Houses of Worship — July 21, 2005

Jul 21, 2005 10:40 AM

Houses of Worship Top Story

Line Arrays: Beware the "Craze"?

Churches large and small are increasingly choosing line array loudspeaker systems, both for regular worship and for staged events of all kinds. In the process, they're both creating a major trend and risking being caught up in a marketing "craze," experts say.

"Because line array systems have marked their stake in large concert touring systems, it is tempting to consider them to be inherently better than traditional loudspeakers for all venues," says Rick Kamlet, senior director of Commercial Installed Sound at JBL Professional. "Yet line arrays are not appropriate for every venue. Traditional point-and-shoot loudspeakers are often a better choice."

When a worship application really requires a concert-style level of audio support, line arrays can be ideal. JBL, for example, provided major systems for Billy Graham's recent crusade in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., as well as for the ongoing nationwide tours of the Joel Osteen Ministries. Kamlet also notes JBL equipment has been installed in some very sophisticated settings, including the Crystal Cathedral and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in California.

Although the phrase "line array" usually conjures a vision of a vertical stack of speakers, many speakers can also be arrayed horizontally to meet specific needs. EAW, for example, recently provided speakers for Crossroads Baptist Church in Bellevue, Wash., where the installation involved four EAW AS396 speakers and a subwoofer in a horizontal array. Similarly, the Church of the Living God in Peoria, Ill., opted for three EAW loudspeakers, plus a woofer, arrayed horizontally for a center cluster.

EAW says the versatility of these speaker arrays allows designers to project sound throughout a room without overlapping coverage, as well as creating systems specifically addressed to unusual or challenging venues.

"If designed properly to the room, line arrays provide tighter vertical pattern control and typically more consistent SPL (sound pressure levels) from the front to the back of the room," says Kamlet. "Because of their concert sound heritage, some line arrays can produce especially high sound levels for applications requiring concert levels. For locations where the system needs to be taken down at times, the concert versions of line array systems can make that task a lot easier."

But there are risks, Kamlet and others say.

"Houses of worship have been influenced by the marketing that has driven line arrays to the 'craze' status that presently exists," says Tom Young of Electroacoustic Design Services in Oxford, Conn. "Those who shop on their own are very likely to overlook the inherent design complexities of line arrays and end up with less than complete coverage, plus the likelihood of severe reflection problems."

Kamlet notes, "[Line arrays] can cause problems of rear reflections, and the design requires greater vertical height for mounting. They are typically not good for shallow rooms and are more expensive."

Young also fears many worship media ministers will be drawn to low-quality systems. He says, "[These include] those comprised of trapezoid loudspeakers that have simply been rotated 90 degrees and then marketed as real line arrays."

"There are a few less expensive products that do perform quite well," he adds, noting these high-performing, inexpensive systems are more likely to be known to savvy design consultants than to be found in retail or internet sales outlets.

For Kamlet, the bottom line on line arrays compared to other choices is simple. "Either loudspeaker type can be wonderful if selected appropriately and designed properly," he says.

Installation News

Hitachi America Projectors Bring Darden Pentecostal Church Into 21st Century

In a project that demonstrates the large-venue capabilities of the Hitachi America CP-X1200 model projector, Darden Pentecostal Church in Darden, Tenn., recently installed two of the models in its sanctuary for use during worship services. Installed by Milan, Tenn.-based Internally Sound, the projectors were chosen for their detailed colors and cost-effective benefits.

The Church seats approximately 350 people, a large enough space to warrant the CP-X1200, which has a brightness of 3,500 ANSI lumens and a 750:1 contrast ratio. The projectors work in unison with an audio system comprised of three JBL AM4215 speakers and a custom-built JBL ASB6118/31 subwoofer.

Darden Pentecostal Church held its first service in May 2005 after relocating from a smaller worship space, where they had no video technology of any kind. "They came from a smaller, more traditional-looking church," says Phil Jenkins, co-owner (along with brother Mark) of Internally Sound. "It's much more contemporary in appearance now, and they love it."

According to Jenkins, the use of video projectors in houses of worship is on the rise. "In working with churches, I'm finding that they need someone to come in and take care of audio as well as video for them, so I'm doing both on most of the new installs," he says. "In systems integration, video and audio go so hand in hand. With houses or worship, you want to be able to see and hear the word."

The Hitachi CP-X1200 model projector displays images via a 1.5X zoom lens that can enable projection on screens up to 100in. and is outfitted with a bayonet lens that can support up to four optional lenses for specific application needs based on the size and environment of a room. The CP-X1200 can also be remotely controlled and maintained through a LAN connection, providing the ability to network, control, and maintain the projector remotely. The network functionality also makes it easy to control multiple projectors in different rooms and to monitor for functions such as remaining lamp life, adding further value to the user's cost of ownership.

The Oaks Christian Camp Celebrates Opening of New Facility with Help from SLS Loudspeakers

SLS Loudspeakers recently announced that Markus Audio/Video & Lighting has selected and installed multiple SLS speakers in Hayford Hall at The Oaks Christian Camp and Conference Center. Markus Audio also recently completed the installation of an SLS speaker system at the newly renovated Stauffer Chapel at Pepperdine University.

"I knew from the start that the SLS units would sound wonderfully in this type of environment," says Jim Markus, audio engineer and president of Markus Audio. "The SLS units give an amazing amount of output and sonic fidelity for their compact size in addition to their sonic behavior for this shape room. I felt in this type of atmosphere, the sweet sound of the ribbon tweeters would produce a richer, warmer sound than those frequencies produced by horns."

Located in Lake Hughes, Calif., The Oaks ministers to hundreds of inner-city kids and also serves as a family retreat center and missionary training campus for World Impact. World Impact, which is dedicated to ministering God's love in the inner cities of America, has ministries in 10 U.S. cities, as well as four camps and three schools. Hayford Hall, the newest addition to The Oaks campus, boasts a 400-seat auditorium, a distributed cable TV system, and seven AV classrooms.

"Our dedication service included a worship service, a 65-member gospel choir, five instrumental accompanists, and several guest preachers," says Brooks Gilbert, sound technician for The Oaks. "The SLS speakers were a perfect fit for this place. They produce such clean, crisp highs and lows without any distortion."

"We are thrilled that Markus Audio has again selected and installed our products as part of our growing number of houses of worship installations," says Jeff Lowry, director of marketing for SLS Loudspeakers. "Markus Audio is a perfect example of a growing list of design firms that are utilizing our unique technology to achieve steadfast solutions to difficult acoustic challenges."

Product News

Peavey Sanctuary Series Introduces SSE Line Array and Subs

Peavey proudly introduces its new SSE LA line array and companion SSE 110 and 210 subwoofers. The SSE Series is part of the Peavey Sanctuary Series, the only product line dedicated to providing innovative products to make pro audio easy and cost-effective for houses of worship.

The SSE LA is a compound-radius, curved line array that provides a controlled and contoured vertical coverage pattern for improved intelligibility in larger or more reverberant spaces. Its dual-coverage pattern provides a tight 20-degree vertical coverage for the primary long-throw pattern and a 40-degree vertical coverage for the secondary near-field pattern. The smooth curve of the array allows the SSE LA to be flown much lower than most "J" arrays, increasing the flexibility and utility in spaces with lower ceilings. Adding to this versatility, an attenuation switch for the near-field pattern reduces the output so that it does not overpower the audience just below and in front of the array.

The SSE 110 and SSE 210 subwoofers, which are designed to work in tandem with the SSE LA, feature a single 10in. woofer and dual 10in. woofers, respectively. The companion SA Array Controller (MSRP TBA) adds crossover and EQ control to an SSE LA/sub combination system, and operates in a stereo or 2-channel configuration with subsonic filter, switchable mono bass summing, 16 bands of 1/3 octave EQ (from 320Hz to 10kHz) and front panel signal/clip indicators.

Sanctuary Series SSE enclosures are designed to provide premium sound while preserving the subtle aesthetics of your sanctuary. These loudspeaker enclosures are available in white, black and non-finished wood for staining/painting to match any décor, and also feature mounting and flying inserts for arranging in virtually any location in your sanctuary. SSE enclosures ensure the entire audio system blends as seamlessly as possible into your sanctuary's architecture.

These Sanctuary Series SSE arrays will be available in Q3 2005 from authorized Peavey retailers:

SSE LA

400W program; 800W peak
Frequency response: 174Hz to 18kHz
16 2in. high-performance speakers
Dual radius curve provides long throw and near-field coverage from one enclosure
Controlled vertical coverage pattern improves intelligibility in larger spaces
Increased flexibility of flying height with dual pattern
Near-field pattern attenuation switch for improved flexibility
Processor based crossover and EQ for maximum performance
Barrier strip inputs
Flying points included for suspension
Available in black and white finishes
40"x3.8"x10"; 12lbs.
U.S. MSRP: $699.99

SSE 110

400W program; 800W peak
Frequency response: 61Hz to 125Hz
One 10in. Peavey Pro 10 high-performance subwoofer
Enclosure designed for flying or wall mounting (inserts included)
Four-pin Neutrik and two-position terminal strip inputs in parallel
Available in black and white finishes
17"x13"x10.5"; 24lbs.
U.S. MSRP: TBA

SSE 210

800W program; 1600W peak
Frequency response: 62Hz to 125Hz
Two 10in. Peavey Pro 10 high-performance subwoofers
Enclosure designed for wall mounting (inserts included)
Four-pin Neutrik and two-position terminal strip inputs in parallel
Available in black and white finishes
26.5"x24"x9.75"; 48lbs.
U.S. MSRP: TBA.

Altinex Introduces New Seamless Switcher

Altinex Inc. introduces a new series of signal processing products. The new AP (Advanced Signal Processing) Series products combine video signal processing and switching with audio switching as an all-in-one product. The AP445-103 seamless switcher may be used as a standalone product or as an integral part of MultiTasker systems or larger AV systems.

The Seamless Switcher, AP445-103, is the ideal product for video and audio installations where an all-in-one solution is required to accommodate space considerations and budgetary constraints, while offering the same switching capabilities of much larger systems. Combined with an AV system based on MultiTasker products and technology, the AP445-103 seamlessly fits into this product line.

Key features:

Nine video inputs: three Composite video, three S-Video, and three Component/Computer video
Main outputs: Computer video and loop out, S-Video or Composite video
Preview output: Computer video, Composite video
Resolutions: VGA-QXGA
HDTV 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080p/i
NTSC/PAL/SECAM
10 audio inputs, audio follow video switching
One main and one preview balanced stereo audio outputs
1U High – one rack wide
100 percent MultiTasker compatible.

The introductory list price for the AP445-103 is $3,995 until Dec. 31, 2005. The recommended list price after Dec. 31, 2005 will be $4,595.

"The AP445-103 is a great unit and due to its flexibility, we sell the AP445-103 as a standalone product for smaller venues, boardroom installations, colleges, or houses of worship, where a compact and high-quality product is needed, but limited budgets usually do not allow the installation of larger AV systems. The AP445-103 fills this spot perfectly," says Mark Grieco, director of sales. "On the other hand, the AP445-103 will integrate smoothly and seamlessly with larger AV systems. The AP445-103 assures 100 percent MultiTasker compatibility and integration."

Professional Wall Plate Products by Calrad Now Available at AVCable

Chicago-based cable distributor AVCable (known widely as www.AVCable.com) has just extended its product line to include two new wall plate product lines by Calrad in order to round out its professional contractor grade product offering.

The new products combine attractive finished plates and easily customizable connector options to provide a professional, finished look for a wide variety of multimedia installations.

Decora plates are sleek, attractive wall plates with pre-mounted connectors in a wide variety of common configurations, including single and multi-pair binding posts, Banana Jacks, RCA, Audio Splitters, BNC, Coax, XLR, Stereo, and Speaker Switches. The product line also includes the hard-to-find HD DB15, DVI-I, and HDMI Feedthrus.

Keystone plates are equally attractive with the added convenience of modularity, which allows contractors to mix and match connectors to produce custom plates. Keystone plates are ideal for even the most complicated audio, video, multi-media, and information technology installations. Customization and installation is easy; connectors mount easily by pushing gently into the outer plate itself, where they lock firmly with a click.

Contractors can acquire the products on the company's e-commerce site here.

Product ships within 24 hours.