How one man is raising standards in sound, projection and streaming

In the last issue of Ecclesiastical and Heritage World we discovered how APi Sound and Visual managing director Andy Pidsley worked his way up through the ranks, building a thriving business across the South of England. Andy also gave us some useful tips on funding.

In this issue Andy dispels some common myths in the industry and describes some of the challenges the APi team have faced in recent years – especially since the arrival of COVID-19.

Has COVID-19 had a big impact upon the industry?

Without a doubt, COVID-19 has been the biggest challenge we have faced in the nearly 20 years since I started APi. From juggling staff on furlough to the nearly-impossible task of trying to find accommodation for our engineers when they were working away during lockdowns, it was tough. We work all across the South to London and up as far into the Midlands as Birmingham, so I was having to check local restrictions before sending my engineers out to each site.

COVID has also had a huge impact on stock levels, especially for particular products. Before lockdown I could place an order on Monday and the equipment would turn up the next day; but now some products can take several months to arrive!

In terms of the type of work we are undertaking in churches, APi are still largely installing sound, projectors and screens; however, the demand for web streaming has been the biggest area of growth within the industry and is certainly one of our most popular services. At APi we have helped those starting from scratch or wanting to improve their current web streaming set-up.

Are there any common myths in the industry you would like to dispel?

I would say the biggest myth we come across is that an AV system is going to be complicated. I make sure that any system we fit is designed for the customer, including the level of sophistication they require and the experience of those operating it.

For the streaming systems we now install we have developed a customisable controller, which means camera pre-sets, streaming start/ stop functions, projectors and other devices can all be controlled from this single device. That means even someone who has never used the system before could come up and run a service on Sunday and anyone watching at home gets a high-quality stream to watch.

With the rise in availability of digital mixers, operating the sound system can be done from anywhere in the church from an iPad – which is far less daunting than standing at a conventional mixing console with about 400 buttons!

What is the most challenging installation you have ever had to do, and why?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one, as every church or heritage building has its own set of challenges, even if they look similar. Often the most difficult element is designing a system which has minimal impact on the fabric of the church. For example, a tricky installation was St Andrew's in Cullompton, because we had to design a completely unique mechanism to lift a projection screen from the top of the rood screen – avoiding causing damage to the very precious woodwork. It was imperative that the screen was invisible when not in use, which we managed to achieve, and now the congregation are able to use digital media during their services, which has really enhanced their experience on a Sunday.

I am fortunate to have a very experienced team here at APi, so we are able to overcome almost any challenge that these beautiful buildings present. q • To contact Andy Pidsley and the APi Team call 0845 557 8350 or visit www.churchsoundsystems.co