When Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles reached out to us, they had a clear goal: improve the clarity of their sermons, scripture readings, and chanting so that every word could be heard and understood throughout their breathtaking space.
The cathedral itself is a masterpiece of architecture—with towering domes, marble floors, and intricate plasterwork—but those same features that make it visually stunning also make it a uniquely challenging space for sound. High ceilings and reflective surfaces can create a lot of natural reverb, which can make speech harder to understand, especially in such a large, open environment.
The church had an existing system in place, but with the space’s natural acoustics in play, they were looking for a solution that would bring even more focus and clarity to their services.
That’s where we came in.
A Sound System Tailored for the Space
After assessing the cathedral’s layout and acoustics, we designed a Meyer Sound system that would allow for precise control over where sound is directed, helping to enhance clarity while preserving the beauty of the space.
- Meyer Sound CAL 64 Column Array Loudspeakers – These speakers feature beam-steering technology, allowing us to focus sound exactly where it needs to go, reducing excess reflections and enhancing intelligibility.
- ULTRA-X20 Compact Point Source Loudspeaker – Placed strategically to ensure even coverage in the front rows.
- Meyer Sound USW-112P Compact Subwoofers – Subtle but effective, these provide the fullness and depth needed for both speech and music.
- Meyer Sound Galileo GALAXY Network Processor – A powerful system that optimizes the entire setup by fine-tuning the sound for every part of the cathedral.
We also previously upgraded the cathedral’s mixing console to an Allen & Heath Qu-16 with iPad control, giving their team the flexibility to adjust sound levels from anywhere in the space—a small but powerful change that makes a big difference in day-to-day operation.
Installation: Blending Technology with Tradition
With a space as visually striking as Saint Sophia, one of our priorities was making sure the speakers didn’t distract from the cathedral’s stunning architecture. Meyer Sound offers custom color options, so we were able to match the speakers to the existing decor, ensuring they felt like a natural part of the space.
Mounting the speakers securely was another key step. The cathedral’s plaster and concrete walls required special attention to make sure the system was installed both safely and discreetly. We worked with Saint Elmo’s Fire Rigging, experts in high-level installations, to ensure the speakers were anchored properly without compromising the integrity of the building.
What’s Next: The First Full-Service Test
With the system installed, final tuning is now underway. Using Meyer Sound’s Galileo GALAXY Network processor, we’re making precise adjustments to optimize the sound for the cathedral’s unique acoustics. The first full-service test with the new system will take place in early March, and we’re excited to hear how it enhances the worship experience for both the clergy and congregation.
The church leadership has been incredible to work with throughout this process, and we can’t wait to follow up after those first services to hear their thoughts.
For Churches Considering a Sound Upgrade…
This project highlights something we see often—every church is different, and sound solutions need to be tailored to fit both the acoustics and the aesthetics of the space. A few key things to consider when planning an upgrade:
- Understand your space – Different materials (wood, marble, carpet) all impact sound differently, so the right system needs to work with those natural acoustics.
- Think about the congregation – A full church absorbs sound differently than a half-empty one, so systems should be designed with flexibility in mind.
- Prioritize both function and aesthetics – The best sound system is the one you don’t notice—until you hear the difference.
Saint Sophia’s upgrade is a great example of how modern audio technology can seamlessly integrate into a historic space, enhancing the worship experience without altering the building’s timeless beauty.
If your church is looking to improve sound clarity and coverage, we’d love to talk about how we can help. Every space is unique, and we’re passionate about finding the right solution for each one.
Your Space Deserves The Best Sound - We Can Help
If your space is struggling with poor acoustics, uneven coverage, or outdated audio, we’re here to help. At Providence Sound and Vision, we design tailored audio solutions that bring clarity, warmth, and precision to any environment—whether it’s a house of worship, recording studio, live venue, or museum.
Fill out the form below, and let’s find the perfect sound solution for your space.
Your audience deserves to hear every word. Let’s make it happen.
