Headquartered in Tampa, FL, AVI-SPL is the result of a recent merger between Audio Visual Innovations, Inc. (AVI) and Signal Perfection, Ltd. (SPL). With more than 40 years of aggregate experience in the industry, AVI and SPL bring together long traditions of providing quality audio video technology.
Recently, AVI-SPL completed an enhanced systems integration of the Madison Park Church of God (formerly North Anderson Church of God), located in Anderson, IN. In a city with a population of about 60,000, Madison Park Church of God is an impressively designed house of worship that occupies just over 77,000 square feet. In their recent relocation to this structure (which is over three times the size of their previous facility), church leaders recognized an increased need for greater technology.
As with any AV project, the importance of a structure's architecture and its effect on acoustics plays a key factor, and we had the advantage of being brought into this project during the building design phase. AVI-SPL was responsible for providing an acoustical analysis of the space; our teams utilized the techniques and tools EASE diagnostics for this task. Additionally, Design Engineer Joseph Thomas coordinated with the Anderson-based architecture firm, K.R. Montgomery & Associates, to provide infrastructure requirements that included conduit, power, heat load, requirements. Over a two-year period, AVI-SPL's team of designers, engineers, and installers dedicated themselves to this project, delivering a new look, feel and rhythm to the congregation of Madison Park Church of God.
The Sanctuary
With a very wide, fan-shaped structure and seating for approximately 1,800 people, the modernly-designed sanctuary posed numerous challenges for our integration team. In order to provide an even distribution of audio throughout the space, our teams installed left, center, and right three-cabinet speaker clusters configurations. The fringes of the seating area are reinforced using a ceiling-suspended eight speaker delay ring. Front seating areas also receive an impressive array of audio through the help of six front fill speakers; these are installed into the front lip of the stage.
Each of the main loudspeaker clusters has three separate elements so that the signals from the left, center and right locations could be adjusted to have uniform amplitude coverage across the majority of the sanctuary. The delay loudspeakers each had an associated delay matrix in the signal processing so that the alignment of the left, center and right signals through the delay loudspeakers was accurate for each delay coverage zone. The result was that stereo imaging of sound was maintained for each seat in the sanctuary and the listener's impression is that all of the sound is coming from the area of the platform. The sanctuary's sound system has many features and a lot of flexibility, including "in ear" monitoring, two channels of independent intercom, and digital recording.
Ceiling suspended projectors are located directly behind the left and right speaker clusters. The main screens are 120"x60" Draper Onyx screens, and the choir makes use of an additional projector and a 120"x60" screen located on the back wall of the sanctuary as a monitor. Additionally, the sanctuary's Yamaha digital console makes operation of the technology easy for new users, while providing a wide-range of flexibility for the more experienced.
A Crestron control system is provided to allow a single user to control all video aspects of the sanctuary. The system keeps operations simple for even novice users. A setting has been included in the system control that pre-configures all parameters and enables a smaller automatic mixer so that an operator is not required. While backstage, the simple push of a button configures the audio processor into a mode that allows a CD player, wireless microphone, and eight microphone jacks on to be used. This is an integral design for applications such as weddings, funerals and lectures, where a technical staff member may not be available to operate the system. There is also a laptop connection point at the front of the stage with a "show me" feature. When this button is pressed, the sanctuary's two projectors are turned on, and the laptop signal is routed to them.
Additionally, audio and video tie lines are provided from the sanctuary system to both of the other main AV systems within the church. This facilitates simultaneous use and overflow configurations from each space of the building. With this newly customized AV design and integration, the choir, onstage members and congregation are all able to share in an amazing new acoustical and visual experience.
The Commons
The commons area is equipped with AV systems configured for a variety of uses. While the commons acts as an over flow area from the main auditorium, it can also function as an independent performance space. In this area, the worshipers of Madison Park can deliver presentations such as banquets, dinner theater and receptions. A small stage is equipped with audio and video input connections and monitoring capabilities that can be used with a portable mixing and control console. High-quality ceiling mounted loudspeakers are distributed throughout this area for sound reinforcement. Audio and video can also be configured to function as an overflow extension of the main sanctuary.
The acoustics of the space was a challenge, as the ceiling goes from 20' high acoustic ceiling tile, to a 52' peaked roof that is open bar joist construction. AVI-SPL specified the acoustic treatment for this open bar joist area, resulting in enhanced vocal intelligibility.
Youth Auditorium
The youth auditorium is equipped with three large video screens. The largest is the center screen which is located above the stage. This is used primarily for "movie type" presentations. Two 108" x 144" projection screens flank the stage, and used for the presentation of words and graphics during youth worship, as well as for the displaying video game tournaments. This room has a complete 40-channel audio system, including provisions for floor and personal "in ear" monitoring. This space doubles as a presentation and teaching venue for the church.
An Additional Touch: Digital Signage
An RF distribution system is installed throughout the church, with inputs and controls located in the video control room on the mezzanine level at the rear of the sanctuary. This system serves to distribute announcements and other instructional information to video displays located across the facility.
