worship sound

One small piece of equipment that can have a huge impact on the quality of sound on the worship platform is the in-ear monitor.  In-ear monitors can reduce stage volume and provide precise monitoring for individual mixes.

When discussing church sound, most of the focus is on the sound system components and technology used in the sanctuary or primary worship center. However, there are several other areas in the church that should be considered when planning or upgrading a church sound system.

For all of the high tech digital audio devices out there, there is still a lot of analog equipment and cables in church sound systems. Each cable typically comes with its own type of connector, but not all cables are this way. That’s where things can get confusing for a new sound team volunteer.

Creating a thorough soundcheck process is one of the best ways ensure that a consistent audio mix is achieved at church each week. There are different ways to approach a soundcheck, but the end result should always be quality sound from the stage to the main loudspeakers, a good monitor mix for each musician and vocalist, and a sound tech that is prepared to mix the live event.

Worship distractions come in a variety of packages. Some distractions just can’t be avoided, like the baby in the back row making a less-than-joyful noise. But there are a number of distractions that can and should be completely avoided. In terms of technical system distractions, there can be many causes.

There is perhaps no better parameter for adjusting the quality of your sound than the equalizer. And it doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. Mastering your use of the EQ for live sound will take some practice though. And it is imperative that you train your ears what to listen for. (See the helpful chart and tips at the end of this post.) Why EQ? What’s the big deal about EQ, anyway?

Feedback! Yeah, it can be a problem. Even for a seasoned sound tech. So, how do we stop it? And how can we prevent it from happening in the first place? First, let’s define exactly what it is we’re talking about. What is Feedback? Feedback is the result of sound looping between an audio input and an audio output.

Mixing sound is as much an art as it is a craft. And like any art or craft, it requires a commitment to learning and practice in order to stay proficient and mix with excellence on a regular basis. That’s all well and good to say, but what does it really mean to “practice sound?” How can church sound techs practice and get better? Are there tools that can help measure that advancement in knowledge and skill? I hate to break it to you like this, but if you want to get better at mixing sound then you’ll need to do more than just show up at mid-week worship rehearsal, shadow the lead mix engineer on Sunday, and “think about running sound.” Fortunately, there are some great resources to help you get started (if you're an audio rookie), and tools to help you continue your education (even if you’re a live sound veteran).