First Nexo STM line array system for HOW in USA
Published: WORSHIP
USA: The 5,000-seat Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, WA, has installed a Nexo STM modular line array system, the first to go into a house of worship in the USA. The installation includes STM M46 and M28 cabinets, as well as GEO S12 modules.
Each week, Overlake Christian Church (OCC) is filled with a variety of events as well as Christian services. The 5,000-seat sanctuary has been in operation for close to 20 years with an average weekly attendance of 3,500.
The modular Nexo STM system replaces equipment that was installed in the church when it originally opened. The system design and installation was performed by Lynwood-based Morgan Sound following a comprehensive study of the acoustical space and available rigging points.
The worship at OCC is contemporary, with a typical setup consisting of seven to eight musicians and four to five additional vocalists. Because the space is large, it is also used for large-scale regional Christian concerts and conferences. ‘The OCC technical staff is highly experienced in dealing with tours,’ stated Stephen Weeks, A/V consultant, Morgan Sound, Inc. ‘In the past, when a tour came through, speaker systems and production would be brought in from outside, necessitating a substantial investment of time and resources to fly the PA system. The STM installation will provide a top-of-the-line tour-grade audio system for the church, visiting production tours and conferences.’
The main STM system consists of 10 Nexo M46 mid-high modules coupled with 10 B112 low-frequency modules per cluster in a left/right configuration. Three Nexo M28 downfill speakers per side are attached under the main arrays and two GEO S1230 speaker clusters each with three modules were installed for balcony outfill. A total of 12 Nexo S118 subwoofers are flown in the centre of the church in cardioid mode to facilitate even subwoofer coverage throughout the whole space. The amplifier complement includes 13 of the manufacturer’s Nxamp4x4 controller/amplifiers and two Nxamp4x1s giving a total of 212,800W of power. All the amplifiers are connected via Dante for maximum flexibility.
‘The Nexo STM really sounds extraordinary,’ said Mr Weeks. ‘It is very linear in the vertical and horizontal planes and this translates to an excellent experience, no matter where you are in the room. I would especially highlight the high frequency detail – even 40m away, you can hear every nuance. The new rigging system is very intuitive and made the speaker hang and angle adjustment very easy!’
Morgan Sound also installed a Yamaha CL5 digital audio console at front of house and a second on stage in the monitor position. Two Yamaha Rio3224-D input/output boxes are used as the snake system. With Dante networking, the CLs are routinely used for multitrack recording and virtual sound check. Dante also connects to a Yamaha DM1000 with a Dante MY card in the broadcast booth for additional recording capability. ‘Dante is really an amazing tool and OCC is taking full advantage of it,’ added Mr Weeks. A Yamaha DME64 digital mix engine was installed to provide signal distribution and EQ. ‘Yamaha and Nexo’s design and technical expertise for this project was really stellar. It illustrates how good manufacturer and A/V contractor relationships can produce fantastic results!’
Charlie Morgan, president of Morgan Sound, added, ‘The support from Yamaha and Nexo was extraordinary. Not only was product staged for an on-demand delivery date, we also benefitted from the expertise of the Nexo training and technical staff during the final phases of commissioning. Our partnership with OCC and the Nexo staff at Yamaha ensured a complete and successful installation in the narrow time slot allotted.’
‘We are extremely pleased with the stunning performance of the Nexo STM system,’ stated Marc Breda, technical arts director at the church. ‘It has surpassed our goal of making a 5,000-seat room feel intimate for speaking and worship. Nexo, Yamaha and Morgan Sound have provided remarkable support from the initial design to completion of the final installation.’
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