What’s old can be new again, and sometimes, the process is surprisingly straightforward.
About a decade ago, Michael Garrison Associates (MGA) developed a leading-edge sound reinforcement system for the 3,000-seat worship center of Southland Christian Church, and they recently just completed an upgrade that’s made a world of difference in terms of performance while being equally notable for its simplicity.
Located just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, Southland Christian Church is one of the region’s largest congregations, with an average attendance of 10,000 per weekend in five contemporary-style services designed to bring people closer to God through several forms of worship, including a message, music, prayer, and communion.
Fresno, California-based MGA had worked closely with the Southland Christian Church technical staff nine years previous to implement technology serving those goals, and the two entities recently re-teamed to dramatically enhance the performance of the sound system.
Recent breakthroughs by leading loudspeaker developer Tannoy played the key role in the success of the project.
In fact, the original sound system serving the sanctuary remains in place, save for the main loudspeakers.
The room is so large that it can be converted into two full gymnasiums, with a front platform/stage more than 100 feet wide and main floor seating backed by retractable bleacher-style seats spanning upward to the rear wall.
Despite the huge volume of space, the acoustical signature of the room is quite good, dampened via an expert acoustical design by MGA featuring attractive absorptive panels on large expanses of walls and a combination of pyramid diffuser panels and bass trap panels in the ceiling.
The majority of seating receives audio coverage from main loudspeakers installed on a catwalk structure at ceiling level that juts out above the platform, concealed by a scrim.