In addition to spoken word, music plays an integral role in services at Emmaus Church in Redlands, California. Sound plays a key role in this, and the church management recently called on AV design/build firm Props AV to upgrade the church sound reinforcement system.
Michael Betancourt, the company’s General Manager and himself a member of Emmaus Church, devised a system based on /320 installation line array elements augmented by Artec 322S subwoofers for the low frequency, along with two Artec 306 passive point source enclosures. All loudspeakers are painted white to blend in with the sanctuary’s aesthetics.
‘We elected to fly a center mono cluster of six Artec 320 loudspeakers over the altar/stage area,’ he explains. ‘These enclosures are supported by three Artec 322S subwoofers flown directly behind the Artec 320s with the middle sub being in a cardioid position to reduce low end sound at the altar. Additionally, the sanctuary has a ‘wing’ area off to the left as you face the stage. To ensure coverage here, we placed two Artec 306 loudspeakers. For amplification, we used a single DAS DX-80i 4-channel power amp to drive the center cluster and the subwoofers. We also used a DAS IA-402 stereo power amp to drive the two Artec 306 loudspeakers.’
‘First and foremost was the Artec Series’ excellent sound quality for both music reproduction and speech intelligibility,’ Betancourt says. ‘ Second, the dispersion characteristics of these loudspeakers made for a nice directional sound – eliminating the need for any sound treatments to reduce echo. Further, the compact size of the enclosures made for a very clean installation that doesn’t distract while flying the subs kept the alter area clean of any obstruction or from overpowering the first few rows with low end.’
The new sound system at Emmaus Church was installed during April 2019, with its premiere’ performance on Good Friday. Since that time, Betancourt reports the system is exceeding all expectations.
‘The new DAS system’s performance is so much better than before. It’s an unbelievable difference. Lead Pastor Forrest Short agrees. ‘I can say with confidence the new sound system has helped us become more effective in our mission. It delivers a clarity and focus to our worship gatherings in a way that has been broadly experienced by our congregation. I am happy to say it has met and exceeded my hopes.’
More: www.propsav.com
More: www.dasaudio.com
