Excellent sound quality for your church service is a desirable goal. Achieving this goal requires an understanding of the acoustical elements and their effect on each other. As a multi-layer cake is built by placing a layer of cake upon another layer of cake, each acoustical layer builds on the other to achieve the desired outcome (see Figure 1). This article covers many possible layers. If you do not use one of the layers or instruments discussed in the article, simply skip that part and continue reading.
Figure 1
A multi-layer cake is similar to acoustical layers.
The bottom layer, ambient noise, is already established for you. In other words, the heating/cooling system, conversations, babies crying and people moving creates noise. The sound system must overcome this noise in order for everyone to hear well. It is important to realize the ambient noise will change in level. For example, an empty room is much quieter than one filled with people.
The second layer involves acoustical instruments. Begin first with the organ, next add the piano, then add the drums, and finally add any other acoustical instruments. For example, if the two main instruments are organ and piano, begin with the organist playing a selection. Have the pianist join after the first verse. If you have trouble hearing the piano, open the piano to "full stick" and reposition it so the open lid is facing the congregation. If the piano is still not loud enough, then a reinforcement microphone will be needed.
Drums are next. Have the piano begin playing. Then add the drummer after a minute or two. Listen first to determine if you can still hear the piano. Hint: the higher octaves of the piano are usually easier to hear over other instruments. If needed, increase the volume of the piano microphone(s) gradually. Finally, test any other acoustical instruments including acoustical guitar, woodwinds and brass. Microphones may be required to balance their sound with the previous instruments.
The third level is electronic instruments such as keyboards, electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic instruments with electronic pickups, electronic drums, etc. At this point have the musicians, except the pianist, take five. Using the same procedure as before, add the electronic keyboards. Begin with piano and add one keyboard at a time. Then continue with any other electronic instruments. When you have finished, take a break. Try to leave the room and listen to silence for five minutes. Then go back and listen to the whole instrumental mix.
Last, but certainly not least, it's time for the vocals. Beginning with the background vocals, add each vocalist one at a time as you did the instruments. Finally, add the primary vocalists. Obviously, it is vital that the primary vocalist(s) are heard and understood above all the other instruments and background vocals.
Personalized Touch
As the sound operator, you know what your congregation likes to hear. Also, you know which specific instruments will be used in your situation. So, if you would like the background vocalist to be as pronounced as the primary vocalist, add your personalized touch!
Expert Tips
1. Always listen for what is too loud as well as what is too soft.
2. If a musician or vocalist says s/he needs more of themselves in the monitors, first try turning down other instruments or vocals...just a bit. Ask them what is too loud.
3. Always make level changes to the monitor mix or channel gain trim control when the musician or vocalist is not active.
4. Make small, gradual changes.
5. Occasionally turn down the master levels for the main system and listen to the monitor system. If the monitors are too loud, they may be causing the main system to sound poor. Also, walk to the first few pews to see if you hear more sound from the monitors than the main system.
A Final Word
Communicate with the music ministry team. Let them know this process may take several attempts before getting it perfect. It will take extra time, effort and patience on everybody's part, but the results will be worth it!
