Sound System Purchases: Upgrades

Where To Locate Your Mixing Console

One very important part of improving a sound system is the placement of the main mixer or mixing console. Or, in other words, "LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION." Where the mixer is placed will determine the ultimate value in any or all improvements made to the sound system equipment. First of all, the sound operator who operates the controls of the main mixer MUST be in the same room as the congregation. In order to make loudness and tonal balance changes accurately, the sound operator must be in the same acoustical environment, so that he or she hears what the congregation hears. This does not mean putting the mixer in an adjoining room with a sliding glass window. A sound booth is not the same acoustical environment.

Whenever possible, the mixer should be placed in a location that is on-axis to one of the main loudspeakers high frequency components. In other words, one of the loudspeakers should be pointed right at the mixer. This arrangement will make certain the mixer is located where the sound system is as loud or louder than most other seats of the seating area. The sound operator will not have to guess how loud the sound is in other areas.

If the mixer is located in the seating area, every attempt should be made to raise the mixing console and sound operator on a platform so that when the congregation is standing, the operator can still see the front platform. This might be difficult if the mixer is located in the middle of the seating area. However, if the mixer is located in the last seating row or near a back aisle, this will minimize any visual obstruction or distraction.

An Upgrade Check List

Consider these items when you're thinking about the mixing console cabinet:

• Will the church be upgrading to a different mixer at a later time? If so, is there sufficient room for a larger mixer?

Figure 1 - Good access to CD/tape decks

• As in Figure 1, does the sound operator have good access and line-of-sight to tape decks and other electronics close at the mix position?
• Will more than one operator be required at a time? If so, is there enough room to work comfortably side-by-side?
• Is there access to the back of the mixer? Make certain enough room is left behind the mixer for connectors and cable exit.
• Is there enough room over the top of the mixer for small gooseneck lamps?
• Have you provided ample storage for headphones, blank cassettes, talk-back microphones, etc.?
• Does the sound operator have convenient and quick access to an aisle for last minute jaunts to the front platform?

Figure 2 - Good access to CD/tape decks.

• Does the mixer and other equipment need to be secured with lockable tops or doors (see Figure 2).

This list could go on for some time. Simply remember that we install sound systems on a regular basis. We can help you avoid the mistakes a first-time installation may create.

Why Is Conduit So Important?

Another aspect of sound system improvements that often accompanies mixer relocation or new loudspeaker components is the need for cable conduits.

We are often asked why we recommend the use of conduits for cable routing. Conduits provide several benefits to a properly operating system.

A conduit will provide protection against any damage due to stray drills or nails that may short-circuit or break an audio cable.

In the event the church expands or adds to the sound system, an oversized conduit allows the contractor to install additional cable without ripping through sheetrock or concrete. The use of conduit will also help speed up the installation process, which helps reduce labor expense.

In areas where radio interference may be a problem, steel conduit will act as an additional shield against RF interference in the sound system.

You might also want to have additional conduit installed for future video equipment needs. It is less costly to have all of the conduit installed at one time.

The Importance Of A Clean AC Power Source

Unless you choose components that operate on batteries, good old fashioned 110V AC electrical service will be needed at several locations, including the mixer location and the power/electronics rack if they are separated.

A church can spend thousands of dollars on the best audio equipment, but if the proper electrical service is not provided, the sound system's performance may be severely affected. It is best to provide a dedicated circuit with an isolated ground (green-wire ground). A switched outlet at the mixer should have sufficient receptacles for any tape decks, signal processing equipment and the mixer. Also, don't forget extra receptacles for any portable or added equipment that may be used from time to time.

There are more details to consider than what we've covered in this article. But the important thing to remember is this: We're able to help you plan your project to avoid or minimize problems later. Call us now for more information!

by Travis Ludwig © 1996 Internet Sound Institute (www.soundinstitute.com). This articles is for personal use only. Any commercial reproduction is not permitted without permission. To obtain permission, contact ISI at hopi@soundinstitute.com

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