HOUSES OF
WORSHIP

In addition to two lines of large pillars that run the length of the building and obstruct the passage of sound, the Chapel walls have 10ft. high wood panelling running around the space along with the wooden pillars and pews, all of which contribute to reflectivity that can further impact audio reproduction.

The system had to provide superior audio for the wide variety of events held in the chapel including school functions, weekly worship services for different faiths, weddings, concerts and recitals by high profile artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin along with guest speakers like Spike Lee and Jane Goodall.

The new system needed to expand the coverage so everyone in the chapel could hear the message but also had to be virtually invisible to preserve the aesthetic integrity of the historic space and complement the projection screens which can appear and disappear at the touch of a button.

To provide the coverage needed to the people behind the pillars, the chapel was divided into 12 specific zones, six on the left, six on the right, with a speaker dedicated to each zone. Each of the 12 zones has a CDD12 driven by one channel of a Martin Audio amplifier with its own processing channel from the DX0.5 Loudspeaker Management System. Three of the amps drive all the speakers and each speaker is flown at about 32° up from horizontal and mounted with custom brackets.

In addition to the CDD12's, two CDD8's serve as outfill for the faculty seating at left and right of stage and two others are angled inwards as onstage monitors for the performers and speakers. Martin Audio C4.8T ceiling speakers are used for under balcony coverage.