ChurchMix

Q&A

Recent Posts:

• Handheld Recorder Recommendations2

  Up till now, we've been using an iPod to record our messages but it gives… 

• Overhead drum mic recommendations6

  Hi Paul, do you have any recommendations for drum overheads? I know… 

• Pastor's mic4

  Does anyone have recommendations for improving or replacing a lavaliere… 

• A201 Gain part 1 - Level Standards Video1

  Is it ok to use an instrument cable to go between the mixer and an amp?

• Outboard Preamps3

  I'm in the process of trying to see what it might sound like to add outboard… 

Video Lessons

Recently Added Videos:

• 

  A215 - Intro to Equalization

  A unique approach to EQ

• 

  A203 Gain part 3 - Optimizing

  Optimizing our gain through the signal chain

• 

  A202 Gain part 2 - Signal Chain

  Understanding and optimizing the signal chain

• 

  A201 Gain part 1 - Level Standards

  Audio level standards and cable types.

• 

  A107 Sensitivity

  Keeping us invisible and tasteful to the congregation

Quick Tips

• Handling the comments

  Your church should have a defined rule about how to handle comments… 

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  Your church should have a defined rule about how to handle comments at the booth during service. But I strongly urge you to NOT alter your mix because of individual comments. Also, "pretending" to turn something up or down isn't helpful either. Instead, let them know their comment is noted, but you are mixing the way that the church leadership agrees it should be mixed.

• Watch the volume after the message

  After a 'rockin opening set of songs, it is common to leave those… 

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  After a 'rockin opening set of songs, it is common to leave those levels where they are. But if your worship leader comes on stage after the message to start a song softly- bring things down to start. We don't want to blast everyone with opening set levels.

• Keep It Simple

  It is tempting to build complex signal paths in our setup, multiple… 

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  It is tempting to build complex signal paths in our setup, multiple mics on instruments, etc. These have their place, but count the cost of tone killing gear, phase correctness (the good PC) and more. When in doubt, keep it simple.

• How's the energy?

  Has this ever happened to you? The band opens up with an energetic,… 

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  Has this ever happened to you? The band opens up with an energetic, upbeat song. The guitar player is jumping up and down and they are singing their hearts out. But the congregation is sitting or standing there. There is a good chance the mix is killing the energy. I see this a lot. The lead vocal is so loud that the drums and guitar can't be heard, muting the energy. Step back and see if the mix is making YOU want to tap your feet. Remember, energy doesn't come from loud overall volume, but from the energy makers within the mix.

• Subs in the Mix

  There are a lot of great reasons to put your subs on an AUX mix. I… 

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  There are a lot of great reasons to put your subs on an AUX mix. I just don't agree with any of them- or at least for the majority of church sound mixers. Subs on Aux requires so much more valuable attention from a part-time volunteer mixer, and does not allow for master volume nuances as the low end doesn't follow. I have even heard church mixes with NO bottom end only to find out that the mixer just forgot to put the kick and bass in the subs. If a CD sounds great through your system, then so will your mix. Send your mix to the processor and let IT decide what to send to the subs.