Project Details: Basilica of Saint Mary
Minneapolis, MN
November 2007
Introduction
In November 2007, Audio Video Electronics completed an audio system renovation that corrects sound problems that have plagued the Basilica for years.
The Basilica of Saint Mary is proud to unveil a renovation that will change the way Masses and performances are understood and enjoyed.
Acoustics
;)
The acoustics of the Basilica were designed for choral sound, rather than spoken word. Consequently, clergy and other speakers had to be specially trained to pause after every three or four syllables to compensate for the echo in the enormous room. The challenge of retro-fitting a space like the Basilica is maintaining the integrity of the historic building while dramatically improving the sound characteristics. AVE had to employ new technology as no room alterations such as sound treatment would have been acceptable.
Audio
;)
As the system design unfolded AVE chose the Duran Audio Intelivox DDS loudspeakers to be installed on the two central columns that flank the altar. They 16ft. tall but only 7" wide and 6" deep. Further they are painted to match the marble of the church so they are hardly visible. Multiple cones inside the speakers are all specially amplified and digitally directed. The speaker system actually projects a narrow vertically thin layer of sound across the tops of the pews, providing clear and even sound coverage throughout the congregation without exciting this very live space.
Smaller speakers were placed in the side columns for full sound coverage and permanent outdoor speakers were added to the front of the church to accommodate overflow and events held on the plaza.
Additional Information
The Basilica hosts a wide range of liturgical and public events and with the installation of a full digital mixing console and two Crestron touch panels they can accomodate all situations. For sound performance events the sound can be honed to perfection with the full console. For everyday masses, any clergy or staff can utilize easy to use Crestron touch-screen panels, one located right in the Sanctuary, to control volume and coverage with the simple custom designed interface.
Sound feeds for press coverage were also added to the sound desk, allowing television and radio reporters to record sound directly from the system.
Finally the switch from analog to digital allows for 256 channels of uncompressed audio delivered via one digital CAT5 cable.
"The improved sound is a true gift - a gift what will benefit our parishoners each time they visit The Basilica" Emily Hjelm, Dir of Development at the Basilica of Saint Mary
Additional Images
;)
;)