GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PASTOR OPTS FOR DANLEY AT VICTORY CATHEDRAL WORSHIP CENTER

In Install Newsby tfwm

VictoryPastor Smokie Norful founded Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook, Illinois in 2005, the same year he won a Grammy Award for Contemporary Soul Gospel Album of the Year for Nothing Without You. He is one of the country’s top gospel artists, and his credits include several gold and platinum albums, dozens of awards and nominations, and numerous high-profile performances, including a performance at the White House in celebration of Black Music Month. When Victory raised funds for its first permanent sound system, Norful scrutinized the options, using his unique perspective to articulate exacting requirements. The Chicago branch of Advanced Systems & Technologies (AST) designed and installed the new system, which centers on Danley Sound Labs loudspeakers and subwoofers for the main house system, the delay system, and on-stage monitoring.

“Victory Cathedral Worship Center seats 1,500, and Pastor Norful fills it to capacity for two services every Sunday,” said Terry McCarthy, systems specialist with AST. “Due to cost overruns with the building’s original construction, the church had to put a new sound system on hold. They leased for many years, and when they were ready to install a permanent sound system, they wanted to do it right. Pastor Norful was very particular and we made it a priority to team up with his staff to insure that every detail was covered. We took the staff around to various installations in the Chicago area. They hadn’t recognized the name Danley Sound Labs at the outset, but when they heard it, they knew that Danley was their obvious favorite. “The first thing our customers notice when they hear Danley is great sound, plain and simple. And then, as they walk the room, they experience great coverage to every seat.”

The main system is comprised of two clusters of three Danley SH-46 full-range loudspeakers per side for true stereo coverage. Two massive coupled Danley DBH-218 subwoofers hang from the ceiling just in front of the stage. Three Danley SH-69 full-range loudspeakers provide LCR delays, two-thirds back from the stage, which give excellent representation at the mix position. Finally, four molded-horn Danley SM-80s provide incredible stage monitoring and two, flown, molded-horn Danley SM-96s cover the choir.

“AST started working with Danley Sound Labs based on Danley’s excellent sound quality, deep bass, minimal necessary processing, and unparalleled pattern control,” said McCarthy. “Taking clients on tours of our Danley installations is the best way to demonstrate the quality that we can deliver.” Moreover, Danley offers excellent service and product support – including design assistance – which is essential. As we focus on a broader class of technologies these days – sound, video, lighting and acoustics – our clients greatly benefit from this high level partnership.”

The system includes 64 channels of digital audio distribution, with Allen & Heath and Dante, including consoles at front-of-house, a complete audio suite, and a customized personal monitor mixing system. Powersoft K Series amplifiers provide power and processing for the mains. QSC PLX Series amplifiers and a Danley DSLP48 System Processor power and distribute to the stage monitors and delay fills. In addition, AST designed and installed full HD-SDI video production and presentation systems. The system includes three large video screens, six camera locations, independent IMAG control at FOH and a complete video suite and control room.

Pastor Norful and the rest of Victory’s staff and congregation are very pleased with the new system. “Smokie said it was a ‘home run’ and that it met and exceeded their every expectation,” said McCarthy.” The greatest feeling in the world when you finish a project is in the knowledge that you’ve delivered an outstanding product and that your research and hard work has paid off. They’re very happy and we are extremely proud to have served them in this capacity.” AST also provided extensive training for the staff and volunteers and the church is currently planning a new children and youth center that will utilize Danley Sound Labs loudspeakers and subwoofers as well.

Advanced Systems and Technologies, AST • www.soundvideolighting.com