A Multi-Stage Approach to Upgrading with Revival City Church
For many Churches, the process of upgrading an auditorium or worship space is a multi-year journey. This approach can often better fulfil the church’s Vision for the space and provide the best solution for its needs - as in the case of Revival City Church.
Located in Adelaide, South Australia, Revival City Church (formally Lifepoint Church) is a fast-growing multi-generational congregation with a vibrant and contemporary approach to its services. When it was time to begin the journey of upgrading their gear, they approached Forefront Productions to help take their production to the next level, kicking off a multi-stage plan that would see significant improvements across Lighting, Video and Audio.
STAGE ONE - DIGICO and WIRELESS
“Pre-moving to where we are now when we were in our old venue, we upgraded our console, mics and in-ears. The band were ready to transition.”
Craig “Huggi” Britcher from Revival City Church, recalls their decision in 2017 to transition the band to a wireless mic and in-ear monitoring. Wanting to provide the best experience for the band in the long term, the decision was made to invest in a comprehensive stereo monitoring package
“I said to them, if we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it properly, and once. It was a big transition, and we wanted to transition properly because it was different to what [the band] were used to. It was a big jump, but it was the best decision they ever made.”
Alongside the wireless IEMs, Forefront also provided Wireless Microphone kits. This comprehensive RF upgrade was anchored by the powerful and flexible DiGiCo S31 console and D2 rack. With its 48 Flexi mono/stereo input channels and 46 busses, the S31 enables the audio team at Revival City Church to mix Front of House, Monitors and Broadcast from one console and provides plenty of features to elevate the sonic experience for both the congregation and the band.
STAGE TWO - LIGHTING AND LED VIDEO
Fast forward to 2018, when the second phase of upgrades would co-inside with the Church moving into a new building. With a tight deadline and the need for a high-quality solution, the Church was once again able to rely on the expertise and experience of Forefront
“We were determined to right from the get-go to bring it up to standard.” says Huggi “We did a lot of building renovations, just to make the auditorium a bit more usable. In that, we packaged an LED wall, lights, and truss. We had all of that up and running for the first official Sunday of being in that new building.”
As well as the lighting infrastructure, Forefront also supplied 70 PixaPanel E3 panels – creating a breathtaking display for the new auditorium. As well as the stunning picture quality from the high resolution 3.9mm display, the mostly volunteer team has benefited significantly from the flexibility and ease of use of the PixaPanel LED wall, helping them to change configuration and refresh stage looks easily, and is set to fulfil the Church’s video requirements for years to come.
“I can see that we’ve future-proofed it,” Says Huggi, “in the sense that even in another five years, it’s going to be a great product for us.”
STAGE THREE - ADAMSON LINE ARRAY
In 2022, with the existing PA showing its age and limiting the worship experience, the Church was once again ready to enlist the help of Forefront, filling the last piece of the puzzle for the worship experience.
“The audio was lagging 200% behind our visual presentation. I can’t remember a Sunday I didn’t get complaints.” Says Huggi, reflecting on the challenges of mixing on the existing system. “[An upgrade] just needed to happen, for even coverage, for vocal clarity, to not have to work hard to get the vocals placed over the band.”
To elevate the sonic quality and address the harsh, uneven coverage of the existing system, Forefront was able to supply and install a full Adamson Line Array system, complete with 12 Adamson IS7 Line Array Speakers, 4 IS119 Subwoofers, powered by LAB.GRUPPEN PLM 12K44 and D40:4L amps. From the very first Sunday installed, the result was immediately noticeable.
“The first week we had it in, a lady that complained the most, came up to me and said, it’s completely different!” The new Line Array was an instant hit, says Huggi. “Its very round, very smooth, very clean. You walk back to front, left to right, it’s even coverage everywhere. It’s like I died and went to heaven when the Line Array went in.”
Thanks to its outstanding clarity and coverage, the Adamson IS7 Line array has proven popular with the multigenerational congregation. From Sunday morning service or Youth on a Friday night, it’s flexible enough to suit any event type, creating an experience that any person walking into the room will find engaging and comfortable.
“What I have found with the Adamson system, is that at lower levels, it sounds the same as it does at high levels.” Says Huggi, “It doesn’t change in its sonic signature. It doesn’t start to get harsh once you get on the gas. It just keeps coming at you the same, at a high SPL.”
FOREFRONT FROM DAY ONE
When taking a multi-stage approach to Church upgrade, it’s important to partner with an integrator who’s committed to every step of the process. With its proven track level of providing the highest quality of support and services, Forefront was the obvious choice for Revival City Church. After working with Forefront for over a decade, Huggi is able to share his excellent experience with the Forefront team.
“The service is impeccable. They don’t just sell you a product. They sell you a solution. You can talk to them, and ask ‘which is the best way to go with this?’ It may not always be the cheapest, but they can say ‘This is the most cost-effective solution to what you are trying to achieve.’”
When it comes to working with congregations of every size, the team at Forefront are experts; with over 30 years of experience working with churches. Whilst most Churches may only undertake a large-scale upgrade once in a decade, for the Forefront team, it happens week in and week out, giving them a unique insight into the design and installation process. This combined with a focus on providing excellent solutions was a highlight for Revival Ciy Church.
“The big number one for me was they actually get what we do. They get the environment; they know how it rolls.” Says Huggi. “Their attention to customer service, not just pushing their ideals but listening to you and coming up with a solution, is second to none!”
