The Benjamin Brown Graham Memorial Chapel at Washington University in St. Louis, MO has undergone an extensive audio transformation spearheaded by project manager Jeff Allen and executed over a 18-month period that’s headed by a variety of K-array loudspeakers and supporting components.
Graham Chapel, as it’s known on campus, is a 785-capacity space with soaring 45-foot ceilings and stone interior walls that pose an acoustic challenge. The project, with primary goals of integrating the audio system to deliver overall clarity while fitting into the architecture, began with 12 months of audio analysis. Ultimately, K-array’s architectural loudspeaker designs and sound reproduction won over stakeholders.
The decision was solidified after an on-site demonstration, where the K-array loudspeakers proved capable of delivering full coverage with clarity from the front to the back of the chapel as well as the balcony. In addition, their slim profile helped them disappeared into the woodwork without visually disrupting the space.
Testing and adjustments during the installation phase ensured optimal performance throughout the chapel, eliminating previous issues with inconsistent volume levels and reverberation. Leveraging K-array K-framework 3 modeling software, multiple system configurations were tested during the acoustic design phase. The software, alongside additional EASE acoustic modeling data provided by David Bick of McClure Engineering, helped to lay the ground for optimized system performance.
The system consists of 10 flown Kayman-KY52 I loudspeakers in a stereo L/R configuration. For clear coverage in the front, two Python-KP52 I loudspeakers were added for front fill. Rounding out the setup are two compact passive Thunder-KS2P I 18-inch subwoofers powered by dual 8 channel Kommander-KA208 amplifiers.
St. Louis-based TSI Global secured the project and brought in engineers Lee Buckalew and Garrison Brown to take charge of rigging, installation, and final commissioning. The project culminated in January, just in time for the 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration held at full capacity, serving as a showcase for the new system.
“The K-array system’s unique design and advanced features proved to be the perfect fit for the Graham Chapel,” says Allen, who in addition to designing the system serves as media technology manager at the university. “The powerful modeling software allowed us to optimize the system for the space, and the final results speak for themselves. Clear, even sound at all volumes creating a truly immersive experience for the audience.”
