with an audio industry retailer can be very valuable . He or she should know exactly what frequencies are legal at any time and they will be able to offer suggestions for equipment that will perform well in this environment . Here ’ s a
link to the FCC site that spells out the current state of wireless frequency availability , as well as providing up-to-date FCC regulations .
If your wireless systems are illegal , it ’ s time to make a change , even though replacing something you already have with something that does exactly the same job isn ’ t any fun at all - neither is getting a whopping fine from the FCC . That one is a pretty easy sell to any church council or financial committee .
IN-EAR MONITORS Getting rid of wedge monitors on the front of the stage and throughout the band is something that many churches have already done . But , if your worship team still uses floor monitors , get rid of them and buy an in-ear system for your entire band and singers . That will improve your ability to communicate worship and virtually any other addition to your system . The sound that comes out of floor monitors bounces around the room and makes what comes out of the mains sound worse .
the word of God . If you don ’ t have someone who can do those things , be careful . You ’ re likely to lose the people who have been serving faithfully on a simple and easy to use analog mixer , simply because they are intimidated by digital technology .
Often , the retailer will be willing to set the mixer up for you and tune the system with the mixer . That ’ s fine and helpful , but you need someone who can jump in and learn how to route signals , set up groups , work the VCA / DCAs , find the desired reverb and effects , and adjust them to your taste . Keep in mind that it ’ s very important that pastors , staff , and ministry leaders are able to walk into your church , turn your sound system on , and have a successful experience .
If you have someone who either knows how to operate the digital counsel , or who is willing and capable of learning how to operate the digital console , it ’ s a great route to go . If someone understands what they ’ re doing , they can set up a digital mixer in a way that is as easy-touse for volunteers and staff as a simple analog mixer - in some ways it ’ s easier to use .
OTHER STUFF Beyond the previous recommendations , there are many things that can help a worship team connect with the congregation . Choose the most important addition to your system thoughtfully and prayerfully .
BUILDING THE BUDGET All of the previous information in this article is very important when it comes time to deciding what to include in your budget . Now we ’ ll take a quick look at how to create and present a budget to the church council , finance committee , and pastors .
BE ORGANIZED No one will respect a presentation that isn ’ t well organized and planned out . A spreadsheet can be your best friend in these presentations because it looks organized , and it ’ s very easy to create equations that will let you change certain values and see how they impact the bottom line . The people you are presenting to are probably very familiar with spreadsheets and would appreciate your efforts to present a detailed recommendation . Also , with the
Most musicians want their monitors loud and therefore it ’ s common that a band with floor monitors is louder than your pastor would prefer before even turning on the mains ! I recommend in-ear systems frequently and I always hear a good report back . As a side benefit , your band and singers will play much better together once they can hear themselves directly and at a level they choose .
MIXER A current technology digital mixer can add loads of flexibility for your experienced sound engineers . They can also scare away volunteers who are uncomfortable with computers and digital devices . If you have someone who understands how to set up and operate a new digital mixer , it can be an amazing asset in helping convey worship and