1 of 2
Using Tannoy's VQ Series loudspeakers instead of a line array saved this project something in the region of $500,000,” says consultant, Michael Garrison
2 of 2
One of the most interesting and unique aspects of the installation is the central subwoofer cluster that sits directly in the middle of two large video screens, described by one onlooker as ‘hiding in plain sight’.
Overlooking Guatemala City, the recently opened Casa de Dios is one of Central America's latest architectural wonders. This impressive structure is the latest achievement for Pastor Cash Luna and his followers, with years of careful planning and fundraising finally giving them a new home, one that has space for a congregation of over 12,000 in the main hall, as well as satellite youth churches on either side of the main building.
As with any modern house of worship, the audio visual element was carefully planned from the start, with Fresno, California-based Michael Garrison Associates, Pastor Luna's chosen partner for the AV and lighting installation, working with the architect from the initial stages, adapting the overall design to accommodate a system that would cope with all that was required.
A long time user of Tannoy products in many installations in the US, Michael turned to the company for a possible answer. Integrated with cutting edge digital signal processing, network control and dual channel Class D amplification, the Tannoy's VQNET line is a self-powered, networked variant of the company's flagship VQ Series of high performance, high SPL sound reinforcement system.
“Initially, we looked at that and a couple of other brands,” says Garrison. “When we modelled all of it, we were very surprised to find that, in the computer modelling, the Tannoy VQ system - an exploded cluster for the main and two delay rings of satellite delay speakers - actually exceeded the max sound level of a very fine line array system, and with much smoother coverage. When we showed the coverage to the pastor and the cost comparison, his mind was made up. Using VQ instead of a line array saved this project something in the region of $500,000.”
One of the most interesting and unique aspects of the installation is the central subwoofer cluster that sits directly in the middle of two large video screens, described by one onlooker as ‘hiding in plain sight'.
“We could tell very early on that the computer modelling and the real life performance was matched very closely,” Garrison adds. “So this is one of the smoothest systems from the perspective of evenness of coverage; side to side, front to back, it falls well within a plus-or-minus 2-dB variation, it's actually a little bit better than that. It's punchy, it's concert levels, it's ‘thump your chest' kind of levels, so we're very happy with it, the pastor is happy with it, and the sound people are very happy with it.”