Al-Aziz Al-Hakim Mosque upgrades audio for worship and broadcast
Al-Aziz Al-Hakim Mosque upgrades audio for worship and broadcast
Al-Aziz Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo has installed an integrated Harman Professional sound system designed to improve speech intelligibility across its worship and community spaces, while also supporting live broadcast applications.
Located in Moqattam, the mosque hosts daily prayers, Friday sermons and religious and community events. The installation was delivered by Audio Technology, Harman Professional’s distributor in Egypt, and combines JBL Professional loudspeakers with Crown amplification, Soundcraft mixing and BSS signal processing.
One of the principal challenges was the building’s extensive use of stone and marble, which creates long reverberation times and can compromise speech intelligibility. Architectural features also restricted loudspeaker placement, requiring the system to provide consistent coverage while remaining visually discreet.
Audio Technology based the main prayer hall system around JBL Professional CBT Series column loudspeakers. Using Constant Beamwidth Technology, the columns direct sound towards the congregation while limiting reflections from walls and ceilings. Outdoor areas are covered by JBL Professional AWC Series all-weather loudspeakers, providing speech coverage without the use of conventional horn loudspeakers.
Soundcraft digital mixing consoles provide control for prayers, religious events and live productions, while Crown XLS and CDi DriveCore Series amplifiers power the system. Signal processing and control are handled through a BSS Soundweb platform incorporating BLU-100 processors and EC-8BV wall controllers.
The networked architecture provides centralised signal routing, time alignment between indoor and outdoor zones and preset management. This allows operators to configure the system for different types of events while maintaining consistent audio coverage across the site.
“The project was unique because it combined a complete Harman ecosystem across professional audio, broadcast infrastructure and security systems while respecting the architectural identity of the mosque,” said Nermeen Iskander, marketing director for Audio Technology. “The JBL CBT loudspeakers provided uniform coverage and speech intelligibility required for the main prayer hall, while the JBL AWC loudspeakers delivered natural sound outdoors. Combined with Soundcraft mixers, Crown amplifiers and the BSS processing platform, the system gives operators the flexibility to manage different worship and community events from a centralised network.”
The installation also supports live broadcasts of major religious events and provides scope for future expansion. According to Audio Technology, feedback since completion has highlighted improvements in speech intelligibility and system operation, particularly during larger and multilingual gatherings.
