that served as hard caps on the possible results and when those factors went unaddressed , the budget-spend didn ’ t have nearly the desired impact .
So anytime you think you ’ ve identified an area for improvement in your band , make sure you have a clear path and plan for how you ’ ll actually recognize the quality increase from that investment from the entry point all the way through to the speakers . This isn ’ t an exciting thing to think about . No one wants to hear they should buy new , filtered power strips and quality direct boxes instead of a new guitar pedal , but a well-brewed cup of Folgers beats a re-used filtered small-batch brew any day .
MAXIMUM IMPACT
I do think that the further down the signal chain a piece of tech is , the more it ’ s worth not skimping out on quality . Many decent sounding instruments , playing with excellence together can sound incredible if the soundboard and loudspeakers are dialed in , but it doesn ’ t matter how great your synth plugins are if you ’ re running them into a direct box that ’ s not going to cleanly transmit the signal , see what I mean ?
When it comes to investing into the tech your church uses , then , it ’ s helpful to think on what ’ s going to open up quality increases for the maximum number of people on stage . In-ear stations for all , rather than ultra-high-end drum mics , a new , simple keys rig that every volunteer on the team will be comfortable using , rather than one expensive plugin that only advanced keys players will have time to dial-in .
I ’ m not saying you should never invest in new gear for a specific member or position in your team , but if your sound desk is completely out of outputs and you ’ re not scheduling that second electric guitarist because you have no input for them , it ’ s worthwhile to consider a new console before you buy that new drum cage or moving head light fixture , in my opinion .
ONE BRICK AT A TIME
Any time we ’ re spending a dollar that came from giving to the church I feel we have a responsibility to be intentional , careful , and methodical . As we build the church , our worship teams , and yes , the tech we use to accomplish these goals , it ’ s helpful to be reminded that our calling is often to years of faithful , incremental service . What you can ’ t quite afford now may be within reach down the road , or it may not , but your heart to serve where you are right now is what will drive you forward in your mission for however long your church is your opportunity to cultivate .
David Pfaltzgraff Founder and Lead Sound Designer at SundaySounds . com , a site that resources worship keys players and guitarists around the world . David currently resides in Des Moines , IA with his wife and two boys . He enjoys volunteering in his church ’ s worship ministry , old synthesizers , and a good super-hero movie .
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