Speaker boxes for cable radio in churches

The sound reinforcement of places of worship requires particular attention to ensure crystalline acoustics that enhance the sacredness of spaces. PA speakers for churches represent an essential component to ensure that the celebrant's voice, liturgical music, and readings reach every worshipper with clarity and uniformity. This in-depth guide explores the technical characteristics, types of acoustic speakers most suitable for places of worship, and selection criteria for a professional audio system that respects ecclesiastical architecture and liturgical needs. We will analyze the available technological solutions, from ceiling-mounted speakers to horn loudspeakers, from 100V systems to modern configurations for permanent installations.

What are the specific acoustic characteristics of churches?

Churches present unique acoustic characteristics that require a specialized approach in the design of PA systems. Ecclesiastical architecture, with high vaults, wide naves, and reflective surfaces such as marble and stone, naturally generates a prolonged reverberation time that can reach 3-6 seconds in large basilicas. This peculiarity, while contributing to the solemnity of the environment on one hand, can severely compromise the intelligibility of spoken word on the other if not properly managed.

The geometry of sacred spaces creates acoustically complex zones: worshippers in the front rows may receive excessively loud audio, while those seated in side aisles or secondary chapels may have difficulty clearly perceiving the words. An effective acoustic speaker system for churches must guarantee homogeneous coverage of the entire environment, compensating for these natural inhomogeneities through strategic positioning of speakers and proper calibration of sound levels.

Sound requirements also vary depending on the liturgical moment: during Eucharistic celebrations, clarity of speech is fundamental, while sacred music concerts and choral moments require faithful reproduction of musical frequencies. A well-designed system must respond to this dual need without altering the aesthetics of the sacred space.

Why are 100V systems ideal for ecclesiastical PA systems?

100V PA systems represent the technical standard for sound amplification in places of worship thanks to significant practical and performance advantages. This technology allows audio signals to be distributed over long distances using reduced-section cables, a crucial aspect considering the monumental dimensions of many churches where speakers can be located tens of meters from the central amplifier.

The operation is based on a transformation principle: the amplifier raises the signal voltage to 100V while keeping the current low, thus reducing dispersions along the cables. Each speaker is equipped with an internal transformer that adapts the signal to its own characteristics. This configuration allows numerous PA speakers to be connected in parallel without quality loss or the need for complex impedance calculations, greatly simplifying installation.

Additional benefits include:

• Flexibility in speaker distribution based on architectural and liturgical needs
• Ability to adjust the individual power of each loudspeaker through multiple taps, optimizing sound coverage in each zone
• Reduction of cabling bulk, an essential element for preserving the aesthetic integrity of historic buildings
• Reliability over time thanks to consolidated technologies and simplified maintenance

What types of acoustic speakers exist for churches?

The choice of acoustic speaker type depends on the architectural characteristics of the church, liturgical needs, and aesthetic constraints. The main categories of acoustic speakers for churches differ in design, directionality, and installation method.

Ceiling-mounted suspension speakers

Suspension speakers represent a discreet and effective solution, particularly suitable for churches with frescoed ceilings or important architectural structures. These coaxial loudspeakers, generally characterized by IP44 rating to resist environmental humidity, are installed on the ceiling guaranteeing vertical sound diffusion that uniformly covers the area below. Their elevated position minimizes visual impact and allows walls to remain free, often decorated with sacred artwork. Professional models feature power regulation systems that allow balancing sound levels in different zones of the nave.

Horn speakers

Horn loudspeakers are designed to project sound over long distances with high directionality. This characteristic makes them ideal for large churches where it is necessary to reach areas far from the altar or presbytery. The horn shape concentrates sound energy in a controlled beam, reducing unwanted reflections on lateral surfaces and improving speech intelligibility. Many available models feature IP56 protection that guarantees resistance to atmospheric agents, making them suitable also for installations in porticos, churchyards, or external chapels.

Compact active speakers

For modern churches or chapels of contained dimensions, compact active speakers offer a versatile alternative. These systems integrate the amplifier in the cabinet itself, eliminating the need for external components and simplifying installation. Professional models include integrated DSP processors that allow adapting the frequency response to the acoustic characteristics of the environment, optimizing equalization to compensate for excessive reverberation. Particularly suitable for permanent installations in multipurpose environments that host both liturgical celebrations and cultural events.

Column systems (compact line arrays)

Column systems represent the most recent technological evolution for sound reinforcement of sacred spaces. Composed of vertical speaker arrays, these speakers generate a cylindrical wave front that maintains uniform sound pressure even at considerable distances, drastically reducing the excitation of reflective surfaces. The discreet and linear aesthetics integrate harmoniously with contemporary ecclesiastical architecture, while superior acoustic performance guarantees excellent intelligibility even in highly reverberant environments.

How to choose the power and positioning of speakers?

The design of a PA system for churches requires accurate analysis that simultaneously considers technical, architectural, and liturgical aspects. The first parameter to evaluate is the volume of the environment: a church of 2000 cubic meters requires a radically different approach compared to a chapel of 300 cubic meters.

The overall system power is calculated considering the desired sound pressure level and the reverberation time of the environment. As a general reference, to guarantee an SPL (Sound Pressure Level) of 85-90 dB in the most distant listening positions, necessary for good speech intelligibility, an indicative power of 1W per 10-15 cubic meters can be estimated in highly reverberant environments, up to 1W per 25-30 cubic meters in more acoustically controlled spaces.

The strategic positioning of speakers follows fundamental principles:

• Multipoint distribution: instead of using few high-power speakers, it is preferable to distribute numerous moderate-power speakers, reducing the necessary sound level at each point and minimizing reflections
• Time alignment: speakers must be positioned considering sound propagation delays, avoiding overlaps that generate echoes or interference
• Homogeneous coverage: each area of the assembly must receive comparable sound levels, with variations not exceeding 6 dB between different positions

For central naves, the installation of suspension or column speakers positioned along the longitudinal axis is recommended, while for side aisles and chapels, supplementary wall or horn speakers may be necessary. The distance between consecutive speakers should not exceed 6-8 meters to maintain coverage continuity.

What are Amlux's professional solutions for places of worship?

Amlux has a complete catalog of professional acoustic speakers specifically suitable for sound reinforcement of places of worship, combining build quality, certified acoustic performance, and discreet design. The company's twenty years of experience in the professional audio sector guarantees reliable technical solutions for every type of sacred building.

The catalog includes ceiling-mounted suspension speakers with 2-way coaxial technology, 100V power supply systems with multiple power taps (5W, 10W, 20W), and IP44 rating for resistance to humid environments. These models are particularly suitable for installations in main naves and chapels, offering excellent frequency response in the critical range of the human voice (130-15000 Hz) with 92 dB sensitivity.

For applications requiring greater directionality, horn speakers are available with aluminum or weather-resistant ABS plastic housing (IP56), powers from 15W to 25W RMS, ideal for churchyards, porticos, and external installations. The rotating mounting bracket allows precise orientation of the sound beam toward specific listening areas.

For contemporary or multipurpose churches, active speakers from the Achromic series offer complete solutions with integrated Class D amplifiers, DSP processors for acoustic optimization, and elegant design that discreetly integrates into modern spaces. These systems are particularly appreciated for permanent installations requiring versatility of use, from liturgy to sacred music concerts.

Amlux technical support assists designers in selecting the most appropriate components, considering architectural constraints, available budget, and acoustic objectives. The company collaborates with specialized installers to guarantee optimal configurations that respect both technical regulations and the historical-artistic value of ecclesiastical buildings.

Comparative table: types of speakers for churches

The choice of PA speakers for churches represents an important investment that directly influences the quality of liturgical participation and the spiritual experience of worshippers. A well-designed audio system, using certified professional components, guarantees speech intelligibility, respect for the natural acoustics of the space, and harmonious integration with ecclesiastical architecture.

100V technology confirms itself as the most reliable standard for PA systems in places of worship, offering installation flexibility, configuration simplicity, and long-lasting performance over time. The selection between suspension speakers, horn speakers, or active systems must consider the specific architectural and liturgical needs of each building.

For those wishing to explore professional audio technologies in depth, it is possible to consult the section dedicated to professional acoustic speakers available in the Amlux catalog, where complete technical specifications of each model are presented. Installers and designers interested in configuring complete systems can also explore professional audio mixers for centralized control of the amplification system.

For personalized technical consultations and custom quotes for ecclesiastical sound reinforcement projects, the team of Amlux experts is available to evaluate each specific need, guaranteeing solutions that combine acoustic excellence, respect for sacred architecture, and economic sustainability. The company boasts consolidated experience in supplying professional audio equipment for theaters, conference halls, and places of worship, with qualified pre and post-sales technical assistance.