Church AV Systems — Audio, Video, Lighting & Broadcast

Church

AV System Tiers & Budget

Tier$/sq ftScope
Basic$15–25Speech-focused, point-source, single screen, basic wash
Mid-range$25–50Line array, dual projection/LED wall, 1–2 cameras, streaming
Broadcast$50–80LED video walls, full theatrical, multi-cam, pro stream

Infrastructure = 15–25% of AV budget. Never defer conduit — it goes in during rough-in or not at all.

Audio Infrastructure

ItemSpecification
Line array rigging500–2,000 lbs/side; structural steel during fab
Point source mountSpeaker weight × 5:1 safety factor
Amplifier power2,000–8,000 W total; dedicated 20A circuits
Dante/AVB networkCat6A; dedicated VLANs (not shared with IT)
Wireless mic antennasRG-8 coax, rack room to stage-front
Wireless channels (mid)8–16 channels typical
Stage box (mid)32 in / 16 out; redundant Cat6A to rack
IEM floor boxes6–12 positions with power + network
FOH console positionCentred, 2/3 back, at ear height

Acoustic Targets

Video & Projection

ItemSpecification
Projector (controlled light)≥7,000 lumens laser
Projector (ambient light)≥12,000 lumens laser
Projector weight30–120 lbs + mount + safety factor
Resolution (min.)1920×1200 (WUXGA); 4K for high-end
LED video wall weight500–2,000 lbs — P.Eng. structural req.
LED wall powerDedicated 20–60A circuits
PTZ camera mount height2.5–3.5 m for flattering angle
PTZ cameras (mid)2–4 positions; power + 2× Cat6A each
Confidence monitors2–4 at stage front; power + HDMI/network

Stage Lighting & Control

ItemSpecification
DMX max cable run300 m per universe (ANSI E1.11)
DMX universes (mid)2–4; large churches 8+
DMX conduitSeparate from power cables
Moving head weight15–40 kg each; safety cables req.
Dimmer packsDedicated 20A per pack
House/stage integrationDMX input on architectural system (Lutron/Crestron)

Rack Room & Conduit

Standards & Codes

Critical Construction Rules

Pro Tips