Dutch manufacturer Alcons Audio is powering the new sound system for the Tromsdalen Church (Ishavskatedralen, or the Arctic Cathedral), one of the most distinctive landmarks in the Norwegian city of Tromsø.

The distinctive triangular building has long suffered from poor audio during its services and the 500+ concerts that it holds each year, with a passive sound reinforcement system making speech sound boomy and muffled.

The Alcons Audio LR7 pro-ribbon sound reinforcement system was chosen to update the cathedral’s sonics.

“The wish of the church staff was to have a sound system that delivered high quality speech, but also worked well with the many concerts they host. They had grown weary of rolling equipment in and out for events, often multiple times a week,” said Eirik Haua, sales manager of Tromsø-based audio specialists Lydproduksjon. 

“The process of looking for a better system had been going on for many years, but the ball really started rolling when folk singer Jardar Hansen performed through an Alcons LR7 pro-ribbon system at Ishavskatedralen. After hearing the concert, church warden Mogens Olsen wanted the same sound quality all the time.

“After further investigation of different systems and brands, it was confirmed that Alcons LR7 was the best solution for both worship and live concerts.”

Lydproduksjon supplied and installed a system comprising ten LR7 6.5” micro line array modules, two BF302 double 15” high output subwoofers, and four VR5 5” mini versatile monitors. 

The system is powered and controlled by one Sentinel10 (4x 2500w) and one Sentinel3 (4x 750w) amplified loudspeaker controller. The entire system was colour-matched to the interior of the church.

“The system ensures everyone in each of the church’s 720 seats gets the best possible sound experience. It was specially produced in a custom white colour to match the interior of the church, making sure it perfectly complemented the visual aesthetic and did not detract from its iconic architecture,” said Haua.