Houses of Worship are the centerpiece of not only religious beliefs but also cultural identity in many communities. While worship services predominate, they also host weddings, community gatherings, schools, bingo nights, and other activities. Each activity has different requirements for the AV system: are mics used, and how many? Are displays or projectors used? Is the activity mostly spoken word, music, or a mixture? Is the activity being live-streamed?
AV systems in Houses of Worship must be flexible and scalable to accommodate the diverse and ever-changing needs of the congregation. A flexible AV system allows for easy adaptation to whatever circumstances dictate (within reason), while the ability to scale the system is important as congregations (hopefully) grow and technological advancements continue. This adaptability and capacity for growth are essential for delivering an engaging and immersive experience for all attendees, regardless of event type.
AV flexibility: plan for the unexpected
Components that can be easily moved around or repurposed as needed, such as cameras, wireless microphones, and versatile lighting setups, can achieve much flexibility. Control systems with user-friendly interfaces are a must for the mostly all-volunteer AV teams in smaller Houses of Worship, allowing for quick adjustments and seamless transitions via presets for expected event types (worship services vs. weddings, etc.).
Similarly, AV components can have inherent flexibility built-in, allowing them to be used in multiple scenarios without requiring additional hardware to be purchased. For example, amplifiers that offer Hi-Z and Lo-Z support by channel can be advantageous. Hi-Z is for distributed applications requiring many loudspeakers for adequate coverage but without needing a concert-level experience. In contrast, Lo-Z applications are primarily about higher fidelity requirements when you want to reproduce the rumble of the dinosaur’s foot hitting the ground or the bass guitar or kick drum in a concert.
While the system design typically specifies the type of loudspeaker (Hi-Z or Lo-Z) before buying system components, being able to select Hi-Z or Lo-Z output on a per-channel basis provides integrators with a lot of flexibility should something change in the design mid-stream. This level of flexibility ensures that the AV system can provide optimal audio and visual experiences in any setting, supporting the diverse and dynamic nature of modern worship practices while enhancing the overall engagement and participation of the congregation.
AV scalability: expanding the plan
As congregations grow, so do their AV needs. A sanctuary is not typically physically expanded; it’s much more likely that overflow rooms will be outfitted to accommodate the expanded audience. However, AV scalability is more than just adding products to a rack. A scalable AV system is designed with modular components or unused input/output channels, allowing for incremental upgrades without requiring a complete system overhaul.
Amplifier scalability involves channel counts and, by relation, bridging channels. If Lo-Z speakers are used for the expansion, you’ll typically need an additional amplifier channel for every 2-3 speakers. However, if Hi-Z speakers are used, you may be able to add them to an existing channel if wattage is available or run several Hi-Z speakers off one additional channel. Depending on the original system design, a few channels might purposely be left unused, knowing that the House of Worship would be expanding its system in the near future.
Channel bridging combines two amplifier channels to produce one channel with increased output power, a widespread practice for powering subwoofers. Many manufacturers support channel bridging, but usually by sacrificing the second channel (in other words, the second channel can’t be used). However, a few manufacturers can bridge channels while allowing integrators to use all the remaining channels. In other words, you get twice the power on one channel for your subwoofer without losing a channel in the process, thereby adding to the system’s scaling options.
Remote monitoring: combining flexibility and scalability
When unexpected scenarios arise that require system adjustments, remote monitoring allows technicians to make changes to the system or signal routing that exceed the local team’s technical abilities. Similarly, troubleshooting steps can be performed remotely, saving time and resources associated with sending technicians to physical locations.
Remote monitoring — especially cloud-based services — is scalable, making it suitable for organizations with multiple locations or a widespread AV infrastructure. It allows technicians to oversee and manage numerous AV setups from a centralized location, ensuring consistency and control.
While cloud infrastructure and remote monitoring offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to recognize that not all providers and offerings are equal. Integrators must carefully evaluate factors such as underlying architecture, geographical reach, available services, and support options to effectively select a cloud-based solution that aligns with their requirements and objectives. By embracing cloud technology, integrators can streamline operations, deliver innovative solutions, and stay competitive in today’s dynamic AV market.
Final thoughts
Flexibility and scalability are integral to any AV system, particularly in Houses of Worship. Ultimately, staff are looking for guidance on a system that meets all their needs when they don’t always know what all those needs are. It’s a bit of a conundrum for system designers, which is why using AV components with built-in flexibility is an excellent choice for handling unexpected requests and requirements in the future. Designing a system with room to grow in channel count can also be a great way to minimize future costs and ensure the technology remains relevant and functional for congregations of all sizes.
About the author
Jeremy Smith is Marketing Manager for LEA Professional.