Church Modernizes Sacred Space with Professional Audio Equipment Upgrade
La Croix Church in Missouri has introduced a new audio system from d&b audiotechnik, called Soundscape, to address long-standing acoustic challenges and improve the overall worship experience for its congregation.
Addressing Acoustic Issues
The church's sanctuary had been grappling with acoustical challenges, including uneven sound coverage, poor speech intelligibility, and a lack of congregational participation during worship. To combat these issues, Panavid was asked to provide a beefier, more modern system. The sanctuary's overly aggressive acoustic treatment had resulted in an acoustically "dead" environment, but the installation of the Soundscape system has brought about a significant improvement.
Improved Sound Quality
The d&b audiotechnik loudspeakers, particularly the A-Series, have improved the overall clarity of the sound in the sanctuary. The A-Series were chosen for the front stage due to their horizontal flying capabilities, smaller size and weight, and comparable output levels compared to the old system. The system now allows for higher volume levels during services due to its smoothness.
Innovative Features
The Soundscape system includes En-Scene software, which provides mix separation and depth of field, improving vocal intelligibility for the congregation. En-Space was implemented to address the acoustic dryness of the sanctuary. The voice lift application was used discretely during worship elements to improve ambience.
Key Benefits
- Immersive Experience
- En-Scene and En-Space allow for the creation of an immersive audio environment, enhancing the worship experience by providing a more engaging sound field.
- These tools enable precise control over sound placement and spatialization, making the audio more dynamic and engaging.
- Improved Acoustic Challenges
- The Soundscape system is designed to address complex acoustic challenges, such as uneven sound coverage and poor speech intelligibility.
- By addressing acoustical issues, it encourages congregational participation, as the sound becomes more evenly distributed and clearer.
- Versatility and Flexibility
- The A-Series augmented arrays offer flexibility in terms of sound coverage and can be adapted to different room sizes and shapes.
- This adaptability ensures that the system can be optimized for different types of services or events.
- Enhanced Worship Experience
- By providing a more engaging and immersive environment, the system can enhance the overall worship experience.
- The use of advanced audio technology can also make the worship space feel more vibrant and inviting, potentially attracting more attendees.
Installation Challenges
The installation was complicated due to the church's tiered seating, existing acoustical treatment, HVAC, catwalk, projection, and lights. However, the A-Series loudspeakers were hung from a single fly point, where the previous setup required three points, improving efficiency.
Successful Implementation
The results of the installation have been positive, with improved clarity, better music reproduction, and noticeably improved bass coverage. ArrayCalc simulation software was indispensable for this installation. The use of d&b audiotechnik's Soundscape system, along with En-Scene, En-Space, and A-Series components, offers several benefits for improving acoustics and creating a more engaging environment in houses of worship.
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- In an effort to enrich the lifestyle of their congregation and provide a more enjoyable home-and-garden for worship, La Croix Church in Missouri has implemented the d&b audiotechnik Soundscape system, which features the En-Scene software for improved vocal intelligibility and En-Space for addressing acoustic dryness.
- To complement the worship space's overall aesthetic and enhance technology integration, the A-Series loudspeakers from d&b audiotechnik have been introduced, featuring modern design, horizontal flying capabilities, and flexibility to accommodate different room sizes and shapes, thereby enhancing the business aspect of the church by catering to a more engaged and inclusive community.
