Gateway Church Gets Sound System Makeover in a week

Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by Billy McCarthy

Earlier this year, Gateway Church of Findlay, OH received a sound system makeover from CTS Audio. Their original sound system was built with quality components; however, the components were not set up to maximize their effectiveness and produce the quality sound they are capable of. CTS’s goal was to give Gateway Church a sound facelift in less than a week.

Picture of the Mobile FOH Console Cart with M7CL-48.

CTS Audio began by moving all audio equipment from a tech mezzanine to a mobile FOH cart on the main floor.  The team then changed out the enormous old analog desk for a new, compact Yamaha M7CL-48 digital console. The amplifier rack and loudspeakers were re-wired and a new BSS BLU-800 DSP unit added in for loudspeaker control. The existing EAW KF730 line arrays were re-hung to cover the main floor better and angled to keep extraneous sound off of the back wall.

Picture of the EAW KF730 line arrays.

The results of the one week sound system makeover went beyond improving the sound in the room. The technical team experienced an infusion of new energy because they now had the proper tools to perform their jobs well. Members of the worship team also shared in a renewed desire to play with passion because they knew that they could be heard clearly throughout the entire auditorium. The congregation has noticed the dramatic improvement in the sound system and church leadership has witnessed a more engaged and energetic audience during worship and a more attentive crowd during the sermons. Mike Norman, technical director at Gateway Church said, “We have been inundated with compliments, the likes of which we have never experienced before. Instead of stares, glares, and mean comments about how painful it is to endure a service, we now hear of how powerful and amazing the environment has become”.

The Makeover ensured that every seat experieced the message and the worship.