In Bhendi Bazaar the expansive Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project is transforming the area into a modern and vibrant part of Mumbai. 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 a state-of-the-art audio-visual system to reflect the needs of modern-day worshippers.
Twelve Renkus-Heinz Iconyx Compact ICC12/3 loudspeakers were chosen as an integral part of this soundscape, helping to deliver focused audio to thousands of daily visitors.
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. Leading technology design consultants Play Technologies and award-winning 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.
Sachin Jain, AV/IT consultant at Play Technology, said: “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.”
Bhavin Sureliya, AV system integrator at Innovative Systems & Solutions, said: “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. 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, creating a connected and immersive space for visitors and enabling seamless transmission of audio and visual streams between the Masjid’s various buildings.
The ICC12/3’s renowned flexibility ensures seamless integration with the infill system that was already installed across the atrium’s three floors and other areas. Sureliya ran thorough tests on the ICC12/3’s various beam-level settings to find the optimum direction necessary to achieve uniform sound on each level.
Jain explained: “The powerful Renkus-Heinz system acts as the primary source of front-of-house and fill sound in the main atrium. 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 delivered exceptional sound quality without disturbing this unique architecture, thanks to their minimalist design and very narrow form factor. The included wall-mount bracket also promotes easy installation and is almost invisible behind the array.
Jain said: “The interior demanded a loudspeaker that was sleek and unobtrusive while also meeting specific size constraints. It had to fit within the carvings on the wooden columns, where it was to be mounted. And of course, beyond the strict aesthetic considerations, it also had to deliver the performance requirements – which is where the ICC12/3 excelled.”
Renkus-Heinz’s ICC12/3 loudspeakers deliver the power and precision essential for an architecturally sensitive space where speech intelligibility is critical. Worshippers now experience crystal-clear audio at every level of the main atrium, all while immersed in the Masjid’s atmosphere. Integrated into a wider AV system, the loudspeakers provide focused, high-intelligibility sound exactly where it’s needed. Their compact, unobtrusive design preserves the traditional character of this sacred space while meeting modern acoustic demands.
Huzefa Maimoon, information technology and HOD at Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT), explained: “With a global reputation for transforming sound in houses of worship, Renkus-Heinz was an intelligent choice. The precise beam-steering technology has transformed this sanctuary so every worshipper can hear messages with perfect intelligibility, without overpowering the Masjid’s serenity.”
Jain concluded: “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. 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.”