A major part of the restoration was to install an audio system which would allow a full congregation in the main church and on the balcony to hear every word that is spoken, as well as to enjoy both recorded and live music. But in a Grade 1 listed environment, this had to take into consideration the aesthetic requirements of the building, with speakers delivering quality sound without being obtrusive, and cable runs being all but invisible.
Ashdown AV, a Bose pro partner with extensive experience in introducing discreet audio into heritage buildings, were selected to install a system designed by engineers at Bose working with audio consultant, Gordon Thrussell.
The solution consists of fourBose Panaray MA-12 line array speakers situated in the body of the church, with eight Bose FreeSpace DS100SE speakers placed above the balcony. Bass support comes from two concealed Bose Panaray MB12s and the system is driven by a Bose PowerMatch8250 amplifier, with two linked ControlSpace DSPs using Dante cards to offer control from two separate locations.
Ashdown AV fabricated bespoke brackets for the MA-12s to give a clean finish where they are fixed and slightly tilted from the wooden panelling.
According to Liam Pickett, installation engineer at Ashdown, the attention to detail meant that the project was a challenge from the outset. "The cabling had to run within the wooden panelling, and out of sightlines, and although we could remove some panels, it was a labour of love getting the system to blend into the décor of the church. The Dante capability of the Bose system meant that we could install a single cat5 cable and link the two processors via the network, thus avoiding additional cabling. The Bose speakers give a great even sound coverage across the whole church."
Padre David Osborn says that he can now look forward to services and other events at the church, without worrying that his congregation will be struggling to hear his words. "We have many events happening on a daily basis, from regular church services, weddings and christenings, to live concerts and official RAF services including the Laying Up of a Squadron Standard when a squadron is disbanded, or Memorial Services for those who have died whilst serving in the RAF. It is important to ensure that everyone is able to hear everything clearly. With the new sound system, this is no longer an issue, and I eagerly await the celebrations in 2018, when we will celebrate 100 years of the RAF."
(Jim Evans)
