Published on 19^th January, 2026

St. Paul’s Mar Thoma Church in Kozhikode has undergone a complete rebuild after more than six decades, accommodating a congregation of approximately 250 members. As part of the new development, the church committee, led by Convenor Dr. Alexander K.G., Secretary Mr. Simon Mathews, and Rev. Sunil Joy—appointed Zacs and Phils to design and integrate the new audio system. The primary requirements were high speech intelligibility, consistent coverage, and natural reproduction of choral and liturgical music.

Project Challenges

The sanctuary’s architecture introduced several constraints. HVAC and structural elements prevented loudspeaker placement at ideal heights, increasing the risk of uneven sound pressure levels and strong reflections. Additionally, the design required uniform coverage across the main nave, sanctuary, under‑balcony seating, and upper‑balcony seating, without excessive SPL. The acoustic character needed to support speech clarity for sermons and liturgy, while maintaining a warm, balanced response for choir and hymns. To manage reverberation and articulation, Zacs and Phils implemented acoustic treatment across ceilings and floor surfaces. This controlled reverberation time and enhanced vocal clarity while retaining the natural ambience necessary for congregational singing.

System Design Approach

The system was engineered around controlled directivity, distributed coverage, and precise time alignment. The design avoided high‑output point sources in favour of loudspeakers capable of projecting evenly over distance from elevated mounting positions.

Main System: Tannoy VLS 30

Given the high‑mounting constraints, Zacs and Phils selected the Tannoy VLS 30 Asymmetrical Vertical Line Source as the main system. Its vertical dispersion pattern enabled more even front‑to‑back coverage, reduced floor and ceiling reflections, and improved intelligibility. The VLS 30 units are powered by a Lab.gruppen PDX 3000 amplifier, providing adequate headroom and stable operation for continuous church use.

Delays & Balcony Coverage

To achieve uniform coverage in extended seating areas, the integrators deployed Turbosound NUQ62 loudspeakers as delay fills for the under‑balcony and upper‑balcony zones, powered by Lab.gruppen IPX1200 amplifiers. The first‑floor overflow area uses Turbosound NUQ122 to replicate the main sanctuary’s acoustic image. All zones were time‑aligned and phase‑coherent with the main system.

Low‑Frequency Support

Low‑frequency reinforcement for hymns, organ, and choral content is handled by two Turbosound NUQ118B‑AN subwoofers, tuned for controlled extension without overpowering the vocal range.

Signal Processing, Control & Microphones

System tuning, EQ, crossover management, phase alignment, and loudspeaker protection are managed through a DBX Venue 360 processor. Mixing and control are facilitated by a Behringer X32 digital console paired with a Behringer S32 stage box.

Microphones include Audio‑Technica U857QLU units at the lectern and pulpit, MB3k microphones for choir and lay leaders, and wireless systems comprising ATW‑13HH2, ATW‑11HH2, and ATM75cW headworn microphones for clergy.

Monitoring & Infrastructure

Stage and sanctuary monitoring is provided by Behringer DR110 DSP loudspeakers. All signal lines and speaker wiring useBelden cabling to ensure durability, low loss, and shielding against interference.

Outcome

The installed system achieves uniform coverage across all seating zones, high speech intelligibility at low and moderate levels, and natural reproduction of choral material. Precise time alignment and controlled dispersion contribute to a coherent listening experience throughout the sanctuary. The solution is technically robust, serviceable, and aligned with the functional requirements of modern liturgical environments.