A recent evaluation process by Crossway Baptist Church highlights the dramatic performance gains that can be realized by utilizing recent EAW technologies to enhance an existing sound reinforcement system.

The evaluation took place at Crossway Baptist Church in Victoria, Australia, which hosts worship services and other activities in an 1,110-seat, fan-shaped auditorium. The current house sound reinforcement system, installed in 1995 and still going strong, features a pair of EAW KF650E three-way full-range loudspeakers installed per side above the edge of the front platform, with a single EAW SB1000E subwoofer per side on the floor.

Four EAW JFX200 compact loudspeakers along the front of the stage offer fill when needed, and they can also be utilized as spare stage monitor wedges (other monitoring is supplied by IEM systems). Additional front fill comes via four two-way loudspeakers mounted directly beneath the KF650E mains.

The system is under the direction of Media Pastor Peter MacLean, who is heading the evaluation process for possible upgrade of select components. Working closely with Production Audio Services Pty. Ltd., EAW’s distributor for the Australian pro audio marketplace, and also based in Victoria, a new EAW UX8800 digital processor was first implemented, in place of the system’s current digital processor.

“We were very keen to see what differences the UX8800 and its Gunness Focusing technology would make with our older KF650E’s,” explains MacLean. “In short, we love the sound, but more specifically, the technology removes a ‘boxy sound’ from the horns, making it smooth and more natural right across the frequency range.

“Further, sound no longer appears to come direct from the loudspeaker box, but rather from its natural source – in front of the listener,” he continues. “The whole sound is richer, clearer, and the tops have more sparkle.”

Subsequently, Production Audio Services arranged for a new EAW UMX.96 digital console to be implemented within the system as well. The demonstration was done live, in the form of mixing six worship services over the course of two weeks, plus three special Easter services featuring 35-piece choir, four backing singers, eight-piece band, 14-piece orchestra plus vocal soloists, and several spoken word contributors.

MacLean notes that his technical staff’s views regarding the tools for reinforcement of live music differs from that of other disciplines. Rather than an absolutely faithful reproduction of (largely pre-produced) input signal that is sought in, for example, the broadcast realm, the goal of the Crossway Baptist Church team is to find components that can enhance both the creative process and the overall sonic production. He notes that the new EAW console fits very well within those criteria.

“The sound of the UMX.96 can be encapsulated in a word: Wow!” says MacLean. “Everything is so smooth and rich sounding. Adding high-frequency equalization is smooth, rather than edgy or harsh. I’ve used Neve input, EQ and dynamics modules, and the UMX.96 sounds very Neve - the best I have ever used.

“Everything that goes through the UMX.96 comes out sweeter. The EQ is very musical and smooth, and the compressors are almost invisible to the ear while doing all they should be doing. This is achieved without the harshness or ‘clinical sound’ often associated with digital audio products.”

From the outset of the UMX.96 development process, EAW sought to provide mix engineers with a completely integrated live sound environment. At the same time, they were adamant that their digital console also retain the ergonomics and natural interface of the most comfortable analog boards.

As a result, the UMX.96 surface includes all 48 input channel faders (Penny + Giles) as well as a master section bringing together a sizeable 15-inch touch-sensitive color LCD with a dynamic rotary encoder (a.k.a. "Big Knob") that changes its "feel" depending on the parameter selected. A comprehensive feature set also includes a 3 x 12 system processor, a huge 16 x 8 matrix, and the first console integration of the industry standard EAW Smaart tuning/analysis platform.

“The UMX.96 is very, very simple to use and intuitive to operate. The P+G faders are a joy, the large screen is easy to read, and the encoder’s ‘Adaptive Feel’ is a master touch that sets a new standard for all others to follow,” MacLean states.

The church’s evaluation process encompassed a wide range of digital console options, and has furthered motivations to upgrade the sanctuary system. “I’ve worked with professional audio - live and studio - since the mid 1980’s, and it’s remarkable how much technology has progressed,” MacLean concludes. “We have a lot of great options available to us, and the EAW UMX.96 digital console and UX8800 rank up there with the best of them.”