Congregation Beth Am
Buffalo Grove, IL
Synagogue – Sound System
Congregation Beth Am is a quickly growing reform synagogue in the Northwest
suburbs of Chicago. Even though the sanctuary is large, when the facility
was designed, the clergy wanted a very intimate feeling. This was achieved
by including a small thrust stage in front of raised stage (or Bimah).
The audience wraps 180 degrees around the thrust stage and everyone is
very close to the rabbi.
Sanctuary with Thrust Stage in Front of
Raised Stage (Bimah)
A double wide podium, with two mics, sits on the thrust stage. The thrust
stage podium is large enough for two rabbis, a cantor and even a few more
people during a large torah service. The two open thrust stage mics are
almost just below the main speakers. This presents a particular challenge
for feedback control. A DSP based signal processor provides equalization
notches to ease the feedback concern.
Multi-Purpose Room with Movable Wall to
Sanctuary
The religious school wing also includes a small sanctuary. Religious school
students attend services, during Sunday school or Hebrew school, with
out going into the main sanctuary. This system includes speakers hidden
in the wall above some of the classrooms. Also, audio and video feeds
from the main sanctuary are provided. With these feeds, and a portable
TV, this room may be used for additional over flow crowds for the High
Holidays.
Religious School Small Sanctuary
Like most synagogues, the attendance during the High Holidays is at least
20 times what it is during a typical service. To make room for the large
audience, the thrust stage and the movable wall, which leads into a multi-purpose
room, are removed. The multi-purpose room includes an independent sound
system with a feed from the main sanctuary sound system. With a couple
of quick preset button presses, the ceiling speakers in the multi-purpose
room are properly delayed to match the sound in the main sanctuary.
Social Hall with Portable Sound System
The social hall is a large open room, used for a variety of events ranging
from dinners, to kids services to weddings. A small portable sound system
is provided to cover this room and other areas or outside for special
events.
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| Architect: |
Nevin Hedlund
River Forest, IL |
| AV Contractor: |
Audio Electronics |
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