The new multi-purpose facility at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, Texas has recently received an extensive renovation, including new acoustical treatment, large screen video and a powerful audio system centred on Renkus-Heinz Iconyx Gen5 digitally steered arrays.

The seminary, whose original charter dates back to 1856, is on the site of a 50-acre campus which was opened in 1954, and has grown to become one of the state’s most respected theological institutions.

The institution’s gymnasium was recently reborn as a multi-purpose facility that hosts sporting events as well as meetings, performances, and other large gatherings.

"The interior had been gutted and completely rebuilt, and the addition of acoustical treatment certainly improved things," remarked Scott Mowell of Conference Technologies. "That said, it was still a challenging space. The ceiling is about 25 feet high, and there are several large, very tall windows on one wall, with doors and windows on the opposite wall."

With the hall still primarily serving as a basketball and volleyball venue, the expansive hardwood floors add to the room’s very live acoustics. Portable seating is set up on the floor for larger events, with room for an audience of about 300.

The system is comprised of two Iconyx IC16-RN digitally steered column arrays. The IC16-RN is part of the new Gen5 Series, the fifth generation of Iconyx beam steering technology. A pair of PN212-SUBR subwoofers, flown at the opposite side of the room, adds low end punch and full spectrum musicality.

Having worked with Iconyx systems in the past, Mowell knew what to expect, but was still pleasantly surprised. "The new Iconyx Gen5 gave us even more control, and the new RHAON II software enabled us to set up the entire system faster and more easily than I had ever experienced."

"It’s still a very live space, of course," Mowell added. "But the Iconyx system enabled us to focus the sound tightly on the audience, and steer it away from the walls and windows. The difference in intelligibility is tremendous."

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