Cathedral: Example of a large scale audio system for a cathedral or church

Below is an example of how a typical large scale audio system for a church or cathedral may be configured. Included are premium microphones, amplifiers and speakers. This type of set up would be more than able to cater for Churches where a full band, orchestra or additional performances may take place.

Other requirements for your audio installation?

Microphones and Wireless System

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A whole range of Shure microphones has been used in this example, covering all of the needs of a large Church audio system. The above microphone selection covers the needs of Worship Leaders (wireless Shure WL50 lapel microphones), Lecturn microphones and mics for the pulpit. Also included are a range of microphones for a band, covering vocals, guitar and bass, and drum microphones.

This range of premium microphones offers full flexibility for the wired and wireless needs of a large Church or Cathedral.  

Shure UR4D receivers are part of the flagship UHF-R system and provide single and dual-channel options for premium wireless performance.

Processing

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Everything would then be fed into a mixing console, allowing full control over the various channels.

The SC28 is a 2 input, 8 output digital system controller containing pre-programmed tunings for QSC loudspeaker systems.  In addition to the preset tunings, the SC28 also offers user-adjustable equalization and delay. Simple to operate yet uncompromised in audio quality, the SC28 uses 48 kHz, 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion with 32-bit, floating point DSP for wide dynamic range and low distortion. Advanced DSP is capable of implementing tunings that incorporate IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) as well as FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filters.

Amplifiers and Speakers

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A QSC Installation Line Array (ILA) would typically be used in a large Church installation. They feature a huge 140° dispersion, selectable bi-amp/tri-amp operation, and are available in black or white.

Three K10 speakers are used for floor monitors. They are lightweight and portable powered speakers with legendary QSC amplifier power and reliability with 1000 watt continuous Class D power per speaker.

In this example the premium QSC 'Powerlight' amplifiers have been used. With power from 1250 watts to 4000 watts per channel at two ohms, all in a two-rack space chassis that are only 15.6" (40 cm) deep and 22 lbs (10 kg), QSC PL3 amplifiers are a great solution for the most demanding concert, install and live sound applications.

Both St. Pauls Cathedral and Westminster Abbey rely on QSC amplification.

At a glance

  • Full control of sound and sound design
  • Multi function audio system for large scale Cathedral installation
  • Opportunity for a full band or orchestra to perform
  • Range of microphones for Priests, Worship Leaders, Choirs, and additional guest speakers
  • Automatic feedback elimination

Product Overview

Microphones:
Shure:
MX418/N
MX391W
MC50
Beta 58A
Beta 57A
DMK57-52
KSM137
Wireless System:
Shure:
UHF-R Wireless Systems
UR4D+ Dual Wireless Receiver
UR1 Bodypack Transmitter
Digital Signal Processing:
QSC:
SC28
Amplifiers:
QSC:
PowerLight 3 Series
Speakers:
QSC:
ILA - Installation Line Array
K-Series Loudspeakers
Direct Box:
Radial:
ProD2 

Checklist

If you want assistance with your audio installation you can:

This solution diagram at a glance

Audio Solution for a large House of Worship
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Alternative audio solution examples for Houses of Worship

The example illustrates a typical low-cost but high quality audio system requirement for a church.

An example illustrating a full sound system with automatic control of the microphones and Digital Signal Processing of the system for a church with multiple microphone options.