After tackling acoustic treatment and optimizing the current AVL systems during a previous project, Church at the Crossing reached out to Lucid as their old amplifiers kept failing. They had spares, but after 18 years it was time to replace the loudspeaker system. Matt reached out in January and we got the ball rolling.
We did an extensive sound check with the pastor and a headset microphone during that previous project, but it just would not work. Gain before feedback was too low and the EQ required made his voice sound thin. A wireless handheld got the job done but really hindered communication and expression for Pastor Lee.
We needed a system that would support the worship experience and have headroom to grow and support modern worship music. We also knew that tight pattern control was critical so the pastor could use a headset microphone. After looking at several options, the loudspeakers from Fulcrum Acoustic met the requirements and budget.
With a horn loaded 15” driver, and large high frequency horn, the FH1566 mains had the output, LF performance, and pattern control we were looking for. CX896’s filled in coverage to the front rows, and RX599’s serve as lip fill for imaging.
For low end, we selected the CS218L Passive Cardioid subwoofers for their inherent pattern control. We opted to go with left/right positioning of the subs for aesthetic reasons. There is some beautiful stained glass above the center of the stage and the old system had a speaker in front of it. Lame! Overall, the cardioid pattern and placement of the subwoofers resulted in extremely smooth coverage across the seating area and minimal noise on stage. Win!
We had previously installed a Q-Sys DSP, so the QSC CX-Q amplifiers rounded out the new system. Fulcrum Acoustic supports Q-Sys natively with full TQ presets and limiting to protect the loudspeakers.
Church at the Crossing’s X32 worked but was getting older and relied on old analog infrastructure. We went ahead and upgraded to a Wing console and a Midas DL32 digital snake. The old long frame patchbays were removed and floor box inputs landed on a new XLR patchbay. Clean and simple.
On Sunday morning, Pastor Lee came in and tried on a headset again. Wow, what a difference. Not only did it work well with zero feedback; he A-B tested with the handheld and you could not hear a difference. Win-Win!
Matt and Pastor Lee are extremely pleased and so are we! Thank you for letting us help with this project!
“To say that we needed an overhaul was a major understatement. Lucky for me, I knew exactly who to turn to. I was able to see the incredible work that Lucid had done at Highland Baptist Church from my time there. I contacted Joe, and we talked through my concerns. We were able to plan a course of action from start to finish. Even after the completion of these projects, Joe has been available in a moment's notice to talk on the phone or through FaceTime to provide assistance. It is incredible to consider the amount of work that we have been able to accomplish in only one year. We are in a much better situation, and once again that is a major understatement.”
