Although not original to the building, the church's most recent sound system was nevertheless very old and regularly imperilled services with the threat of feedback, complaints of unintelligibility, and uneven coverage (the front rows got their "hair ripped off" while the back rows asked for more volume!).
That's all changed with the installation of Danley Sound Labs loudspeakers and subwoofers, spurred by the realization that Danley was responsible for the sound quality at nearby Kinnick Stadium and confirmed by a direct A/B comparison of the old system with Danley boxes.
"I don't know that the old loudspeakers were ever a right fit for our sanctuary, but time certainly didn't help the situation," explained Andrew Robinson, worship pastor. "We had trouble getting consistent sound from one event to the next and from one seat to the next."
Ryan Winstead, sales & design consultant with Advanced Audio & Lighting Systems, of Peoria, Illinois, added, "Their existing front-loaded boxes flooded the front of the room with too much energy, which caused their feedback problems and the radically uneven coverage from front to back. As the church moved in the direction of more contemporary services that called for greater volume, things got harsh and the system's weaknesses became more apparent."
Advanced Audio & Lighting Systems had previously installed a new audio console and a new projector for Wildwood Church.
The newly i9nstalled system hangs from a central beam that spans the room above the steps to the platform. A Danley SH-69 oriented to provide 90deg horizontal and 60deg vertical covers most of the room, with a Danley SM-60 on either side to provide out-fills. Winstead cleverly arranged them such that the coverage seams - though almost imperceptible - fall on aisles. A Danley TH-118 flown above the central SH-69 disappears visually but fills the room with deep, honest bass. A Powersoft X4 powers the system with over 20,000 watts.
"The Danley system is even from front to back, we have no feedback issues, and the sound quality is fantastic," said Robinson.
(Jim Evans)
