Situated on 102 acres sloping down to the shores of a lake and overlooking a canyon fed by two waterefalls, Prayer Mountain in the Ozarks, USA is a retreat that serves as a visually stunning place of worship.

The appeal goes beyond the spirit and the sights, however, as parishioners in the log cabin-like main congregation experience complete sonic clarity from the Turbosound loudspeaker system specified by Southwest Audio-Visual located in Springfield, Missouri.

"Turbosound makes extraordinary systems. The TQ series is virtually as transparent as can be achieved for a compression-based loudspeaker design," says Michael Lannon, audio system project designer for Southwest Audio-Visual. "Their TQ-series loudspeakers are ideal for houses of worship such as Prayer Mountain because of the unsurpassed fidelity and output they achieve from a very compact package. With one TQ-308 hung over the center of each of the two main seating sections (in three time-aligned pairs/rows, a total of six), the result is a system that doesn't occupy too much aesthetic real estate."

The rest of the Turbosound system consists of two THL-818 subs and two additional TQ-308s as floor location stage monitors for the 200-person main congregation. The result is crystal clear amplification of choirs, plugged-in and acoustical musical groups and the spoken word.

Designed with large expanses of glass, oak and sheet rock, the sound of the intimate chapel was honed with Custom Pro Panels from Auralex Acoustics. The acoustics also benefited from the tight control provided by the trapezoidal Turbosound TQ-308s. "The 100 x 60 degree coverage pattern of the TQ-308 was absolutely appropriate for the room," says Lannon. "It's also evident that Turbosound's driver selection process sets a very high bar. They're very consistent from box to box, which in turn results in easier installation."

Designed for exceptional performance in the 55-180Hz range with potential peak sound pressure levels in excess of 138dB, the THL-818 sub delivers the punch Lannon needed for this unforgettable facility. "Turbosound takes exceptional care with designing their loudspeaker enclosures," he says. "With the THL-818, they've made sure there are no interior surfaces that encourage the buildup of standing waves. The angled corners on the contours create a tone that is well-rounded with even EQ output."

According to Lannon, the specification of the powerful Turbosound system illustrates the sharply increased expectations of houses of worship and their patrons. "My customers such as Billye Brim Ministries, which founded Prayer Mountain, are very aware of the impact of quality vocal reinforcement and the need to maintain the utmost in clarity and transparency," he comments. "In turn, visitors to houses of worship today prefer to get lost in the experience, rather than be distracted by the audio and visual methods for communicating that message. With the Turbosound speakers and subs, the sound image translation is as transparent as possible."

Turbosound's consistently personal service and support are a welcome factor in guiding Lannon to specify their equipment for numerous houses of worship and live applications. "What's exceptional about Turbosound is the one-on-one contact I experience with the company," says Lannon. "I don't have that level of service with a larger company. I also appreciate their honest evaluations of what their enclosures can and can't do for a particular application."

A decidedly uncommon destination for worship, Prayer Mountain in the Ozarks has ensured that its visitors also receive an uncommonly satisfying audio experience. "If you're within this space, you're in a very special place," says Lannon. "The enclosures of the Turbosound systems are in a class by themselves. They blend well with the sharply defined aesthetic of Prayer Mountain, while providing outstanding coverage and clarity."