So how do we successfully design and source “IF YOU WANT A THING DONE RIGHT, DO IT gear you can simply walk into the neighborhood
and install - and pay for - a new sound, video, YOURSELF.” - NAPOLEON BONAPARTE music store or crosstown Guitar Center and
or lighting system? There are two different
pick up. If your needs include hanging line
broad approaches you may decide to follow, Do I really need to seek out professionals here? array speakers and rewiring or adding electrical
going the DIY route in-house or seeking out After all, amateurs built the ark and professionals circuits, safety becomes a major factor that
professional help. In part one of this two-part built the Titanic, right? While having folks in must be considered very carefully and 99% of
series, we’ll start with the pros and cons of do- your congregation with audio or networking or the time will require expertise (and licensing/
it-yourself and present a broad overview of the electrical backgrounds can be helpful for early certification) not present in your congregation.
professional landscape. Part two will go into discussions around general tech needs, it is How will you handle ongoing support and
more detail about each of the professional roles unlikely you have the right sort of subject matter future system upgrades? Lastly, consider what
and the services they provide and also share a experts sitting in the pews. Even if you did have you’ll do a few Sundays from now when the
few key planning resources. the tech chops (and free labor) at your disposal, pastor’s mic fails to pass audio or the amplifier
the vast majority of really high-end pro audio, rack trips the electrical circuit across the entire
video and lighting equipment isn’t the sort of building every time you turn it on. This is not the
September 2019
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