For the York Minister, a space designed for reverberant excitation by the choral songs of old, now plays host to a range of services and events. The goal of the project was to provide a solution capable of delivering the spoken word without distraction and reinforcing live music for a variety of events within the Cathedral.
The system specified features d&b 24C cardioid column loudspeakers along with their 24C-E extension companions on each column, with the 24C-E’s providing an additional octave of vertical pattern control down to 190Hz and alleviating the nuisance of commonly problematic low-mid frequencies. Additional d&b 16C loudspeakers, were added around the altar and in the quire. All one hundred and eight loudspeakers are powered and individually processed by 10D amplifiers, with complete control via R1 and Q-SYS integration to ensure the system is harmoniously flexible for every possible outcome.
All d&b xC-Series products deliver high intelligibility, remarkable directivity control, even off-axis frequency response and full bandwidth cardioid dispersion pattern. The incorporated 4” drivers radiate through waveguide elements at the front and via perforated metal, through damped ports at the rear of the cabinet. The resulting cardioid dispersion pattern minimizes interference caused by wall reflections in the low and mid frequency bands by 18dB – minimizing the energy dispersed on to surfaces to the rear of the loudspeaker, thus negating destructive cancellation in the listening plane.
The 24C features mechanically steerable high frequency drivers, which can be adjusted to direct the audio to where it’s needed. This allows for mounting the units completely vertically, tight up against the pillar and quite high up, yet still achieve an even audio coverage to the congregation below.
The units are narrow enough to fit within the grooves of the masonry – helping to reduce the visual impact of the installation, which is vital in a building of this type.
The challenge of the project was to design and install a sound system that would provide transparency, engagement and spiritual intimacy no matter the expression of worship. The solution ultimately needed to provide proper coverage while also complementing ornate architecture and a challenging acoustical environment.
All xC-Series products deliver high intelligibility, remarkable directivity control, even off-axis frequency response and full bandwidth cardioid dispersion pattern. The incorporated 4” drivers radiate through waveguide elements at the front and via perforated metal, through damped ports at the rear of the cabinet. The resulting cardioid dispersion pattern minimizes interference caused by wall reflections in the low and mid frequency bands by 18dB – minimizing the energy dispersed on to surfaces to the rear of the loudspeaker, thus negating destructive cancellation in the listening plane.
Alexander McCallion FRICS is Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster commented: “When we went out for tender we were inviting people to put forward solutions which included premium speaker systems. We shortlisted, interviewed and selected the d&b solution. Before we signed any contracts, we listened to this product and the clarity just from one speaker, meant that we were positive that we wanted to appoint and proceed with d&b. We’re very happy with how the system looks and of course, how it sounds. York Minster, I believe, has the best sound system on the market.”
Wigwam Sales Manager, Phil Goldsworthy noted: “The sound quality is second to none in a building of this type and the installation is incredibly sympathetic to the Minster.”
