The varying parameters discussed above, within which we must operate, are mostly results of room design and system design or optimization missing their marks.
But rather than blame those factors, learn them, and mix around them.
If they are to be addressed and improved, that is for another time (and is off topic here).
So, next time you receive a comment regarding the sound experience in worship, whether positive or negative, make sure you ask where the person was sitting.
That can help greatly in understanding and interpreting various perspectives.
And for those mixing on a “stereo” or other multi-channel format PA, here are a few additional tips:
Imaging and Localization
The majority of PA systems in our nation’s churches are not stereo, including a number that are actually described as such. Some claiming to be of the stereo format are actually mono, dual mono, or something else.
Successfully implemented stereo and LCR (left-center-right) systems are wonderful and, while the definite minority, are slowly becoming more common in the worship community.
But whatever the format, if you mix worship on a PA system where the “pan-pot” control on your console does affect the positioning of the sources in some way, even pseudo stereo or some other multi-channel format, it becomes incredibly important to walk the entire house while considering imaging and localization.
For instance, what happens if you pan the floor tom “hard left”? Do all the seats hear it hard left from their perspectives, or from some other direction?
Do they hear it at all?!
Walking the house is no longer just for level, tone, and balance checks.
Good imaging in a mix can be a splendid enhancement for the worshipper. But mixing multi-channel sound reinforcement requires knowledge of how imaging is being conveyed at every seat in the house.
Localization should be carefully preserved (the brain naturally wants to hear and see a source from the same direction).
For instance, an interesting stereo effect created (and listened to) at the mixing booth may be impressive – but may also be a sonic disaster at other locations in the house! Know your system.
On a multi-channel PA system the mixer has some control over image and this comes with added responsibility (and by the way, multi-miking tricks take on a new role).
Just as with loudness and tonal variations, walking is the way to understanding how panning decisions are translated to the majority of listeners.
For more worship audio tips and techniques visit Sennheiser.com.