Acoustics
Hearing echos and mechanical noise during the spoken word irritates us too.
Let’s review classic problems every denomination struggles with:
Reverberation Control
Reverberation is sound that is heard long after the “original” sound ends (i.e. echo in a gym). An echo over 2 seconds can be distracting and compromise speech clarity.
Listen to this audio recording with and without echo:
With the aid of computer modeling we SEE where these echoes travel (Fig.1), develop a plan to reduce their reflections and ensure the finished treatment looks like an architectural feature (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1: The blue lines represent sound reflections. We identify walls causing bad reflections, then apply acoustic material.
Fig. 2: The wall below the windows is covered with acoustic material.
Mechanical Systems Noise
Got hums and buzzing when lights are dimmed, rumbling sounds when air-conditioners turn on/off?
We study electrical and HVAC plans and identify the source of the noise. New construction? We review mechanical plans to preempt the problem.
Fig. 3: Bad - Contact between Electrical and AV wires
Fig. 4: A well designed HVAC system
Stage Volume Control
“Does the band have to play so loud?”
Think big picture for a minute…
​
-
Are the walls and floor around your musicians hard materials?
-
Are stage monitors bigger than a bread box?
-
Are there instruments on stage not controlled by the main sound board?
-
Does your worship team skip rehearsals or sound checks?
If you answered YES to any of the above, call and ask for Fenicia