Audio, Leaders, Ministry Leadership, Tech
What Sound Engineers Want Worship Teams to Know…
#KnowSound (Video Below)
The sound engineer is a vital member for making the worship music go without distractions. Hearing the screech of feedback or a pop of something electrical can be distracting to a worshiper. Your sound engineer may not have a mic, but they are in control of yours. Get to know him or her.
How well do you know your sound engineer? Although YOU may not know him or her, they know you as a musician, and your instrument, very well. They know about the little quirks of your guitar amp, and how to make your riff during “How He Loves” sound amazing. They also know the drummer plays just a little bit more forceful after his 2nd cup of coffee on Sunday morning.
The sound engineer carefully makes adjustments to the mix to not allow “the ride” to overpower during any part during worship. The sound engineer is paying careful attention to what you are doing on stage. They are also just as aware of the talent on the stage as the Worship Pastor. Here is some “Top Lists” that sound engineers want worship teams to know:
Top FIVE priorities for Audio Technologies for Worship:
- A quality sound system that can cover evenly an entire congregation so the music/speaker can be understood clearly.
- Quality wireless microphones that does not cut out or have signal drop/interference.
- Good subs that are clear, punchy, and not distracting. They should add the intensity to the music, not distract.
- A sound level that is tolerable and not overpowering in certain areas. (even levels across the room)
- Mics. should be as discreet as possible…not something people get distracted by.
EIGHT wishes from an Engineer’s stand point in working with the band & singers:
- Everyone is there on time!
- Some sort of flow-sheet or order or service so there are no surprises.
- Quality sound check well in advance with plenty of time to fix problems if they arise.
- When sound checking, only one person playing at a time…no one doodling around on their instrument.
- Never call sound engineer’s name during the performance, when dealing with a problem ☺
- Do mention a/v techs when dealing with positive—especially when thanking others who have helped.
- Provide, in advance, specific band instrument locations, monitor needs, etc. (including mic stand type, power needs, etc)
- Everyone’s equipment is where it needs to be and ready to be hooked up or mic’d by the engineer.
1 Corinthians 12:20 (NIV) As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
What NOT-to-do’s in band working with an engineer:
- Don’t be late for a load in or sound check.
- Make sure all equipment is ready to go and be sound checked.
- Don’t change levels on an amp or move mics without informing the engineer.
- Don’t go back and try to run sound for the engineer…usually doesn’t go well!
- Don’t be rude or frustrated when asking for a change in monitor settings.
- Don’t forget to clean up after yourself!!!
Romans 12:5 (NIV) so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
What NOT-NOT-to do’s as a music leader – in working with A/V:
- Should act as the voice of the band in communicating with the engineer.
- Should not change order of the service without informing the engineer.
- Shouldn’t do anything distracting to the worship experience, i.e. random guitar solo
- Make sure all the music is ready to go and to the right people for CG.
- Don’t snap or act frustrated with the engineer if something isn’t going well. Everyone should be courteous.
Ephesians 4:4 (NIV) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
Lastly, SEVEN things churches should avoid in introducing and/or implementing technologies in their worship:
- Don’t jump into something without easing it in. Don’t buy a huge array sound system and slap it in and have your service go from 85db to 115db.
- Make sure the equipment you buy is going to last and has a warranty.
- You get what you pay for.
- Make sure you have everything properly secured and put up after a service so you are not looking for it the next week.
- Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
- Make sure the audio system is appropriate for the venue. Don’t overpower or overkill something because it could be distracting to the worship experience.
- Should make sure the people in charge of the systems are competent and have the skill needed to run the equipment. Some people have great hearts, but if the mix is horrible, it can be distracting to the congregation and we are there to support it, not distract from it.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Psalm 98:5 NIV (NIV) make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,
Remember– band musician, vocalist, or sound engineer— we are all working together as the body of Christ for the betterment of the church. Thankfully, we are each equipped with a unique set of gifts to share with the Kingdom of worshipers. The better we understand one another, the better we can serve together as a united team for the church.@BranonDempsey @worshiptt
How can the worship change in your church? How can your band and vocals be more equipped and united in leading worship? We can help! Invite Branon Dempsey of Worship Team Training to give your team a custom WeekendWorkshop by Live In-Person or Live Video Coaching that comes to you! Copyright 2017 Worship Team Training®
