Design, Installation and Project Management
From simple speech reinforcement to fully processor-controlled solutions — the right system for the venue, the acoustics and the people who use it.
30 years of installed sound
The Sound Analysts team has 30 years' experience in designing and installing sound systems in churches of all sizes and denominations, and our projects team has been behind some very high-profile installations.
In 2014, MD Andy Callin collected an award on behalf of clients for the Best Installed Sound Project at the Pro Sound News Awards for the new auditorium sound system in the Royal Albert Hall. In 2018, when the venue created a new in-house sound department, Andy was part of the decision-making team selecting the manufacturer for this prestigious installation. It's not size that matters though — it's about getting the right solution for the job.
We provide professional advice on all aspects of installed PA and hearing assistive systems, guiding clients through the myriad of choices, using our experience to provide the best value and the solution that delivers the best listening experience.
Why Choose Sound Analysts?
Analytical Solutions
Designs based on measurement and the real acoustic environment of your venue.
Best-Value Equipment
Recommendations that deliver the best solution and listening experience for the budget.
Full Faculty Support
Complete support through faculty and approval processes for listed and church buildings.
Experienced design & installation for system upgrades
As in all technology sectors, the design and functionality of sound systems is constantly evolving. Not everyone requires a total replacement system, so we'll often upgrade specific parts as required — which can breathe new life into older equipment.
Currently the most popular upgrade for smaller systems is replacing analog control equipment (the mixer, graphic equaliser, compressor etc.) with a single digital unit, linked to a hardwired digital controller or iPad via a local WiFi network.
Most churches rely on radio systems for the majority of the spoken word, yet many contend with poor functionality, sound quality, reception and interference. Hardware rationalisation and the addition of aerial management can make a huge difference to the performance of such systems.
Hearing loop systems that actually work
There's a legal and moral obligation for all venues to provide facilities for those with hearing difficulties. On average, 50% of the venues we assess — from churches to concert venues — have loop systems that either don't work at all or significantly under-perform. A properly working system transforms the listening experience.
Under the Equality Act 2010, service providers are required to make 'reasonable adjustments' to accommodate disabled service users, including those who wear hearing aids. The code of practice for loop systems is set out in BS 7594-2011 and the performance application EN 60118-4 2006.
Whilst the concept of a loop system is fairly straightforward, correct application can be anything but. Incorrectly fitted systems interact with PA and video equipment; electric guitars and backline amplification are very susceptible to interference. Older churches with stone floors, or buildings with structural metalwork in the same plane as the loop, need specialist design to ensure an adequate and even field strength throughout.
We have installed a huge diversity of systems — from straightforward perimeter loops to multiple arrays with cancellation zones in multi-screen cinemas, and just about every permutation in between. As accredited designers and installers, we ensure every system is fit for purpose and appropriately certified.
Design & installation of acoustic treatment
Sound reflecting off hard walls and ceilings within multi-purpose venues often makes the environment challenging for communication and privacy. The volume of speech needs to increase to rise above the base noise level created by echo and reverberation — and the problem exacerbates as people raise their voices to communicate above the din.
Bringing the reverberant energy in the room down prevents the volume of sound from building up into a wall of sound. As little as 15% of the wall surface covered with acoustic panels will create a warm acoustical environment, free from the build-up of sound energy.
As the base level volume decreases, so does the need to speak loudly. With less volume to contain, privacy issues become less of a concern — and by speaking in a pleasant, conversational tone, the nuances of the conversation are far more accurate and less prone to misinterpretation. The acoustically treated room becomes a more versatile and usable space.
Case Studies
A selection of recent installation projects.
St Peter's Church, Old Woking
A state-of-the-art audio installation for a Grade I listed 12th-century church.
Read case study →
Shakespeare's Globe, London
A redesigned hearing loop for one of the world's most famous theatres.
Read case study →
All Case Studies
Churches, theatres and venues across the South East.
View all →Discuss an installation project
Andy and the team would be happy to visit your venue and talk through the options.
Email andy@soundanalysts.co.uk Call 01483 715300