User Guide

Sound System Design Reference Manual
Case Study A: A Speech and Music
System for a Large Evangelical Church:
1. Basic Description and Specifications:
The fan shaped architectural design shown in
Figure 7-7 is common for modern evangelical
churches in that it accommodates many people, all
seating positions with good sightlines. The major
acoustical problem is likely to be the curved front
fascia of the balcony and the curved back wall itself.
If not properly treated, these surfaces can cause
severe reflections back to the platform. In many
cases, such spaces are designed with an
overabundance of absorbing material, making the
room quite dead. There is then a need for a very
robust speech-music reinforcement system to
provide a feeling of ambience and acoustical
envelopment.
7-9
Figure 7-7. Evangelical church, plan and sections views