Since its founding in 1965, Krazy Kanguruh has been a cornerstone of après-ski culture in St. Anton am Arlberg, attracting skiers and snowboarders from the slopes into one of the most vibrant party destinations in the Arlberg region.
Owned since 2009 by double World Champion and Olympic gold medallist Mario Matt, the venue is located directly on the mountain at the convergence of runs 29 and 50, making the final descent of the day an almost inevitable stop for those looking to extend the experience.
Following a complete demolition and full reconstruction completed in time for the 2025/26 winter season, Krazy Kanguruh reopened with a new structure, a new interior and a new L-Acoustics sound system, engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of a 1,200-capacity mountain venue where music plays from midday until 8 pm and neighbouring properties are located in close proximity.
The objective was clear: deliver the required audio power and energy while keeping the sound contained within the building. Due to the proximity of nearby businesses and residences, acoustic control was a fundamental requirement from the outset. To meet this challenge, Austrian audio specialist Signal Sound & Light, working alongside regional integration partner Musik Tirol, was tasked with developing the solution.
A venue without a conventional ceiling
Before loudspeaker selection could even begin, the design team faced a unique architectural constraint. The entire roof structure consists of a glazed winter-garden enclosure capable of opening completely via a motorised system.
The retractable glass roof ruled out any overhead mounting option from the outset. We had to develop a solution based entirely on the venue’s lateral surfaces, explains Raphael Rupprecht, System Designer at Signal Sound & Light and project lead.
This constraint, combined with the acoustic challenges created by extensive glazed and stone surfaces with highly reflective properties, required a high-resolution distributed system incorporating a large number of loudspeakers.
Designed in Soundvision and built for the mountain
Signal Sound & Light designed the entire system using Soundvision, accurately modelling performance before a single loudspeaker was installed. This simulation-driven approach proved essential in a venue where achieving the right balance between sound energy and acoustic control was the true measure of success.
The main floor incorporates five flown X12 enclosures integrated into a configuration comprising six KS21i subwoofers arranged in a 14-metre low-frequency array. These are complemented by four additional X12 loudspeakers and eight 5XT enclosures providing supplementary coverage throughout the space. Five X8i loudspeakers cover additional areas of the venue. On the upper level, the restaurant area features 13 compact 5XT loudspeakers alongside six X8i units, maintaining tonal consistency while creating a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the main floor.
The entire system is centrally managed, providing the technical team with flexible control and streamlined operation requiring minimal intervention.
Another important aspect was the interoperability between different networked audio protocols. The overall architecture is based on Dante-enabled components, while integration with the Yamaha DSP matrix processor was achieved through an AES/EBU-to-AVB connection using an LC16D audio converter.
More energy inside, less sound outside
The extended low-frequency array configuration proved crucial in meeting the venue’s acoustic emission requirements.
One of the key advantages of long subwoofer arrays is their high level of low-frequency directivity. By orienting the end-fire axis towards the designated acoustic control zones, we were able to minimise the amount of bass energy radiated towards neighbouring properties, explains Rupprecht.
The combination of this geometry and a high loudspeaker density made it possible to achieve elevated sound pressure levels inside the venue while effectively limiting sound propagation outside, despite the close proximity of neighbouring buildings.
“Minimising sound spill while maintaining a vibrant atmosphere inside the venue was a fundamental priority”, adds Siegfried Maier, Head of Sound at Signal Sound & Light. “The distributed configuration was specifically optimised to reduce external impact while delivering uniform coverage and excellent clarity throughout the venue”.
Validating the concept
During the initial listening tests conducted after system calibration, acoustic performance was evaluated both on the adjacent ski slope and around neighbouring properties.
The results confirmed highly effective low-frequency attenuation towards the outside. Even with the roof fully open and the system operating at elevated levels, sound was virtually imperceptible from neighbouring properties.
The result is an installation that allows guests to enjoy high sound pressure levels without listener fatigue, contributing both to the visitor experience and to the venue’s long-term operational objectives.
Collaboration as a key element
Signal Sound & Light became involved in the project through its close relationship with Musik Tirol, whose expertise in large-scale alpine installations ensured efficient execution from design through commissioning.
“Krazy Kanguruh required a system capable of combining technical precision with real-world reliability”, says Christoph Reiter, Owner of Musik Tirol. “Together with Signal Sound & Light, we developed a solution that supports the venue’s ambitious vision while remaining practical and dependable in day-to-day operation”.
Since reopening, venue management has reported increased revenue and highly positive customer feedback directly linked to the improved audio experience.
When a system is designed correctly from the beginning, it becomes far more than a technical upgrade. It becomes a direct contributor to the guest experience and the venue’s success, concludes Maier.
Image captions:
- LA_Krazy_Kanguruh_1 – The Krazy Kanguruh après-ski venue reopened with a new structure, a new interior and a new L-Acoustics sound system.
- LA_Krazy_Kanguruh_2 – Signal Sound & Light and Musik Tirol designed and delivered a high-output, acoustically controlled L-Acoustics sound system.
- LA_Krazy_Kanguruh_3 – The L-Acoustics sound system contributes directly to the guest experience and the venue’s success.
- LA_Krazy_Kanguruh_4 – The L-Acoustics system was designed to meet the demands of a 1,200-capacity mountain venue where music plays from midday until 8 pm and neighbouring properties are located nearby.
- LA_Krazy_Kanguruh_5 – Since its founding in 1965, Krazy Kanguruh has been a landmark of après-ski culture in St. Anton am Arlberg.
