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Beverley
Minster, Yorkshire
Phase one if this church project was to install a
pair of Axys Intellivox loudspeaker
systems, in time for Her Majesty the Queen to visit in July 2002. The permanent
installation is now complete and full details will appear here soon (awaiting
photographs).
| In the
meantime... a press release |
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Progressive
sound company, Apple Sound, experts in the design and installation
of sophisticated systems for the Ecclesiastical market
collaborated with pro audio distributor beyerdynamic to provide a
cutting edge audio control system to Beverley Minister, in
Beverley East Yorkshire. As part of a substantial audio system
upgrade, beyerdynamic provided an intuitive control system, which
centred on AUDIA from BIAMP
and the CUE media management system.
Working closely with its sister acoustic consultancy - Apple
Dynamics, headed by Dr Paul Darlington, Apple Sound designed a
system, which would counter the massive acoustic challenges
presented by the majestic Cathedral-like Beverley Minster, and
satisfy the installation restrictions imposed by the listed
building regulations (the Church is Grade 1 listed). The system
had to be visually diminutive and very easy to operate.
Following an in-depth RASTI acoustic analysis, it was apparent
that intelligibility was the key factor as the enormous vaulted
ceilings are notorious for problems caused by reflected sound
paths. Another major issue was that the system had to be
physically invisible to meet the exacting demands imposed by the
Faculty and in accordance with Listed buildings’ regulations.
The system’s control mechanism specified by Apple relied
exclusively on BIAMP’s AUDIA – a revolutionary digital
platform and CUE’s touch screen control system – both supplied
by sole UK distributor beyerdynamic.
  Apple’s
Tim Brown collaborated with beyerdynamic’s Jon Stanley, who also
played a pivotal role in the complex installation.
Jon Stanley commented:
We wrote programming code to interface AUDIA to CUE to accommodate
their requirements through software re-writes and up-dates. The
resultant system is not only hugely intuitive, but is very easy to
operate by non-technical users. The system comprises two AUDIA C88
DSP 8x8 matrix systems linked via Cobranet, configured on a single
PC screen and downloaded into AUDIA. Feature packed, AUDIA
combines numerous audio components (EQ, dynamics, matrixing,
delay, speaker protection limiting, crossovers, level control)
into a single 2U unit – eliminating the need for bulky
unaesthetic systems support equipment.”
Apple’s Systems Designer Tim Brown explained:
“ As a design tool AUDIA is very powerful with huge flexibility.
It boasts a tremendous DSP capacity and above all it sounds
superb. As a new technology it provided the ideal solution that
met the clients requirements for “minimum visual impact and
maximum intelligibility”. The discrete nature of the
installation and its apparent simplicity does not reflect the
complexity, skill and sheer man hours that have contributed to its
success.”
The CUE system was programmed on a fail-safe basis with its
intuitive touch screen button layout. The touch screen is the only
control mechanism within the system and has been positively
received by the Vicar: the Rev Canon David Bailey.
He enthused: “ The system is amazing! We are delighted with the
work that Apple sound have put into this. They have understood our
requirements completely and been very generous with their time.”
To address the inherent acoustic challenges, Apple specified an Axis
Intellivox loudspeaker system from Netherlands based Duran
Audio. Boasting computer-controlled directivity, the system offers
minimal levels of reflected sound. Controlled and managed through
AUDA, it provides exceptional clarity, natural speech projection,
even dispersion and sonic excellence.
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As one of the largest Grade I listed Churches in Europe, Beverley
Minster boasts a vivid history dating back to the Norman Conquest.
Coincidentally, it is dedicated to St John, who amongst a plethora
of good work had healed a deaf and dumb child in the early
700’s. |
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