For the St Eugene's refit, AKG was therefore a logical choice for David, who worked on the project with acoustic consultant Peter Lloyd of Hollywood, NI-based Lloyd Associates and Liam O'Hagan of Derry-based electrical consultants, Delap & Waller. Dalzell chose six GN155SET mics - the latest addition to the Discreet Acoustics range - coupled with CK31 cardioid capsules for the installation. These are utilized at the Bishop's chair, the Priest's chair, the baptismal font, one either side of the front of the altar, and one at the front door.
An AKG GN50E, complete with CK47 capsule was used on the altar, and a C747 was installed on the ambo (pulpit). "The ambo was the most difficult," comments David, who’s really impressed with the C747, "it’s right in front of the speaker column, but it sounds great. This mic has fantastic clarity and there’s not a hint of feedback from it." With the main microphones being at the ambo and the altar, it was decided to use the CK47, along with the GN50E, to provide similar quality from both units.
A GN30/CK31 was used for the cantor (chief singer of the ecclesiastical choir), and a pair of C568EB shotgun mics ensure that the rest of the choir is heard as intended. (With the choir being quite compact an area, it was decided to mount two C568 shotguns on a stereo bar three metres from the front seating area to provide an even coverage without highlighting an individual choralist.) To complete the project, a top quality, handheld radio microphone was needed, for use anywhere within the multi-pillared, 50m long cathedral. David chose AKG's WMS300.
St Eugene’s, a famous Derry landmark, was designed in the Gothic Revival style and is located in the heart of the city’s Bogside district, just outside the city walls. The foundation stone was laid in 1851, and the building was completed in 1873, with the spire added in 1902. It's built of local sandstone and is renowned for its stained-glass windows by Meyer of Munich depicting the Crucifixion.
(Ruth Rossington)
