Johnson's most recent audio acquisition for KCM is at its Eagle Mountain International Church in Newark, TX, where he specified one of the first DiGiCo CS-D5s in the world, purchased on the basis of its sound quality, ease of use, flexibility and consistency.
Eagle Mountain alone comprises an 1800-seat main sanctuary, 500-seat chapel, used primarily for children's services, and 500 seat hangar, used for youth services. However, the church also goes out on the road where it typically has between 3,000 and 10,000 worshipers in attendance, depending on the venue size and event.
Explaining his console choice, Johnson says, "The other manufacturers we researched had products that sounded good but were difficult to grasp, or vice versa. We needed a solution that would fit our needs for the present and the future; and one that wouldn't intimidate a newcomer to digital consoles. I've operated almost every standard console out there and the D5 was the absolute easiest console to step up to and mix a show with.
The church's console is configured for 56 inputs and 40 outputs, which meets the present needs for the stage foldback system and gives room to grow for the near future. It is also used in smaller event situations, where Johnson operates the CS-D5 at the FOH position and still provides foldback support as well.
The church's touring system comprises Meyer MSL-3s, UPA-1s, and R650 subwoofers with a Yamaha PM4000 at FOH. The foldback system is Meyer MJF, EV1502, custom IEMs and the DiGiCo CS-D5. The Main Sanctuary system is Meyer CQ-1s, UPA-1s, and 650 subwoofers, with a Midas Verona console. Foldback is via an Aviom IEM system with an Allen & Heath GL4000 console. The Chapel system is Meyer UPA-1s and 650 subwoofer, with a Midas Verona console. Finally, the Hangar system is Meyer CQ-1s, UPA1s, and 650 subwoofer, again with a Midas Verona console.
"As you can see, we try to standardise what we use for the road and around the campus," says Johnson. "It's a large task, attempting to find a particular brand/product to meet the needs of all the facilities. This is why I'm confident that there will be DiGiCo additions to the rest of the ministry soon."
(Jim Evans)
