Gateway Church needed a more reliable and capable audio system to support its weekly services, worship ministry, and special events. After a brownout damaged part of the church’s existing audio equipment, it became clear that simply replacing the failed components would not address the limitations of the larger system.
Griffin Technical Designs worked with Gateway Church to develop a complete audio upgrade that included a new PA, subwoofers, digital mixing console, Waves processing, digital stage box, and system processing.
What Is a Brownout?
A brownout occurs when the voltage supplied to a building temporarily drops below its normal level. Unlike a complete power outage, electricity may remain on, but connected equipment receives less voltage than it was designed to use.
These voltage drops can cause electronic equipment to behave unpredictably, shut down, overheat, or suffer component damage. Professional audio systems are especially vulnerable because they contain interconnected digital equipment, amplifiers, processors, consoles, and networked devices.
In Gateway’s case, the brownout damaged portions of the existing system. However, not every component replaced during the project failed because of the electrical event. The damage became the starting point for evaluating the overall system and determining what Gateway needed moving forward.
Looking Beyond the Failed Equipment
Replacing only the damaged components would have left Gateway operating with a mixture of new equipment and older technology that no longer provided the performance, flexibility, or reliability the church needed.
Instead, the project became an opportunity to approach the audio system as a whole. Each component was selected to work together as part of a complete system—from the stage inputs and mixing console to the processing, loudspeakers, and subwoofers.
The goal was to provide clear speech, impactful worship audio, dependable weekly operation, and a workflow that the church’s production team could manage effectively.
A New PA and Subwoofer System
The new PA system provides improved clarity and more consistent sound coverage throughout the worship space. This helps ensure that the message, music, and other program content can be heard clearly across the room without simply increasing the overall volume.
New subwoofers were also added to provide the controlled low-frequency extension needed for modern worship music. The subwoofers allow the system to reproduce bass instruments and other low-frequency content with greater depth while helping the main loudspeakers operate more efficiently.
Together, the new PA and subwoofer system create a more balanced and engaging listening experience.
A Modern Digital Mixing Workflow
A new digital mixing console now serves as the center of Gateway’s audio system. The console provides greater control over the church’s microphones, instruments, playback sources, monitors, and system outputs.
A digital stage box was also installed to connect the platform to the mixing system. This simplifies signal distribution between the stage and front of house while giving the church greater flexibility as its input and stage-layout needs change.
The digital workflow allows the production team to save and recall scenes, channel settings, and starting points for different services or events. This helps improve consistency while still giving engineers the freedom to make adjustments during a service.
Integrated Waves Processing
Waves processing was integrated into the system to provide Gateway’s audio team with additional tools for shaping vocals, instruments, and the overall mix.
These tools can be used to manage dynamics, control problem frequencies, and create a more polished sound. The Waves integration expands the capabilities of the mixing system while keeping the workflow practical for regular use.
System Processing and Optimization
Dedicated system processing manages how audio is routed and distributed to the main PA and subwoofers. This is a critical part of ensuring the loudspeaker system operates properly as one complete solution.
The processing allows the system’s different components to be balanced and optimized for the room. It also helps protect the equipment and gives the church a more consistent starting point for every service.
A Complete System Built for Gateway
The finished audio system includes:
- A new main PA system
- New subwoofers
- A digital mixing console
- A digital stage box
- Integrated Waves processing
- Dedicated loudspeaker and system processing
- A streamlined workflow for staff and volunteers
- A flexible foundation for future production needs
What began with damage to part of the existing system ultimately became a much broader upgrade. Gateway Church now has an audio system designed to work together from input to output, providing the clarity, control, and reliability its ministry needs each week.
Protecting the New System
As part of the upgrade, GTD also added power-protection devices to help safeguard the new audio equipment against future electrical problems.
Brownouts, voltage fluctuations, and power surges can place significant stress on sensitive audio and digital equipment. While no protection system can eliminate every electrical risk, these devices provide an additional layer of defense and help reduce the likelihood of similar damage occurring in the future.
This protection was an important part of the project. Gateway wasn’t only receiving a new audio system—it was also gaining a better-protected and more dependable foundation for weekly operation.
Church Audio Systems Designed as Complete Solutions
At Griffin Technical Designs, we understand that a successful church audio system is more than a collection of individual products. The PA, subwoofers, console, stage connectivity, processing, and infrastructure all need to work together—and the system must remain practical for the people operating it.
Whether your church is responding to equipment damage, struggling with an aging PA, or planning a complete audio upgrade, GTD can help design and implement a solution built around your room, team, and production needs.
Contact Griffin Technical Designs to discuss your next church audio system upgrade.