This configuration includes three full-range loudspeakers in a centralized “exploded” cluster providing mono output that’s excellent for spoken word, as well as two sets of full-range loudspeakers supplying left-right, left-right stereo output to maximize musical programming.
The church was thrilled with the performance of the system from the outset, with MGA and the technical team staying in touch through the years.
Recently, discussion turned to options for a performance upgrade, specifically, to increase the system’s dynamics and “punch,” with attention on new Tannoy VQ Series full-range loudspeakers.
“The original loudspeakers were from Tannoy as well, incorporating their Super Dual Technology, and they performed exceptionally,” explains Brian Roggow, senior audio consultant for MGA and responsible both for the original and new loudspeaker designs.
“What we were seeking, however, was more headroom, ‘punchiness’, a more direct type of performance, which we all felt that the technology of the new Tannoy VQ Series could deliver.”
The product of several years of serious research and development, the VQ Series incorporates unique driver technology to radiate a coherent single point source combined with superior pattern control when coupled to a Point Source Waveguide (PSW).
This advanced design aligns the acoustical centers of the transducers providing a single coherent wavefront, with the proprietary Dual Concentric transducer loading into a large proprietary designed common horn.
“Our original design provided a very direct signature, but expectations were different 10 years ago because line arrays hadn’t really entered the church sound scene,” notes Michael Garrison, principal of MGA.
“Now, line arrays have changed performance expectations, but they also come with a potential of being aggressive and somewhat harsh.
“What we are enjoying about the new Tannoy VQ Series is that it provides significantly more level and presence, but without any potential for harshness,” he continues.
“The result is that we can meet expectations in a very smart, positive manner.”
Three Tannoy VQ100 full-range loudspeakers now make up the new mono cluster, with Roggow altering the design of the original footprint.
The previous loudspeakers were about 8 feet apart, while the new loudspeakers, which offer 100-degree horizontal dispersion, about 25 feet apart.