Microphone System Installation at Thaxted Church

A historic stone church with a tall steeple—Thaxted Church—stands proudly with two white vans parked in front on a gravel path, surrounded by grass and trees under an overcast sky, possibly there for a microphone system installation.
Circular logo with a gold six-pointed star on a red and white background, surrounded by a blue border with black text reading FRIENDS OF THAXTED CHURCH repeated twice around the edge, symbolising support for Thaxted Church and recent initiatives like Microphone System Installation.

Project Details

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We were tasked with designing and installing a church audio system installation in the Church Tower of Thaxted Church to enhance the sound of the bells, ensuring clarity and balance for all bell ringers on the ground floor. Following discussions with suppliers and a review of the church’s requirements, improvements were made to the original proposal, including the addition of a fourth microphone, an upgraded mixer for superior sound quality, and a 31-band graphic equaliser.

Equipment Specification

Microphones: Four Shure SM57 microphones were selected for their 180-degree dispersion, durability, and resilience to challenging environmental conditions. These are well-suited to capturing the intricate sound of the bells.

Mixer: An upgraded Allen & Heath rack-mounted mixer allows for precise control of microphone signals, ensuring a well-balanced output.

Equaliser: A 31-band graphic equaliser has been included to fine-tune frequencies, removing any unwanted sounds and enhancing the audio quality.

Speakers: A powered speaker with a remote control was installed on one side of the ground floor, paired with a passive speaker on the opposite side to create a balanced stereo effect.

Large loudspeakers and audio equipment, part of a recent Microphone System Installation, are mounted on a high ledge inside what appears to be Thaxted Church, with stone arches and tall, multi-pane windows. Exposed beams and aged walls are visible in the background.
A person in workwear stands near arched windows inside the stone bell tower of Thaxted Church, working on or inspecting equipment as part of a microphone system installation. Large wooden wheels and a Danger Keep Clear sign are visible nearby.

Installation Process

Microphone Placement
The Shure SM57 microphones were securely mounted in the Church Tower. They were fixed either to the ceiling above the bells or threaded through pre-cut holes in the floor above for optimal sound capture.


Signal Mixing
A mixer was installed on the floor beneath the bells, near an existing power outlet. This mixer combines the signals from all four microphones, with individual gain control for each to balance volume disparities.


Audio Signal Pathway
The mixed signal is transmitted to the ground floor where the speakers are located.


Speaker Installation
The powered speaker was fixed to the wall, with its counterpart passive speaker positioned opposite. This configuration ensures clear and even sound distribution for all bell ringers.

Additional Features

Remote Control Access
The powered speaker includes a remote control for easy adjustments, alongside traditional controls at the rear of the unit.


Sound Optimization
The graphic equaliser enables fine-tuning of the sound, allowing for removal of any undesirable frequencies and ensuring the bells’ tones are clear and precise.

Interior of the large Thaxted Church with white arches, wooden pews, and a high wooden ceiling. The central aisle leads to an altar at the far end, with stained glass windows in the background—a beautiful setting enhanced by a discreet church audio microphone system installation.
Large, weathered metal bell with inscriptions, mounted in a wooden and metal frame, viewed from above inside the rustic wooden bell tower of Thaxted Church—a historic setting where modern additions such as microphone system installation discreetly complement its timeless atmosphere.

Outcome

The installed system enhances the bell-ringing experience by delivering high-quality, balanced sound to the ground floor. The improved equipment and configuration ensure durability, ease of use, and optimal audio performance. This setup meets the church’s needs and provides flexibility for future adjustments.

Get in touch today

Reach out to us at Excite Technology, and let’s discuss your next project!

Two men stand on a wooden surface working on a wall, possibly as part of a microphone system installation at Thaxted Church. One wears a jacket with Excite AV on the back, while the other wears a grey jacket and shorts. Machinery parts are visible in the foreground.