PRINCETON, NJ – October 12, 2023 – WPS | Washington Professional Systems proudly announces the successful completion of a comprehensive audio system overhaul and infrastructure upgrade for the iconic, 95-year-old Princeton University Chapel. WPS integrated modern audio technologies throughout the historic chapel, balancing clarity and balance for speech, choir, and instruments for a variety of events without sacrificing the chapel’s architectural integrity.
Background
Princeton Chapel, an architectural icon completed in 1928, stands as one of the largest university chapels in the world and one of the most impressive examples of Collegiate Gothic design. Today, the Chapel serves as a hub for spiritual, ceremonial, and musical events, drawing visitors from around the world. The Chapel’s rich history and architectural significance demanded a careful and considerate approach to any modifications.
Project Highlights
System Design
In collaboration with SIA Acoustics (a division of RDA), the system designers and project consultants, WPS engineered a multi-purpose audio system that caters to diverse events, from worship services and lectures to concerts and weddings. The design emphasizes both operator and non-operator modes, ensuring ease of use for all Chapel staff.
Distributed Audio
The integration of 13 Renkus-Heinz Iconyx-series loudspeakers and Fulcrum Acoustic’s RX599-series and CX8-series loudspeakers guarantees impeccable sound quality, ensuring both speech intelligibility and tonal balance for instrumental and choir performances.
Audio Console & Network
The Chapel’s audio system employs an Allen&Heath Avantis digital mixing console and a DANTE-based network, ensuring efficient signal routing and low latency.
Recording and Production System
The new system, compatible with ProTools DAW, expands the Chapel’s broadcasting and recording capabilities, capturing pristine audio for a global audience.
Communication System
A Clear-Com system facilitates seamless communication among the production team, ensuring smooth event operations.
Microphone System
A diverse range of microphones, including DPA, Earthworks, Audix, and Shure, ensures optimal audio capture for various applications. Additionally, a Shure wireless microphone system delivers excellent coverage throughout the Chapel.
Assisted Listening System
The ListenTech system offers an enhanced listening experience for audience members, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
Challenges AND Solutions
Given the Chapel’s historical significance, WPS worked closely with Princeton’s historic preservation team and project architects. A tiered escalation process was implemented to ensure that alterations to the Chapel’s irreplaceable stone and woodwork were minimized. Additionally, to accommodate the Chapel’s daily activities, WPS implemented staggered work shifts, ensuring uninterrupted Chapel operations.
Outcome
WPS’s state-of-the-art audio system has transformed the auditory experience at Princeton Chapel. The system’s advanced capabilities, combined with its user-friendly design, ensure that the Chapel remains a beacon of spiritual and musical excellence for years to come.
“We are immensely proud of our team for what they accomplished at the Chapel,” said Joe Zamborsky, Operations Manager and Project Lead for WPS. “This project demonstrates our ability to deliver top-tier audio solutions while respecting and preserving historical landmarks.”
To read about this project in more detail, click here.
About WPS
WPS | Washington Professional Systems is a family-owned commercial audiovisual technology integrator. For over 35 years, WPS has specialized in the design, engineering, and integration of sound reinforcement, studio recording, conferencing systems, classroom and training facilities, command & control, and broadcast video systems for some of the world’s most recognizable organizations. Our dedicated team brings a depth of knowledge and experience necessary to achieve and exceed project goals, while building the next generation of world-class venues.
Contact
Vero Tabares, Marketing Director
EMAIL
301-942-6800