Sound System Installation to Meet Multiple Needs

“Well, it was pretty dramatic,” said Mike Liddle, from URC Maidenhead. “Suddenly, without warning, we had no loop system. For some time, a lot of our congregation were also struggling to hear what was being said. There was also difficulty hearing vocals in different locations, particularly towards the back. We also wanted to improve the quality of music reproduction.  Therefore, this seemed like a good opportunity to review the whole system.”

“Hazelwood S&V was recommended to us by a church member who had seen Hazelwood in action at a concert and within a few minutes we recognised that these guys knew what they were talking about.  Hazelwood demonstrated how they could provide an excellent system and could work to our budget.”

The project was unusual. Expectations were high as the church had to be equipped to a standard suitable for concerts and recitals. The celebrated world concert pianist, Ivan Yanakov, is also the Musical Director at URC Maidenhead, so his interest in the installation was keen. Demands were high both for his own concerts and for the other celebrated impresarios giving recitals.  For concerts at URC Maidenhead please check their website www.maidenheadurc.org.uk

The balcony in this intriguing Victorian church wraps around three sides and creates a low ceiling above half of the seating. Therefore we had to allow for a lath and plaster ceiling and fit discreet speakers into tight angles. Hazelwood knew it would work well. “The music just folds over you with such clarity” said Mike Liddle.

“Working with Graham from Hazelwood was great”, said Mike, “he is exceptionally professional, the HSV team installed the equipment just like clockwork. Even though we found we had to review the budget half way through, Graham adapted to the changes with patience, understanding and with great skill. Nothing was too much trouble. It was a pleasure to work with him and his team.”

It is a shame in many ways that we cannot do justice photographically to the work we did at the URC at Maidenhead. All of the cabling, the recessed ceiling speakers and the two bass speakers are all hidden away - in fact, just as planned!