Our work at The Riverside Church began in 1993 with a Phase 1 study of the Nave that included a study of both the sound system and the natural acoustics. The outcome included a recommendation to seal the sound absorptive gustavino ceiling tile and to upgrade the loudspeaker components and electronics. Phase 2 includes the replacement of the 40 year old loudspeakers that provide coverage to the floor.

Since our initial study, there has been interest in improving technical support of the broad range of activities that take place in the Nave. Our design includes upgrades to the sound system, performance lighting and video systems.

Plans for upgrades to the sound system will provide more even sound quality throughout the sanctuary, more flexible control and capability to support more contemporary musical styles and improved speech intelligibility to all seating locations. The upgrade includes replacement of the loudspeakers in the chandeliers. These new custom units will have a unique asymmetrical directivity pattern that will not send sound directly down into the sound-reflective aisles but will focus sound into the pews to either side. Additional speakers will be sensitively placed within the nave to provide the illusion that the sound is coming from the chancel area, creating a more natural reinforced sound.

Upgrades to the lighting system are also planned. This includes performance lighting in the chancel area to support video recording. The front half of the congregation area will be lit to add the ability for congregation and interior camera shots to deliver a more interesting and engaging webcast. In order to establish contrast ratios and depth of field backlight, background lighting positions will be developed for the platform area.

While some wiring for video recording already exists, there will be upgrades to that infrastructure. Video monitors will be installed in the first balcony, portable video projection screens to be used at the Chancel area and multiple video camera capability to allow production for streaming video onto the Internet with a secondary capability to display recorded and or live video onto a single portable screen during services.