In addition to spoken dialog, music assumes an integral role in Emmaus Church services. To ensure clarity and natural sound reproduction, church management recently elected to upgrade the sound reinforcement system with the Artec Series loudspeakers from Valencia, Spain-based DAS Audio.
Props AV of Beaumont, CA, an AV design / build firm that also has a live events production division, was contracted to design and deploy the church’s new sound system. Michael Betancourt, the company’s general manager and member of Emmaus Church, ultimately deployed a system consisting of DAS Artec 320 installation line array elements augmented by Artec 322S subwoofers for the low frequency, along with two Artec 306 passive point source enclosures. All loudspeakers are painted white to blend in with the sanctuary’s aesthetics.
“For this audio system upgrade,” Betancourt explains, “we elected to fly a center mono cluster of six Artec 320 loudspeakers over the altar / stage area. These enclosures are supported by three Artec 322S subwoofers flown directly behind the Artec 320s with the middle sub being in a cardioid position to reduce the low end sound pressure at the altar.
“Additionally, the sanctuary has a ‘wing’ area off to the left as you face the stage. To ensure coverage here, we placed two Artec 306 loudspeakers. For amplification, we used a single DAS DX-80i 4-channel power amp to drive the center cluster and the subwoofers. We also used a DAS IA-402 stereo power amp to drive the two Artec 306 loudspeakers.”
When asked about those attributes that made the DAS Audio equipment the ideal choice for this installation, Betancourt offered the following, “First and foremost was the Artec Series’ excellent sound quality for both music reproduction and speech intelligibility. Secondly, the dispersion characteristics of these loudspeakers made for a nice directional sound—eliminating the need for any sound treatments to reduce echo. Further, the compact size of the enclosures made for a very clean installation that doesn’t distract while flying the subs kept the alter area clean of any obstruction or from overpowering the first few rows with low-end.”
The new sound system at Emmaus Church was installed during April 2019 and its ‘premiere’ performance occurred on Good Friday. Since that time, Betancourt reports the system is exceeding all expectations.
“The new DAS system’s performance is so much better than before. It’s an unbelievable difference. Lead pastor Forrest Short agrees, “I can say with confidence the new sound system has helped us become more effective in our mission. It delivers a clarity and focus to our worship gatherings in a way that has been broadly experienced by our congregation. I am happy to say it has met and exceeded my hopes.”
