Installed Sound Systems - Getting it right first time

The installed sound system is a vital part of any church. It is important to get it right - first time! We've provided the following information to get you thinking along the right lines.

What do you want to do?

The first question when considering a new sound system is what you will be doing with it. There are big differences between the types of system we would design for different applications. If you are intending using your system for music, you will need a more powerful system than for speech alone. Contemporary music styles also require a greater frequency range, and demand more bass power than most traditional church music.

Take the time to think about the styles of worship and types of event you might be pursuing over the next ten years. There is not much point in installing a speech-only system if you have a budding praise band waiting in the wings. It is often possible to design a system with future upgrades in mind, so the congregation does not have to pay for an installation that you will not be able to use to full potential until later.

Speaker System

The speakers and amplifiers are the most important part of the entire sound system. They determine how well the congregation hears the sound. If they are poorly specified, or wrongly setup, there is little you can do to correct the problems that will arise. Many churches are suffering from speaker systems which fail to meet their requirements.

We only recommend speakers specifically designed with permanent installation in mind. The requirements of a church are very different from a disco or touring band. Proper installation loudspeakers will have a low visual profile and safe bracketing and hanging systems, for optimum positioning. The dispersion of sound will be tightly controlled, to avoid unnecessary reverberation.

It is important to have amplifiers well matched to the power requirements of your loudspeakers. On some more complex installations we also utilise digital signal processors for the equalisation and time alignment of different sets of loudspeakers.

Mixing Desk

The mixing desk is the hub of the sound system. Input signals are fed into the desk from microphones, instruments, and other sources. These can then be individually equalised (basically an advanced form of tone control) for optimum sound. A mixer's main stereo output usually drives the main speaker system,

whilst other auxiliary outputs can be used for stage monitors, recording, loop system etc. The balance of inputs can be mixed separately for each auxiliary output, to cater for the differing demands.

There is a bewildering range of mixing desks available. We will help you find one which suits your needs and your budget.

Monitors

Monitor speakers are used to help musicians hear what is going on. They are virtually essential for modern styles of music and give a huge confidence boost to the musicians. Instrumentalists can hear what they are playing, and singers know if they are singing in key or not!

Ideally, one monitor speaker should be shared between no more than two or three musicians. The exception to this rule is choirs or large groups of singers. Generally vocalists will require a different balance of signals from instrumentalists. This is done by using more than one auxiliary mix on the mixing desk. Some monitor systems come with built in amplifiers which reduces the clutter on stage.

Microphones

Microphones turn acoustic energy into electrical signals which can be manipulated and amplified by the sound system. It is important to get microphones which will provide a good quality of sound without introducing distortion or colouring. There is no one microphone which will work perfectly in all circumstances, therefore we provide a whole range of microphones suitable for different applications. We will help you choose models suitable for your programme.

Radio mics are always popular, as many preachers and worship leaders enjoy the freedom of wireless operation. Good quality modern radio mic systems can operate without the interference, distortion, and signal drop outs that plague older (and poorer quality) systems.

Generally, the rule of thumb with radio mics is only to go wireless if you really need to. Resist the temptation to put people on radio mics when a wired mic would do the job.

Recording

Many churches record their services for those who are not able to attend. Traditionally this has been done using cassette tapes, although other methods are gaining in popularity. The main advantage of recording onto minidisc or CD is that you get better sound quality. CDs can now be duplicated on personal computers and blank CDs are much cheaper than blank tapes. Some churches have even bought CD players for housebound members so that they can benefit from cheaper duplication and better quality.