Genelec Smart IP and Waved Automation deliver multi-zone audio at Kaifo Restaurant in Gothenburg, Sweden

Serving a fresh selection of Asian-fusion inspired dishes, Kaifo has quickly become a go-to destination for foodies in Gothenburg, Sweden. Since opening in autumn 2022, the restaurant has offered guests a vibrant dining experience that blends unique flavours with an inviting atmosphere. With multiple indoor areas and a diverse clientele, Kaifo sought to elevate its dining ambiance with the installation of a Genelec Smart IP system.

While the restaurant was under refurbishment, custom installation specialist, Ljudkällarn, was brought in to design and implement a high-performance solution that would work around the existing infrastructure.

"After checking out the venue’s different zones and seeing the limited cabling options, I knew a Power over Ethernet (PoE) solution was the way to go,” says Patrik Hiljemark, CEO of Ljudkällarn. “I’ve had a lot of experience working with Genelec’s studio loudspeakers and I know they offer exceptional audio quality. Although I hadn’t worked with the Smart IP series, when it came to finding a multi-zone PoE system, its single cable design made it the obvious choice.”

“Four 4430 and eight 4420 loudspeakers were mounted to walls throughout the restaurant, providing premium clarity and quality,” Hiljemark continues. “However, the biggest challenge of this installation was ensuring each zone contributed to a consistent and harmonious ambiance throughout the restaurant.”

The restaurant’s previous sound system required constant manual adjustments – turning it up or down depending on the clientele, the day of the week, or the specific dining area. The new sound system needed to be flexible enough to respond to fluctuating noise levels throughout the day, allowing staff to focus on guest experience rather than audio adjustments.

A new Genelec integration partner, Waved – an audio levelling automation system using real time ambient noise data – had recently developed a way to control the Smart IP system. It uses audio sensors to detect changes in the sound environment and automatically adjust the volume of each zone accordingly. With its varied spaces and dynamic atmosphere, Kaifo proved to be an ideal location to test the system.

Having worked with Genelec loudspeakers since studying music production at school, CEO and Co-Founder of Waved, Fredrik Sande’s familiarity with the Finnish manufacturer led to an innovative collaboration. “We were excited to develop a Waved integration for their Smart IP loudspeakers, and Kaifo was the first place to implement it,” says Sande.

To address volume inconsistencies, two Waved sensors were installed in each zone, linking directly to the loudspeakers on the same network. “Every five seconds, the sensors scan the environment for any changes,” explains Sande. “We can filter out unnecessary sounds, focusing only on what’s important.” In this setup, relevant noise such as music and conversations are taken into consideration, while background sounds like glasses clinking, ceiling fans, and external noises are filtered out. The sensors then instruct the Genelec loudspeakers to adjust the volume accordingly.

“The ability to control individual zones without making manual adjustments is a game-changer for restaurant workflow,” Hiljemark adds. “Not only is the system flexible for different customers or occasions, but it also sounds phenomenal every day of the week.” Thanks to the combined expertise of Ljudkällarn and Waved, and the performance of Genelec's Smart IP loudspeakers, Kaifo now benefits from reliable and consistent sound coverage, ensuring a cohesive atmosphere throughout the restaurant.

The Details

Client
Kaifo Restaurant

Audio Design
Ljudkällarn

Integrator
Waved

Loudspeakers
4 x 4430A
8 x 4420A

Network & Control
Waved