FRONT OF HOUSE
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE | Kent Morris photo by Clement Felix via Unsplash
System stability is the benchmark of a properly designed and implemented sound system . If normal operational levels can only be achieved through extraordinary means , the system isn ’ t right . If it takes a world-class engineer to deliver passable results , there is much work left to do . When an average , reasonably trained operator is capable of handling a Sunday service with no major issues , the sound system is “ dialed in ” correctly . Let ’ s look at some ways to eliminate instability in a typical church sound system .
First , the signal path must adhere to logic . Now is the time for Mr . Spock , not Dr . McCoy amid the tendency of techs to get creative and lay out a Rube Goldberg experiment . As much as possible , the path from input to output should be simple , direct and just like every other comparable system in existence . In a few years , other users will have to ascertain the system layout without firsthand knowledge of the installer ’ s thought process . As a corollary , documentation is essential . Proper written documents are referenced by the term “ as builts ” meaning the reality matches the concept . When a subsequent user must find the route of cabling , the job is made more difficult than necessary if the plans were changed during construction but never updated to reflect the actuality .
Second , all sound system components should operate below their peak performance envelope . In other words , a power amp rated at a maximum output of 1000-Watts should not be installed where the need is for 1000-Watts of output since that amp is at its extreme operational capacity during normal use . Instead , a 2000-Watt amplifier should be installed as it can output 1000-Watts with ease long-term . The system needs to be comfortable handling day-to-day events without stress . As a bonus , when extra output is needed for special events , the system can handle it . The small extra cost of moving the system up one level will far outweigh the price of constant repairs on overly wrought equipment .
Third , a template is needed to establish the baseline performance . Once the system is functional , a scene should be saved to begin the process of honing . Honing is the key to kaizen , or continuous improvement . Toyota represents this better than anyone . They make small improvements based on demonstrable increases in efficiency . It is rare for Toyota to show a radical change ; instead , they focus on improving what already works . It ’ s no coincidence , then , they are the world ’ s largest vehicle manufacturer . In the same vein , sound systems should start with function and update the base scene when an improvement is made , say in choir mic performance via ringing out of the mics or the move to individual EQ profiles
for rotating vocalists .
Fourth , changes made by one engineer should be relayed to all others immediately . If I make a change at FOH on the console , I should advise others about it and ask for their agreement before committing it to the scene . Similarly , the EQ profile favored by one operator for the kick drum should only become standard if everyone , agrees . Occasional single-use curves can be implemented but should not be the norm .
Finally , it is better to be quick than right . Operationally , turning the mic on at the correct time is more important than what it sounds like , so set up the console for success through mute groups , reasonable DCA assignments and consistency across the board . Everyone should be able to grasp the flow without a chart or lesson .
From writing notes on the order of service sheet to standardizing the power up and down sequence , having a stable sound system is achievable when everyone performs in the same manner , the issues are removed one-by-one , and the system is kept in its Goldilocks zone .
Kent Morris Kent Morris is a 44-year veteran of the AVL arena driven by passion for excellence tempered by the knowledge all technology is in a temporal state .
106 December 2023 Subscribe for Free ...