The Project

Sacred Heart High School required a new, high-quality PA and AV system for its chapel, designed to provide clear, consistent audio and visual coverage regardless of which orientation the space was being used in.

The chapel’s flexible layout presented a particular challenge, with the system needing to support **two different orientations** while remaining simple to operate and discreet within the existing architecture.

Heritage AV designed and installed an integrated PA and AV solution, incorporating retractable projection systems, high-performance loudspeakers and intuitive touchscreen control. The system was carefully designed to minimise its visual impact while providing the flexibility required for everyday school use, services and larger events.

Challenges

• Providing high-quality audio and video coverage throughout the chapel in two different orientations
• Ensuring consistent speech intelligibility and music reproduction across the entire space
• Integrating projection systems while maintaining a discreet and visually unobtrusive installation
• Providing simple controls so staff can easily power up the system, adjust audio levels and change between orientations
• Working within the existing architecture and making use of the chapel's flexible layout
• Providing additional low-frequency reinforcement for music and larger events
• Allowing the PA system to accommodate additional inputs from an external mixer when more complex events require increased flexibility

Key Features

Dual-Orientation AV System

The chapel is equipped with projection systems designed to support both orientations of the space.

For the altar-facing orientation, a 4m-wide 16:10 electric projection screen is discreetly mounted behind the chancel arch. Both the screen and electric winch can be concealed at high level when not in use, significantly reducing their visual impact.

The screen can also be retracted during a service, allowing the altar and window to remain visible when projection is no longer required.

A high-brightness 10,000 ANSI lumen installation-grade laser projector provides clear, high-quality images over the required distance. A long-throw lens allows the projector to be positioned discreetly within the rear window reveal on a custom mount.

Existing trolley-mounted monitors are also retained to provide visual coverage in areas where the main projection system may not be directly visible, including the chancel and choir stalls.

High-Performance PA System

The new audio system is based around an Allen & Heath AHM digital matrix processor, providing the central control and processing for the chapel's PA system.

A simple iPad interface allows authorised users to adjust volume levels and switch between the two chapel orientations without requiring specialist technical knowledge.

The system can also incorporate automated processing and optimised settings for different uses, helping provide consistent performance from service to service.

High-Quality Loudspeaker System

Nine Martin Audio CDD6 compact point-source loudspeakers provide even, high-quality audio coverage throughout the chapel.

The loudspeakers are supported by two Martin Audio subwoofers, providing additional low-frequency reinforcement for music playback and larger events.

High-quality Martin Audio amplification has been specified to ensure the loudspeakers are driven correctly and efficiently.

Flexible Wireless Microphone System

The chapel's existing three Sennheiser G4 handheld radio microphones are retained and integrated into the new system.

A new Sennheiser lapel microphone provides additional flexibility for services and presentations, while a Sennheiser antenna distribution system helps maintain reliable wireless microphone coverage throughout the chapel.

The PA system can also accept audio from the AV system and an external mixer, allowing the system to be expanded for larger events where additional inputs or more complex control are required.

Solution

Heritage AV delivered a fully integrated PA and AV system designed specifically around the chapel's dual-orientation layout.

The combination of high-performance Martin Audio loudspeakers, Sennheiser wireless microphones and an Allen & Heath digital matrix processor provides a flexible audio platform capable of supporting everything from everyday speech and school services to music and larger events.

The AV system provides high-quality projection in both orientations, with the main screen and projector installations carefully positioned to remain as discreet as possible when not in use.

Simple touchscreen control brings the system together, allowing staff to power up the system, adjust audio levels and change orientation without needing to operate complex professional equipment.

The result is a modern, flexible and discreet chapel AV system that delivers consistent sound and visual coverage while respecting the character and architecture of the space.