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We’re glad you tuned back in for the remaining five points in this two-part tech tip. As a refresher, here’s the question we’re answering. Also, make sure to check out the previous five points in the series.

 
Q: I’m on a committee to purchase a new sound system for my church.

Are there any special considerations that go into this type of installation?”

A: As stated Friday, in many ways, designing an effective system for a house of worship is one of the most demanding jobs in the audio business.

While you are undoubtedly interested in good stewardship of your congregation’s funds, keep in mind that the following points are not “luxuries,” but are essentials for good sound system.

#6 Gain Before Feedback: Whenever a microphone is placed in the same room as a loudspeaker, the potential for feedback exists.

Things that aggravate this further are multiple microphones and long miking distances - necessities for most churches.

Your sound system must be extremely stable, meaning that loudspeaker array design and mic placement are critical to the end result.

Your sound personnel must understand the limitations of the sound system and be trained to manage the open microphones and working distances for people using the system.

#7 Wireless Microphones and RFI: These can adversely affect the performance of a sound system. It must be properly shielded against such, with appropriate filtering devices installed when necessary.

In addition, the operating frequencies for your wireless mics must be carefully selected to work properly in the presence of other RF broadcasts in your area.

#8 “Clean” Installation: An important yet often overlooked aspect of sound system design is the installation. Proper interconnect practices must be carried out, and all applicable electrical codes must be observed.

In addition, a “clean” installation means that wiring has been concealed as much as possible, and that the finished system blends well with the decor of the building.

#9 Professional Equipment: Selecting marginal equipment is usually false economy. You need a system that provides reliable, quality performance for years to come.

It’s best to deal only with companies that provide reliable, repairable products. Loudspeakers should be “stress tested” for safety, so they can be suspended above a congregation with confidence.

#10 Calibration, Training and Documentation: A properly calibrated sound system will be much easier for your personnel to operate. A significant amount of expertise is required to make a system “user friendly.”

Your sanctuary is a critical listening environment for speech and music. Your sound system must provide adequate gain, intelligible speech, even coverage and extended bandwidth to all listener seats. The best value in a sound system is one that meets all of these criteria.

In todays Tech Tip Of The Day we’ve presented five more points to keep in mind when purchasing a sound system for a church. Make sure to check out the previous five in the series.

 
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