RINGGOLD, VA —With a history that dates back to 1876, Ringgold Baptist Church has a diverse congregation and a variety of ministries guided by Pastor Dr. Steve Ellis. The church chose Big Sound Productions to overhaul the sound reinforcement system in its sanctuary using a TrueLine X3i-P line array system from WorxAudio Technologies.
“The sanctuary at Ringgold Baptist Church is approximately 80 feet long by 45 feet wide, with a sheet rock ceiling at a height of 21 feet,” said Chuck Eskey, owner of Big Sound Productions, who is pictured here with the installed gear. “The space provides fixed pew seating for approximately 300 people and worship services are fairly traditional in nature—with music provided by choral, piano, or organ performances. The stage/altar area faces into the length of the room.
“Speech intelligibility and the ability to accurately reproduce music were key considerations in the selection of the upgraded audio system,” Eskey added. “Of equal importance, a clear line of sight to the stage from any seat in the sanctuary—free from visual obstructions caused by loudspeaker enclosures—was deemed essential. For this reason, I determined that a centrally-positioned line array system made the best choice for this space.”
The TrueLineX3i-P line array, an “all-in-one” line array system incorporating three modules, each with a medium format, 1-inch exit compression driver that is paired with dual 8-inch cone transducers, is painted white to match the room’s décor. The system uses three high frequency drivers and six bass drivers.
The upper two modules of theX3i-P provide 10-degree vertical dispersion while the lower module delivers a 25-degree vertical pattern. Combined, the three modules create a 36-degree vertical system with a horizontal dispersion of 160 degrees. The system is self-powered by WorxAudio’s PMD-1.5 digital power amplifier, which delivers 1,000 watts to the low frequencies and 500 watts to the highs.
Eskey also deployed WorxAudio’s TrueAim™ Grid rigging hardware to minimize visible cable and clutter. “We flew theX3i-P at a height of 20 feet at the front center edge of the stage,” said Eskey. “The TrueAim Grid creates the impression that the system is floating in air.”
In terms of performance, “theX3i-P turned out to be ideal for this sanctuary. The system has the throw to cover the entire room and its broad 160-degree horizontal dispersion could not be better for this space. No matter where you sit, sound quality is consistent, speech intelligibility is clear and natural, and the music reproduction characteristics of the system are very musical. With the front row of the congregation positioned approximately six feet from the edge of the stage, I was initially concerned about the volume up close. As it turns out, the level is well balanced from front to rear—without blasting those seated in the front rows.”
Eskey and his crew also installed a single TrueLine X1i-P line array module behind the X3i-P cluster that faces the congregation. Angled down at the stage/altar area, this element serves as a downfill monitor, enabling those on stage to hear clearly during services. “Like the X3i-P,” Eskey said, “the X1i-P provides broad horizontal dispersion, so a single element covers the entire stage area. Both loudspeaker systems are white, so they blend seamlessly into the décor of the room.”
“The new loudspeaker system represents a dramatic departure from what we previously had,” said Pastor Ellis. “The system really is amazing. No matter where one sits, the sound quality is very natural. Speech is clear and music sounds wonderful through the system. Chuck and his crew not only selected the ideal loudspeaker setup for our sanctuary, he installed it in such a way that it delivers the full potential of the system. Our entire congregation has responded very positively to the new equipment.”
For more information, please visit www.worxaudio.com.
