K-array transforms listening experience at Benjamin Brown Graham Memorial Chapel

An extensive audio transformation has occurred at Benjamin Brown Graham Memorial Chapel at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, which has enhanced the overall clarity of the chapel, while honouring its architectural integrity.

The 785-capacity chapel features 13m-high ceilings and stone interior walls which posed an acoustic challenge. The project began with 12 months of thorough audio analysis to guarantee a perfect match for the chapel’s multiple services and events throughout the year. The installation was spearheaded by Washington University’s system designer and media technology manager Jeff Allen and took place over an 18-month period.

To modify the space, a K-array speaker system was chosen after an onsite demonstration. Leveraging the company’s K-framework 3, a 3D modelling software, multiple system configurations were tested during the design phase of the project. The software, alongside additional EASE acoustic modelling data, were provided by David Bick of McClure Engineering.

The installation features 10 Kayman-KY52 I speakers in true stereo L-R configuration and two Python-KP52 I speakers were added for front fill. Finally, two compact passive Thunder-KS2P I 18-inch subwoofers powered by dual eight-channel Kommander-KA208 amplifiers were also installed.

TSI Global in St Louis secured the project and engineers Lee Buckalew and Garrison Brown took control of the rigging, installation and final commissioning. The install was completed in time for the 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr Commemoration, and the event garnered high praise from attendees due to its intelligibility. “The K-array system's unique design and advanced features proved to be the perfect fit for the Graham Chapel. The powerful modelling software allowed us to optimise the system for the space, and the final results speak for themselves. Clear, even sound at all volumes create a truly immersive experience for the audience,” said Allen.