I understand the temptation to try to purchase new systems and products in the least expensive manner possible, and to “self-install” them. This is natural – we all, churches included, want the best bang for our buck.
But if there’s one absolute fact I’ve learned after working in audio for more than 30 years, it’s this: one of the best ways to eliminate potential distractions is to have a system designed and installed by trained professionals.
Installation mistakes such as poor grounding, sloppy wiring and terminations, improper cable selection and a host of other little things, can all add up to one gigantic mess. And these types of mistakes tend to be fruitful and multiply!
Worse yet, I’ve walked into churches and have seen loudspeakers that are not designed to be suspended being hung by eyebolts screwed into the side of their particleboard cabinets. I just hope that these “accident waiting to happen” distractions don’t occur during a service.
Here’s a checklist for evaluating distraction potential:
1) Was your sound system designed by a reputable audio consultant who understands the needs of the church, the acoustical properties of the sanctuary, and the capabilities of those who operate the system?
2) Was your sound system installed by a certified individual employed by a reputable systems contracting firm?
3) Is the company that installed the system still in business, and involved in your additions and changes?
4) Has your system been installed in phases or added to over time?
5) Are system operators well trained and knowledgeable?
6) Does your sanctuary’s physical layout require a lot of audio equipment to be moved around and re-connected between services?
7) Does your church struggle to find trained, motivated people to run the system?
8) Does your system produce random hums and buzzes, level changes, dropouts, crackles, distortions, pops, feedback or other noises that seem to go unexplained?
9) Do you own and consult instruction manuals and documentation on your equipment and system?
10) Is your system subject to regular maintenance inspections?
If you answered “yes” to checklist items 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10 – and no to the rest – then your system is probably in good shape.
If not, it’s time to consider taking the proper steps in making sure your church is a distraction-free place to worship.
Chuck Wilson is executive direction of the National Systems Contractor Association (NSCA), the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial electronic systems industry.