A Martin Audio O-Line micro line array system was recently installed in Washington DC’s historic Capitol Hill Baptist Church by Audio-Video Group of Frederick, Maryland.
Describing the upgrade, John Pierce, director of Sales for Audio-Video Group, recalls: “We were called in for an initial consultation regarding an audio upgrade about four years ago. After that and subsequent product demos, they hired a consultant to do the design but we are an original designer and fully engaged in the entire process.”
Matt Merker, Pastoral Assistant for the church, adds, “Our sound system hadn’t been updated in 30 years which resulted in uneven coverage depending on where you were seated and a lack of intelligibility for speech. We needed more even coverage and better clarity because it was disheartening that our preacher and singers worked hard to prepare meaningful worship services, and our congregants might not hear or understand what they were saying. Instead, they would be spending mental energy just to hear versus being in the moment and experiencing the message.”
Describing the solution, Pierce points out: “The system consists of two stacks of 12 Martin Audio O-Line boxes a side flown above the platform. There are also two smaller stacks of two O-Line speakers for delays that cover the West Hall of the church and the library which is used for overflow seating. The mains are powered by a Martin Audio iK81 with 4-box resolution.”
In terms of challenges, he explains, “The church was never acoustically treated so it’s very live sounding and reactive. That, plus it’s a very historical space, so there’s a lack of cable pathways and an attic that’s over 100 years old. They were also very particular about choosing an integrator with experience working in historical spaces which is what we’re known for.”
