Immersive Worship: GT Church Redding Embraces d&b Soundscape
At GT Church in Redding, worship has always been central to the life of the congregation. As their ministry grew, so did the desire for a sound system that could do more than simply make things louder. Their worship space is very wide, and the church had long struggled with inconsistent audio coverage. Some seats sounded full and engaging, while others lacked clarity or balance. GT Church needed more than just an upgrade. They needed a solution that would create connection, consistency, and flexibility across the entire room.
Fresh Tech partnered with their team to design and install a d&b Soundscape system that redefines what is possible in church audio.
Raising the Standard
Traditional left and right PA systems often fall short in wide rooms. Certain areas end up under covered, creating a diminished experience for part of the congregation. For GT Church, that was the exact challenge. They wanted every person, no matter where they sat, to feel drawn into the message and music with the same level of clarity and impact.
With Soundscape at the heart of the design, powered by the d&b DS100 system processor, Fresh Tech delivered a solution that provides immersive, even coverage while maintaining transparency. The result is audio that feels natural and effortless, keeping the focus on worship rather than technology.
Designed for the Room
The loudspeaker layout was designed with precision to fit the unique geometry of the space. Nine d&b 24S loudspeakers form the main system, supported by eleven d&b 10S loudspeakers for seamless coverage and foldback monitoring. Eight 44S loudspeakers were mounted across the front of the stage as fills, ensuring the first rows hear the same detail and balance as the rest of the room. To extend coverage into every corner, four d&b 16C loudspeakers were placed two on each side of the auditorium to widen the soundstage and increase immersion.
Low-frequency energy is handled by a hybrid design. Six V-Subs were flown to keep bass consistent throughout the room, while eight B6 subwoofers were installed under the stage for depth and punch. This approach provided powerful yet controlled low end that supports both music and spoken word.
Even the transitions into the auditorium were considered. Four d&b 5S loudspeakers were installed in the entrance tunnels so the tone remains consistent as people move from the lobby into the room.
A Different Listening Experience
What makes Soundscape unique is its ability to transform how sound is experienced in wide and complex spaces. Instead of audio simply coming from the front of the room, the system creates a fully immersive environment where voices and instruments are localized precisely to their position on stage. A vocalist standing stage left sounds like they are truly on stage left, enhancing both clarity and connection.
Because the Soundscape design uses a series of smaller loudspeakers distributed horizontally across the ceiling, the congregation also benefits from better sightlines. There are no large line arrays hanging in the middle of the room to block views or catch the eye. The result is a space that looks as clean as it sounds, allowing the focus to stay on the stage and on worship.
The system also provides surprising efficiency. With its high fidelity and spatial precision, sound pressure levels can be lower while still achieving remarkable clarity. This reduces overall volume in the room without compromising the impact of the mix, creating a worship environment that feels both engaging and comfortable.
Extending Beyond the Auditorium
Fresh Tech also expanded the upgrade beyond the main sanctuary. Eight QSC Halo speakers were installed across two auxiliary areas, including the hallway by the kids’ spaces and the church café. These were tied into the existing lobby and entranceway speakers and brought under Q-Sys control, allowing staff and volunteers to manage every zone from one platform. Whether in the main auditorium or in the café, the audio experience now feels consistent and intentional.
Built to Last
Beyond the immediate impact, GT Church now has a system designed to serve their ministry for years to come. The flexibility of Soundscape opens creative possibilities for special events, conferences, and productions, while the consistency of the system means volunteers and staff can serve with confidence every week.
For GT Church, this Soundscape upgrade was not just about better audio. It was about creating a space where worship feels united, messages are clear, and technology fully supports the mission of the church.