When reading this article, feel free to highlight the accessories that would help your church and then give us a call. We would like to help you get the most from your sound system.

A very useful adapter is the "universal" adapter box. This box has many different connector types which are all tied together. It is easy to go from one connection type to another and you will always have the right one. It is a bit more costly than a simple barrel adapter, but is actually more cost effective because it can be used in more situations.

There are many ways to connect the wires in adapters. Be careful — if it's not wired correctly it won't work, or worse yet, you could damage expensive equipment.

Multi-Meters can be used to measure different quantities such as voltage and resistance. If you learn how to use one, it will become an essential part of your tool kit. Use it to check cables for continuity. Along with a tone from the test CD, you can measure the signal strength throughout the sound system.

Test CD's:

For those of you with a CD player and the desire for several different test signals such as sine wave signals and pink noise, several CD's are available. A test CD allows you to test and adjust your equipment without needing a person in the front saying, "Test, Test, Test…" The CD also has other applications. For instance, the white noise selection will allow you to easily hear how well your loudspeakers cover your seating area.

Useful accessories for your sound system.

ORGANIZERS

Yes, labels. You know you need them. Don't ignore the problems that NOT having them creates. It is important to label individual channels and outputs of a sound mixer. Mag-Tags© are a nice touch. These are individual magnetic labels that can be attached to and easily moved between input channels, etc. Even if your mixer faceplate is not steel, these labels can be used. An adhesive magnet is included. The label kit includes both pre-printed and blank labels for customizing.

If you use tape, be sure to use the right kind of tape. Artist or drafting tape should be used for labels because this type of tape won't leave a residue when removed.

Another note about tape — Duct tape is for ducts (and a thousand other uses) but not for taping down cables. Stage or gaffer tape is the right choice for taping cables in place.

Do you have a problem with cables disappearing? A custom heat shrink label is the answer. The label can be color-coded to help identify the cable's application. Additionally, if you add your school name or department to the label, it can act as a deterrent to loss due to "misplacement"or theft.

Cable Tie Wraps:

A cable tie wrap is a piece of hook and loop with one end attached to a cable. This keeps cables from becoming tangled when they are stored.

OTHER HAND ITEMS

Most often referred to as "little lights" (in fact, one manufacturer is called Littlite©). These miniature lamps can be used to illuminate a mixer or other equipment such as tape decks in a dim or dark environment.

Tape Deck Cleaning and Demagnetizing Accessories:

Yes, you really should clean and demagnetize your decks. You will get better performance and longer life from your tape decks.

Headphones:

If you are recording your event, a pair of CLOSED EAR isolation headphones is needed for listening to the cassette or CD recorder. The closed ear isolates you from unwanted outside sounds so you can hear the actual mix. If your mixer has a solo or cue system, you will be able to hear each channel by itself.

SUMMARY

This information is meant to inform you of some of the available accessories. It's a starter list. Please keep in mind — if you have a recurring, annoying problem, an accessory is probably available to make your life a little less stressful.