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Christ for All Nations for All Nations (CfaN) recently debuted its new Meyer Sound LEO linear large-scale sound reinforcement system at a four-day gospel crusade on the outskirts of Bujumbura, Burundi.
Set up in an open field without delay towers, the LEO system performed flawlessly for the musical and speech programs in front of 200,000 visitors, and replaces CfaN’s Meyer Sound MSL-3A conventionally powered loudspeaker system that has served the ministry for 26 years.
Unassisted by giant video screens, lighting effects, or pyrotechnics, CfaN events rely heavily on exceptional audio reinforcement. “Clarity of speech is our primary concern at these events,” says Derek Murray, head of sound operations for the ministry. “The LEO system is able to cover very large areas with high intelligibility, as proven by positive reports from the perimeter of the field.”
The system’s dual main hangs in Bujumbura comprised nine LEO-M and three MICA line array loudspeakers each. Side hangs were eight MICA loudspeakers per side, and four 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements per side provided low-end reinforcement.
In addition, 10 UPA-1C conventionally powered loudspeakers supplied in and out fill. Control and optimization was handled by a Galileo Callisto loudspeaker management system with one Galileo AES processor and three Galileo Callisto 616 array processors.
“LEO gives us more power in a smaller package, so we now have the space to carry subs without having to leave behind other critical material,” reports Murray. “With the addition of the 1100-LFCs in Bujumbura, we were able to improve the quality of the music presentation—to the obvious delight of the crowd.”
CfaN maintains two Meyer Sound systems for its African ministries: an M3D line array loudspeaker system is used in West Africa, and the new LEO system, based in Kenya, is used for East Africa.
CfaN’s East Africa system also travels with three DiGiCo SD9 consoles linked by optical fiber to a DiGiCo SD-Rack, Shure UHF-R wireless microphone systems with Beta 58 capsules, and a Sennheiser IEM system.
“The fact that we’ve used our MSL-3As for so long, under grueling conditions, is a testament to the longevity and reliability of a system that is still supported almost 30 years after it was first produced,” observes Murray. “Just as the MSL-3A was a game-changer back in the 1980s, LEO is a great product that perfectly fits our needs.”
The event in Bujumbura, attended by Burundi’s President and First Lady, was led by evangelist Daniel Kolenda, who succeeds CfaN founder Rev. Reinhard Bonnke as principal leader of ministries in Africa. The German-born Bonnke first launched his African ministries in 1967.
