Community brings intelligibility to Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Published: WORSHIP
WORLD: A Community Entasys sound reinforcement solution has recently been installed into the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Philadelphia, US, to solve a persistent intelligibility issue.
Founded in 1891, the worship centre has forged a reputation as one of the few non-segregated churches and parochial schools in the region. The church boasts numerous ornate woodcarvings, wrought iron structures and an array of stained glass windows, however it is these aesthetically pleasing elements that make the sanctuary an acoustically challenging space.
‘It's a very different type of room,’ stated Tony Albano of Avondale, PA-based Naamans Creek Audio Video. ‘The chapel itself is surrounded by smaller sub-chapels. The walls are largely brick, and the ceiling is about 9.1m high at its peak. It's a complex space, and very reflective, and they've always had problems with intelligibility.’
To address the room's sonic issues, Mr Albano designed an audio system comprising four Community Entasys column line array loudspeakers with a further two Entasys columns for delay toward the back of the room. A Crown CTS-4200 four-channel amplifier drives the system, with a Rane RPM-88 providing system DSP.
‘Their previous system had been pretty problematic,’ admitted Mr Albano. ‘Parishioners complained about loud volume but low intelligibility, particularly along the centre seating areas. The Entasys columns were the ideal solution for focusing the sound away from the walls and windows and into the seating area where it belongs. Several of the church's long-time parishioners have said that it's the first time they could actually understand the priest's sermon.’