In order to amplify the speakers and ensure the clearest musical recordings while retaining the original acoustics of the church, SLR, a multi-disciplinary design firm, selected a variety of DPA Microphones' podium, instrument and recording miking solutions.
The update to the main sanctuary is the first portion of an ongoing project at St. Luke's Westheimer Campus, which, under the guidance of J&R principle architect John Clements, AIA, will encompass the construction of additional buildings. SLR has collaborated with J&R on several projects requiring AV and acoustical design and this project was another natural fit.
"The main goal was accurately getting the sound from the chancel and choir into the sanctuary," explains Thaddeus Leopoulos, senior design consultant at SLR International. "The architecture of the space is Georgian, making it acoustically fantastic for playing period and traditional music. DPA microphones have a wonderful off-axis response that is perfect for settings like this."
To accomplish these in-house goals, e in-house goals, Leopoulos chose DPA's d:screet 4018F Supercardioid Podium Microphones for the lectern and pulpit and several d:fine 4088 Headset Microphones, along with four d:dicate 4018C Hanging Compact Microphones situated above the choir.
St. Luke's has dedicated the sanctuary to traditional worship services and hosts many high-profile musicians and theatre groups, requiring high-quality recording solutions that will enable the house of worship to capture not just its services but all who perform there. Leopoulos considered several instrument and recording microphones for the task, choosing the d:vote 4099P stereo miking kit, d:dicate 4015 Wide Cardioid, d:dicate 4006A Omnidirectional and d:dicate 2011C Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Microphones. The church also purchased DPA's four-piece d:vote 4099 Classic Touring kit for their other various stringed instruments.
(Jim Evans)