Location Location Location

This past week i got into the discussion of the proper location of the sound both. I thought this might make a good discussion point.

So what have we all seen or even had to mix from?

• Sound both on the Mez (2nd floor) of the main sanctuary.
• In the back of the sanctuary 
• In another room completely with monitors providing sound reproduction.

I am sure that many of you could come with some even crazier set ups, But what is right? Well this also I'm sure has some differing opinions but there is a standard for proper location of the sound both.

So The typical set up is just above stage level and just off center. Either stage left or stage right is not that important. What is most important here is the fact that you are in the actual listening area. The setup of the sound-both at the back of the room is still okay not the best but usable. 

The problem we run into is the fact that very few pastors will allow a sound-both to take up space were people could be sitting! This is a hard cold fact and best not to argue the point.

So how can we set up the system to make the best of the back of the room location. I would suggest that to have the best possible sound will require the best loud speaker option, this is line arrays. The line arrays allow for even distribution of sound across the room virtually removed both dead and hot spots in the room. This will also allow you to configure the speakers to hit your ears in the sound-both acting as if you were right in the middle of the room. This option is a truly win/win for the team. You get the sound you need and the congregation gets the seating space they need.

So what to do if you can't move your sound-both? Well to be honest this is a tough spot to be in! I would say at first look at it as an exercise program! (find the positive!) But really you will need to make trips down the main level and listen listen listen. Move around the main level find your hot spots (you should know were they are) make sure the sound levels are good (85db+-2) and that the mix is good! Remember you can not set the board up during practice and expect it to sound good during service!!! There are too many things that change it does not work! If you are doing this STOP you are causing your own headaches.

Sound-both's in another room completely! Very Very bad idea! But, if you are stuck in this for what ever reason you can deal with it and still provide a good mix. You need to tackle it much like the sound-both on the second level, you need to make many trips to the main listening area, a remote db meter would be a good investment thus allowing you to know the sound levels in the main room. Also spend the money on monitors that will match your main speakers the best you can. Just like loud speakers all monitors are not equal, and yes they are very expensive. 

Again to remind you and your team stopping buy the local guitar/music shop is not going to provide you with level of expertise you will need to build a quality system. Church sound systems are required to be a better quality than any concert hall in the country. Church is the only venue that goes from a band performing at 85-90 (or higher) to a whisper in seconds! The last thing anyone wants to hear during a prayerful moment when the spirit is moving and touching the hearts of everyone in the room, is the buzz of cheap, poorly installed sound equipment.

leave the cheap gear for the high school garage band down the street!