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HOUSES OF WORSHIP

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1140, has long been a centre of worship with cultural significance. To maintain the grandeur of this Grade I listed building while improving its sound quality, a new, discreet audio system from Nexo was installed. This entailed 32 Nexo ID84 column loudspeakers being strategically placed throughout the cathedral’s nave, while ultra-compact ID14s provided coverage under the pulpit and in key locations such as the eastern Elder Lady Chapel. Custom-painted to blend in with the cathedral’s stone columns, these loudspeakers integrated well into the ecclesiastical architecture. The system, powered by Nexo NXAMPMk2s and controlled via an intuitive touchscreen interface, preserves the site’s historic beauty while delivering sound that is intuitive to its dated acoustic setting. Chief operating officer Ben Silvey emphasises the importance of careful planning when working on spaces that are architecturally sensitive: “Every decision about placement of cables and equipment was made in consultation with our cathedral architect and the Cathedrals Fabric Commission. “Enlightened proved an invaluable partner, understanding and respecting the nature of our space. The upgraded audio system now supports worship services and cultural events, enhancing the overall experience for visitors and congregants.” Historic churches and cathedrals often struggle with sound distribution due to vast spaces, high ceilings and reflective surfaces. Opting for loudspeakers that offer a discreet yet powerful solution ensures spoken words and music are heard clearly throughout the venue while still both preserving and respecting the intricate architecture of these sacred spaces. COLOSSAL CONGREGATIONS Preparing for its 50th pastoral leadership anniversary in 2025, the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore recognised the need for an audio overhaul. It turned to Meyer Sound, and its Panther large format line array system provided a

high-performance solution tailored to the sanctuary’s layout. The system’s stereo cross-matrix design includes Panther loudspeakers for main coverage, Leopard compact line arrays for side fill and various point source components for both over- and under-balcony coverage. The integration of Galileo Galaxy system processors and Milan AVB networking enhances system flexibility and reliability. Wave AVL, the project integrator, collaborated closely with Meyer Sound to ensure the set-up met the church’s requirements. “We sought a state-of-the-art solution that could adapt to the diverse demands of live production,” explains production coordinator Deaven Wood. “Meyer Sound’s reputation for excellence made them the clear choice.” The upgraded system delivers powerful, immersive audio, elevating the worship experience for the church’s 3500 congregants. VENERATED VISUALS In today’s HOWs, high-quality visuals play a key role in creating an engaging, immersive experience for congregations. Whether displaying sermon notes, song lyrics or live video feeds, churches demand reliable, bright and cost-effective projection solutions that enhance their services without disruption. Christie’s Inspire Series 1DLP laser projectors have become a trusted choice for over 20 places of worship across Ontario, providing superior performance and long-term value. “Many churches prioritise functionality, using projectors for essential tasks such as displaying text and announcements, while others seek UHD visuals to elevate stage design and generate dynamic worship experiences,” says Carl Lukings of Horizon Solutions, a Christie partner responsible for both specifying and integrating these systems.

Regardless of application, every church is looking for a balance of quality, cost and longevity when investing in projection tech”

JCSC now employs a Blackmagic Atem control system to monitor the AV for services

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