Buist’s Audio Visual Department led an upgrade project at St. Robert of Newminster Church in Ada, MI. The project goal was to improve the existing sound system in the main sanctuary. To achieve this, the AV team designed and installed two 100 lb column array speakers positioned between the wooden supports above the altar and in the organ loft. The upgrade also involved the integration of cutting-edge features such as a new pulpit microphone, a wireless mixer control, and microboom microphones, elevating the overall audio experience for the congregation.
The project encountered several unique challenges that demanded innovative solutions. The team knew that the removal of the old speakers, and mounting of the new ones was going to be challenging, given the height, lift restrictions, and mounting restrictions required. The speakers were to be mounted within the support structure, or “tree”, on the altar. In order to achieve this, a custom-made side-mounted pole solution within the “tree” was created and used for speaker installation.
The team worked meticulously with scaffolding to ensure safe and efficient installation. The project even required a special cantilever section to be built by the scaffolding company to make mounting the speakers possible. After the cantilever was assembled, the team only had 2-3 days to mount and connect everything for the speakers. To finish within the time constraints, one AV team was up in the scaffolding mounting the speakers, and the other AV team was staging all equipment and technology.
Once the installation was complete, the AV team completed testing of the speakers and final work to properly aim and position the speakers. It was crucial that the speakers allowed sound to simultaneously reach all areas of the room and with consistent vibration to ensure the best experience for the congregation. One of the Buist team members even attended a Mass on Sunday to listen and ensure everything sounded and worked correctly.
Through our commitment to Raising The Standard and our dedication to client satisfaction, Buist’s AV Department successfully delivered an upgraded sound system that significantly enhanced worship experiences and events within the main sanctuary of St. Robert of Newminster Church.
