Study Hall

Stepping Into The Digital Console World

Charting the course for a successful investment.
This article is provided by Behind The Mixer.

Ready to migrate into the digital world?

Purchase any digital console and mix better, faster, and more confidently than ever before.

Read the marketing hype and it’s easy to believe this, but the truth is every console is unique in its workflow, functionality, and complexity. Further, what’s right for one venue might be wrong for another.

A smart console purchase comes after the consideration of needs and expectations, as well as an evaluation of models to determine which one(s) best meets those requirements.

Even if you’re working with a reputable systems integration firm on equipment, it’s still important to understand the following key factors in order to make the most informed investment.

Define The Needs
Compile a list of the number of current inputs and include everything from vocal microphones to computer inputs. Add the number of outputs such as aux sends and house sends. In short, look at the back of the current console and document what’s used.

Allen & Heath Qu-24

Next, look at the console’s surface. Note the type of EQ control (semi-parametric, parametric) and the amount of control such as the number of mid-range sweeps. Note how many sub-groups are used. After looking at the input/output and the surface, a picture begins to form of current needs.

Move along by checking out off-board components such as effects units. Any time the console sends and returns a signal, add that functionality to the list. Document the immediate needs such as an additional aux send because of a new hallway or “cry room” loudspeaker system. If singers are all over their microphones, causing volume spikes, channel-level compression is necessary.

Now it’s time for forward thinking. What additional functionality will be needed? Document the needs that will likely come up in the next year. For example, if the size of the band is growing, and next year the drums will be upgraded from a simple electronic set to a fully miked acoustic set, count up those channels.

Watch channel usage. If the current console is 24 channels and 21 or more are already in use, then it’s wise to consider upgrading to a 32-channel model.

Beware Overkill
The increase in functionality brings more ways of manipulating the audio. The problem: as complexity increases, the skill level of the users also needs to increase. With a volunteer base, this isn’t always going to happen. Therefore, complexity should match what the audio team can handle, with a little room for training to take them up a level.

Yamaha TF3

For example, gating a channel takes finesse, and most volunteers won’t touch a gate control. However, with a little training, they could. But if the team is made up of people who can barely perform EQ adjustments, then a simpler console is the better choice. Introducing a new console does require a little training but it shouldn’t be totally out of their league.

The bottom line: look for a console that meets current and future demands with regards to audio manipulation and channel count. It should also provide ease of use that’s appropriate for the level of the tech team, as well as a suitable workflow.

Further Evaluation
Analog consoles are WYSIWYG but digital models can bury controls in screen menus or require secondary screens, like iPads, for full functionality. Some provide touch screens, and some use a surface model so a 24-channel console could have 12 faders with a switch to change control channels 1-12 and 13-24.

Digital consoles can also incorporate wireless monitor mix-ing controls for musicians via wireless devices, and there are limits on the number of monitor mixes. There are several personal monitor mixing systems available, and if one is already employed, this might not be a concern.

There is no single “best” console design. It’s a matter of what works for the team and the church’s needs, which is a big reason that consoles should be thoroughly evaluated and demoed before purchase.

PreSonus StudioLive 32.4.2AI

One more thing: be sure to investigate reliability. Certain models simply aren’t as durable as others. There are numerous sources online to do this research, including the Church Sound Forum on ProSoundWeb. Also be sure to purchase from a reputable supplier that will provide support if there are problems.

The Investment
The hardest part of buying new gear is usually the cost. A $7,000 price tag on a digital console might be hard to swallow, but with a 10-year run, that’s $13.46 per week. Don’t let cost get in the way of making a wise financial decision. Plan for the console to be around for at least 10 years. Too many times I’ve seen a church “settle” for something less expensive than what they needed, only to regret it just a year later.

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