Yamaha improves intelligibility at Gothenburg Cathedral

Gothenburg Cathedral has undergone several restorations and renovations since its opening in 1815. The latest project to have taken place consisted of an upgrade to the sound system, which included VXL 1 speakers by Yamaha, specified by Ljud & Sakerhet.

‘The main need was to improve the intelligibility and provide more even sound in the main part of the cathedral and the side chapel, as well as enhancing monitoring for the choir,’ said Sten Ranwald from Ljud & Sakerhet.

For this upgrade, Yamaha VXL 1-24 loudspeakers were installed in the main part of the cathedral alongside a pair of VXL-16s for the side chapel. These were powered by PX3 and PX5 amplifiers. The mixing console was also upgraded to the Yamaha TF1. This can integrate with the main system. During important events, the sound can be mixed via the installed system and a moveable PA. This includes a pair of Yamaha MSR400 speakers for house or monitor sound.

The cathedral had previously been equipped with Yamaha gear 11 years go, including an LS9 digital mixing console, DME24N digital mixing engine and ICP1 surface-mount controller.

‘Choosing Yamaha products for the upgrade was easy,’ added Ranwald. ‘The VXL series loudspeakers have the perfect aesthetics and we knew that they would make a great improvement to the sound. They fitted seamlessly into the existing system, which was important because the DME24N still does everything that the cathedral needs, minimising the upgrade costs. With its power and the ICP1’s ease of use, it means the cathedral does not need a dedicated sound engineer for regular services.’