First Baptist Church in Carthage, Texas, has finished a major audio upgrade, replacing a PA system that had remained largely unchanged since the church’s construction in 2003. The new installation centers on Martin Audio’s Torus constant curvature array technology, which significantly improved coverage, clarity and consistency throughout the sanctuary, according to the installer. To design and install the new system, the church turned to RP AVL, led by founder Ray Priszner.
“I stepped away from a Technical Director role at a mega-church in the Houston area to found RP AVL in 2022,” begins Ray. “I missed helping churches and working alongside volunteer teams to increase their skill set in serving their local church. This project started because of a relationship with a pastor who felt called back to his home church in Texas. In his prior church I had installed a smaller Martin Audio system which he really loved.”
Over the years, the church’s worship style and musical programme had evolved beyond the capabilities of its ageing sound system. Uneven coverage, deteriorating loudspeakers and amplifiers, and a lack of intelligibility all contributed to the decision to invest in a modern solution capable of meeting both present and future requirements.
Church leadership sought a system that would provide natural, clear sound, ensure even coverage across the congregation, and remain scalable as the ministry continued to grow. Speech intelligibility was a particular priority, ensuring voices would remain clear and present within the mix.
Having previously experienced the Martin Audio Torus system at InfoComm, Ray was confident it would meet the demands. “I was very impressed with the tonality, imaging and HF coverage,” he recalls.
The sanctuary itself presented several acoustic challenges. Wider than it is deep and featuring a stepped ceiling, the room exhibited a number of frequency anomalies. Acoustic treatment formed an important part of the overall project, while Martin Audio’s Display software played a key role in system design and optimization.
“Importing the room rendering and modelling with different Martin boxes made the process seamless - ultimately choosing the Torus T820 and CDD6 to be the optimal boxes for the space,” says Ray. “I’m very impressed how accurate the Display modelling was compared to the physical deployment of the system. Using Smaart I measured numerous positions within .2db of DISPLAY’s predictions. This alone has given me additional confidence when designing and implementing Martin Audio solutions.”
The final system comprises two hangs of four Torus T820 elements per side, supplemented by a pair of SX218 dual-18in subwoofers and a pair of Martin Audio CDD6 loudspeakers for outfill coverage. Power is provided by 2 x Martin Audio iKon IK41 amplifiers.
“Using the Torus in single box resolution really helped with the coverage throughout the space,” notes Ray. “With the constant curvature design, shading to the front rows without the need for front fills was a huge win.”
He also praises the simplicity of the rigging process.
“Again, the Display 3 configuration was spot on with pick points and angles. It couldn’t have been easier using the provided hardware with no additional need.”
For outfill duties, Ray turned to Martin Audio’s CDD series, which he regards as a proven solution for houses of worship. “They have a sound that is natural and open with a great form factor. They pair well with the Torus line giving additional fill where needed giving a smooth tone extension.”
In fact, he says, the performance of the CDD loudspeakers alone made an immediate impression during commissioning.
“I had just finished tuning the CDD6s when the worship pastor walked in and was amazed at the sound. I turned and looked at him to inform him that the only thing on was the outfills. His jaw dropped. He said ‘no way. That can’t be.’ But I said yes, only the small guys!”
Low-frequency extension is provided by the SX218 subwoofers, configured to deliver smooth, even bass response throughout the room. “The SX218 each receive single driver power which gave me the ability to steer the low frequency and create more even coverage,” he says.
The improvement in audio quality has been noticed immediately by both church staff and congregation members. “We had a rehearsal where I dialed in the band and vocalists, and I worked with the volunteers on their console to get things set-up. They pointed out how big and clear the sound was and how natural it all felt. Over the weekend, long term church members made comments about being able to hear all the instruments along with the choir for the first time in their 15 years of attending the church and how the speakers weren’t distracting to the space. It was a huge win.”
Reflecting on the project, Ray believes the installation has achieved exactly what the church set out to accomplish.
“The overall project was a huge success for this client,” he concludes. “They no longer have different areas in their room where the sound is louder or softer, and the clarity and fullness of the system is allowing them to experience worship and the word as never before.”
