Why Walla Walla University Chose Yamaha Speakers for Its Church Hall

Yamaha NEXOID Series low-profile, high-output loudspeakers designed with NEXO NS-1 software provides solution for a complex all-purpose room.

CI Staff

All-purpose rooms provide all kinds of audio challenges.

Such was the case for Walla Walla University (WWU) Church which sought a speaker solution for its all-purpose Fellowship Hall.

While the 150-seat space is usually used for worship, it’s also used for receptions, meetings and other purposes.

The College Place, Wash. university turned to Escondido, Calif.-based Sound Image for guidance. The integration firm pointed toward Yamaha‘s NEXOID Series low-profile, high-output loudspeakers.

More from Yamaha’s press release:

Daniel Rafuse of Loma Linda (CA) University recommended the NEXO ID system to WWU Church. Sound Image, Rafuse, and with assistance from Yamaha staff, designed the system using NEXO NS-1 software. Rafuse completed final tuning.

“With the low ceiling of the room, we needed something that was very small and could tuck up to the ceiling so we wouldn’t lose any head room,” states Brandon Rinas, Design Sales Engineer, Sound Image.

“We required a speaker system with good output because WWUC has a contemporary worship service once or twice a week for 100+ college students. We also needed a few different horn patterns to fit within the wide room and wrap-around seating area.”

Rinas said Sound Image received a demo of the NEXO ID at the 2016 InfoComm Show and then sent a few boxes to Rafuse at Loma Linda University for his use and to see how really good they sounded.

“We knew we could get the output needed from the NEXO ID. It is the perfect size speaker for this application.”

An ID touring box was used for the install. Rafuse along with the WWU staff installed the system. Four NEXO ID24 T12060, two IN23-T9040, one IDS210-T are all powered by a NEXO NXAMP4X1.

The system is configured as two T12060s left and right of the stage for the main front coverage and then two TI9040 for the far left and right coverage on the sides of the stage.

Two additional T12060 boxes are used as delay fills for the back left and right areas of the room. A sub was placed on the floor at the lip of what would be the stage area, moveable when low frequency support is not required.

“The wide range of speaker patterns allowed us to focus the acoustic energy away from the walls and minimize unwanted reflections while still maintaining an even SPL across the seating area, notes Rafuse. After exploring all of the options available to us, and given our budget, the ID Series stood above the others when considering configurability, sound quality, physical size, and cost. The low profile ID24t has not impacted sight lines at all. The WWU team did an excellent job installing the system. The Pastoral staff and Campus Ministry leaders have been very pleased with the results and excited about the increased potential the space now offers.”

“We are thrilled with our new sound system, adds Kris Loewen, Pastor for Worship & Communications. This particular space, with its long dimensions and low ceiling, has always been a challenge over the years in order to adequately serve with amplified sound. The combination of solid volume, low feedback, and minimal visual disruption is perfect.”

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