Sound Check Weekly: Church Sound & Pro Audio News - August 3, 2026 ProAudioEXP.com

1. Product Releases & New Gear

• SSL Odyssey Console: Solid State Logic officially unveiled the Odyssey large-format analogue console. The system incorporates ActiveAnalogue technology alongside complete instant recall for all parameters. Modular configurations scale from 24+8 up to 96+8 channels with motorized faders and DAW integration.
• Glensound Greater Divine Supernal: Glensound debuted the Greater Divine Supernal intelligent loudspeaker at the PLASA Show 2026, accompanied by the HOWL32 feedback control cards.
• Theory Audio Design Loudspeaker Controllers: Theory Audio Design commenced shipping five new commercial loudspeaker controllers, including the DLC-1500.8d and PLC Series units.

2. Church Installations & Case Studies

• Good Shepherd Church (Charlotte, NC): Upgraded front-of-house capabilities by installing a DiGiCo Quantum225 console paired with a KLANG:vokal+ in-ear monitor processing system.
• Free Baptist Church Bethel (Netherlands): Deployed an Adamson S7 line array system combined with IS7p enclosures and S119 subwoofers for enhanced acoustic dispersion.
• Toronto Church on the Queensway: Integrated a d&b audiotechnik SL-Series XSL line array system via Soundbox to modernize architectural sound reinforcement.
• Grace Church (Seattle) & Charis Christian Center: Updated legacy audio infrastructure with 1 Sound P.A. and DAS Audio loudspeaker systems respectively.

3. Industry Trends & Announcements

• Immersive Spatial Audio: Houses of worship continue adopting immersive platforms such as L-ISA and Soundscape to improve spatial localization and acoustic envelopment.
• MILAN Protocol: The MILAN protocol establishes itself as the deterministic Audio-over-IP networking standard for critical live sound applications.
• AI-Assisted Processing: Source Intelligence algorithms and automated feedback control systems see increased deployment among church technical operators.
• Class-D Amplification: Efficiency gains in Class-D amplifier topologies reduce thermal output while maximizing high-density continuous power delivery.
• Dirac Spaces Debut: Dirac introduces Dirac Spaces to the United States market during AES Detroit 2026.

4. Product Recommendations & Training Resources

Equip volunteer audio teams with standardized educational modules to prevent operational errors during services. Review the following professional training offerings:

• Ultimate Live Sound School: Access comprehensive instruction on live sound system design, digital mixing console routing, gain staging, and room acoustics.
• Digital Mixer Courses: Utilize dedicated console tutorials to accelerate volunteer onboarding and establish consistent operational procedures.
• Premium Masterclasses: Study advanced microphone placement and mixing methodologies instructed by 30-year industry veteran David Wills.

5. Quick Hits

• AES Detroit 2026: Review published conference schedules covering AoIP security frameworks and spatial calibration techniques.
• Firmware Verification: Confirm that all networked audio bridges, stage boxes, and console firmware versions are updated prior to system deployment.
• Data Backup: Export and store all console show files, cue lists, and routing templates to secure external storage media.

About David Wills

David Wills is a veteran audio engineer with over 30 years of professional experience in recording studios and live production environments. Having collaborated with music industry icons such as Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and Whitney Houston, David delivers practical, industry-proven training designed to achieve professional results.