Cambray Baptist Church approached us with a clear brief: replace their ageing mix of 100V line and low‑impedance speakers with a single, fully managed sound system that delivers clarity, consistency, and control across the entire worship space. The goal was simple—better sound for every seat, with a system that volunteers can operate confidently.

Designing a Cohesive Audio Solution

The church’s existing setup had grown over time, resulting in uneven coverage and limited control. To solve this, we designed a unified system built around FBT’s Ventis series, chosen for their natural vocal clarity, musical warmth, and excellent dispersion in complex spaces.

Main Loudspeakers

• 2 × FBT Ventis 112

Installed as the primary left/right system, providing powerful, full‑range coverage for the main seating area.

Balcony & Under‑Balcony Coverage

• 4 × FBT Ventis 108 under the balcony

• 6 × FBT Ventis 110 above the balcony

These compact, high‑performance speakers ensure speech and music remain clear and consistent, even in acoustically challenging zones.

Low‑Frequency Support

• 2 × FBT Subline 112SA

Discreetly installed under the stage platform, adding depth and warmth to worship music without visually impacting the space.

Power, Processing & Control

To drive the system reliably, we installed a combination of Crown XLi and Crown CT amplifiers, known for their stability and clean output.

At the heart of the system sits the Allen & Heath AHM‑16, a 16×16 digital matrix providing:

• Precise EQ

• Time alignment and delays

• Zone control

• System protection and management

This ensures the entire church—main floor, balcony, and stage—receives optimised sound tailored to the building’s acoustics.

Mixing & Stage Control

For front‑of‑house mixing, we installed the Allen & Heath SQ‑6, paired with two digital stage boxes for flexible I/O placement and clean digital audio transport.

On stage, musicians now benefit from Allen & Heath ME‑1 personal monitor controllers, giving each performer independent control of their foldback mix—reducing setup time and improving the overall worship experience.

A System Built for the Future

The result is a cohesive, modern sound system that replaces multiple legacy setups with a single, powerful, easy‑to‑manage solution. Cambray Baptist Church now enjoys:

• Even coverage throughout the building

• Clear, intelligible speech

• Rich, musical worship sound

• Simple, volunteer‑friendly operation

• A scalable platform for future upgrades

This installation ensures the church is equipped for years of ministry, music, and community events with sound that truly supports their mission.

As part of the refurbishment of the council chambers, we recognized the importance of integrating advanced technology to enhance communication and engagement during meetings. The installation of a state-of-the-art video wall will provide a dynamic visual platform for presentations and discussions, ensuring that all attendees can easily view critical information. Additionally, the inclusion of a confidence monitor will aid speakers in delivering their messages with clarity and assurance, while the upgraded sound system will ensure that every voice is heard, fostering an inclusive environment. Control panels will facilitate seamless operation of these technologies, allowing for a streamlined and efficient workflow. This initiative not only modernizes our facilities but also demonstrates our commitment to improving the council's functionality and responsiveness to the needs of our community.

Creating a Practical, User‑Friendly Sound and Video System for a Busy Church

When this church approached us, the brief was simple but essential: provide sound and video that every user could operate with confidence, whether for Sunday services, mid‑week groups, or community events. The system needed to be reliable, flexible, and discreet—enhancing the space without overwhelming it.

Clear, Even Sound Throughout the Church

To achieve consistent coverage, the new loudspeakers were mounted high, allowing sound to carry naturally throughout the building. This approach avoids “hot spots” and ensures that speech and music remain clear whether someone is sitting at the front, the back, or off to the side. The result is a warm, intelligible sound that supports both spoken word and worship.

Flexible Video for Services, Events, and Small Groups

The video system is built around a matrix, giving the church complete freedom over what appears on each screen. Different images can be routed to different displays—ideal for services, presentations, children’s work, or special events.

We also added local input points, allowing small groups to plug in a laptop or media device and use the system without needing the full setup. This keeps the building versatile and accessible for all kinds of gatherings.

Reaching the Local Community and Beyond

To extend the church’s ministry outside the building, we integrated web broadcasting. Services and events can now be streamed live or recorded for later viewing, helping the church connect with people who can’t attend in person—whether they’re nearby or watching from further afield

Installing Sound & Video Systems in a Listed Church: How to Modernise Without Compromise

Listed churches are some of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in the UK. They carry centuries of craftsmanship, community memory, and architectural detail. But they also face a modern challenge: how do you deliver clear sound, reliable video, and seamless livestreaming without disturbing the character of the building?

At New Day Audio Visual Installations, this is one of the questions we’re asked most often. The good news is that with the right approach, you can enhance communication, accessibility, and engagement while fully respecting the heritage of the space.

Why Listed Churches Need Modern AV Systems

Churches today serve far more than Sunday services. They host:

• Community meetings

• Concerts and performances

• Weddings and funerals

• Conferences and training events

• Livestreamed services for those unable to attend

Clear sound and professional video aren’t luxuries anymore — they’re essential tools for inclusion, communication, and outreach.

The Challenge: Technology Meets Tradition

Listed buildings come with specific constraints:

• No visible cabling that disrupts historic stonework

• Minimal drilling or fixing into protected surfaces

• Acoustics that were never designed for amplified sound

• Architectural features that create echoes, dead zones, or uneven coverage

• Aesthetic requirements from conservation officers

This is where specialist design makes all the difference.

Our Approach: Respect the Building, Enhance the Experience

We design systems that blend into the architecture while delivering modern performance. Our process includes:

1. Acoustic Assessment

Every church is unique. We analyse:

• Reverberation time

• Speech intelligibility

• Sound coverage patterns

• Existing reflections and problem areas

This ensures the system is tailored, not “one size fits all.”

2. Discreet Speaker Placement

We use compact, column-array speakers that provide:

• Excellent speech clarity

• Wide horizontal coverage

• Minimal visual impact

These can be colour‑matched to stone, wood, or paintwork so they disappear into the background.

3. Wireless and Low‑Impact Cabling Solutions

To protect the building fabric, we prioritise:

• Wireless microphones

• Cable routes through existing gaps or voids

• Surface‑mounted trunking that blends with existing lines

• Fixings into mortar joints rather than stone where possible

4. Video and Livestreaming That Doesn’t Intrude

PTZ cameras allow:

• High‑quality streaming

• Remote control

• Zero need for operators in the aisle

• Mounting in discreet, high locations

We design systems that serve both the congregation in the room and those joining online.

5. Simple, Volunteer‑Friendly Controls

Most churches rely on volunteers, not technicians.

We build systems that offer:

• One‑button start/stop

• Scene presets for different services

• Clear labelling

• Remote support options

Technology should empower, not overwhelm.

Working With Conservation Officers

We regularly collaborate with:

• Church architects

• Diocesan advisory committees (DAC)

• Local conservation officers

Our proposals include drawings, cable routes, and equipment specifications that demonstrate minimal visual and physical impact. This makes approval smoother and faster.

A Modern System That Respects the Past

A listed church doesn’t have to choose between heritage and functionality. With thoughtful design, you can achieve:

• Clear, natural sound

• Professional livestreaming

• Discreet, sympathetic installation

• A system that serves the community for years

At New Day Audio Visual Installations, we’re passionate about helping churches communicate clearly while preserving the beauty entrusted to them.

Creating Easy‑to‑Use Control Panels for Audio‑Visual Systems

Modern audio‑visual systems can be powerful, flexible, and incredibly capable — but none of that matters if the people using them feel intimidated the moment they walk up to the controls. Whether it’s a church volunteer, a community‑centre caretaker, or a meeting‑room host, most users want the same thing: press a button, and it works.

Designing simple, reliable control panels isn’t just a technical challenge. It’s a user‑experience challenge. And when you get it right, the entire AV system becomes more dependable, more accessible, and far less stressful for everyone involved.

1. Volunteers and non‑technical users need confidence

In many venues — especially churches and community spaces — the people running sound or video aren’t professionals. They’re willing helpers. A well‑designed control panel removes anxiety and empowers them to succeed.

2. Fewer mistakes mean smoother events

When controls are clear and predictable, you avoid the classic problems:

• Wrong input selected

• Microphones muted accidentally

• Screens not switching

• Livestream not starting on time

A simple interface prevents chaos before it starts.

3. Reduced training and support

A system that “just works” saves time for staff and reduces call‑outs. Good design pays for itself.