When it comes to finding the best speaker for hanging in a church, clarity and even sound distribution are paramount. Hanging (suspended) speakers are a great choice for churches with high ceilings and wide spaces because they project sound evenly across large areas and minimize dead zones. Here’s a guide to some of the top suspended speaker options for churches, from line arrays to point-source speakers.
1. Top Recommended Hanging Speakers for Churches
a. JBL CBT 70J-1 Column Array Speaker
- Best For: Small to medium-sized churches with challenging acoustics.
- Specs: 4×5″ woofers and 16×1″ tweeters; vertical coverage control and adjustable bass response.
- Key Features:
- Constant Beamwidth Technology™ for even sound coverage and minimal sound drop-off.
- Compact, column design that minimizes visual impact and reduces echo in reverberant spaces.
- Pros: Excellent for speech intelligibility, easy to install, and compact for visual discretion.
- Cons: Limited bass response; consider adding a subwoofer if full-range music is important.
b. Bose Panaray MA12EX Column Array
- Best For: Medium to large churches with high ceilings or reverberant spaces.
- Specs: 12×2.25″ drivers, 160° horizontal and narrow vertical dispersion for controlled coverage.
- Key Features:
- Slim profile and minimalist design make it ideal for churches that prioritize aesthetics.
- Wide horizontal and narrow vertical coverage reduces reflections from floors and ceilings.
- Pros: High speech clarity and minimal visual impact; exceptional control in difficult acoustics.
- Cons: More expensive, may need additional low-end support for full-range sound.
c. Electro-Voice EVC Series (EVC-1122/VI)
- Best For: Medium to large churches needing versatile coverage and a compact design.
- Specs: 12″ low-frequency driver, high-frequency horn, with selectable dispersion patterns.
- Key Features:
- Available in various dispersion patterns (90°x60°, 120°x60°), allowing customization for specific coverage needs.
- Designed for both voice and music applications, providing a natural, clear sound.
- Pros: Customizable coverage angles, high clarity for both speech and music.
- Cons: Installation requires careful planning to maximize effectiveness.
d. QSC AD-S12 and AD-S10 AcousticDesign Series
- Best For: Small to medium-sized churches with a focus on aesthetics and balanced sound.
- Specs: Available with 10″ or 12″ woofers and wide dispersion (120° conical).
- Key Features:
- Elegant, weather-resistant enclosure, ideal for indoor and outdoor installations.
- High-quality components provide consistent sound and good bass response for worship music.
- Pros: Aesthetic design, flexible mounting options, and good bass response.
- Cons: May need multiple units for larger spaces to achieve full coverage.
e. RCF VSA 2050 II Digitally Steerable Array
- Best For: Medium to large churches needing precise, targeted sound control.
- Specs: 20×3.5″ drivers; electronically steerable for optimal coverage.
- Key Features:
- Digitally steerable technology allows you to adjust the vertical coverage angle for precise sound control.
- Minimizes sound reflection by targeting sound directly toward the congregation.
- Pros: Excellent speech clarity, reduced echo, easy integration with digital systems.
- Cons: Premium price, advanced setup required.
f. Yamaha VXL Series (VXL1-24)
- Best For: Smaller to mid-sized churches with acoustic challenges or need for aesthetically discreet speakers.
- Specs: Slim, column-style speaker with multiple 1.5″ drivers for wide horizontal and focused vertical coverage.
- Key Features:
- Lightweight, slim design fits seamlessly into modern or traditional church decor.
- Offers clear vocal projection without overpowering the space, ideal for sermons.
- Pros: Slim profile, easy to mount, and great for voice clarity.
- Cons: Limited low-end response; best for spoken word or as part of a larger system.
2. Considerations for Choosing the Right Hanging Speaker for Your Church
| Feature | Importance | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Dispersion Pattern | Ensures that sound covers the congregation evenly, avoiding dead spots. | Wide horizontal and narrow vertical coverage works best for even distribution without reflections. |
| Mounting Flexibility | Hanging and mounting options allow flexibility based on room size and acoustics. | Choose speakers that can be angled and adjusted after installation. |
| Speech Intelligibility | Clarity for spoken word is crucial for sermons and announcements. | Column arrays and steerable arrays tend to perform best for vocal clarity. |
| Bass Response | Important for churches with musical programs or live bands. | Some column arrays need additional subwoofers for full-range sound. |
| Aesthetic Fit | For churches with a particular architectural style, low-profile or slim designs may be preferable. | Look for column speakers or compact designs that blend with church decor. |
| Durability | Essential for long-term use in larger or historic buildings. | High-quality build materials help reduce maintenance needs and replacement costs. |
3. Optimizing the Setup of Hanging Speakers in Church
Positioning and Coverage
- Mount Height: Hang speakers high enough to cover the entire congregation, angled slightly downward to reach distant seats.
- Avoid Reflective Surfaces: Place speakers away from highly reflective surfaces like walls or windows to minimize echo and feedback.
- Aim for Consistent Volume: Use the speaker’s natural dispersion pattern to ensure that volume remains consistent from front to back.
Sound Calibration and Tuning
- Use DSP (Digital Signal Processing): Many modern systems have built-in DSP for fine-tuning EQ, delay, and feedback suppression.
- Perform Sound Checks: Test sound levels in different areas of the sanctuary, making adjustments to volume and dispersion as needed.
- Add Acoustic Treatment: In larger or more reflective spaces, consider acoustic panels to absorb sound and reduce reverberation.
Matching Speakers with Subs (if Needed)
- Placement: Position subwoofers near the front of the sanctuary, ideally on the floor, to prevent bass frequencies from interfering with vocal clarity.
- Volume Matching: Balance subwoofer volume with the main speakers to enhance music without overwhelming the spoken word.
4. Suggested Hanging Speaker Solutions Based on Church Size
| Church Size | Recommended Setup |
|---|---|
| Small (up to 150 seats) | Bose Panaray MA12EX or Yamaha VXL1-24 for sleek, clear sound with minimal visual impact. |
| Medium (150-300 seats) | JBL CBT 70J-1 or Electro-Voice EVC Series for even coverage and strong vocal clarity. |
| Large (300+ seats) | RCF VSA 2050 II or Electro-Voice EVC-1122/VI with optional subwoofers for full sound range. |
Final Thoughts
For churches of any size, a good hanging speaker system can make a huge difference in sound quality and the overall experience. Column arrays like the Bose Panaray MA12EX or JBL CBT 70J-1 are excellent for their slim design and clarity in reverberant spaces, making them ideal for medium-sized churches. For larger spaces, the RCF VSA 2050 II and Electro-Voice EVC series offer advanced coverage options and flexible installation.
These options will help ensure that the congregation can hear the message clearly, enhancing engagement and participation for every listener in the room.