SAN FRANCISCO — Actively involved in contemporary technology such as online program-ming, podcasts, MP3s and live Internet streaming of services and talk shows, Grace Cathedral recently undertook the first step in an audio upgrade, highlighted by the installation of a new Spectra-C 40 channel console from APB-DynaSonics.
This upgrade was under time constraints from the start because the first phase had to be com-pleted in a few short weeks for the installation of the new Bishop of California, a major event attended by close to 3,000 dignitaries, political and religious leaders.
According to A/V consultant Arthur Yeap of Novo Group, the project “was part of phased installation that also involved replacing an old wireless system with a new system of headworn and handheld mics and an as-sisted listening system.
“The original console was also obsolete, so we had to move quickly with a replacement,” Yeap says. The Spectra was rushed from APB in New Jersey after being measured in detail for a raised wooden enclosure for the console located in the Cathedral nave in front of a column.
“Even using the existing column speakers, which are delayed, you could hear an immediate dif-ference with the APB console,” Yeap says. “We heard it, their technical staff heard it, and we were all astounded."
David Allen Jr., chief audio engineer for Grace, noted that the sound is "much cleaner, warmer and requires much less EQ." The Cathedral’s Pastoral staff, along with Yvette Jackson, the webcast director, has also noticed the significant improvement in audio quality."
Concluding, Yeap acknowledges the other main challenge with the console: “Because of the short prep time, the operators were concerned that they might be overwhelmed by the Spectra, but that turned out fine because the board is so logically designed and well laid out. And the best part of course is that the Cathedral really loves it. In fact, they were tempted to put off the speaker installation because the sound quality was so much improved.”
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For information, please visit www.gracecathedral.org/ or www.apb-dynasonics.com/.
