Welsh village church gets new loudspeaker system

The sound facilities at St Mary’s Church, Betws y Coed, on the famous A55 stage coach route, now benefit from a new loudspeaker system - designed, installed and commissioned in late May this year by the team at Wrexham-based Richard King Systems.

The church was built between 1870 and 1873 to replace the earlier 14th century St Michael’s Old Church, from which the village took the name ‘Betws’, to accommodate the increasing number of summer visitors to the village. It was designed by the Lancaster partnership of Paley and Austin, the commission being gained as a result of a competition won by Hubert Austin. The principal benefactor was the Liverpool businessman Charles Kurtz.

The church was consecrated in July 1873 and provided seating for 150 people. It cost £5,000 to build which is equivalent to £470,000 today. The previous loudspeakers were failing and required replacement. The design process was very thorough in providing an appropriate balance between the visual impact on the interior of the Grade II*-listed building and the acoustic performance of the loudspeaker system.

The CADW Welsh Government Paper 2018 Managing Change to Listed Places of Worship in Wales: Ecclesiastical Exemption provides substantial information regarding the aspects required for consideration by bodies that have exemption from the secular planning system. Any proposals submitted through the Church in Wales faculty system must show that all options have been considered and that the recommendations are backed up with the appropriate evidence and information from a suitably qualified specialist.

With their wealth of experience and expertise, Richard King Systems are uniquely placed in North Wales to provide suitable solutions for the challenges presented in this field of sound reproduction.

The JBL CBT 50LA-1 loudspeaker column with Constant Beamwidth Technology™, selected for this project, represents a breakthrough in pattern control. It utilises analogue delay beam-forming and amplitude tapering to accomplish consistent vertical coverage without the narrow vertical beam and out-of-coverage lobing that are typical of straight form-factor passive column speakers.

The bespoke painting has enabled the cabinets to blend with the interior stonework while at the same time providing best in class audio reproduction. The vicar commented after the first service: “Excellent sound this morning.”

Audio technology is at the core of everything JBL do and for 80 years they have employed the best methodology and tools. As established at the very beginning by their founder James B. Lansing, they develop everything from the ground up. This not only ensures success in the marketplace, but it also guarantees their efforts exceed the needs and expectations of audio professionals throughout the world.

Similarly, Richard King Systems have consistently blended creativity and science as a manifestation of their passion for sound and their commitment to those who create it.

A particular noteworthy example of this is the replacement sound system at St Asaph Cathedral which includes JBL loudspeakers throughout.

While this particular project was near to their base in Wrexham, Richard King Systems provide sound and audio visual services across England and Wales. With over 35 years of experience – including cathedral work, new build, consultancy and a substantial portfolio of successful projects – they are well placed to support customers in harnessing the power of 21st-century technology.

For further information visit richardkingsystems.co.uk