Ris Church, Norway, recently added a new sound system featuring Renkus-Heinz ICONYX digitally steerable loudspeakers. Designed by Per Amundsen and installed by ABC Teknikk, the new system is primarily used for speech reinforcement. A BSS Soundweb London BLU-series signal processor manages the system.
Sverre Jøssund of Benum, Renkus-Heinz’ Norwegian distributor explained: “The acoustics were challenging at Ris Church because of its volume and hard surfaces, the main sanctuary is about 40 metres deep. We also encountered issues with standing waves in the lower frequencies.”
For the main front-of-house speakers, designer Amundsen chose a left-right pair of Renkus-Heinz IC16-RN digitally steered line arrays, part of the ICONYX Gen5 series. The IC16-RN features 16 4-inch coaxial transducers, each with 3 high-frequency tweeters, along with 16 amplifier and DSP channels. Each column can deliver up to eight steerable beams, which can be individually shaped and aimed using powerful, software-controlled DSP. Beam control is effective down to 400 Hz. At Ris Church, this enables sound to be precisely aimed at the congregation and away from the church’s reflective surfaces. The result is clear, intelligible sound throughout the space.
Sverre added: “Renkus-Heinz’ ICONYX series is very well known as an acoustic problem-solver in Norwegian churches and city halls, together with subs or full-range loudspeakers like the CF151-5R, it makes great sound for almost any application. In a church where you need higher sound pressure levels for loud gospel music, we would suggest the IC Live series. But for Ris Church, with its more traditional services, the ICONYX Gen5 was the right choice.”
