The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist has been the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee for 150 years. Listed in the National Register of Historical Places, this landmark was rededicated in 2002 after undergoing a complete restoration to preserve its beauty. However, the audio renovation at that time was insufficient, so David Hosbach of DSH Audio Visions specified a new audio and video system in 2014, and Clearwing was awarded the project.
A total of six Tannoy Q-Flex 64 digitally steerable column arrays covered the full length of the nave from the apse area, one of the first installations of its kind in the United States. Eight Tannoy VLS passive column speakers filled in behind the columns out of the pattern of the mains, and provided monitor coverage of the apse area. To further obscure the arrays, each speaker was custom painted to blend into the columns on which they are mounted. All wiring was hidden in the columns, and nothing was used that would detract from the beauty of the space.
DSH-Audio Visions designed and Clearwing Systems Integration installed a full video package consisting of six Vaddio PTZ cameras. Four were mounted inside of the Cathedral, one was mounted in the atrium, and the last was equipped with a tripod to be deployed as needed throughout the nave. A full video suite was installed, including the PTZ camera controller, preview monitors, individual records for each camera, a video switcher, and an HD-SDI/Fiber Optic Matrix switcher for distribution of the video feed throughout the building and to broadcast trucks for live events.
The Cathedral’s new audio and video systems were completed in time for the annual Midnight Mass, which was broadcasted live. “We’re set up using Clearwing as a partner going forward,” said Tom Laabs, Director of Administration and Development at the Cathedral. “The use of this kind of technology is where we’re moving. Now we’re positioned with a new way to communicate.”
Scott Eakins, Director of Liturgy, agreed. “The technology we’ve added is a vehicle for evangelization. We’re able to reach those who might not be able to get to church or might not be able to receive our message otherwise.”
