A New Beginning in 2018

REAL DIVA’S is a “Live Music Food and Bar” which opened in 2009, just across the left-hand alley at the intersection of Roppongi and Iikura. In this concealed location, visitors can enjoy live music by talented artists, as well as rich sake and a specialty food menu—all in an intimate atmosphere. Masato Hirose and his event producers book artists across a variety of genres—from pop and jazz to bossa nova and blues.

“It's a little small for a restaurant, so it's a bar where you can enjoy not only music but food. The artist styles are different, with some doing J-pop covers and others doing original material,” Hirose says. “Because it’s not a street shop, we’re not the type of place you stop by casually. Still, many customers prefer our atmosphere and are drawn to it.

The previous owner transferred REAL DIVA’S to Hibino Entertainment in 2018. It features a Hibino Group live space, a mixing console with Soundcraft Si Performer 1, CODA AUDIO D20 main speaker, and CODA AUDIO LINUS 14D power amplifier with state-of-the-art equipment. Mr. Masami Ohtaka, President and CEO of Hibino Entertainment Corporation, confirms that the company replaced all audio equipment when they acquired REAL DIVA’S.

▲ ︎PA Console: Soundcraft Si Performer 1

▲ ︎Main Speaker: CODA AUDIO D20

▲ ︎Side of stage amplifier rack with CODA AUDIO LINUS 14D. On the right is AGS, a tuning by Nihon Acoustic Engineering.

A Hibino Entertainment Venue

“It's a venue with Hibino’s name on it, so we can't compromise on the sound side,” Ohtaka explains “As a result, we replaced all gear with professional equipment. We have a range of microphones available—from classics such as the Shure SM57 and SM58 to the DPA Microphones d:facto. Acoustically, there used to be a bit of sound or problems with the stationed waves,” he reveals.

“Yasuhiro Sakiyama, of Nihon Acoustic Engineering, saw it, installed AGS everywhere, and tuned the room.” The results are already paying off through word of mouth. “We are earning a good reputation among artists, and I think our sound quality is a big advantage.”

The Biggest Challenge

The pandemic is the biggest issue REAL DIVA’S faced since its takeover. The venue was voluntarily closed on March 9 at the request of the government. Undeterred, REAL DIVA’S began livestreaming on March 12, a mere three days later. Ohtaka was not entirely prepared to broadcast. Still, he brought in his mirrorless SLR camera and personal computer, deciding it would be sufficient to start.

“In early March, live houses in Osaka were already having problems, but not so much in Tokyo,” Ohtaka recalls. The day before a holiday, the customers usually come in. Therefore, I was able to continue to open a little more. Still, I knew it would be difficult if a cluster occurred at this shop, so I decided to leave early.”

Keeping the Doors Open

It was love for music that made Ohtaka so passionate about keeping the doors of REAL DIVA’S open. “Many artists have supported this venue for more than 10 years. If you close, there's no place for them to play,” he states. “There was a huge problem starting to happen, but I had a strong desire not to stop the music, so I decided to try livestreaming.”

As always, his commitment to the artists was a key component of the plan. “Of course, we paid performance fees to the artists who performed,” Ohtaka shares. “At the same time, we couldn’t put customers in the venue, so there was no income.” He kept his spirits up by keeping the big picture in mind. “We've been in this a long time, so let's go to the point where we can all be together again.”

Deployed V-8HD with Rich HDMI Inputs and Outputs

At the front of the system is a Sony α6600 camera, which converts the HDMI output to USB and connects to a PC. The audio doesn't come from line inputs. It’s received by a stereo microphone attached to the α6600 and streamed to YouTube Live using OBS Studio, a livestreaming software.

“I choose not to use line input audio because I wanted to convey the atmosphere of the room,” Ohtaka reveals. “This shop doesn't have solid soundproofing, so you can hear the sound downstairs—especially Latin music with deep bass and drums.”

To Ohtaka, this is all essential to the club’s trademark atmosphere. “Air conditioner noise is part of the vibe of REAL DIVA'S. “Listening to the sound collected by the stereo microphone makes you feel like you're in Roppongi.”

The feedback was immediately positive. “We started distribution on our YouTube channel, and when the atmosphere of the venue came across, it was popular from the start,” Hirose says. “We also had a lot of comments such as “I'm glad REAL DIVA'S started doing this.”

Expanding the Equipment

The venue upgraded its equipment rapidly over a short period. Shortly beginning livestreaming, they introduced an encoder box to stabilize the stream. Then, once a state of emergency was declared, they installed a small video switcher and added a camera.

“It's fine to do video with a single camera, but after a while, you get greedy,” Ohtaka says. “We introduced a small video switcher and added cameras a bit at a time. The original system was a PC-centric configuration, which was simple, and I liked it.” There were comprises with that setup, however. Because it is a personal computer, it’s tough to use every day. We thought we should have a more stable system.”

Roland V-8HD at the Center

To meet that goal, REAL DIVA’S introduced Roland's V-8HD as the central piece of equipment for its distribution system. The V-8HD is a video switcher with eight HDMI inputs in a compact unit, just over A4 size. It comes equipped with a multi-view display that allows users to check the video of each camera on a single screen. The V-8HD also has a 5-layer video composition function and various effects.

Roland V-8HD is the core of REAL DIVA'S livestreaming system. In addition to its compact size, the V-8HD has 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs. It also has a built-in multi-view display with high visibility that can manage video and audio at once. Plus, it includes enhanced video production functions like picture-in-picture, key composition, and telop. The V-8HD has a still memory function that can store up to 8 still images in the main unit. Additionally, it can store/recall up to 24 various settings.

“I wanted to change the switching speed according to the tempo of the song and enhance the production side a little more,” Ohtaka says. “When I thought about what to do, I heard about the V-8HD from Hibino staff. I borrowed a demo machine to try it out and used it, and all the staff liked it.”

A Perfect Fit

The V-8HD suits the lineups that play the REAL DIVA’S. “This venue often books duos and trios. If you split it into two or three screens, you can capture the expression of all the members at once,” he shares. This delighted his co-workers. “The presenter saw the monitor and it surprised him that it looked like a TV station,” Ohtaka recalls. “It’s a popular piece of equipment and was out of stock, but I was able to put it in the venue around the middle of June.”

According to Yasuaki Maeda of Hibino Entertainment, which supports REAL DIVA'S in terms of equipment, having 3 HDMI outputs is useful for livestreaming. “The first video switcher I introduced had a single output,” Maeda says. “It's very convenient to be able to output three different screens for multi-view, distribution, and monitoring for the presenter. The V-8HD has a lot of features, but I also like that it’s intuitive and easy-to-use.”

The current REAL DIVA'S delivery system includes the V-8HD video switcher, Sony XDCAM PXW-Z280 camera, α6600 (ILCE-6600), α6400 (IL CE-6400), RX100IV (DSC-RX100M4), RX0 (DSC-RX0), and action cam FDR-X1000V. The V-8HD has an HDMI input of 8 systems and the venue makes use of its capabilities. Other equipment includes the XDCAM PXW-Z280, α6600, and α6400, plus the smaller RX100IV, RX0, and FDR-X1000V on or around the stage. One of the most eye-catching pieces of gear is the PXW-Z280. Indeed, it’s rare for a venue of this size to use an XDCAM.

“We use all Sony cameras because we wanted to unify the color and texture of the images. If you mix cameras from different manufacturers, even if you match the color temperature, you'll get a different impression,” Ohtaka explains. “Sony's cameras have a function called “Picture Profile,” so you can easily set parameters. In addition, the connection between the camera and the V-8HD is HDMI. The camera close to the stage is more than 5 meters long, so it’s converted to SDI and connected.”

For audio, REAL DIVA’S uses a Soundcraft Ui24R console for livestreaming separate from the PA console. There are input two mixes from the PA console and the output of the ambient microphone.

Refining the Sonic Details

“The sound recorded with the stereo microphone is realistic, but sometimes I want the vocals to feel solid and denser, or the guitar to sound clearer. As a result, I need to use line inputs,” Ohtaka says. “However, it's hard to create a mix for delivery on the PA console.

He has a solution, however. “I'm going to have a separate console for distribution that creates two mixes and ambience. The Ui24R is small, and you can control it remotely with an iPad, which is convenient.”

Hirose or another staff member is responsible for operating the V-8HD during delivery. To Hirose, the most important thing for good delivery is the timing of switching. “I often listen to songs during rehearsals. In the intro to this song, I try to capture the piano, or I try to think of switching around. It is also important to talk with the presenter in advance,” Hirose asserts. “The V-8HD operation is basically camera switching, but it can also insert announcement images by connecting an iPad.”

Perfecting the Production

The results speak for themselves. “When I look at videos of broadcast, I see that Mr Hirose has good instincts because he is a musician,” Ohtaka says. “Also, since I have been in this spot more than 10 years, I know the artists and music well.”

Yet, the transition was not without its challenges. “It’s difficult for amateurs like us to suddenly attempt this. We just started using the camera zoom. Up until now, we’ve kept the basic angle fixed.” He has a logical reason for this. “Focus and zoom are the video production itself, and it’s not good for amateurs.”

Ohtaka gives a real-life example. “It’s like a father photographing his child’s game and seeing it later,” he laughs. “When I watch a performance at home I notice a lot. The ambience is too much, or the camera position isn’t good.”

Luckily, Ohtaka can adapt based on what he sees. “The other day, there was a performance by an older folk musician. When I listened to the broadcast, there was no solid feeling of being in a venue,” he explains. “I changed the microphone from an SM58 to a KSM9 and it got better at once.”

A Growing Following

REAL DIVA'S began livestreaming with an audience in attendance on July 4th. Currently, there are many performances anyone can watch for free. At the same time, in-person guests can pay a ticket price like a brick-and-mortar venue. However, in the future, Ohtaka says he wants to increase ticket-based performances and steadily monetize them.

“The reason keep our YouTube channel open is because we want as many people as possible to watch it,” he says. “The artists we book are all great performers. We want people to enjoy the experience, so we make it available.”

This has also grown REAL DIVA’S online following. “As a result, our YouTube channel followers have increased significantly. However, it is not free for anyone to watch, and we ask you to pay for music charges online at the physical location,” Ohtaka reiterates. “In addition, we introduced a special system in June for certain performances. We plan to increase that percentage in the future.”

What the Future Holds

REAL DIVA’S has other big plans too. “In addition, we’d like to charge unlimited monthly subscriptions in anticipation of monetizing our business. In live streaming, a website that announces performances and an EC system that sells tickets are indispensable.” To make that a reality, they operate an e-commerce site called HIBINO LIVE STYLE LAB. Utilizing the know-how of this site’s operation, all websites and e-commerce systems remain in-house.

Still, the pandemic remains a dilemma for venues like REAL DIVA’S. “Humans cannot avoid communication. It’s essential,” Ohtaka believes. “All Japanese people must work together to create a breakthrough. Hibino is a sound and video specialist and can help with everything from big events to small venues, so please contact us if you have any problems.”

Ohtaka is keen to share his knowledge and expand his business. “If you want to learn about REAL DIVA'S distribution system after reading this article, come visit us,” he says. “We’ll tell you all about what kind of equipment to use and how to connect.”