How L-ISA and L Series Create Spatial Audio Connection Inside Singapore’s City Harvest Church How L-ISA and L Series Create Spatial Audio Connection Inside Singapore’s ...

The ambition to create spatial audio that unites a 4,000-member congregation drove the recent technological evolution at Singapore’s City Harvest Church. Housed within the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, the church occupies a massive 8,000-square-meter space formed by four combined convention halls. This specific environment presents distinct acoustic hurdles, including a low nine-meter ceiling and a wide, nearly 180-degree seating geometry.

For a house of worship, these physical dimensions can often act as barriers to intimacy. To bridge the physical distance between the stage and the seats, the church turned to L-Acoustics to create spatial audio that would envelop every worshipper.

Precision in System Design

Architecture should not dictate the spiritual experience. Concept Systems Technologies, an L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor, addressed the venue’s constraints by specifying a system built on L-ISA technology and the L Series. The L2 line source array was explicitly selected for its high audio resolution and compact form factor, allowing the team to deliver uncompromised sound quality without visually dominating the space.

To create a spatial audio experience that truly connects, the installation features an L-ISA-powered system comprising five hangs of one L2 and one L2D enclosure. These are supported by three flown hangs of KS28 subwoofers deployed in a cardioid configuration. This precise control of low-frequency energy keeps the stage quiet for the musicians while delivering warmth and impact to the audience, ensuring that the technology facilitates rather than distracts from the moment.

A Mix That Connects

The transition to L-ISA technology has fundamentally shifted how the church cultivates connection. By moving from a standard stereo bus to object-based mixing, the technical team can now place instruments and vocals in specific locations within the 3D soundscape. This is not merely about technical precision; it is about inclusivity.

With a traditional stereo setup, only 8% of the audience experienced the intended spatial balance. With L-ISA, that coverage has expanded to 48%, meaning nearly half the congregation now shares the exact same auditory perspective as the front row.

Mark Kwan, Creative Director at City Harvest Church, notes that the new system delivers an experience that is “expansively wide,” with clear segregation of musical elements. “The sound envelops our congregation, creating a more engaging and intimate worship experience, regardless of where you may be seated,” says Kwan. This immersive environment draws worshippers out of the role of “spectator” and connects them deeply to the service.

Elevating the Live Experience

In a post-pandemic landscape where online services are accessible and convenient, the physical gathering must offer something unique. “An elevated live worship experience is something that cannot be replicated online,” explains Kwan.

By utilizing these immersive tools, the church has successfully created an enveloping environment that brings the entire congregation closer to the performance. Daniel Lee, Application Engineer for L-ISA, describes the installation as a solution that “brings congregations closer to the worship experience,” turning a cavernous hall into an intimate sanctuary.

Watch the video below to see how this installation came together and hear directly from the team at City Harvest Church.