As part of the ongoing mission of Betel UK, the addiction recovery charity is expanding its operations to build a creative community hub in the center of Birmingham. Its new headquarters – Anchor Point – is a multi-purpose space designed to host everything from dance and acting classes to live performances to services led by Anchor Point Church, Betel’s own local outreach.
To meet the demands of this dynamic and flexible environment, Betel’s leadership wanted a dependable, high-performance audio system capable of delivering clarity and impact across multiple event types. Recommended by a construction company working on site, Betel’s tech decision makers partnered with trusted KV2 Audio installation specialist, NoiseBoys, to bring the space to life.
“We were tasked with providing a system that is capable of delivering extremely high-quality sound throughout multiple spaces,” begins Josh Nisbet, Installation Manager for NoiseBoys. “It had to be industry-recognized and rider-friendly so that it would be easy to use by those who hire out the space for concerts and shows.”
As one building with multiple uses, several interconnected systems were needed to tie the zones together. KV2 Audio was chosen for the expandable Main Auditorium, theatre, and dance studio used by Anchor Point Church based on proven performance and Betel’s previous positive experience with the brand. “The church had used KV2 in the past and was keen for it to be installed again in the new building,” says Nisbet.
“For the main auditorium we chose the ES Series for its high output in a small footprint,” he continues. “It’s configured in a left-center-right configuration to optimize coverage. Three ES1.0 loudspeakers serve as the main channels, delivering powerful and precise sound at the front of the space. Low frequency support comes from a combination of ES2.6 and ES2.5 subwoofers to ensure deep, impactful bass.”
To maintain clarity for audience members seated near the stage, six compact ESD5 speakers are used as front fills, along with ESD10 loudspeakers deployed as a delay line to reinforce audio in the rear of the room, keeping the sound consistent and intelligible across all seating areas.
“In the smaller dance and drama areas are two ESD12 and two ESD10 loudspeakers, along with two EX1.5 subwoofers. These areas were also used for the church services when the auditorium was undergoing renovations,” Nisbet adds. The smaller performance areas can open up to become part of the main auditorium, expanding its capacity from 600 seats to 1,000. “Keeping the same loudspeaker voicings throughout the different zones helps to maximize flexibility from one event to the next.”
As part of the larger system, NoiseBoys designed a sophisticated mixing console and DSP package from control and management, allowing technicians to adjust volume and choose different sources in each room via a wireless device, often changing day to day for new activities. “KV2’s loudspeakers are ideal for the church’s needs,” says Nisbet. “What goes into a KV2 system is exactly what comes out, making it perfect for everything from a spoken-word event to a high-energy gig.
“This has been a substantial project that’s taken several years to complete,” he adds. “It’s been one of our biggest KV2 installs to date.” Across Anchor Point’s various performance and gathering spaces, the sound is consistently clear, intelligible, and immersive – whether it’s a live worship band, an intimate drama class, or a large-scale conference. “Betel is an internationally recognized charity, so they had the privilege of having Anchor Point opened by Prince William,” remarks Nisbet on the significance of the new headquarters.
“We have such a wide range of events taking place here,” says Tim Gardener, a Pastor and Worship Director at Anchor Point Church. “The main auditorium spaces are used for events ranging from spoken-word, teaching and corporate training away-days, to weddings, gospel concerts, community theatre, dance performances, and everything in between – and the ES system consistently delivers outstanding results across them all. Speech is clear and intelligible, even in the largest gatherings, while live music has all the depth, power, and clarity you’d could ask for.
“The new system gives me the confidence that we can support our creative team in whatever they dream up,” Gardener continues. “Immersive shows with cast members wandering amongst the audience, cat-walk dance shows with a thumping DJ, and Christmas carols are just a few of the performance styles we have supported in recent months - each with unique challenges for staging and sound reinforcement that have been ably met by our KV2 system.”
Designed to be as flexible as the space itself, the system adapts to the needs of each event, delivering precision where clarity is key and power where energy is essential. The KV2 system not only enhances the everyday experience for all who use the venue, but also echoes the values at the heart of Betel’s mission – “to provide an accessible and inspiring hub for creativity and community.”
For further information, please visit www.kv2audio.com
