Complete Church Tech Transformation: Inside Trinity Church’s A/V Overhaul

A Holistic Approach to Church Technology

Trinity Church in Genoa City, Wisconsin recently underwent a complete technology transformation. Led by Adam Beranek and the Church Front team, this project addressed every aspect of the church’s audio, video, and lighting systems. What makes this installation particularly impressive is its comprehensive, integrated approach.

The church’s vision went beyond simply updating equipment. They wanted technologies that would enhance worship while maintaining aesthetic integrity. This meant careful attention to how components looked in the space and how systems worked together.

Let’s explore each aspect of this installation and the thoughtful considerations behind the design decisions.

Starting with Acoustics: The Foundation of Good Sound

The project began with acoustic treatment—a critical but often overlooked first step in creating a great-sounding space. Trinity Church installed Prime Acoustic panels throughout the sanctuary walls and added 4×4 acoustic clouds on the ceiling.

These treatments serve a dual purpose: they improve sound quality by reducing unwanted reflections while enhancing the visual aesthetic of the space.

The church maintained a consistent design language throughout the building with a distinctive slat wall treatment. This appeared behind the stage, in the tech booth, and even in functional elements like keyboard and drum cable management stands.

Audio System: Clarity and Coverage

The heart of the audio system is an Allen & Heath ecosystem built around an SQ6 digital mixer. The church had an existing AR2412 preamp unit, which was integrated with a new AR84 to provide enough channels for their needs.

For the main speakers, the team installed Fulcrum coaxial speakers—DX12s for the mains and 1226s for outfills. A significant upgrade came in the form of a dual 18″ Fulcrum subwoofer, replacing a smaller wall-mounted unit.

The speakers were strategically positioned and painted white to blend with the room’s aesthetic. This integration of professional audio equipment without visual distraction demonstrates the careful balance of form and function.

Distributed Audio Throughout the Building

The project team thought beyond the sanctuary to create a cohesive audio experience throughout the building. The lobby features carefully placed speakers that maintain time alignment with the main system, creating a seamless transition as congregants move from lobby to sanctuary.

Other rooms received specialized audio solutions:

• The nursery and cry room have ceiling speakers with local volume controls
• The kitchen and fellowship hall have audio distribution for food preparation volunteers
• The overflow space features Fulcrum RX699 speakers

This approach ensures that no matter where people are in the building, they can participate in the worship experience.

Musician Monitoring and Wireless Systems

The musicians benefit from Allen & Heath ME-500 personal mixers, allowing each performer to create their own custom monitor mix. For vocalists, four PSM300 wireless in-ear systems provide mobility.

The wireless microphone setup includes eight Shure SLXD units—five handhelds and three bodypacks. These feed through a UA844 distribution system and an RF Venue Combined4 unit.

A particularly elegant solution involved architectural RF antennas mounted discreetly on the ceiling. These white antennas blend perfectly with the room while providing excellent coverage.

Mixing Position Reimagined

One of the most significant changes was moving the mixing position. Previously housed in the tech booth, the team relocated the mixer to the main floor, where the congregation sits.

This move allows the sound engineer to hear exactly what the congregation hears, resulting in better mix decisions. The position features:

• The Allen & Heath SQ6 console
• A sit/stand desk for ergonomic flexibility
• Dante connectivity for digital audio networking
• Extra connectivity options for future expansion

The church also implemented clever solutions like a repurposed podium mic serving as a talkback mic at the mixing position and ME-500 units for the tech team.

Video System: Clarity and Integration

The video system centers around an ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD switcher, which combines feeds from PTZ Optics cameras positioned throughout the sanctuary.

Control comes via a Stream Deck, allowing operators to select camera presets, control switching, and trigger macros that perform multiple actions simultaneously.

The standout component is a new Altitude LED wall that replaces an aging rear projection system. This LED wall significantly improves visibility, especially in a room with abundant natural light from stained glass windows.

An especially thoughtful touch: displaying digitized versions of the stained glass windows on the LED wall during pre-service times, creating a visual connection to the building’s architecture.

Lighting: Enhancing the Space

Pro Church Lights provided a complete lighting package with their hybrid solution. This included fixture selection, programming, and a Light Key show file.

The lighting design includes:

• RGBW house lights that can transform the entire room’s mood
• Front wash for the stage
• Kick wash for depth and dimension
• Floor wash for baptismal and communion areas
• Wall wash capabilities

Control comes through both Light Key software and wall panels placed at convenient locations. This dual-control approach makes the system accessible to both technical and non-technical users.

Integration: The Invisible Backbone

The most impressive aspect of the installation is the integration—how all systems work together seamlessly. The team created a clean, organized infrastructure with:

• Two dedicated equipment racks separating audio from video/network systems
• Unified networking with Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro and switches
• Power sequencing for safe startup and shutdown
• Custom floor pocket panels for organized connectivity
• KVM extenders for remote computer control
• Digital patching systems for flexible configuration

This integration extends to the control interfaces. ProPresenter can trigger lighting cues automatically, the Stream Deck controls multiple systems, and wall panels provide simple access to complex functions.

Thoughtful Details That Make a Difference

What sets this installation apart are the thoughtful details:

• Bluetooth adapters for simple music playback
• USB-C Dante AVIO adapters for connecting with ministry partners via Zoom
• Rechargeable microphone docking stations
• Laptop shelves at optimal heights in equipment racks
• Cleanly organized cable management
• Clear labeling of all connections

These details transform how the church operates day-to-day, making technical ministry more accessible and reliable.

The Result: Technology Serving Ministry

The total transformation took just one week to complete, thanks to careful planning and collaboration between Church Front’s team and church staff.

What makes this project successful isn’t just the quality of the equipment, but how it all works together to support the church’s mission. The systems are powerful enough for modern worship needs while remaining accessible to volunteers.

The project demonstrates that thoughtful integration of technology can enhance ministry without becoming a distraction. From acoustic treatment to LED walls, from distributed audio to integrated control systems, every element serves a purpose in creating an engaging worship environment.

Churches looking to upgrade their own technology would be wise to follow Trinity Church’s example: start with acoustics, consider the entire building, maintain aesthetic consistency, and focus on integration that makes systems work together seamlessly.

For more information about church technology integration services, visit churchfront.com.