That same architecture creates a challenging environment for an acoustical designer. Though ideal for choral and instrumental music, spoken word intelligibility - whether readings from Scripture or a sermon - was a challenge even for those with excellent hearing. As Delta AV's Steve Jellerson explains, the church has long struggled with acoustical issues.
"As with most cathedral-type spaces, the acoustics are wonderful for choir and pipe organ, but spoken-word intelligibility is problematic throughout most of the nave. It's a beautiful space but an extreme challenge, acoustically speaking. They've tried a number of loudspeaker systems over the years, without success."
Delta AV's solution was to install a distributed system of ten of Community Professional Loudspeakers' Entasys column line array systems. Two pairs of Entasys cabinets cover the front and side wings, with three more pairs mounted further back and delayed via Biamp DSP. A pair of VLF208W subwoofers provides low end reinforcement, and QSC amplifiers power the system.
"Aesthetics was a prime consideration in designing the system," says Jellerson. "The church had not been happy with the look or the performance of their previous system, and they were really impressed with the way the Entasys speakers pretty much completely disappeared into the columns. It changed the entire look of the church.
"The high bandwidth and vertical coverage of the Entasys systems really focuses the sound," says Jellerson. "Intelligibility is extremely high. Pretty much any row you're sitting in, it sounds like you're no more than two rows from the priest or the pulpit microphone. You hear very little echo from the room itself. The sound quality and performance of the system really exceeded our expectations."
(Jim Evans)
