Fohhn's Linea Focus series proved an appropriate choice for the 116m long cathedral with its 12-second reverberation time and ceiling heights ranging from 28 to 53m. The electronically steerable active line array systems have been specially developed to provide clear transmission of both speech and music in acoustically challenging environments with long reverberation times. The speakers are also designed to visually integrate into a range of architectural settings.
In the main aisle, two 450 cm LFI-450 loudspeakers, each containing 32 4-inch speakers and 32 individual Class D DSP amplifiers, were teamed with four slightly smaller LFI-350 models to provide the best possible levels of speech intelligibility and clear transmission of both sacred and classical music. In the two side aisles and eight side chapels, seven Linea Focus LFI-120 and six LFI-220 systems were combined with a number of Linea LX-100 and LX-150 speakers. In the altar area, eight Linea AL-50, six AL-100 and twenty-eight AL-10 speakers were installed.
An extensive network of cabling and connection points was implemented to allow radio and TV recording / broadcasting of services and to provide specialist facilities such as hearing loops. Fohhn's remote control and networking technology was also installed, enabling the entire system to be controlled from one central location.
Uli Haug, Fohhn Audio s director of sales and marketing commented, "We are proud to have been the supplier of audio systems for such an important historical building and are pleased to have received a great deal of positive feedback on what has really been a unique project. We would also like to congratulate BFE Studio and Medien Systeme for their excellent work on the installation. Audio for worship has always been important for Fohhn and it is an area that will continue to be significant in our future development."
(Jim Evans)
