This may be a little OT but any kind of "super" sound system will not function properly without these. I hope you don't mind my chiming in on the topic.
There are several factors that contribute to a natural, intelligible, neutral and good sounding sound system. First, the acoustics of the space (if a church is with walls) should be right. Remember that long time ago there were no sound reinforcement systems. Churches had to rely on good acoustics so that the praise and worship and the word were heard properly. When sound
reinforcement systems came into being, they were used to aid in the intelligibility and to reach the back portions of the Churches audibly. Every word, good singing and music has to be heard well everywhere. Remember, a very good sound system will sound mediocre in a space with a badly designed acoustics; a mid range sound system will sound good in an acoustically well-designed space; a very good sound system will sound excellent in an acoustically well-designed space or Church. So, acoustics takes precedence. Second, the sound system must be designed to suit the Church's needs and requirements. I have seen over-designed systems, and have seen under-designed ones as well. Both are a waste of precious money. I have seen wrong speaker placements (very common) and wrong speaker-amp matchings. I have seen equipment that are not used just because somebody from the Church's worship team said it will be good for praise and worship purposes and it was bought but in the end, it did not have any use. Sound system design and equipment selection must be left to those who know and understand these things. Not the cousin of a friend of the mother of the assistant of the pastor who does hifi or karaoke stuff. Finally, the operators must be trained and understand the fundamentals of sound, audio and acoustics. Also, the basics of sound system operation. That way, they understand what they are doing. I have conducted several Church sound seminars and after the sessions, most Christian Churches operators are in awe. They finally realize what they are doing is completely opposite of what the proper practice is (I did not mention wrong).
So, what I am saying here is, let's use our creative talents properly to spread God's word, and continue improving ourselves to achieve a high level of Christian Church sound proficiency. That way, we use the Church's sound equipment to its fullest capacity. Also, we should use the Church's money properly. We should be good stewards. Church's money is not that plenty (although definitely everyone will say our Father in heaven will always give use the blessing. Our Father is so rich, money is no object to him), But there are other concerns that had to be looked at by the Church where money will also be needed.
Stewardship is the key.
The Philippine Council for Evangelical Churches (PCEC) conducts an audio seminar every now and then. We just finished two sessions and there will be more. We hope to have this as a continuing education for our Christian brothers who do Church sound and operate it properly. If you are interested in attending the sessions, get in touch with Pastor Henry Santos (
ptrhenrysantos@gmail.com) for some info. As a matter of fact, one will be held this September 20 at the Knox Church in Manila.
I personally conduct the seminars.
Thanks for your time. God bless.
Mike N. Pedero
TRACKSAcoustics
