RCI Sound Systems' Engineers provide state-of-the-art engineering and project management for the hotel industry, houses of worship, restaurants, sports arenas, shopping malls, schools, theaters, board rooms, conference rooms, and all your communication needs.   

Challenge: Congregants could not hear clearly in a sanctuary with particularly difficult acoustical properties. RCI was asked to improve the sound system to provide clear, full sound, all while having no impact on aesthetics or use of the sanctuary.

Solution: RCI modified the existing sound system by installing and integrating a pair of EAW digital steerable arrays. Completed system operation was verified with aid of real time audio analyzers. Work was done on time and on budget, without affecting the synagogue’s events schedule.

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Challenge: The Embassy of the Netherlands existing presentation system in their auditorium was out dated, difficult to operate, and inadequate for their needs. The Embassy desired to upgrade much of the electronics, wished to add a control system, and had a need to be able to send video over their LAN to anywhere in the building.

Solution: RCISS updated the current audio/video system with modern components. A new wireless microphone system including handheld and lapel worn microphones was incorporated. A new wireless video transmitter (protocol: IEEE 802.11a) replaced the existing wireless system. RCISS will also installed a wall plate at the utilizing an active VGA line driver. A new DVD player was installed and is capable of NTSC and PAL protocol. A new solid state Compact Flash MP3/WAV recorder was installed for audio record capability. A new FM/AM digital tuner was installed along with a new CD player. Two new amplifiers replaced the existing defective units. Digital Signal Processors (DSP) replaced the current analog mixers, equalizers and crossover. These DSP units are very powerful processors, which perform the following functions: mixing, equalization, compression, limiting and more and are capable of remote operation. A state-of-the-art control system (Crestron) replaced the antiquated (and confusing) push-button system currently utilized. The 10.4” touch panel controls: projector, projector screen, blackout screens, microphone levels (volume) and mute/un-mute, DVD controls, CD player controls, tuner controls, digital recorder controls. The above system utilizes the latest available technology and is extremely simple to operate.

RCISS installed a Sony PTZ camera mounted on tripod for the purposes of video recording of an event in the auditorium. The video is combined with the audio from the wireless microphone system and can be broadcast via Cat5e anywhere in the building that a LAN outlet resides. The audio video signal can also be sent to a DVD recorder. All audio and video can be sent to the projector in the auditorium as well as over Cat5e via the video with audio matrix switch. The system was completed on time and under budget.

Challenge: To provide an Audio Video System for a fitness center including LCD Flat screens, Audio speakers, and personal audio monitors.

Solution: RCI custom designed each aspect of the installation. The Video System was comprised of 2 separate Head End systems, 1 for all of the Hanging screens and 1 for the Fitness Machines with screens. The Mounts for the LCD flat screens had to be custom manufactured as to hang each flat screen at the same level (even though the ceiling was angled). Each Hanging flat screen was tied into a video distribution system that allowed each TV to have the option of any 3 channels to be broadcast. The Fitness Machines have a choice of any 36 channels. The Audio system design called for 3 different zones, (Locker Room, Pool and Fitness Rooms), and for personal monitoring systems at each exercise machine. Clients can also bring a walkman to tune to preset RF channels and be able to hear the channels broadcasted to the hanging TV’s.

Challenge: Long Reach High School Football Stadium’s PA announce system was in need of upgrade. The Athletic Director needed a system that would cover the bleachers with more authority. They also requested a system that had greater fidelity than the existing system. Budget was a concern as was timing as they wanted the system up and running for the start of football season.

Solution: RCI Sound Systems installed new Community R.5 full range horn loaded speakers. Highly weather resistant for outdoor applications, the R-Series offers exceptional voice clarity and sound projection capability. R-Series systems are found in the world’s premier amusement parks, sports arenas, cruise ships, and race tracks as well as countless university and high school sports fields. New wireless microphones were installed so that the school could host a number of special events throughout the year on their football field. A new automixer and DSP was installed along with amplification to round out the system. The system was completed in less than two days and came in under budget.

Challenge: Located in a historic building, the theatre department wished to upgrade the sound system adding surround sound capabilities, new speakers, and a digital console.

Solution: RCISS installed 12 ultra-compact speakers, 2 mid-sized speakers, and 2 full-sized speakers into a multi-zone surround theatre system. Great care was taken to retain the historic nature of the building by working with Folger staff to blend the new speakers into the existing scheme. Two powered subwoofers were installed under the stage. A new 24 channel digital console with surround capabilities was installed. One additional 8-channel 24-bit/96kHz analog line-level input card was installed to bring the total number of input channels to 24 microphone and 4 line input channels. The associated 8-channel analog Mic/Line Preamplifier is located in an existing equipment rack located at FOH. Five new amplifiers were installed into a new equipment rack. Two isolated 20Amp circuits (by others) will be needed to operate the amplifiers. The system was completed on time and under budget.

Challenge: Provide an announce system that can be heard in the outdoor pavilion and the two parking lot areas that are used as staging area for golf tournaments.

Solution: RCISS installed a multi-zone announce system. The system utilizes a wireless microphone running through a digital signal processor. The processor uses system equalization, compression and limiting to ensure that the speakers will not be damaged. Four full range weather resistant speakers were installed in the pavilion. Likewise four additional speakers were installed in the parking lot area: two on the big barn facing the staging area, and two on the small barn (adjacent to the pro shop) with one of those facing the staging area and the other on the side of the building. This insured complete coverage of both parking lot areas. The equipment resides in a wall-mounted rack in the barn. A custom switch installed in the rack allows the user to select audio to Pavilion, Parking Lot, or Both.

Challenge: Provide a background music system with paging and zones for a new strip shopping center.

Solution: RCISS installed a Background Music System for the Dulles 28 Center. The system is set up into four zones. Zone 1 is storefronts utilizing surface mount weather resistant speakers; Zone 2 is storefronts utilizing weather resistant flush mount (ceiling) speakers; Zone 3 is the outdoor food court utilizing weather resistant surface mount speakers; and Zone 4 is the playground and walkway area utilizing weather resistant “garden” speakers. RCISS connected a background music source, a 5-disc CD changer, and a push-to-talk microphone into a wall mounted lockable rack. The music sources and microphone connect to a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), which mixes and processes the sources. This DSP is a very powerful piece of equipment, which replaces multiple devices and is capable of mixing, equalization, compression, limiting, time delay, etc. In turn the DSP is connected to a 4-channel amplifier feeds the speakers. RCISS will installed all wire into the appropriate sized conduit utilizing Aqua Cable where necessary.

Challenge: A new hotel at National Harbor, the Residence Inn was in need of a last minute installation in two of their meeting rooms.

Solution: RCI Sound Systems installed a turnkey audio/video combinable room system. Two projectors housed in motorized lifts were installed. The images viewed on two 120” diagonal screens also installed by RCISS. A wall plate was installed in each of the two rooms. Each wall plate allows the input of VGA with audio as well as composite video with audio. The video sources are routed through an Extron Media Presentation Switcher. The system can be controlled via Extron MediaLink wall plates. The wall plate allows control of projector power on/off, screen up/down, and source select. RCISS also integrated the existing background music system into the new system.

Design - RCI Sound Systems worked closely with The Recher Theatre’s staff of sound technicians, owners and talent buyer to determine the system parameters. A Nexo Alpha system was chosen because of its ability to handle the high Sound Pressure Levels required by loud rock bands and its ability to faithfully reproduce detailed musical passages at lower levels. A Yamaha M7CL-48 was installed at front of house mix position. Eight inserts were added to the console to provide insert points for the equipment racks that many touring sound engineers bring with them. A Yamaha LS9-32 was installed at the monitor mix position. Eight additional channels were added to bring the total number of monitor channels to forty. Ten monitor mixes were installed including side fill monitors with subwoofers, and a drum fill monitor with subwoofers. All monitor speakers are Nexo. Nexo processing was used throughout the mains and monitor systems. All amplifiers are by Yamaha. A PC at Front of House networks with both the M7CL and the LS9. A new intercom was installed between front of house and monitors and a new transformer isolated splitter snake was installed. All new microphones, direct boxes, microphone stands, and cables were added.

Installation - Prior to the installation, RCI Sound Systems’ engineers provided electrical requirements to the Recher Theatre’s electrical contractor. RCI Sound Systems technicians worked with the electrical contractor to insure exact specifications. RCI Sound Systems crew installed two new 4” I-beams above the structural steel. To do this, the crew had to go above the drop tile and then break through the plaster ceiling above the tile. Custom lengths of steel cable had to be manufactured because the structural steel on house right was higher than the structural steel on house left. Once the new I-beams were in place, they were welded to the existing structural steel. While all of this was going on, the old system was removed, the new snake was installed, and the amplifier rack was installed and terminated. While on site, the owners of the Recher Theatre requested that we install a new downstage lighting truss. RCI Sound Systems technicians removed the old pipe and installed a new one along with the front fills for the new sound system. Consoles were installed and terminated. RCI Sound Systems completely tested all components and equalized the room using SMAART Live. All of this took place in less than five days.

RCISS installed a turnkey combine conference room system complete with multiple videoconferencing and audio conferencing equipment. The system includes a state-of-the-art portable performance system capable of supporting most regional and national acts. All source units (DVDs, DSS, VCRs, VTCs, etc.) can be sent to any of the display devices in either conference room, or the lobby as needed.

The combinable conference rooms can operate as one large conference room, a performance space, or two separate conference rooms. Multiple cameras can capture video and that video with audio can then be sent to any or all of the flat panel displays or the projector in the lobby.

RCISS installed a Crestron control system for ease of operation. This system not only interfaces with the audio/video system, it also controls the two lighting systems installed in the space.

Additionally, RCISS installed audio/video systems into three executive offices.

RCISS employees performed all work and we continue to maintain and operate this system.

RCI Sound Systems redesigned the entire sound system for the one-year-old, 80,000 seat, open-air stadium.  RCISS performed an analysis of the existing sound system to determine the causes and effects of the existing audio problems, including TEF analysis and 3-D computer modeling for the evaluation of the existing sound system. Once the problems were isolated, a study to determine the causes of the problems was conducted.  From this study, RCISS determined the best approach to solve the sound system problems.

RCISS redesigned the entire sound system, utilizing all of the existing hardware, and added additional equipment to provide smooth coverage throughout the seating bowl with a peak level of 101 dB spl + 2 db in the main seating area. 

RCISS added 160 custom EAW speakers to improve coverage and intelligibility along with 50 power amplifiers.  A new amplifier room was created to house the additional amplifiers.  RCISS added complete computer control capability of the speakers and amplifiers.  The delivery date was approximately four weeks to reconfigure the old system and install the additional components to meet the mid-season deadline.  With the newly installed sound system, overall speech intelligibility was improved considerably, music impact is now significant and the computer control of the sound system provides the balancing capability for even coverage from seat to seat.  More pics...

RCI Sound Systems completed the installation of the sound system for the 25-year-old Kennedy Center Concert Hall renovation.  

RCISS installed a complete new performing arts sound system.  The system consisted of an elaborate L/C/R system with preset "fly" points and motor control clusters.  Each of the three clusters is storable in a preset motor location, this allows the facility to remove the clusters and store them for different events.  

An elaborate series of on-stage inputs create a flexible system that can be configured for any event. Separate systems for each of the four balconies, on-stage balconies and presidential suite allow complete control over every aspect of the system to provide the audience with the best audio experience.   More pics...

The Comcast Center is an athletic arena with a seating capacity of 17,950, designed by Ellerbe Becket, Kansas City, Missouri, and Design Collective, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, which opened in the fall of 2002; Comcast replaced Cole Field House as the College Park venue for Maryland basketball.  The Center also houses the university's athletics administration. In its first season, a school-record 281,057 fans witnessed Terrapin men's basketball games for a per-game average of 17,566; this figure ranked fifth in the nation for the 2002-2003 season.

RCI Sound Systems personnel installed the sound system consisting of over 68 thousand watts of amplifier power and 43 miles of cable.  We also installed the MATV/DBS distribution and broadcast cabling systems.   More pics...

RCI Sound Systems designed and installed Theater one, Theater two, Two event areas, and Interfaces to exhibits.  

Theater one - The Meyerhoff consists of two - dual 35/16mm film projectors with change over, four channel DOLBY Surround Sound, Video playback with rear booth high intensity video projection, recording console interface, live sound reinforcement console, audio processors, equalizers and speakers, production intercom, and infrared assisted listening systems.  A multi-room distribution system to other theaters and exhibit areas is also incorporated.

Theater two - This theater consists of two-dual 35/16mm film projectors with change over, four-channel DOLBY Surround Sound, video playback with rear booth high intensity video projection, live sound reinforcement console, audio processors, equalizers and speakers, production intercom, and infrared assisted listening systems.  A multi-room distribution system to other theaters and exhibit areas is also incorporated.

Interactive workstations - Designed and supplied headphone systems for touch screen interactive computer stations

Opening Ceremonies - Planned, designed, and supplied all television technical aspects of the ceremony.  RCISS supplied a five-camera remote television control center and pool feed to all news media, power generation, television lighting, Diamond Vision outdoor television screen-20x28 feet and sound reinforcement systems for an audience of 30,000 people.  The audience included the President, Vice-President, members of Congress, and visiting dignitaries from eight countries.

RCI Sound Systems designed and built both the Branch Ave. building and the South locations.

Branch Ave. Location:
RCI designed and installed the live audio event system for the entire facility. With the church hosting concerts and large events on a regular basis, the sound system needed the capabilities of a concert type system. Utilizing custom RCI concert speakers, even coverage is maintained throughout the seating area at "rock concert" levels.
Audio splits were provided through an RCI custom splitter system. These splits provide feeds to the radio and television ministries.

South Location (Oxon Hill):
RCI designed and installed the audio system for the new expansion site. Seating over 3,500 people and hosting many concert events, Full Gospel needed a system that would provide not only a "typical" Sunday worship system but also a system for the two hundred member choir, and 80 piece orchestra/worship band.

RCI designed a system that centered around a touring concert system approach. With two Yamaha PM3500 48-channel consoles as the centerpiece, the system can handle any concert event or Sunday morning event that may be presented to the technical staff. 

This new facility contains a 5,000-seat auditorium, a 150-seat wedding chapel and multipurpose area.  This facility was designed specifically for nationally known speakers/evangelists and Christian artist for broadcast, production and live performances.  RCI was contracted to design and build the state-of-art audio, video and MATV systems located throughout the building for broadcast and post production as well as live sound and video reinforcement.

Auditorium Audio - The Soundcraft 52-channel house console is the heart of this room.  The system is driven by all Crown amplification with EAW Front of House speaker system and delay system.  KT outboard processing is utilized as well as TC Electronics and Aphex.  The system has been designed to allow production trucks to completely interface with the audio system and utilize the large video system for video playback.

Auditorium Video - Five remote video camera locations are located throughout the auditorium area with split feeds being routed to the truck plates and production booth.  Two twenty-foot video screens are located in the auditorium for truck video playback through two Sanyo light valve projectors integrated into the underside of the 1,200-seat balcony some ninety feet from the screens.  A portable computer with Bible software and a computer interface allows computer graphic display of the any of the Bible software utilized for a given service.  Camera feeds originating from the production trucks or production room may also be fed into the video projectors for further video display.

Wedding Chapel & Multipurpose Rooms - Utilizes auto mixers for hands-free operation and control over the microphones located throughout the room.  Video plates allow for the wedding chapel to be used as an overflow room for the main auditorium.  The Multipurpose Room utilizes a ballroom combining system to control all of the audio systems in this three-room combinable space.  Automatic mixers and computer-controlled equalizers are utilized to make this room as hands-free as possible.   More pics...

RCI Sound Systems staff provided a complete turnkey design / build solution for the Stage, Sanctuary, Meeting and Conference room sound, video projection, intercom and recording systems in their new Upper Marlboro, MD building.  We were teamed with their architect, and their general contractor as we developed the AV solutions for their recently dedicated Cathedral. 

The Sanctuary has a 48 Channel House mixing console, 16 channel Monitor Mix and 24 channel Recording Mixer.  It has a 6-channel production intercom and 8 wireless mics.  We installed a 4-channel MTV system to all TV locations.  The video images are projected onto two 20 x 26 ft screens.  The Evangel Cathedral is a magnificent building with seating for 2500.  The stage is fitted out to the same professional level as any other of the best performance venues in Washington. The Sanctuary sound system consists of left, center and right EAW flown clusters of KF860 cabinets. 

A family-oriented church, Shiloh Baptist Church is located in Northwest DC at the corner of 9th and P Streets, NW, near the new MCI Center (Home of the Washington Wizards), moments away from downtown hotels, the famous China Town, the White House, the Capital, the Washington Monument, and several museums.

RCI completed a new installation after the church was destroyed by fire in 1995. 

RCI Sound Systems - Design, installation and maintenance of the entire facility.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is numbered among the ten largest churches in the world. It measures a total of 459 feet long and covers an area of 77,500 square feet.  The height of the nave, from the marble floor to the apex of the central dome is ten stories.  The Knights' Tower, a gift of the Knights of Columbus and completed in 1959, rises 329 feet from ground level -- from its base to the top of the cross is as tall as a 32-story building.

The interior of the Great Upper Church is 399 feet long and can accommodate more than six thousand worshipers.  By way of analogy, the Statue of Liberty, which measures 306 feet 8 inches from the foundation of the pedestal to the torch, could easily fit lengthwise into the Upper Church.

The Crypt Church is 200 feet long, and 160 feet wide and can comfortably seat more than 400 persons.

RCI Sound Systems Installed and maintains the sound systems in the Great Upper Church and the Crypt Church for the last 20 years. 

St. Matthew's Parish was established in 1840, and is located at 15th and H Streets, NW.  It was the fourth Catholic church constructed in Washington.  Construction of the present church began in 1893 under the direction of Monsignor Thomas Sim Lee.  

It was designated a cathedral in 1939 when the Archdiocese of Washington was established. The Cathedral was designed by noted New York architect C. Grant La Farge.  

Its design is a hybrid of Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. C. Grant LaFarge designed many churches, public buildings and helped design the New York City subway system. The Cathedral is in the form of a Latin cross 155 feet long and 136 feet wide at the transepts.  The interior of the dome rises 190 feet.  The body of the Cathedral seats 854 persons; including chapels, it seats 1,254.  

RCISS installed and maintains the sound systems.

St. Patrick's Church is the oldest parish in the Federal City of Washington, DC.  Founded in 1794 to minister to the needs of the stonemasons building the White House and the U.S. Capitol, the parish continues to serve the needs of downtown Washington through daily Mass & confession, adult education, and cultural activities. 

The length of the building from the center entrance to the sanctuary apse is 169 feet; the width of the transept is 84 feet. The height of the nave vaults from the floor is 60 feet. 

RCISS installed and maintains the sound systems.

The Naval Academy Chapel is celebrating their Centennial Renaissance. The Renaissance is a four-year time period of remembrance  and celebration, reflecting the historic first hundred years of our current Naval Academy Chapel.  This is also a time for looking to the future by refocusing the chapel community toward renewal and expansion throughout the twenty-first century.  The Chapel Centennial Renaissance brackets itself between the centennial dates of the setting of the original cornerstone in 1904 and its original dedication on May 28, 1908. 

The historic Chapel at the center of the Yard, and its landmark dome are symbolic of the vital role that moral and spiritual guidance plays in the development of Midshipmen into naval officers.  

RCI Sound Systems - Design, installation and maintenance of the entire facility.