distributor, Thomsun Trading & Establishment.

At the Kasumigaseki restaurant, the system is configured around the Yamaha MRX7-D digital signal processor. Audio is distributed across multiple zones, including the main dining area, private rooms and an outdoor seating area. The system for the main area is tailored to the ceiling height and room dimensions, utilizing Yamaha CHR10 two-way passive loudspeakers and CXS15-XLF subwoofers, alongside VS6 and VXS10S surface-mount speakers for fill in the bar area.

This combination provides subtle background music during the day and powerful, immersive sound in the evening, maintaining exceptional audio quality and clarity at all times. In the DJ booth, DBR10 two-way powered loudspeakers are used for monitoring.

The bathrooms are equipped with discreet VXS1ML speakers, installed using the CMA1M ceiling mount adaptor, ensuring consistent music quality throughout the venue. Additional VS6 and VXS10S speakers have also been installed in the outdoor seating area to create a pleasant atmosphere for guests dining outside.

The VIP private room features two slim VXL1-16 line array speakers and another VXS10S, complementing a large visual display. A DCP1V4S surface-mount controller is included in this space for local audio control. The smaller private room is equipped with two VXC4 full-range ceiling speakers. System amplification is handled by XMV8280, PX8 and PA2030a amplifiers, ensuring reliable performance and optimal distribution across all zones. A Yamaha MusicCast WXC-50 unit has also been installed to provide online music streaming when required.

All zones are centrally managed from the reception area using a Yamaha MCP1 controller and an iPad running ProVisionaire Touch software, ensuring seamless and intuitive operation.At the KME Investment and Management LLC office, a Yamaha MTX3 digital signal processor controls a multi-zone system covering the reception area, the main open-plan space and a meeting room. Music is distributed from three network audio players to seven pairs of VXC3F full-range ceiling speakers, powered by two PA2120 amplifiers. Thanks to the staff being able to easily control the sound using the Yamaha ProVisionaire Touch app, the optimized and cost-effective system delivers clear and balanced sound in all areas.

The low-profile ceiling speakers are perfectly suited to a premium office environment, blending naturally into the modern décor.