Two Designs, One Sound
A pleasant surprise to this budget-driven solution was the realization that the acoustic signatures of both the choir system and main system sounded very similar, despite being based on two disparate designs.
“Knowing that line source array and coaxial technologies are very different, I was amazed at how remarkably similar the KIVA and 115XT HiQ sounded. In fact, the chance of us putting a KIVA system in there in the next couple of years went way down because they’re really happy with how the 115XT HiQs are performing,” notes VandeHoef.
The project abounds with other clever solutions, some borne of budgetary necessity and others a continuation of long-term planning. The main system’s Yamaha M7CL-47 digital audio mixing console, which had been added earlier, was outfitted with CobraNet cards to add 32 channels of digital audio to the system.
Twenty-four of these channels route to the recording and video production room. The other eight channels go to Biamp Audia digital units that provide cross-matrixing capability for the choir array.
From there, digital audio goes on to the LA4 amplified controllers providing power and processing to all main system loudspeakers.
Plenty of wireless microphones on hand for a performance of Haydn’s Creation.
An Aviom16/o-Y1 A-Net card was also added to the MC7L console, providing increased functionality with the church’s existing Aviom multizone stage monitor mixing system utilized by musicians.
One specific upgrade in this regard is that the card allows the house sound operator to assign audio outputs directly from Yamaha console interface.
A feed from the Aviom system is also fed to Crown amplifiers retained from the previous system that provide feeds to several stage pockets on the platform where Renkus-Heinz CFX121M monitor wedges can be plugged in as needed.
Several Neumann KM 184 small-diaphragm condenser microphones are suspended above the choir, installed in an earlier upgrade, with a predominance of Shure SM57 mics utilized for a wide range of applications on the platform. Dual Shure SM81 unidirectional condenser mics handle the acoustic piano.
The church also took advantage of Shure’s $1,000-per-unit rebate program to add five UR124S combo wireless microphone systems with SM58 handheld transmitters and UR1 bodypack transmitters. Pastors utilize Countryman E6 omni earset mics with the bodypacks.
In spite of the numerous and sometimes unique challenges the project presented along the way, the end result is a satisfied client.
According to Matthews, “We are absolutely thrilled with the results. The musical style in our arts ministry can greatly vary from a full orchestra and choir performing Haydn’s Creation to our contemporary style of worship - all in the same room - so we needed a system that sounded great and was highly versatile. This setup has been a ‘win’ for all that we do.”
An in-depth yet easy-to-understand discussion of wireless systems, how they operate, issues that can plague performance, and solutions that do the trick in the vast majority of situations.
