River City Christian upgrades with Martin Audio
- Details
The full integration was undertaken by Sacramento Production Services (SACPS), whose project manager, Keith Wackford co-designed the system with the church’s director of technology, Brian Webber. Both men are long-term colleagues who have over a 10-year history working with Martin Audio systems.
The church had been faced with the need to expand its facilities due to surge in attendance prior to COVID-19. An architect was brought in and the decision taken to move from all flat seating to stadium style arena seating. By also reducing the stage thrust this would expand capacity from 850 to around 1200. “In addition, the previous control booth was up on the balcony but the new one has been relocated to the audience area, so we can hear exactly what the audience is experiencing,” stated Webber.
Tasked with replacing the systems, Brian Webber approached Keith Wackford and WPS was chosen following a demo “which blew me away”, said the former.
But the decision had not been straightforward as they first reviewed two other globally recognised brands; but the Church’s technical director always had his eye on WPS.
“When SACPS first bought a WPM system a few years ago and it was obvious the tech behind it was next generation,” Webber observed. “But then we got WPS on demo and put that next to the WPM, and I knew I had to have it. I was super impressed with the smooth, rich sound.”
The design features eight elements a side, in two PA hangs spread 12m apart -trimmed to avoid obstructing sightlines to the new LED video display.
Five Martin Audio SXC118 subwoofers have been placed in an arc across the front, powered by six channels of process-controlled Martin Audio iKON iK42 amplifiers, and optimised using Martin Audio’s proprietary sub array calculator as well as EASE prediction software. They were chosen for both their size and their ability to utilise a cardioid pattern to send more of the bass to the listening areas and have a high rejection to the rear of the speaker, thus eliminating low frequency information onto the stage.
Martin Audio CDD (Coaxial Differential Dispersion) series has been selected for fill duties. “The two CDD115’s cover the extreme sides as it’s a super wide building,” continued Webber, adding that a further four CDD6 take care of front-fills. All the main PA hangs and CDDs are run from iK81 8-channel amplifiers and iK81’s power the main PA hang, in 1-box resolution.
Finally, River City Christian also utilises Martin Audio in its children’s room where CDD12’s and CCD8’s have also been installed.
