Attracting nearly 9,000 worshippers from across the south of the USA, the annual gathering of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has long featured Yamaha mixing consoles. However, this year the event’s audio system saw the use of 24 of Yamaha’s new TX6n amplifiers, which produced a notable improvement in overall audio quality.
Taking place over two days at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, the event featured a wide range of music and praise performances, including choirs, orchestras, solo performers and worship teams from a number of individual churches.
Yamaha equipment provided the mixing, digital signal processing and amplification for the entire event, including PM1D, PM5D-RH, PM5D-EX {incorporating the DSP5D Expander) and M7CL digital consoles, DME64N digital mix engine and an SB168-ES stage box in addition to the 24 TX6n amplifiers, all networked using EtherSound.
Purchased from Jacksonville-based Capitol Design Group, SBC chose the TX6n amplifiers for three reasons. “Firstly, they have the power and sonic quality to properly support our distributed audio system,” says Jeff Davidson, SBC technical coordinator.
“Secondly, they give us the ability to maintain a completely digital signal path from the digital mixer, through the signal processing and direct to the amplifiers via EtherSound - made possible via Yamaha MY16-ES64 and MY16-EX Mini-YG-DAI cards.
“And, thirdly, the amplifiers feature extensive system monitoring and internal digital signal processing capabilities.”
“The Yamaha TX6n amplifiers had an amazing amount of headroom, meaning there was far less distortion throughout the system,” adds front of house engineer Chris Hinkle. “Despite the room having a fairly high ambient noise level, we could get the audio above the noise at an intelligible level, but without the distortion we have been accustomed to in previous years.”
Jeff Davidson further expressed his appreciation that Yamaha Commercial Audio staff provided exceptional customer support, from sales engineering and network configuration to telephone and on-site set-up support.
“Yamaha staff were always on hand to ensure a successful event,” he says. “We are so pleased with the new TX6n amps, we intend to purchase more to replace our current monitor amps.”
