Integrator : ZACS AND PHILS
Category : House of worship
Client : St. George’s Forane Church Edappally, Kochi , Kerala
Asia’s largest pilgrimage center dedicated to St. George, with roots tracing back to 593 AD, has a storied legacy. The new church, constructed a decade earlier, is an iconic structure but soon encountered significant audio challenges. Issues such as poor speech intelligibility, excessive reverberation, phase cancellations, and standing waves were prevalent due to suboptimal acoustic design, improper equipment selection, and lack of precise tuning and system calibration. These issues created difficulties for both the choir and clergy during services, compromising the worship experience.
To resolve these complex challenges, Fr. Antony Madathumpady, alongside Trustees Josekutty Pallipadan and Joy Kalambadan, and Mr. Joby Thattil, acted promptly. They enlisted the expertise of Zacs and Phils to overhaul the audio system.
The church’s space presented significant challenges due to its architectural design, particularly the high central dome and extensive granite flooring, which created a naturally reverberant environment. To address these challenges, our team conducted a thorough study of the space two months in advance, leading to a carefully considered redesign of the audio system.
The new setup features two MA12 speakers for the front-of-house (FOH) sound, paired with a PM8500N amplifier from Bose, chosen to integrate seamlessly with the existing system while enhancing sound distribution. Additionally, the advanced Behringer Wing console and S32 Stage Box were introduced—marking the first installation of this technology in a church in Kerala. These components allow for precise audio control and management, ensuring high-quality sound throughout the space.
Audio-Technica microphones, including the ATW-2120B 497M and the ES925 modular microphone system, were selected for their reliable performance and clarity. These, along with digital signal processing (DSP) units, were finely tuned to deliver clear and balanced audio, improving the overall listening experience for the congregation.
The result is a sophisticated audio setup that not only meets the church’s unique acoustic requirements but also elevates the spiritual experience with clear and immersive sound.
