What is the best church line array system? That question can be answered in a number of ways. Anyone who tells you that “This is the best” without knowing the absolute needs of the facility does not understand audio. However, there is a way to cut through the options and take a great system, and know where it works best. Here we will look at the Electro-Voice EVA system so you can quickly know when this powerhouse system may truly be “Your best church line array.”

First, you need to ask yourself a simple question. “Does this space really need a line array?” It seems like there is a lot of misinformation on this topic. If you don’t know for sure, it is recommended you watch this video. Fifteen minutes explaining point-source and line array differences which will keep you on track.

Do you still need a line array? Then it is time to continue reading on and find out if EVA is the best church line array for you.

Now, to keep it simple it is best to focus on the three most essential characteristics that define an EVA system. Even more importantly, what those mean for your space. These essentials are as follows:

1) Coverage of sound.

2) The aesthetics of the sanctuary.

3) Quality of sound and dynamic range.

When you know what you are looking for in these three categories, you can spot the right solution.

Now first, EVA was designed from the ground up to provide exceptional coverage in the vertical plane, at a value. As we learned about line arrays, without enough speakers coupled together, you can not control the sound. So that means, they have to be big. But with EVA, each box is a module with two elements built-in. That reduces the number of total speakers you need to get real control by half.

Second is what the coverage and control actually mean. In a sanctuary, is one seat more important than the others? Absolutely not! Even those in the back seats (and maybe they need it even more) should be able to both hear and understand the message. That means volume is the same anywhere there is a seat. That means that the sound is arriving at the same time even with the difference in distance.  That is is why you needed that array. The EVA can bring this all together,  with half the work and investment.

Aesthetically Speaking.

Houses of worship are built to help create emotion. The design is typically to mirror the message. Traditional or modern each has its own unique characteristics.  While in a stadium style arena, having your speakers stand-out fits the desired ambiance. In most cases, this is not so. Instead, you are working to balance a need to deliver the message without detracting from the architecture or design.

This is an area where the EVA shines over many other rigs. The mounting hardware is fully integrated for you to assemble quickly. You can seamlessly connect the boxes and the hardware disappears. What's more, is that with the dual driver design these are more compact than most other line arrays on the market.

When it comes to practicality and aesthetics this is a hard one to beat.   Do not be fooled by the sleek lines and relatively compact form factor. The output and sound are where you need them. Now we can look at the final point. Sound.

Earlier we discussed coverage.  That was about the sound is the same for every listener. But you don’t upgrade a system to a line array just for coverage. You need it to sound good as well. While opinions on speaker sound are as unique as snowflakes, lets set a standard definition for this purpose. There are three types of services in a church that a system might encounter. Traditional, contemporary, or a mix of both are your three scenarios.  Some systems are designed better for one type or the other. Take speech focus like a paging horn. Works great in the vocal range and delivering the spoken word. But would you like to listen to a full band play through it? On the other side, some systems excel at full range music, but the ability to understand “speech” becomes more involved and fatiguing. “What did he say?”

EVA was designed to do both in this application. No, this would not be my first choice for an outdoor rock concert. The volume and punch required for that are what different systems are primarily designed to do. EVA, on the other hand, was designed to deliver spoken word crisply and articulately. At the same time, it can turn on a dime and play tight and punchy full range music with crystal clear highs that sizzle. It is all about the application. In a church, you don’t need raw power to have volume. You need clarity and range, and EVA is made precisely for that middle ground.

In conclusion, you might be wondering then if I am biased to EVA. Am I here telling you that EVA is the “Best church line array?” My answer is simple. “There is a good chance it is”.

The last step is about acoustics and math. You need to confirm how the sound fits your space’s unique character. And we will help with that. Since the above meets everything you want and need, the last step is to build it out. If you are a church or installer, we will help recommend the right solution for you.

Fill out the form below and tell us a bit about your project. We will put together a recommendation on the system that meets your needs.  You have nothing lose and at the very least, knowledge to gain!