K-array speakers have transformed the audio at the historic Benjamin Brown Graham Memorial Chapel, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Spearheaded by project manager Jeff Allen and executed over an 18-month period, the project prioritised two goals: integrating an audio system to enhance the overall clarity of the chapel, while honouring its architectural integrity.
Graham Chapel, as it’s known on campus, features soaring 45-foot ceilings and stone interior walls that posed a unique acoustic challenge. The project began with 12 months of thorough audio analysis to guarantee a match for the chapel’s multiple services and events throughout the year at the 785-person capacity venue.
Allen selected K-array, partly because the slim, discreet speakers disappeared into the woodwork without visually disrupting the space. The decision was solidified after an on-site demonstration, where Allen says the K-array solutions were able to provide full coverage sound from the front to the back of the chapel as well as the balcony.
At its core, the system consists of ten flown Kayman-KY52 I speakers in a stereo L/R configuration. For clear coverage in the front, two Python-KP52 I speakers were added for front fill. Rounding out the setup are two compact passive Thunder-KS2P I 18” subwoofers powered by dual 8 channel Kommander-KA208 amplifiers.
There was rigorous testing and adjustments during the installation phase, eliminating previous issues with inconsistent volume levels and reverberation. System designer Jeff Allen said the improvement in sound clarity, especially at lower volumes, eliminated the need to “push the amps too hard” and avoided distortion at higher volumes.
Leveraging K-array’s K-framework 3, a powerful 3D modelling software, multiple system configurations were tested during the acoustic design phase. The software was used alongside additional EASE acoustic modelling data provided by David Bick of McClure Engineering.
TSI Global, in St. Louis, secured the project and brought in engineers Lee Buckalew and Garrison Brown who took charge of rigging, installation, and final commissioning. The project culminated on January 12, just in time for the 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration held at full capacity. The event served as a perfect showcase for the new system’s clarity and intelligibility, receiving high praise from attendees.
”The K-array system’s unique design and advanced features proved to be the perfect fit for the Graham Chapel. The powerful modelling software allowed us to optimise the system for the space, and the final results speak for themselves. Clear, even sound at all volumes creating a truly immersive experience for the audience,” said Allen, system designer and media technology manager, Washington University
