a bit about the idea of where the outputs need to exist . Until somebody invents Star Trekstyle beaming of matter and / or insanely fast and 99.999 % reliable wireless data transfer , we ’ ll have to rely heavily on physical cabling for various aspects of our audio transfer . Think about where those microphones and direct boxes should connect into the system . Are they cleaner and more efficient connecting at the stage ? Is your space so small that the console is actually situated close to the stage and a separate stage box is not necessary ? Are the amp racks and / or PA speaker inputs 100 yards away from the FOH mix position ? This is where drawing up a current and potential future-state diagram of your system can help . Each of the answers above will point to slightly different system designs with features like an extensive I / O ecosystem , compatibility with AoIP protocols , number of physical outputs , etc . moving higher or lower up the wish list .
CLOSING THOUGHTS
You ’ ll note that I haven ’ t included any mention of price in our requirements list . I think it is best to have a framework of ‘ what you need ’ before you worry too much about the ‘ what you have ’ in the budget . Like I said earlier , if money was no object we ’ d all have the topof-the-line snazziest touring desks at FOH … but we ’ d also have gone well beyond the actual requirements in many cases . I encourage you to walk through the requirements list with a thoughtful and careful approach and not let the ‘ but what I really want is what they have at the church across town ’ or ‘ we should get the fanciest thing possible and spend 100 % of our budget ’ thoughts drive the process .
“ But Jeff , you ’ ll probably have a giant Allen & Heath ad on the next page after this article talking about how your consoles are the best ,” you are probably saying right about now . True , but the pro audio world is quite large and while I do happen to think we make a wide range of cool products , I ’ d be crazy to think that we are always the best choice for everyone . For those who have completed the requirements gathering phase and consulted with other churches and professionals , I am hopeful that our products ( and our ads !) speak to you and closely align to your needs . Back when trade shows where still happening on a regular basis , I would get some version of the question “ which console is the best ?” My answer was always the same — “ the one that best fits your needs and gets the job done .”
Jeff Hawley A 20-year music industry veteran — equally at ease behind the console , playing bass guitar , leading marketing teams or designing award-winning audio products . He currently heads up the marketing for Allen & Heath in the US .