Sound Physics Labs Loudspeakers
At New Calvary Chapel

The newly constructed Calvary Chapel located in Monterey Bay, CA, includes a sound reinforcement system with Sound Physics Labs SPL-td1 full-range loudspeakers.

The system was designed and installed by Dave Phillips, technical director and engineer for Calvary Chapel. After several demos of possible loudspeakers to supply full-range coverage to the space, Phillips settled on the SPL-td, with a single level array of four of these loudspeakers supplying coverage to the 400-capacity, single-level chapel.

"We were impressed," said Phillips. "The SPL-td1s clearly out-performed everything else that we had tried. They possess a sound that is precise and detailed, and their horn pattern is accurate."

Thomas Danley of SoundPhysics Labs designed the SPL-td1, which uses a technology that combines the outputs from multiple drivers to drive a single horn. The configuration allows each driver to operate within its own frequency range.

Unlike other "nested" horn designs, the SPL-td1's technology results in a flat frequency response that is automatically time/phase correct. The cabinet includes two 12-inch low frequency drivers, four 5 1/4-inch compression loaded mid frequency drivers and a one-inch high frequency horn in a unique Unity Summation Aperture (Multiple Patents Pending).

While four SPL-td1s make up the center mono cluster, plans are underway to split them up for stereo operation. "We love their imaging," observes Phillips. "They interact and mix well with the room."

Phillips used ATM flyware to secure the speakers to a steel beam 22 feet above the congregation and four feet in front of the stage. The speakers are angled down and cover all the seating in a circular configuration. The tight polar response of the SPL-td1s helps to minimize reflections and deliver more energy to the pews.

Crown Macro-Tech MA-3600 amplifiers drive the speakers in passive mode, as the relatively low levels required by the church make active bi-amping or tri-amping superfluous. Two dual-18-in-loaded JBL subwoofers supply low-frequencies, one placed to each side of the front platform. A Soundcraft K2 40-channel mixer and a full compliment of processing equipment feed the amplifiers from a room in the rear of the sanctuary.

Stage monitoring is achieved with four more Sound Physics Labs SPL-trik multipurpose loudspeakers set around the front platform. In addition to "stereoizing" the sanctuary sound system in the near future, Phillips plans on purchasing three more SPL-triks for the chapel's entertainment center - a coffeehouse complete with a stage for live music, performances, spoken word, and so on.

Right now, Phillips moves the sanctuary monitors to serve double duty. "The SPL-triks are incredibly versatile. They go from monitors to full-range PA applications and match the sonic integrity of their larger SPL-td1 siblings," he concludes.