More than 80 speakers and a state-of-the-art digital system improve the technical quality of sound and voice broadcasting, Vatican News announced July 21. The sub-floor wiring has been replaced by 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) of modern fibers which greatly facilitates the transmission of signals and the management of the system itself.
“The system allows for a much more natural participation of those present at liturgical events,” explains Italian architect Carlo Carbone, responsible for carrying out the tests.
The perception of sound is “precise” and “perfect,” cutting down on the echo and reverberation typical of such a large space. “With the new system, the sound seems to come from the altar, considered the central point of emission,” he comments.
In particular, the system provides for activation by the speakers with a progressive and very slight delay, of the order of a millisecond, as they move away.
The new digital system will allow different sound configurations to be chosen depending on the celebration. Around twenty zones are available and can be activated simultaneously.
Beyond the technical details, the people present in the basilica have the impression of being enveloped by voice and sound.
A new sound system was installed at the end of July 2023 in St. Peter’s Basilica. This high-tech infrastructure replaces the analog system put in place almost 25 years ago on the occasion of the Jubilee Year 2000.