This case study details the collaborative efforts between Nexus Church, Audiovision, and Jands in the successful installation of a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics sound system at Nexus Church, Brisbane. It demonstrates how the integration of high-quality audio solutions can transform community spaces to enhance auditory experiences.
The Integrator: Audiovision
Founded in 2005 by Managing Director David Riddell, Audiovision is a seasoned integrator of audiovisual and automation solutions across South East Queensland and a member of the Jands dealer network. Dave Riddell, having been involved with Nexus Church for nearly five decades, brought both personal commitment and professional expertise to the project. He led the church through the intricate process of updating their sound system to meet contemporary demands.
David Lewis, Pastor at Nexus Church, reflected on the decision, stating, “In replacing the PA, I engaged Audiovision, and another supplier, to design, quote, and demonstrate several options for us to consider. Ultimately, the decision to engage Audiovision was based on their attention to our specific needs, which was clear in the design and quotation, and their history of high-quality work.”
The Client: Nexus Church
Nexus Church is a vibrant, multi-cultural, and multi-generational Christian community in Brisbane. Known for its contemporary worship style, the church aims to create a welcoming atmosphere through both music and spoken word. The church’s progressive approach to technology has seen them maintain high-quality sound solutions that last many years before needing updates.
Challenges and Objectives
The existing audio system, though functional, had been in place for 17 years and was not delivering optimal sound quality due to its age and configuration.
“The design of the church auditorium is typically a 180-degree seating arrangement around an arc shaped stage, with a reasonable low ceiling, so covering it with a consistent SPL over the entire area has always been a challenge,” explained Mr Riddell.
Nexus Church sought after a solution that would:
1. Achieve a strong stereo image across the audience.
2. Ensure coherent bass response and coverage.
3. Deliver high-quality live music and clear spoken word.
4. Provide even coverage to every seat.
5. Provide optimal sound imaging at the mix position.
6. Opt for a unified brand for all sound components.
7. Receive robust support from the supplier.
8. Preview system capabilities prior to purchase.
9. Avoid interference with stage sightlines.
Solution Evaluation and collaboration with Jands
The initial contact between Jands and Audiovision occurred at Integrate 2023, where David Riddell met with Thomas Kelly, Senior Systems Engineer at Jands. Their discussion evolved over several additional meetings, during which they collaboratively developed a solution that addressed the rigging and electroacoustic design challenges to meet the specifications required by the church.
Audiovision explored various solutions with Jands, including the L-Acoustics A10 series, which ultimately met all the church’s stringent criteria. L-Acoustics, founded in France in 1984, is renowned for developing premium sound systems for high-end venues, and it’s exclusively distributed in Australia by Jands, a leading distributor of world-leading audiovisual solutions since 1970.
After presenting two design options, the final design was chosen, and a demonstration was made to ensure the church would have the right solution for their needs.
From initial contact to the final installation, Jands supported Audiovision’s design vision. “Jands has been very accommodating of our hands-on experience and design goals,” Dave Riddell recalled.
“During a comprehensive demonstration of the system, Scott Harrison (Jands) was on hand to give guidance and answer questions regarding how our PA was deployed and the impact those decisions had on our real-world use case,” noted Pastor Lewis.
Final System Design
The system included:
• Left/right 3 box hangs of 2 x A10i Focus and 1 x A10i Wide on each side.
• Sidefill coverage using 1 x A10i Focus and 1 x A10i Wide.
• 2 x KS21i subs in cardioid configuration, flown behind each hang.
• DSP/Amplification through 3 x LA4X 4-channel amplified controllers.
Installation and Results
The installation, completed over three days in December 2023. “When the full installed system was demonstrated to the team at Nexus, everyone was blown away by the absolute quality of the speakers and coverage of the auditorium,” Riddell remarked.
Installation was followed by extensive system calibration by Scott, who spent a day testing, aligning and tuning the system to ensure that coverage across the entire floor space was optimal, and matched the results as simulated in Soundvision.
“In a room like ours, which is wide and shallow, creating a system that provides even coverage is a difficult task, but it is one that Audiovision and Jands completed very successfully and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.” said Pastor Lewis.
Conclusion
The project was a resounding success, achieving all design goals with the new L-Acoustics system. Pastor Lewis summed up the experience: “It was an absolute pleasure to engage Audiovision to design and install a PA customised to our specific environment and use case.” The partnership between Nexus Church, Audiovision, and Jands highlights the power of collaboration and innovation in creating spaces that resonate with clarity and purpose.
