Apex Baptist Church in North Carolina upgraded its sanctuary audio system with a Martin Audio WPS Wavefront Precision line array as part of a system redesign completed by S&L Integrated.
The church wanted to improve speech intelligibility and audio coverage, particularly in and around its deep balcony. According to S&L Integrated, the sanctuary’s reflective side walls, long reverberation times, flutter echo and acoustic shadowing created additional challenges for both spoken-word and music reinforcement. The space is used for Sunday worship as well as musical events, holiday productions, youth gatherings and conferences.
S&L Integrated combined acoustic treatment with a Martin Audio WPS system. The main system includes flown hangs of 10 Martin Audio WPS elements per side. Three flown SXHF218 subwoofers are arranged in a cardioid configuration, while six FlexPoint FP6 loudspeakers provide front fill and six FP4 loudspeakers cover the upper balcony.
The system is powered by three Martin Audio iKON iK81 and three iK42 amplifiers. S&L Integrated also used Martin Audio’s DISPLAY software to model the sanctuary and determine system positioning and dimensions.
“The room sounds open, warm, and exceptionally clear,” said Gage Helton, director of operations at S&L Integrated. “Vocals sit effortlessly on top of the mix without ever feeling harsh or pushed, and the low-end coupling from the flown cardioid sub array gives worship music a visceral, high-fidelity impact without room boominess.”
According to Helton, church leadership, worship staff and congregants have responded positively to the new system, particularly the improved clarity of sermons and music.
