Epic Resource Group Transforms UPPERROOM Into an Immersive Worship Space
UPPERROOM is a church in Dallas known for its dynamic worship and community engagement recently underwent a significant refurbishment to transform its space into a live recording venue. Epic Resource Group, founded in 2001 as a boutique design/build group and a leading systems integrator in the worship technology space, was chosen to undertake the transformation. Led by Epic’s lead audio designers Matt Wheeler and Tory Cole, the project involved extensive renovations, leaving only the roof and two walls intact. While originally focused on aesthetics, the design evolved to prioritize recording and broadcast capabilities, reflecting UPPERROOM's strong online presence and album recordings. As Matt Wheeler, senior audio designer, noted, "It basically turned into a live recording space," emphasizing the project's shift in focus.
The architect proposed a unique oval-shaped room, which had a few challenges for audio quality. Wheeler and Tory Cole worked to address acoustic issues, striving for tight low-end sound while minimizing stage noise. Wheeler explained, "We did a lot of things trying to figure out how to get the noise levels down on the stage." Ultimately, they guided the design towards an oval room with a tailored stage and an acoustically transparent lighting feature through which several speakers are projecting from both in front and behind the audience, known as the "Halo.”
Avid VENUE | S6L
Avid's VENUE | S6L console was a pivotal choice for UPPERROOM's audio installation, enhancing their workflow and sonic capabilities. The team at Epic emphasized its integration with Pro Tools and d&b Soundscape’s immersive system, making it an "obvious choice" due to its user-friendly design and world-class sound quality. Matt stated, "Sonically, it's world class... anything in that class is going to sound really, really good."
UPPERROOM is a volunteer-heavy environment. However, FOH is mostly operated by their full- and part-time audio team. That said, they do have preset capability on all fronts to make the operation volunteer friendly when that is needed. The S6L's automation features stood out as a game-changer, allowing for quick adjustments during live performances. Wheeler explained, “If I need to make a change, I can make it in an instant. On other platforms, I have to stop, and you miss it because you were trying to update your automation.”
Additionally, the seamless integration between Pro Tools and the S6L was a key factor in its selection. As noted in the discussion, "The relationship between Pro Tools and S6L is so seamless," providing an efficient workflow that supports the church's dynamic needs. This integration allows for advanced features like virtual soundcheck and gain tracking, setting Avid apart from other manufacturers in the worship technology space. Wheeler summed it up well: "You can put it up against anything and it will hold its own."
Challenges faced
The installation of the VENUE | S6L system at the new facility was fraught with challenges, particularly due to the complex design of the two-story space. With a unique ramped structure and a ceiling height of 18 feet, the team faced numerous obstacles. Tory noted that "the height of the ceilings being as low as they are, and then coordinating with all the trades on hitting everything within an inch-accurate space" added significant complexity to the project.
The integration of 114 individual loudspeakers and 98 amplification channels posed further challenges, especially as components were right on the edge of interfering with one another in the tight space. The team had to manage issues related to acoustics, lighting, HVAC, and other ceiling obstructions which required deep understanding of how all of the components fit together. "There were lots and lots of revisions" during the design phase and many small "adaptations during the installation process." Having the design team directly connected with the installation team throughout the project was a real advantage.
Training the team
Brandon Meyer is the global audio director for UPPERROOM (FOH, broadcast, studio, outside events, tours, etc.). His role includes being the lead front-of-house engineer. Brandon played a crucial role in training the UPPERROOM team on the S6L system, leveraging his prior experience with VENUE consoles.
The training focused not only on the console itself but also on the integration with the Soundscape system and the shift to immersive, object-based mixing. As the team adapted to this new approach, they needed to let go of traditional stereo thinking, which posed a significant hurdle at first. “A lot of the training was just getting used to the type of mixing they were doing,” noted one of the trainers. They emphasized the importance of viewing drum tracks as a single object rather than as a stereo group. Ultimately, the transition was made smoother by the team's prior familiarity with the VENUE platform, allowing them to focus on the nuances of immersive mixing techniques. The flexibility of the S6L's routing and output capabilities enabled the team to effectively manage the complex demands of their new environment, ensuring they were well-equipped to deliver high-quality sound experiences.