Archives January 2024

Case Study: Upgrading the Audio System at First Baptist – Ocala

Background

First Baptist – Ocala sought to enhance their audio experience to support their growing congregation and diverse range of events. They required a modern, reliable, and intuitive sound system that could handle various audio demands with ease. CIAVL was tasked with designing and installing a state-of-the-art audio system tailored to their specific needs.

Objectives

  • Upgrade the existing sound system to a digital solution.
  • Provide easy-to-use personal monitor controls for musicians and presenters.
  • Ensure seamless wireless audio transmission with minimal interference.
  • Enhance overall sound quality and control flexibility.

Solution

We proposed and installed the Allen & Heath dLive DLC35 digital mixing surface, supported by the dLive MixRack and various other high-quality components. Key features of the installation included:

1. Allen & Heath dLive DLC35 Digital Mixing Surface:

  • User Interface: Equipped with 24 faders over 6 layers and dual 12” capacitive touchscreens for an intuitive, smartphone-like user experience.
  • Harmony UI: Offers the fastest workflow in the industry, enabling instant familiarization and efficient operation.
  • Tactile Control: High-grip rotary knobs with RGB illumination for precise control and instant visual orientation.

2. dLive Mix Engine and Accessories:

  • dLive-DM0 Mix Engine: Core processing unit ensuring robust performance.
  • Card Conversion Interface and Dante Interface Card: Facilitates versatile connectivity options and integration with other audio systems.
  • 10-Port PoE Hub and ME-1 Personal Monitor Mixer: Provides individual musicians and presenters the freedom to control their own monitor mixes with ease.

3. Wireless IEM System:

  • 10 Apple iPads: For wireless in-ear monitor (IEM) control, allowing users to adjust their monitor mixes remotely.
  • Sennheiser Wireless IEM System: Includes 5 wireless IEM 2-channel transmitters and 10 receivers with earpieces, ensuring clear and reliable audio monitoring.
  • RF VENUE Power and Antenna Distribution: Utilizes diversity paddle antennas to increase wireless range and reduce antenna dropout, ensuring consistent performance.

Implementation

The installation process was meticulously planned and executed to minimize disruption to the church’s activities. The Allen & Heath on-site factory training and commissioning ensured that the church staff could efficiently operate the new system.

Components Installed:

  • Allen & Heath AH-DLIVE-DLC35 Digital Mixing Surface
  • Allen & Heath AH-OLIVE-OMO Mix Engine
  • Allen & Heath Card Conversion Interfaces and Dante Interface Cards
  • Allen & Heath AH-ONSITE On-Site Factory Training and Commissioning
  • Allen & Heath AH-ME-U 10 Port PoE Hub
  • Allen & Heath AH-ME-1 Personal Monitor Mixer
  • PreSonus HP60 DA
  • Sennheiser SR 2050XP IEM Wireless IEM Transmitters and Receivers
  • RF Venue CP Beam Antennas and Antenna Combiners
  • Apple iPads for Personal Wireless IEM Control

Results

The upgraded audio system at First Baptist – Ocala has significantly improved the sound quality and user experience. The dLive DLC35’s intuitive interface and powerful capabilities have streamlined audio management during services and events. The personal monitor mixers and wireless IEM system have empowered musicians and presenters to customize their audio settings, resulting in better performances and clearer sound.

The implementation of RF VENUE’s antenna solutions has also ensured stable and reliable wireless communication, free from dropouts and interference. Overall, the new audio system has met and exceeded the church’s expectations, providing them with a robust and flexible solution for their audio needs.

Case Study: Carter G Woodson School’s Tech Makeover with CIAVL

Introduction

Carter G Woodson School in Winston Salem recently underwent a significant technological transformation for their educational spaces AV. In partnership with CIAVL, the school’s gymnasium sound system and classroom interactive smart boards were upgraded to enhance both the learning and extracurricular environments. This blog post delves into the details of this project, highlighting the innovative solutions and state-of-the-art equipment used in the upgrade.

Gymnasium Sound System Upgrade

The Challenge

The school’s original gymnasium sound system, though equipped with basic infrastructure, was challenging to operate. It required extensive knowledge and effort to use, involving a large equipment rack and a complex console setup. This complexity limited the system’s usability for various school events such as sports announcements, music performances, graduation ceremonies, and faculty meetings.

The Solution

CIAVL’s solution was to design a user-friendly system eliminating the need for an external equipment rack. The heart of this new system is the Biamp TesiraFORTE AI digital signal processor, custom-programmed to handle multiple scenarios with ease. This innovative setup allows simple, button-click operations, making the system accessible to all staff members.

Alongside this, the Extron IP Link Control processor and a 7″ TLP Pro touchscreen were installed outside the equipment room. This setup enables quick and easy control over the entire system.

Enhanced Sound Quality

The sound quality was significantly improved with the installation of 6 Renkus-Heinz CX121 600W speakers, strategically placed for optimal sound dispersion. This upgrade ensures that every event in the gymnasium is accompanied by clear, high-quality audio.

Visual Enhancement in the Gymnasium

The gymnasium’s visual capabilities were also enhanced. A PANASONIC PT-MZ880WU7 4K LCD Laser Projector with a PANASONIC ET-ELT22 2.7-4.5:1 Fixed Zoom Lens was installed. This projector, boasting a long-lasting laser light source, provides vivid visuals without frequent maintenance. The AV PRO EDGE HDMI Wall Plate, utilizing HDbaseT technology, seamlessly integrates audio from presentations into the system.

Classroom Interactive Smart Board Update

The Need

Carter G Woodson School’s classrooms required an update in their interactive smartboard technology to keep up with modern educational demands.

The Implementation

CIAVL deployed 15 NEWLINE TT-5521Q 550Q 4K LED 4K Multi-Touch Displays. These displays bring efficiency and high performance into the classroom. With enhanced security, customization options, and swift performance, they create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The Q Series smartboards, with embedded collaborative tools and various interface themes, facilitate interactive learning and remote collaboration.

Conclusion

The technological makeover at Carter G Woodson School, executed by CIAVL, showcases the impactful role of advanced audio-visual solutions in educational settings. These upgrades not only simplify operations but also enrich the educational experience for students and staff. CIAVL’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in schools paves the way for a more interactive and effective learning environment.

Stay informed about the latest in audio-visual technology for educational spaces by following our blog. Contact CIAVL for more information on how we can transform your educational or business facilities.

Case Study: High-Tech Audiovisual Installations Transform Panther Commons at High Point University

High Point University has always been at the forefront of providing its students with exceptional facilities, and the recent audiovisual overhaul at Panther Commons is no exception. Let’s dive into the exciting world of cutting-edge technology that’s reshaping the way students interact, learn, and unwind on campus.

Panther Lobby: A Fusion of Art and Technology

The moment you step into the Panther Lobby, you’re greeted by an impressive array of six Planar URX75-ERO 75” displays. Mounted in portrait mode, these screens aren’t just your average displays. Selected specifically for their portrait capabilities and 24×7 operation, these screens feature ERO (Extended Ruggedness and Optics) with Gorilla Glass, ensuring both durability and exceptional image clarity.

What’s powering these visual marvels? The content springs to life thanks to three HPU PCs, feeding into a TV ONE Corio CS310 matrix processor. This advanced setup with HDMI inputs and HDBT scaled outputs to TV ONE HD DX HDBT receivers ensures seamless content delivery. And the cherry on top? The entire system is deftly controlled via Extron, making management a breeze.

Gaming Display Lobby: Where Relaxation Meets Innovation

As you ascend to the 2nd floor, a different vibe awaits in the “gaming lounge”. Here, two Planar URX75-ERO 75” displays, mounted in landscape mode, offer a perfect haven for gaming enthusiasts. These displays are complemented by passive HDMI input plates, and students can easily control the system using Extron control touch panels. It’s a space that combines leisure and technology, inviting students to unwind and connect.

SPIN & WEIGHT Rooms: Unleashing Audiovisual Fitness

In the SPIN & WEIGHT Rooms, technology meets fitness. The SPIN audio setup boasts an Extron DMP64 audio DSP with Bluetooth receivers, perfectly tuned for primary music playback. The experience is elevated with Samson AirLine 99 AH9 Fitness wireless headsets, Sonance pendant ceiling speakers, and subwoofers powered by LEA multi-channel amplifiers. It’s an auditory experience that motivates and energizes.

The SPIN video feature adds another layer to this high-tech fitness environment. Three NEC 65 displays showcase content from the Keiser bike app, displaying data from all the bikes. This setup, connected to a Surface Pro and an Apple iPad connected to an Extron floor box DTP TX, ensures that students are always in sync with their workout metrics. And with a wall-mount touch panel and an Apple iPad GUI, control is intuitive and user-friendly.

When entering this room, you’re immediately enveloped in a dynamic, energizing atmosphere, thanks to Environmental Lights ECO FLEX NEON RGBW. With 500 feet of pixel-capable LED Neon, the room transforms into an electrifying space to shed the day’s stress. The installation, powered by 10 Micro Max 24VDC power supplies and controlled by 15 DMX512 Pixel Control Decoders, creates an immersive environment with 15 mesmerizing scenes running on a loop.

This captivating lighting setup is programmed with Madrix software and utilizes the Madrix Luna controllers to manage almost 15 universes of LED. The programming, meticulously crafted by Steve Johnson, a certified Madrix programmer, supplies the WOW factor that leaves everyone in awe.

Private Dining: An Ambiance of Elegance

In the private dining area, the ambiance shifts to a more subdued, elegant setting. The headwall glows softly, lined with RGB3000k LED tape accentuating the architectural features. Encircling the room are 40 INSIGHT Pilot Cove RGBA fixtures, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Control over this sophisticated lighting is at your fingertips, thanks to an Extron Station that allows for color selection and dimming, perfect for private events or intimate gatherings.

This technological transformation of Panther Commons at High Point University represents more than just a series of upgrades. It’s a commitment to providing students with an environment that is not only conducive to their academic success but also to their personal and social well-being. These installations blend seamlessly into the fabric of student life, offering a harmonious balance between technology, education, and leisure.

From the visually stunning displays in the Panther Lobby to the immersive lighting in the Spin Room and the elegant ambiance of the private dining area, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the student experience. The integration of state-of-the-art audiovisual technology in the SPIN & WEIGHT Rooms further demonstrates HPU’s dedication to creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspirational.

Case Study: Emmanuel Baptist Church Sound System Installation

Project Overview

CIAVL recently completed a state-of-the-art sound system installation at Emmanuel Baptist Church. This project aimed to enhance the auditory experience during services and events through advanced technology and strategic design.

Challenges

The primary challenge was to ensure optimal sound dispersion and intelligibility throughout the sanctuary, a crucial factor for engaging and impactful services. Moreover, the church required a flexible, user-friendly system capable of handling various events with different technical needs.

Solution Provided
1. Site Assessment and System Design

CIAVL conducted a thorough review of the sanctuary to understand the acoustic characteristics and user requirements. Based on the findings, CIAVL recommended the installation of professional loudspeakers from Fulcrum Acoustics, known for their high performance and immersive sound quality. These speakers feature proprietary DSP algorithms and revolutionary coaxial designs, enhancing sonic accuracy and adding depth to the auditory experience.

2. Advanced Mixing Console

The installation included two 64-channel Avantis digital mixers from Allen & Heath, placed at the Front-Of-House and in the Production Room. These mixers, part of the 96 kHz console series, are known for their high-resolution sound and versatile processing capabilities. Features include:

  • Elegant dual 15″ full HD touch screens for an immersive mixing experience.
  • 24 motorized channel faders with intuitive visual feedback.
  • Quick access to EQ, compressor, FX settings, and more.
  • Standard 12 XLR analog inputs and outputs, with additional connectivity options.
  • The Avantis-W-DPACK, equipped with DPACK DEEP and DYN8 preinstalled for advanced sound processing.
3. Seamless Connectivity

To minimize wiring and simplify setup, CIAVL implemented digital stage boxes for microphone connections, allowing audio signals to be transmitted through a single Cat-5E cable.

4. Superior Wireless Systems

The system included a Shure Axient quad wireless receiver and four wireless handheld transmitters, enhanced by RF VENUE power and antenna distribution. This setup ensures extended range and reliability, reducing the chances of antenna dropouts.

5. Equipment Housing and Power Management

All equipment was neatly organized in a 21-space equipment rack, ensuring easy access and maintenance. A power sequencer with expansion modules was installed to enable one-button on/off procedures, protecting the system from transient pops or cracks.

Results and Impact

The installation at Emmanuel Baptist Church was a resounding success, significantly improving the sound quality and user experience during services. The advanced technology and strategic design provided by CIAVL ensured:

  • Enhanced sound intelligibility and dispersion throughout the sanctuary.
  • A versatile, user-friendly system capable of supporting a wide range of events.
  • Reduced wiring complexity and maintenance needs.
  • Reliable and extended-range wireless connectivity.
  • Safe and efficient power management for the audio system.

CIAVL’s commitment to delivering tailored solutions and its attention to detail in the installation process have set a new standard for audio system installations in places of worship. The project at Emmanuel Baptist Church not only met but exceeded client expectations, demonstrating CIAVL’s expertise in integrating complex audio systems seamlessly.