The installation supports the cathedral’s daily liturgical services, broadcasts and public accessibility while respecting the historic and visually sensitive nature of the building, a delicate balance for any AV integration project in heritage environments.
Meeting the Demands of a Historic Space
During the five‑year restoration, the cathedral’s technical team and integrators were tasked with delivering clear, reliable wireless audio coverage across the vast Romanesque and Gothic interior, a space over 100 metres long and almost 50 metres wide with stone pillars and wooden partitions posing natural obstacles to radio frequency (RF) transmission.
The previous system relied on an analogue two‑channel Sennheiser 3000 series receiver with directional antennas, which was no longer sufficient for the rebuilt cathedral’s scale and uses. The new solution uses Sennheiser’s Spectera wideband digital wireless technology, selected for its ability to deliver expansive RF coverage while remaining discreet and manageable for cathedral staff and technicians.
Why the Spectera System Was Chosen
Spectera’s modern wireless architecture addressed several integration challenges:
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Reduced antenna count: Unlike older RF systems that typically required diversity receivers and multiple antennas, Spectera can provide broader coverage with fewer antennas, reducing visual impact and infrastructure load in the historic space.
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Simplified cabling: The Spectera antennas use Ethernet connectivity, which is easier to install and maintain than traditional coaxial cabling. This helped the team minimise pathways through sensitive cathedral fabric
- Future‑ready design: With support for fibre links and networked connectivity, the system provides flexibility for future expansions and broadcast integration without major rework.
These features not only ensure robust sound reinforcement for mass celebrations with mobile clergy but also support broadcast‑ready audio feeds, for example, through the AV control room used by television channel KTO.
Discreet Yet Reliable
One of the core requirements for the installation was that the technology be visually unobtrusive and architecturally respectful. In historic and cultural spaces, particularly those that also serve as active places of worship, any visible technology must be thoughtfully concealed or integrated so as not to detract from the heritage experience. Sennheiser’s wireless mics, antennas and receivers met this need without compromising performance.
Michelin‑rated solutions such as the MEB 114 boundary microphone were chosen for locations like the altar because of their ability to capture clear audio with subtle visibility. Bodypack transmitters and handheld options like the MKE 40 auxiliary mic were also deployed to support mobility during services.
Integration Lessons for AV Professionals
For the pro‑integration community, especially those working on cultural, heritage or house‑of‑worship projects, the Notre‑Dame system demonstrates several key takeaways:
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Heritage needs demand discreet integration: Equipment selection must account for architectural aesthetics as well as performance requirements.
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Networked audio systems simplify large volumes: Modern digital wireless ecosystems like Spectera reduce antenna density and cabling complexity, vital in large or ornate structures.
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Future‑proof flexibility matters: Systems that support network expansion and remote management yield greater long‑term value for multi‑use environments.
As AV technology intersects with cultural preservation in Europe’s historic spaces, the Notre‑Dame installation highlights how modern wireless audio systems can support both heritage and 21st‑century communication needs.
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