System designer and project manager, Jean-Pierre Robert chose to use BSS Audio's proprietary Soundweb DSP engine. "We needed a multi-purpose system solution for sound capture, sound distribution and live recording-broadcasting, since the Notre Dame Cathedral also has its own radio station (Radio Notre Dame).
"The next challenge was to re-think the entire network within the cathedral using optical cables, the previous analogue network being outside of the cathedral. Last but not least the whole system had to be controlled from a single unit, namely a PC running BSS's dedicated Designer software, which could be upgraded in the case of larger events."
The main system comprises of 11 x 9088iis networked signal processors and four 9000iis network hubs, connected to 9014 fibre interfaces - allowing a total of 80 Mic/Aux inputs and 80 outputs. All equipment was supplied by SCV Audio, BSS Audio's French distributors.
"The installation took us just over eight weeks - including the programming of all possible configurations, the cabling and the speaker installation," Mr. Robert continued. In its classic form the Soundweb system manages three main zones: the choirs at the southern and northern aisles and the large organ.
Laurent Prad, Notre Dame's technical director, pilots this from the control room on a single PC. "In the event of a concert or a festival we add two further PCs to manage the Aux mix for the choir and the speech, the other being used as the Record Send unit."
Since JTL completed the Notre Dame installation, a further 50 churches throughout France have already been equipped with the Soundweb DSP engine, which is fast becoming a market standard. "In my opinion, no other network system offers such versatility, or such a user-friendly interface," concludes Mr Robert. "This makes it easy to convince our clients to opt for this digital solution, and its reliability speaks for itself."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
