Transforming Worship & Community Engagement with Cutting-Edge AV Technology at Soul Church

Soul Church, a thriving multicultural and multi-generational organisation in Norwich, UK, has always been at the heart of its community. With a mission of “Love in Action,” the church provides not only a place of worship but also a hub for outreach programs, education, and social support initiatives. In 2023, Soul Church unveiled its state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility—a dynamic, future-proof space designed to enhance worship, live performances, and community events.

To bring this vision to life, Solotech was entrusted with designing and installing a comprehensive audio, lighting, and video solution that would elevate the experience for in-person and virtual attendees alike.

Soul Church & Its Community Mission

Soul Church is more than a place of worship—it’s a beacon of hope, inclusion, and social support in Norwich. With thousands of members, the church offers a range of services, from Sunday worship and youth programs to food banks and wellbeing initiatives.

The new multi-purpose venue was designed to host:

–  Worship services with high-quality audio and lighting

–  Live-streamed sermons and events for a global audience

–  Concerts and community performances

–  Educational workshops and wellbeing programs

–  Outreach initiatives, including a food bank and job training programs

To achieve these diverse objectives, the AV installation needed to be flexible, scalable, and technologically advanced.

1. Crystal-Clear Audio for Every Seat

The church’s open architecture and seating arrangement posed acoustic challenges. The goal was to ensure even audio distribution so that every attendee—whether in the front row or back—had an immersive experience.

2. Immersive & Adaptive Lighting Design

The lighting system needed to be versatile, energy-efficient, and controllable. Whether for intimate worship services, large-scale concerts, or theatrical performances, the lighting had to create the right atmosphere.

3. Seamless Live Streaming & Broadcast Capabilities

With a growing global audience, Soul Church required a high-quality video production system to ensure that sermons and events were broadcast with clarity and professionalism.

4. Future-Proofing & Sustainability

The church needed a system that could adapt to future technological advancements while minimising energy consumption.

Solotech’s Approach: Expert Design & Installation

Solotech worked closely with Soul Church’s leadership team to create a bespoke AV solution, combining the latest audio, lighting, and video technologies. The process involved:

1. Consultation & System Design

Solotech’s team conducted a comprehensive site survey to analyze the acoustic, lighting, and video requirements. The design phase focused on modularity, ease of control, and scalability.

2. Installation & Configuration

Solotech implemented an integrated network infrastructure to seamlessly connect audio, video, and lighting components. The installation included custom programming and automation, allowing the church’s volunteers to control the entire AV system at the touch of a button.

3. Testing & Optimisation

A rigorous calibration and testing process was conducted to ensure optimal sound coverage, lighting balance, and broadcast-quality video production.

1. Acoustic Challenges in a Multi-Purpose Space

The large, open space with a near 280-degree seating arrangement made it difficult to ensure even sound distribution. Solotech’s solution:

✔ Precision-engineered speaker placement & tuning using L-Acoustics technology.
✔ Digital signal processing & acoustic treatment to eliminate echo and dead spots.

2. Integrating Multi-Zone Lighting Control

To accommodate varying event requirements, the team:

✔ Installed a zoned lighting system to adapt to different crowd sizes.
✔ Implemented pre-programmed lighting scenes accessible via a simple interface.

3. Synchronising Audio, Video, & Lighting for Live Streaming

For a flawless multi-camera live stream, Solotech:

✔ Deployed NDI-based networking for real-time content sharing.
✔ Integrated audio and video synchronisation tools to prevent latency issues.

Results & Impact on the Community

The newly upgraded Soul Church has significantly enhanced the worship experience, expanded community outreach, and elevated production quality. Key benefits include:

✔ World-Class Sound & Visuals – Every seat now enjoys clear, immersive audio and stunning visuals.
✔ Increased Global Reach – With high-quality live streaming capabilities, the church connects with a wider audience beyond Norwich.
✔ Flexible Multi-Use Spaces – The facility accommodates concerts, youth events, and educational workshops seamlessly.
✔ Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings – The LED lighting and intelligent power management have reduced operational costs.
✔ Empowering Volunteers – The user-friendly AV control system allows non-technical staff to operate the system with ease.