Papaya Beach Club chooses L-Acoustics A Series

Located on Croatia's Zrće Beach, Papaya Beach Club has been a fixture on the European music scene since 2002. The nightlife mecca catapulted to global fame when it clinched the 10th spot on DJ MAG's prestigious ‘World's Best Clubs’ list in 2022. For over two decades, Papaya has hosted legendary festivals and A-list DJs, from Tiesto to Calvin Harris to Paul Van Dyk, carving its place in dance music history and cementing its status as Croatia's “ultimate party paradise”.

And now, the club has partnered with L-Acoustics to install a state-of-the-art professional sound system. "Our vision was to transcend the limitations of rental equipment and create our own dedicated future-proof audio system," explained Luka Udovičić, production manager at Papaya Beach Club. "We sought a system that would allow us to showcase our creative potential for performance acoustics and ensure we remain at the cutting edge of audio technology for years to come."

The decision to install L-Acoustics A Series was reportedly driven by the brand's reputation for excellence and the superior service provided by L-Acoustics Certified Partner for Croatia, Dicroic. "In professional audio, L-Acoustics' reputation stands unparalleled, for transforming the listening experience," Udovičić emphasised. This partnership allowed Papaya to transition from relying on rental equipment to owning a cutting-edge system tailored to their unique needs.

Designing an audio system for Papaya Beach Club reportedly presented unique challenges. The venue's open-air layout, proximity to the sea, and exposure to strong winds demanded a solution that could deliver exceptional sound while withstanding harsh environmental conditions. Udovičić reflects on these challenges, saying, "Our location is both our greatest asset and our greatest adversary; we required a system robust enough to withstand the ravages of the sea, and precise enough to deliver crystal-clear sound across our expansive space.”

Dicroic, tasked with the system design, leveraged L-Acoustics Soundvision software to create a bespoke solution. The software's precise modelling capabilities were instrumental in optimising speaker placement and performance, especially given the venue's distinctive white shell-shaped stage and multi-level layout.

Udovičić explained that the design process was made more difficult due to the stage height. “We were strict about pinpointing speaker locations. Each component was strategically positioned to create a harmonious sound field that defies our open-air challenges."

The system comprises 16 A15i Focus and two A15i Wide line array speakers, complemented by four KS21 and eight KS28 subwoofers for robust low-end performance. Six X12 and two X8 speakers serve as fills for the elevated VIP areas, ensuring uniform coverage throughout the venue. DJ monitoring is provided by two A15i Focus and two KS21 per side. The system is powered by four LA12X and eight LA4X amplified controllers.

Feedback on the new system is said to have exceeded expectations. “Our new L-Acoustics system provides partygoers with the sonic clarity, power, and reliability required for world-class performances,” stated Udovičić.

Images: Dino Ninkovic