Project Overview
St Margaret’s Church, Halstead required a modernised sound and AV system that would significantly improve speech clarity, music playback, and usability, while remaining sympathetic to the church’s architecture. The brief prioritised simplicity of operation, discreet aesthetics, and flexibility for future expansion, supporting both regular worship and wider community use.
Challenges
- Inconsistent sound coverage and limited clarity from the existing system
- Desire for minimal visual impact within a traditional church interior
- Requirement for a system that could be easily operated by volunteers
- Need for improved wireless microphone reliability throughout the building
- Future-proofing for livestreaming, media playback, and events
Solution
A new sound system was designed around a flexible digital audio platform, allowing St Margaret’s to choose between an ultra-discreet column array solution or a more cost-effective point source loudspeaker system, both providing full coverage of the nave and chancel. In both options, the chancel benefits from an independent volume control, allowing speech and music levels to be finely balanced between spaces.
The preferred ultra-discreet design uses slim column array loudspeakers positioned on either side of the chancel arch, with additional compact arrays serving the chancel. This approach delivers highly intelligible speech with minimal visual impact. A discreet subwoofer extends the system beyond speech-only use, providing warmth and depth for music and multimedia playback.
All loudspeakers are powered by a high-quality, ultra-efficient amplifier housed in a secure vestry rack. The system is controlled by an Allen & Heath digital matrix processor, offering advanced routing, optimisation, and future expansion while remaining completely tamper-proof once programmed.
Control & Usability
To ensure ease of use, the system is operated via a custom-programmed wireless touchscreen controller, with clearly labelled presets for different services and events. An additional iPad interface allows wireless control from anywhere within the church, ideal for visiting clergy, rehearsals, or venue hire.
A bespoke control housing was designed and manufactured to discreetly accommodate system control, Bluetooth audio playback, AV inputs, and projector control at the rear of the nave. The housing is lockable and finished to suit the church interior.
Microphones & Audio Inputs
- Three new wireless microphones with antenna distribution for reliable coverage
- New high-quality lectern microphone with improved sensitivity and clarity
- Two hanging choir microphones to enhance choral sound in the nave
- Provision for future ambient and congregation microphones to support livestreaming
- Bluetooth audio input plate in the nave for simple playback from modern devices
Visual System
The existing projection system was upgraded to a 4K UHD laser installation projector, mounted discreetly at the rear of the church. A 3m-wide electric projection screen is recessed high within the chancel arch, minimising visual impact when not in use while providing bright, clear images for services and events.
Outcome
The completed system delivers clear, intelligible speech, richer musical reproduction, and intuitive control, all while preserving the architectural integrity of St Margaret’s Church. The upgrade provides a future-ready platform that supports worship, community events, and potential livestreaming, ensuring the church is well-equipped for years to come.
