The Church and Monastery of St. Francis, a historic landmark in Pula, Croatia, recently upgraded its audio system to enhance acoustics and sound clarity. The project was completed in collaboration with Renkus-Heinz and its Croatian distributor, LAV Projekt, integrating advanced audio technology into the 14th-century structure.

The church, known for its blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, serves as both a place of worship and a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events. The need for high-quality audio was evident, as its previous sound system failed to deliver the clarity and coverage required for such diverse uses.

“St. Francis Church’s original sound system was inadequate for both worship services and events,” said Patricio Valenta, audio system specialist at LAV Projekt. “We aimed to design a system that maintained the church’s historic aesthetic while addressing its challenging acoustics.”

The stone walls and high ceilings of the church created significant acoustic challenges, with reflections and echoes that impaired speech intelligibility and audio clarity. To solve these issues, the project team installed Renkus-Heinz Iconyx Compact ICC36/3 active digital beam-steerable loudspeakers in the nave and sanctuary areas.

“The ICC36/3 was chosen for its compact size and beam-steering technology,” Valenta explained. “This allowed us to direct sound precisely to the congregation, minimizing reflections and enhancing clarity.”

Two ICC36/3 units were positioned between the sanctuary and nave, providing targeted audio coverage. The system’s 36-channel amplifier enables precise control of the sound field, ensuring clear audio throughout the space.

For additional sound reinforcement in the sanctuary and apse areas, the team installed Renkus-Heinz UBX4 passive directional column loudspeakers. These discreet units deliver sound to the altar while blending into the church’s architecture. The UBX8 passive directional loudspeaker was also added to the atrium to extend clear audio coverage to the monastery courtyard, allowing the liturgy to be heard across the outdoor space.

The system was calibrated using Renkus-Heinz OmniBeam software, ensuring seamless coverage and optimal performance. This calibration resulted in a Speech Transmission Index for Public Address (STI-PA) score exceeding 0.6 across more than 90% of the church, reflecting excellent speech intelligibility.

“This installation highlights our ability to deliver precision audio in challenging and historic spaces,” said Michal Poplawski, export sales and marketing director at Renkus-Heinz. “It shows how technology can enhance traditional venues without compromising their character.”

The Church and Monastery of St. Francis now stands as an example of how heritage sites can integrate modern audio solutions to meet contemporary needs while preserving their historical beauty. The project also marks a milestone for Renkus-Heinz’s entry into the Croatian market, demonstrating its commitment to delivering high-quality sound in diverse and complex environments.