All in the detail
Published: WORSHIP
When the Muhajadin mosque located in the Queenstown suburb of Singapore was recently cited for a building upgrade, the A/V systems serving the worshippers various needs were given utmost consideration. Working closely with the mechanical and electrical CMP consultants and the building contractor Mie Tech, Tec Revox was appointed to design, supply and install sound reinforcement and zoned paging solutions together with video content on all four levels of the mosque. Meticulous planning was required to ensure the time on site was minimised and executed perfectly during the construction phase. Luckily, Tec Revox director Jack Tay and his experienced team can draw upon almost three decades of experience, which serves as peace of mind for all their clients.
Simplistic in design, the audio system is functional rather than spectacular, allowing worshippers to better understand the Imam and mosque leaders during prayer times and sermons. Like all mosques, the four storey domed central hall is acoustically tricky to tame given the expansive reverberant services. The pulpit is equipped with an AKG CGN 99C/L gooseneck microphone, whilst six channels of Sennheiser ew100 wireless receivers together with ew135 handhelds and ew112 clip on transmitters are also available for the percussionists and musicians who sometimes accompany the services. The stage is equipped with two facility panels, each of which contains four microphone inputs together with PC and VGA connectors.
The three upper levels surrounding the main prayer hall are open plan balconies reinforced with four Toa 8-inch wall mounted speakers, whilst the main prayer room is equipped with two Yamaha 12-inch models powered by three Yamaha MXV4280 amplifiers and a single P3500S amplifier. Mosque facility manager Mr Maksod and his technical assistants monitor the services from the closed rear control room via a Yamaha HS5 speaker, where they can fine tune the mix on a 16-channel Allen & Heath WZ6 analogue console. DSP is provided in the form of an 8-input/1-output Yamaha MTX3 processor. Powering on and off has been simplified for the technicians by integrating two DCI285 sequencers.
To enhance the visual aspects of the service, two LAV 2.1m x 2.1m motorised projection screens are activated via remote control, receiving their images from two ceiling suspended Epson 4,000 ANSI lumens EB-D6250 LCD projectors. Inputs include an SCP-2250P Samsung pan/tilt/zoom camera controller via an SPC1010 joystick and a DVD player.
At the heart of the video system is an Extron Crosspoint Ultra Series MTPX matrix switcher which can receive up to 16 inputs and route them to the main projectors and 60-inch screens throughout the mosque. A Datavideo SE-600 allows for seamless switching of these inputs. An Extron IPCP505 processor, IN1508 presentation switcher and three Extron MLC62RS Medialink controllers ensure no degradation in the visual signal path between the various inputs and the final projection.
The four levels of the mosque have been installed with an extensive paging and BGM system, for which each level is a separate zone. The staircase has been equipped with Toa BS-633A box speakers and serves as a fifth zone.
From the main reception area on the ground floor, five zone paging is provided courtesy of a Toa RM-200M remote microphone console with an attached RM-210 extension unit. Powered by a single Toa VM-2240 two-channel 240W amplifier, a combination of 28 PC-648R ceiling speakers and 12 BS-678/T box speakers serve all four floors on 70V line operation. A single Toa VP-1241 amplifier has been added for redundancy, whilst a YA-1000A fault-detection circuit module ensures fire safety regulations are in order.
Whether it’s a shopping mall or a mosque, Tec Revox provide a similar EVAC system setup by insisting on installing DCI-629CB T-Koko panels for continual speaker line supervision sweeps and the addition of an EVC-DR-320 digital event recorder should faults be detected.
Many of the upper level classrooms and offices can be individually controlled via 28 wall panel volume controllers. Most of these are equipped with Extron A/V controllers, LAV motorised screens, Epson projectors and Yamaha ceiling speakers, which can be overridden by the Toa BGM system when required.
A fourth level function room can host weddings and events and is equipped with another Allen & Heath WZ6 console for mixing performances to the audience via two clusters of ceiling suspended dual Yamaha 12-inch speakers, powered by Yamaha MXV4280 and P3500S amplifiers. Video presentations are enhanced via an Extron touch control connected to a Crosspoint Ultra Series matrix switcher.
Led by project manager Chito Apil, the Muhajadin mosque was commissioned in good time owing to the military style clerk of works operation. ‘It was tricky at times as we could not disrupt the services and had to stop work during prayer times,’ confides Mr Apil. ‘The previous system was at least 15 years old and so this upgrade was perhaps overdue. We received great system support from all our suppliers in executing this project and in turn we have provided easy to use audio visual systems throughout the building for the mosque’s technical team.’