India - Mumbai, India’s most populous city and financial capital, is currently undergoing significant redevelopment. In Bhendi Bazaar in particular, the expansive Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project is transforming the area into a modern and vibrant metropolis. A significant part of the ongoing project has been the renovation of the area’s Saifee Masjid.
Originally built in the early 20th century, the Masjid soon became the community’s primary place of worship. After almost 100 years of service, the building underwent significant reconstruction before reopening in September 2023. The updated structure blends architectural heritage with innovation, along with an audio-visual system to reflect the needs of modern-day worshippers. 12 Renkus-Heinz Iconyx Compact ICC12/3 loudspeakers were chosen as an integral part of this soundscape.
With the Masjid built to accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers across three levels, ensuring clear speech during daily prayers and other community events is essential. Technology design consultants Play Technologies and AV systems integration company Innovative Systems & Solutions were confident that Renkus-Heinz’s flexible, compact ICC12/3 loudspeaker could deliver the performance and directivity needed in such an acoustically complex space. “With the proven legacy of Renkus-Heinz products in this type of project, there were no second thoughts on the selection of the brand as the preferred solution for the front-of-house and main atrium sound,” explains Mr. Sachin Jain, AV/IT consultant at Play Technologies.
“The ICC12/3’s high vertical directivity and beam-steered line arrays can effortlessly penetrate buildings with challenging acoustics, which work perfectly with the Masjid’s high ceilings and stone walls,” adds Mr. Bhavin Sureliya, AV system integrator at Innovative Systems & Solutions. “RHAON II beam steering and the movable acoustic centre ensures that sound reaches every visitor, whilst minimising potential reverberation in such a large space.”
Renkus-Heinz’s ICC12/3 loudspeakers were installed as part of a larger audio-visual solution. The loudspeakers’ ease of integration and control allow them to work flawlessly with many other devices such as other loudspeakers, microphones and amplifiers, plus built-in LED TVs and projectors, enabling seamless transmission of audio and visual streams between the Masjid’s various buildings.
"The powerful Renkus-Heinz system acts as the primary source of front-of-house and fill sound in the main atrium,” explains Jain. “Tannoy loudspeakers in the corridors, higher floors and under-balcony areas complement the ICC12/3 system to offer clear, unbroken sound in every area.”
An important aspect of the Masjid’s large-scale reconstruction was ensuring that the building was restored back to its former glory, which involved reintroducing intricate decoration and elaborate embellishment. Meticulously carved Burmese teak beams, chandeliers and gold leafing on the ceiling create a beautiful interior that echoes the original design. The ICC12/3 loudspeakers deliver sound quality without disturbing this architecture, thanks to their minimalist design and very narrow form factor.
“We have found the support provided by Renkus-Heinz and its distributor Alphatec to be a great help at various stages of the project. The support has continued even after completion, which is quite impressive,” reflects Jain. “The integration team from Innovative Systems & Solutions Pvt Ltd have also been very supportive whenever they have been on site, providing superior client reassurance throughout the installation.”