Uppingham School in Rutland was founded with a hospital, or almshouse, in 1584 by the Archdeacon of Leicester, who also founded Oakham School.  The original schoolroom is still owned by the school and the original hospital is now incorporated in the School Library.  The first recorded Uppingham schoolboy was Henry Ferne who became chaplain to Charles I.  Other former pupils include Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson and Rick Stein.

Sound System
Clarity were asked to provide a specification and pricing to upgrade the sound system in the chapel at Uppingham School. After discussion with the client, we designed a system that would provide audio, evenly distributed for the congregation with greater dynamics than the small flat-panel loudspeakers that existed. Consideration was given to balance the need for high intelligibility with that of the aesthetics of the space. Whilst it would have been possible to deliver higher levels and greater depth of sound in the lower frequencies by using conventional cabinet loudspeakers, it was felt that using three sizes of Yamaha’s VXL series line array speakers would provide outstanding sound quality for speech and music reproduction, whilst also being difficult to spot in situ particularly as they have been custom-painted to match the chapel’s stonework.

A custom-made AV desk was installed that had been carefully matched to the wood of the pews.  In this is the heart of their new audio system, the digital audio processor from Allen & Heath, which accepts inputs from various audio sources (radio microphones, installed microphones auxiliary inputs and any media player).  The system is fully programmable, allowing presets for the use of the system that can be recalled at the push of a button. We also installed a 7” touch-panel controller and established different user levels so that each user can have uncluttered access to what they need. Access can also be gained via a mobile device (phone, tablet or laptop).

Alongside a touchscreen that provides precise system control we mounted an auxiliary wall panel. It has a connection point for a wired microphone, a 3.5mm Jack insert for an audio device such as an iPod or media player and, probably most importantly, it is a Bluetooth receiver. The inclusion of this unit allows anyone permitted to link their phone or tablet wirelessly to the system and quickly have audio playing.

A variety of microphones were added to the school’s existing set up in locations to mic up the organ, choir and congregation, making it possible to mix a soundtrack to support recording and streaming of events and services.

Video System
To avoid the need to bring in and set up portable cameras to record and stream services and events we specified three PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) video cameras from Angekis (the Saber IP-20X). These cameras have simple live control alongside a number of customised presets so that slick video production can be achieved with minimal fuss. We allowed for a dedicated video switcher to facilitate live mixing, picture-in-picture and as a bridge to upload to the school’s preferred streaming platform. 

We have used these cameras many times on projects. The image quality is excellent and the 20x digital zoom impressive. The system allows for additional cameras to be included in the future if required.  Audio is mixed in the digital system processor and embedded into the video stream to ensure consistency of production.