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Axia Concepts equips Jubilee Christian Center musicians with true diversity system

In a live, reverberant performance venue, controlled levels and precisely aimed loudspeakers can make all the difference between audio that remains intelligible and that which deteriorates into chaos. Such was the challenge that San Jose's Jubilee Christian Center—a non-denominational church with a contemporary worship style—faced as it upgraded its audio capabilities in its Jubilee Urgency teen center, a worship facility geared specifically for the church's youth. For the church's praise band, which plays an integral role in the worship services, selecting the wrong monitoring system would only have contributed to the sanctuary's already acoustically challenging characteristics. The solution to this vexing issue was to deploy a series of wireless in-ear monitor systems from MIPRO—distributed in North America by Avlex Corporation.

San Jose, CA-based Axia Concepts, Inc., a design/build firm that specializes in servicing the A/V requirements of small to medium sized churches, was called upon to provide an audio upgrade to the Jubilee Urgency teen center. The project , which commenced and was completed in May 2007, involved enhancements to the FOH mix position, upgraded amplification, as well as resolving the praise band's monitoring issues. The monitoring segment was accomplished by integrating MIPRO MI808T/R wireless in-ear monitoring systems into the church's sound reinforcement system. Axia Concepts owner Bryan Cole discussed his approach to resolving the monitoring situation.

"I believe a small to medium sized church can have an audio system just as capable as any large facility, stated Cole, and a big part of any system assessment begins with a close look at the people who will use the technology, along with their aptitude. From there, I examine the process, or the goal the customer hopes to achieve, and then search for the right technology to address their requirements. In the case of this particular venue, which employs a vibrant, contemporary approach to its services that can best be described as rock worship style, replacing the existing floor monitors used by the praise band was essential, as their volume level further contributed to the room's challenging acoustics."

The Jubilee Urgency teen center is a fan-shaped room, with seating capacity for approximately 350 people. The sanctuary's width spans roughly 150 feet at the rear of the space and the overall length of the room is about 100 feet with an 18-foot, unfinished (exposed HVAC ducts, etc.) ceiling. While there is carpeting on the floor, the walls are concrete and, hence, the space is very live. According to Cole, "This church definitely likes to rock out, and the sound pressure level is right up there with everyone's enthusiasm. The praise band's floor monitors increased the volume on stage and created additional acoustic reflections—reducing audio clarity in the process. The solution was to reduce the stage volume by equipping the musicians with the MIPRO in-ear monitors."

The MIPRO MI808T/R wireless in-ear monitor is a true diversity (dual receiver/antenna) system consisting of a UHF-band stereo receiver and transmitter. The system is frequency-agile over a 24 MHz bandwidth with 16 selectable pre-programmed, non-interference frequencies. Operating in user selectable mono or stereo output modes, the MI808's receiver has selectable built in limiting for aural protection and features a lightweight, exceptionally durable magnesium alloy case. The MI-808 transmitter utilizes advanced technology that adopts the latest in high-efficiency RF transmission design. These professional, high quality transmitters include rack ears and are housed in a rigid metal enclosure.

Depending upon the service, the praise band varies in size from four to seven musicians. As a result, Jubilee Christian Center's wireless monitoring system consists of seven MIPRO MI808T/R units. Cole discussed his reasoning for selecting the MIPRO equipment, "When they were first introduced, I compared the MIPRO system to that of a well known competitor. After careful evaluation, I discovered no audible difference between the two brands, and as a true diversity system, the MIPRO experienced no dropouts. Considering the MIPRO MI808 was half the price of the competing equipment, I was impressed. The MIPRO system delivers great performance with equally impressive value— and I've used it successfully on numerous projects."

Cole's assessment of Avlex Corporation's customer and technical support services was equally upbeat. "Everyone at Avlex has been a pleasure to do business with" enthused Cole. "Only once have I ever needed to send equipment back for repair, and they turned the piece around quickly and inexpensively. In my business, that level of service is invaluable."

With Jubilee Christian Center's praise band rockin' out during services each Wednesday evening and Sunday, their new MIPRO MI808T/R wireless in-ear monitors are helping control on-stage volume levels while enabling the musicians to clearly hear the cues they need. "Everyone has been extremely pleased with their performance" said Cole. "The equipment has proved so popular that we are now looking at MIPRO as part of a portable touring rig for the church. The MIPRO systems have proven themselves to be a tremendous asset."