Temple Sinai Upgrades Audio with Allen & Heath iLive Components

Located in Sandy Springs, Georgia, Temple Sinai is a reform synagogue with audio needs ranging from a single microphone to a full band with monitors. To replace its aging sound system, the temple called in Atlanta-based Chris O'Halleran, a freelance AV designer. His charter was to design a user-friendly system that would provide advanced, modern functionality and improved intelligibility, but without requiring advanced expertise to operate. To meet the challenge, O'Halleran selected Allen & Heath iLive components and software, acquired through his former employer, the Atlanta division of Spectrum Productions.

"They wanted something simple, so anyone could walk up to a wall panel anywhere in the facility, push a button, and get the sound they needed," states O'Halleran. "That's why I chose Allen & Heath." Specifically, O'Halleran chose the iDR-48 MixRack as the core of his system design, augmented by a series Allen & heath PL Series remote controllers spread throughout the campus.

The Temple Sinai building complex includes two sanctuaries and a large social hall, plus an office wing, meeting space, library and lobby area. A series of movable walls allow a wide range of configurations including expansion of the main sanctuary to accommodate increased attendance on high holy days and other special events. Rather than adding the expense and complexity of an iLive control surface, the entire system is programmed and controlled from a tablet PC running Allen & Heath's iLive Editor software.

"The iDR-48 is basically the brain for the entire system," O'Halleran explains. "The PL remotes handle a variety of tasks throughout the facility, and it's all programmed from the tablet. They also have a Wi-Fi network, which allows them to use iPads and iPhones for remote control with Allen & Heath apps. The flexibility and versatility of the system is just tremendous, especially when you consider it in terms of bang for the buck."

In essence, the system is comprised of a series of independent systems in each room, each running through the iDR-48. The meeting rooms each contain wall-mounted audio inputs, typically a microphone, a laptop audio input, and a Cat5 for AV, with a PL-4 wall plate controller for local volume control of the ceiling speakers and inputs. With their more extensive audio requirements, the social hall and main sanctuary have additional audio inputs and a flush-mount PL-6 controller, which offers eight programmable faders. In addition, the system includes a PL-9 A-net hub to simplify wiring, enable longer cable runs, and enable plug-and-play deployment of the other PL Series controllers. Safety concerns are also addressed, with a PL-8 logic control channel connecting the building's fire alarm system to the iDR-48, which, when triggered, mutes all inputs and outputs except the emergency page microphone.

With its 48 inputs, 24 outputs, and extensive DSP capabilities, the iDR-48 controls all the action. O'Halleran programmed over 100 individual scenes to accommodate virtually any imaginable need. While most services are voice-based, musical presentations are also important at Temple Sinai. On Friday nights, a full worship band performs at an event called Rock Shabbat, requiring a full complement of mics for acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drum kit, grand piano and electronic keyboards, plus additional instruments including violin, flute and trumpet. Auxiliary inputs include DVD player, iPod, cable TV and a satellite receiver. A network of directional antennas also allows any of eight Shure wireless microphone systems to be employed in any location.

On the output side, each room and combination of rooms requires its own scene. For instance, on the Jewish high holy days, all the movable walls can be opened up, transforming the entire space into one huge sanctuary. In that configuration, the iDR programming allows distant speakers to be time-aligned to the main sanctuary's two JBL VP7215/95DP loudspeakers. Similarly, various meeting rooms can be combined as needed and are easily accommodated by the presets programmed into the system.

"For most functions, all the audio can be handled by simply plugging in a mic and using the local PL Series controller," notes O'Halleran. "For bigger events, especially with music, they can still do hands-on mixing by using the tablet or an iPad. And of course, having network control of the iDR-48 also allows me to make adjustments and even service the system from my office, or anywhere I have Internet access. And they can always add an iLive control surface in the future if they want to. It's a really powerful setup, and a real testament to Allen & Heath and their R&D department."

In the end, Temple Sinai got exactly what they wanted: a serious professional sound system designed to meet all the facility's needs without requiring a full-time audio staff. "The synagogue does have staff for that purpose," says O'Halleran. "They know the basics of mixing and how to get a good sound. We did a two-day training session for them and the general staff, and everyone picked it up quickly."

The final touches by O'Halleran included a customized operator's manual with system details and troubleshooting techniques, plus a "cheat sheet" reference guide. "Both the church staff and parishioners are ecstatic with the results," he reports. "The rabbis don't have to shout, sonic clarity has been restored, and feedback has been eliminated. And after all the problems they had with their old system, they were amazed at how good the new system sounds, and how easy it is to use. It's been very empowering for them."