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Sound Tech

Church sound systems

Many church sound systems suffer from a lack of proper design, application, and installation. It seems that even many new churches have the same problem. For instance, the Building committee meets, building plans are discussed, budgets are set, architects are selected and the project begins to move forward. Next, plans are approved, the building site is finalized and the construction begins. Many times this entire procedure progresses very smoothly, until the "custom" wood trim is being installed around the choir loft. At this point someone realizes, "hey, we have to think about a sound system." Well, needless to say, anything to do with sound at this point will be "an add on." What's wrong with this situation? I would say room acoustics, the sound, and lighting systems all rank among the most important priorities for creating the proper environment for a church. If the sound reproduction is not even, natural and intelligible to the congregation, the pastor's job of getting his message across becomes very difficult, not to mention the Minister of Music and the other functioning members of the church congregation.

What can be done?

  1. Plan ahead for your sound system needs and have the architect consider the sound requirements. Planning for sound doesn't usually cost as much at the front end as it does near the final construction stages. Speaker enclosures may even be partially or totally hidden by the architectural designs if planned for in the early stages.
  2. Allow for future expansion - Do not install a four channel mixing system just because the immediate needs are, one mic for the pulpit, one mic on the piano, and two mics over the choir. You can be assured that something will later crop up which needs an additional microphone…. And guess what… you are out of channels! The choir could grow considerably or you may need a wireless microphone later. Tape recording may become necessary, taped music for the choir accompaniment and on and on and on.
  3. Consider only, systems which are "balanced" to help eliminate the CB radio which may come roaring into the service with a "breaker one nine."
  4. In many sanctuaries it is desirable to design a sound system around a "point source" system if possible so the sound originates from a single source in the auditorium as opposed to speakers on either side of the pulpit or down the side of the room. A single point source system hanging exposed somewhere above the pulpit area might appear unsightly; conceal it or talk the congregation into accepting the fact that it simply has to be there for the best possible sound reproduction. This is important, so don't give up!
  5. Visit other churches, preferably newer locations, ones that have been conscious about the quality of their music, sound and lighting, before you finalize your designs. Once you experience a good central point source system, you will surely never accept four speakers down each side for your new or existing sanctuary. When you locate a church with excellent acoustics, sound and lighting installations, question the members and find out who installed the systems. Also find out the approximate cost whenever possible so you'll have something to shoot for with your new sound system.
  6. Last, but no least - Don't forget hearing aid or hearing-assist systems for the elderly or persons with limited hearing.

Go for it - you can have good sound in your church but you must be stubborn and refuse to follow the approach used 30 years ago which unfortunately is still often used today.