I Can't Believe How Good this Church PA Sounds

Summary

This video showcases a tech upgrade at St John's Lutheran Church in Napa, California, featuring a new PA system by Fulcrum Acoustic, LED screens, and a streamlined workstation. The project aimed to enhance audio-visual quality while simplifying operation for volunteers, integrating advanced technology like Dante-enabled devices and a Jupiter DSP for a premium worship experience.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The project at St John's Lutheran Church in Napa California involved a significant upgrade to the church's audio and video technology.
• 🔊 The new PA system installed is by Fulcrum Acoustic, featuring compact coaxial speakers that provide powerful coverage without disrupting the sanctuary's aesthetic.
• 📐 The CCX 1226 speakers were strategically placed to offer precise sound distribution, ensuring quality audio throughout the congregation area.
• 🚫 Despite concerns about the live acoustics and lack of acoustic treatment, the Fulcrum Acoustic PA system delivered impressive sound quality and control.
• 🔊 A single 18-inch subwoofer was used to fill the space with clear bass, with the option to add another for aesthetic and budgetary reasons.
• 🖥️ The tech booth was equipped with an SQ7 mixing console with a Dante expansion card, facilitating a 64x64 input/output configuration for a flexible and high-quality sound mix.
• 🎹 High-quality instruments like the fnote drum kit and Nord stage 3 keyboard were integrated for better sound reproduction and ease of setup.
• 🔌 Upgrades to DI boxes with Radial DI boxes and Neivee DI boxes were made to ensure high-quality sound capture at the source.
• 🎤 The Sure ULXD wireless microphone system was implemented for a clean, efficient, and scalable microphone solution with charging bays for easy maintenance.
• 📺 An LED screen system by Altitude LED was installed, blending seamlessly with the church's stained glass windows and enhancing the visual experience.
• 💻 The tech rack was meticulously organized with KVMs for a clean workstation setup, making it easy for volunteers to operate and maintain the equipment.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of the technology update at St John's Lutheran Church?

The primary goal was to massively improve audio and video quality while keeping the operation super simple for the volunteers to manage on a weekly basis.

Which brand of PA system was installed at the church?

Fulcrum Acoustic was the brand of the PA system installed, featuring their coaxial type speakers, including the CCX 1226 model.

Why were coaxial speakers preferred for the church's new PA system?

Coaxial speakers, like the ones from Fulcrum Acoustic, were preferred because they are compact, which is important in a space with aesthetic considerations like stained glass, yet still provide plenty of power and coverage.

What concerns did the team have about the acoustics in the church?

The team was initially concerned about the live acoustics of the space, with over 3 seconds of reverb, and the absence of acoustic treatment like panels that could potentially affect the sound quality.

How did the team address the issue of the church's existing organ and choir wanting to maintain the room's natural live sound?

They acknowledged the need for the natural live sound and were impressed with the PA system's ability to provide quality and control over the mix, allowing the full spectrum of audio to be heard without overpowering the room's natural reverb.

What type of subwoofer was used to enhance the sound system, and what was its impact?

An 18-inch Fulcrum Acoustic subwoofer was used, and it was noted for filling the entire room with clear bass, contributing significantly to the overall sound experience.

How did the team ensure the new technology was user-friendly for the church's volunteers?

The team focused on simplicity and ease of operation, deploying a clean workstation setup with modern technology that was intuitive to use, minimizing the need for extensive technical knowledge.

What mixing console was used for the audio system, and what were its advantages?

An Allen & Heath SQ7 with a Dante expansion card was used, offering 64 in/64 out capabilities. It was chosen for its flexibility and ability to provide the best sound from the stage sources, replacing an older generation console.

Can you explain the role of the GX 486 and MEU Hub in the new audio setup?

The GX 486 provided 48 channels of input and 16 outputs, while the MEU Hub powered the new ME500 personal monitor mixing solution, allowing each person to have their own mix and save presets for easy recall.

What type of drum kit was deployed for the church's band, and why was it a good fit for the space?

An fnote electric drum kit was deployed because it is quasi-portable, easy to set up and tear down, and does not produce excessive stage volume, making it an ideal fit for the church's acoustics and aesthetic.

How did the team approach the integration of the PA system with outdoor speakers and auxiliary areas?

The team was able to tie in the PA system with the outdoor speakers and auxiliary areas like the nursing mother's room, ensuring a comprehensive audio solution that covered all spaces of the church.

What kind of microphone system was implemented, and how does it streamline the operation?

The Shure ULXD system was implemented, featuring Dante-enabled microphones that can be monitored and adjusted over the network, including battery health and gain settings, simplifying the operation and reducing cable clutter.

What was the strategy behind the new rack build, and how does it benefit the church's long-term needs?

The new rack build focused on providing a scalable, accessible, and organized housing for all equipment, with features like sequencers for power management, casters for mobility, and cable management solutions to support future decades of ministry.

How did the team ensure the new tech setup complemented the church's aesthetic?

The tech setup was designed with the church's aesthetic in mind, using equipment that was compact and unobtrusive, and integrating technology like LED screens that could display images to blend with the church's stained glass windows.

What was the process for the congregation's feedback on the new system?

The congregation's response was overwhelmingly positive, with gratitude for the improved clarity of sound and visual quality, making worship less distracting and more focused on the spiritual experience.

How did the church's volunteer team find the new system in terms of ease of use and troubleshooting?

The volunteer team found the new system much easier to operate and troubleshoot, with minimal issues and the ability to manage the equipment effectively, fulfilling the goal of simplifying the volunteers' jobs.