Clawson AV installs audio system at First Baptist Church of Clifton
The Building and Grounds committee looked at several options and ultimately chose the “best” scenario offered, with a professionally integrated and very user-friendly audio system retrofit. Even the power-up and power-down feature is next to effortless, even though the amps are across the building from the mixer.
The system replacement featured new inputs on the platform, new choir mikes, two main speakers, subwoofer, power amps (6200 watts applied), mixer, choir monitors, 4 channels of compression, remote sequential power control and power conditioning.
Inputs - The replacement began onstage with three custom input boxes, loaded with eight inputs each. These are heavy duty, powder-coated boxes including the center stage box, which is recessed in the floor with a heavy duty lid.
The floor box is unique because the connection is made inside the box so that the lid can be closed while up to eight microphone cords are plugged in and operating. The lid has a gap for the cable to exit and looks as if the end of the cable simply disappears under the floor. The box is very sturdy and can be walked on without a problem.
New choir mikes were properly hung for the choir, eliminating the need for the big black mike stands the church had been using. Careful consideration was given to input placement for proper location and ease-of-use.
Cabling - The microphone input snake cables feature factory-custom-made terminations (USA). A shop-made connection is better for the longevity and service of the cable. This results in better service from the equipment over the life of the system.
Mixer - The Allen and Heath GL2400
Compression - The mix position has four channels of dbx compression for vocal microphones.
Speakers - The speaker system is divided five ways.
1. The main front-of-house speakers are a stereo pair from the EAW MK 2300 series. Painted white from the factory and mounted below and on the ceiling surface, these speakers blend well with the look and feel of the decor. Crown CDI amplifiers supply the two main speakers and give more than ample headroom.
2. The mains are supported by two EAW SB150 subwoofers. For those unfamiliar with a full-range system, not enough can be said for the addition of a proper subwoofer. The difference just has to be heard.
3. Two of the previous main speakers were removed and remounted in the organ chambers for use as choir monitors.
4. Existing floor monitors and hot spot monitors were repositioned and tuned for use with the new system components.
Keyed Remote Power – Though the amplifiers are across the building from the mix desk, the system starts up and powers down easily and quietly by utilizing a 3 point, 5-stage Furman sequential power conditioning subsystem. This sequential system operates with a keyed-switch at the sound booth. It not only provides excellent power conditioning, it also powers the system up in five delay stages and shuts down in stages so that each piece comes on when it should and goes off accordingly.
Training – Any system is incomplete if the operator is not fully trained for operation. Training began on the Friday afternoon when the installation was 95% complete. The youth department of the church had scheduled a Discipleship Now which included a praise band with full rock instrumentation. So literally moments from turning the last screw, the system was cranked to full-tilt for a weekend of youth praise music. Training began with sound check for the D-Now and continued with a formal training session the following week. Only a few questions have arisen since, and those quickly answered by email or phone.
We are very proud of the work at Clifton and look forward to many years of serving the congregation with support and additional training as needed.
Visit First Baptist Church of Clifton online at http://www.fbcclifton.org/
