The first procedure, and one of the most important, is to make sure the system is working. That seems rather obvious, but the time you don't check out the system before the service starts is going to be the time it fails. Checking the system means just that. You need to check every microphone, every battery (if you use them) and every piece of equipment you will need. If you have monitor loudspeakers, you need to make sure the volume (level) is correct. It's a good idea to gently flex the microphone cables to make sure they are not intermittent. Are you going to record the service? If so, you should clean the heads and check the recording level. Again, check everything that will be needed for that service. Yes, that will take some time. You will have to arrive early enough to get the job done. However, that is one of those thankless but necessary responsibilities that comes with being a sound operator. With time, you should be able to develop a system or procedure to help you make sure everything is working correctly. Maybe you could start with a simple checklist.

Figure 1
Unused microphones should be turned off.

Now for some operating hints. Let's talk about feedback first. Feedback is a sound term for that terrible squeal, howl, loud tone, or noise when the microphone volume control is turned up too high. We won't go into detail now about what feedback is, but there are some operating methods which will minimize feedback problems. First, turn on only the microphones that are actually being used (Figure 1). (By used, we mean someone is talking into the microphone or singing into it.) In sound systems, the fewer the better. This may mean you will have to have somebody actually controlling the mixer. Or you may want to have microphones with switches. Another option is to use an automatic mixer. The automatic mixer can sense when someone is using a microphone and turn it on instantly. No more forgotten microphone switches!

A fast solution to feedback is to get closer to the microphone. Because you are closer, the microphone will receive a stronger signal. Then, the mixer microphone volume can be turned down and the feedback will go away. What you don't want to have happen is for the talker or singer to back away from the microphone. That will only make the problem worse since you already can't turn up the volume control without getting feedback. Also, the talker or singer should not cover up the microphone with their hand if feedback occurs. That usually makes the feedback worse.

Figure 2
Only one microphone should be on for the best sound.

Another operating hint for good sound is to have only one microphone on for each talker. For example, the pastor is wearing a wireless lavalier microphone. He walks from the altar to the pulpit and starts talking into the pulpit microphone (Figure 2). If both the pulpit microphone and the lavalier microphone are on, there will be severe changes in the sound quality as the pastor moves even slightly. Have only one microphone on. We recommend that the lavalier be the primary microphone, because it will provide the least variance of volume as the pastor moves his head or body position. Please note that the lavalier microphone should be worn in the center, and about six inches from the mouth (Figure 3). That will provide the most consistent volume with the most volume before feedback occurs. The microphone will produce the best sound if it is placed outside any clothing or vestments. It is also good to put a small loop in the cable to reduce cable movement noise into the lavalier microphone (Figure 4).

Figure 3
The Lavalier microphone needs to be positioned correctly.

Figure 4
Loop cable back through tie bar to reduce cable noise.

One of the great challenges any sound operator faces is setting the volume right for every listener. There is no easy solution or formula. Every church will be a little different because of size, the acoustics, the denomination, and the environmental noise. Now add listener age, hearing loss, and personal preference into the formula. It may take a super computer to figure that one out. About all you can do is experiment and see what level is right for your church. You must have the level loud enough to hear clearly above the ambient noise in the worship center. But too loud will be distracting to some people. The right level will be when people don't complain. A sound operator will know he is doing his job right when nobody notices the sound.

Another side note about persons with hearing loss. Usually, more volume is not the answer to their hearing difficulties in church. Because of the acoustics and the ambient noise, people with hearing loss are much better served with a system for the hearing impaired. This will provide the clarity and volume needed to enjoy the worship service.