The Challenge

To design and install an aesthetically pleasing, yet high-quality sound reinforcement system in an existing facility that would not lend itself to a single point source speaker cluster. Due to the moderately low, flat ceiling in the large sanctuary, a single speaker cluster could not be located high enough to provide proper coverage without producing excessive volume in the nearby seats.

The Solution

AE Systems provided two main speakers - one in the front of the sanctuary providing coverage for the front half of the seating area; and one speaker halfway to the rear to provide coverage for the remainder of the seats. The signal to the rear speaker was electronically delayed, so any sound carrying over from the front speaker into the rear seats would arrive at the listener's ears at the same time as the sound coming directly from the local rear speaker. Using this signal-delay arrangement, the problem of an artificial echo resulting from the two separate speaker locations was eliminated.

To allow the new sound system equipment to blend in with the sanctuary, both the front and rear delay speakers were painted to match the surrounding ceiling. The main system equipment, including the mixing console, equalizers, delay, wireless microphones, and amplifiers were housed in a custom roll-top desk located in the rear of the sanctuary. The desk was finished to match the wood trim of the existing pews. With all of the system equipment located right there in the sanctuary, it is very easy for the sound system operators to control the system.

AE Systems knows that a balance between technical considerations and aesthetics is important. We have been providing innovative solutions to communications problems such as this for over 30 years. We like a challenge!