Stage Audio Works solution for mega-church
- Details
The client brought in Stage Audio Works (SAW) to provide audio-visual solutions for their new base in Pretoria. Involved in the process from the early stages, SAW played a large part in the planning and execution of the project - delivering a comprehensive PA system based on state-of-the-art d&b line array speakers, as well as a turnkey house lighting system and building-wide BGM and control.
One of the primary considerations was audio clarity in the main auditorium, a large space with a maximum capacity of 2,500. Ensuring sound constancy in such a large space proved challenging, but the collaboration between SAW, 3Ci, the architect, Ferdi Le Grange, as well as acoustician Bruce Gessner resulted in ‘a stellar audio solution’.
The goal was to design a space that was intimate and functional, with no disparity between seats. To achieve audio consistency in such a large space, acoustics were a key consideration. “We recommended that 3Ci bring in Bruce Gessner from AcousticWorx to develop a bespoke turnkey acoustics design and treatment plan,” says SAW CTO, Nathan Ihlenfeldt. “This resulted in an immaculate sound environment boasting a sub 1.2 second reverb as well as excellent intelligibility.”
SAW designed a PA system which would fill the room. The size of the space warranted a line array system, so SAW opted for a d&b Y-Series main system comprising L/R hangs of eight Y8/Y12 (four of each per hang) supported by out-fill arrays of six 10AL on either side of the stage. The low end was handled by three flown 27A-SUBs per side combined with a ground sub array of six 21S-SUBs. The setup is completed by eight 8S loudspeaker that serve as front-fills.
The entire system is powered by d&b 30D amplifiers, and input is controlled via a Yamaha CL5 console. 3Ci worship director, Damian Phillips is thrilled with the result: “What we really love about this venue is that there are no bad seats in the house. There is an even spread of sound wherever you go.”
SAW also provided 3Ci with a building-wide BGM system using a mixture of Audac and QSC surface and ceiling speakers that seamlessly fill the areas outside of the auditorium. A range of Attero Tech Bluetooth panels and SAW’s proprietary Windows POE touch panels running on Q-SYS provide easy and intuitive local media playback and control.
