A thriving Christian worship centre that moved to its present location in 1995, World Changers Church International (WCCI) includes the 8,500-seat World Dome in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. While closed during the global Covid-19 pandemic, the church approached Jason Farah of Outline US over the need to upgrade its existing sound.
Although the existing system was built around a flagship product from a major brand, the WCCI team felt that the audio throughout the large sanctuary could be improved. Their initial inclination was to remain loyal to the brand but they were also aware of Outline and asked Farah to undertake some room modelling, with 3D modelling software from both companies.
‘I have served as WCCI’s audio consultant for many years, providing onsite service and maintenance all the while,’ he says. ‘The Dome at WCCI is a rather large sanctuary, even by American standards. The worship style is contemporary R&B-influenced Gospel music, and their pastor is one of the best I have ever heard. Truly, this is a church deserving of the best.
‘Seeing what they saw on the simulations was convincing in itself, but knowing that I will always tell them the unvarnished truth, I told them of my personal experiences with Outline and in particular its performance in similar circumstances compared to their existing brand. Subsequently, on the basis of the trust in our relationship and the clear advantages of the Outline system indicated by the simulations, they engaged myself and Jeffrey Cox to design and install an Outline system for them.’
SES Integration handled integration, which comprises four Outline GTO cabinets at the top of its array hangs for the long-throw, four GTO C-12 in the middle for the medium range, and four Mantas 28 at the bottom of the for the close field. Additionally, four GTO-Subs in a cardioid configuration, and three rear-facing Mantas 28 cover the upstage choir area, are also suspended.
‘The Outline Open Array simulation software was flawless in its prediction and when we ultimately deployed the system it performed exactly as predicted, with minimal additional electronic corrections, covering the 8,500-seat room perfectly,’ Farah says. ‘Although the simulation software indicated that our design would cover the sanctuary well, the actual result was way beyond our expectations. I’ve worked with Outline products for many years, and the results amaze me.’
‘I’m most impressed with the clarity and stereo imaging,’ adds George Kelly, FOH sound engineer at WCCI. ‘While I give credit to the DiGiCo SD7, I find it very easy to mix on the Outline boxes. I find myself making small incremental adjustments, as opposed to a 4dB or 5dB jump just to get a vocal or instrument to be heard.
‘I’ve been approached by many parishioners, saying the [Vegas 24] under balcony speakers sound incredible. The entrance to the sanctuary starts under the balcony area, so I feel so confident when members and visitors enter knowing that they will be met with a warm, clean, punchy sound.
‘On several occasions I’ve been told that while in worship the mix can be strongly felt but not overpowering. Even to the point that you are able to have a conversation with the person next to you without yelling.’
‘The client is thrilled with the results we provided them, but the best compliments always come from the lay-people – like the ushers, or parishioners – who comment, “I’ve never heard the music, nor the pastor’s message as good as I hear it now”. Those comments are proof that we served the church to our very best ability,’ Cox reports.
Founded in 1981 by renowned author, conference speaker and bible teacher Creflo Dollar, WCCI remains a leader within the US and international community, providing simple, practical teaching and understanding of the Bible.
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