There are several types of instruments you should consider when mixing your worship band. Your goal is to make sure the leader is actually out in front, you know, leading. Getting the rest of the band mixed well and supporting the vocalist is not always easy. You can throw terms around like “warm”, “punchy”, “smooth”, “clean”, and “tight”, but what do they actually mean, and how do you create those sounds when you’re at the console?

Churches tend to have a lot going on on stage. My church in particular had 3 guitars (plus bass) and 2 keyboards this morning. The audio system is run in mono too, so panning some inputs left or right to make way for the vocals is not an option. Finding a way to make each input audible during a song is not easy, but here’s an approach you can use.

Start with a solid rythym section. The drums/ bass/ aux. perc. should all be the foundation for the mix. Then, decide which inputs are critcal, or essential to the song, and which inputs are more for accents. For example, the guitar(s) could be the lead instrument, driving the song forward. Those need to be audible at all times.

Other instruments like strings sounds or organ pads from the keyboard(s), flutes, saxaphones, etc. can all be part of your mix, but every single note does NOT need to be disctinctly clear. These type of inputs are an integral part of the mix, because without them, the mix suddenly sounds emtpy and weak.

These ‘accent’ instruments can be heard every once in a while, but they typically just sneak through during transitions from verse to chorus, or during the bridge. If your mix is set up correctly, and each input has its own space, then you almost shouldn’t have to grab a fader to push these through. If you’re lucky enough to have a good band (like I do at my church- honestly), then your musicians will recognize their role in the band and natually step up when it’s their turn to shine, and fall back in place when the focus should be elsewhere.

Later we will discuss how to make the vocals stand out front while still being part of the blend of your mix. As always, find the simplest way to accomplish these techniques. It’s not about compressors, FX, sub groups, and gear… it’s about the people in the band 1st and foremost, then mic selection, then EQ. Stay tuned!