I want to discuss a technique that appears to be fairly simple, yet can lead to frustration. The basic concept is to create a mix that allows you to hear everything you see on stage. The concept is simple enough- Look at each input on your console and ask yourself if you can hear it in the mix. If the answer is ‘yes,’ then move on to the next channel. If the answer is ‘no,’ then the fun begins! Rather than just push the fader up until you can hear that specific input, I’d quickly ask yourself a few questions to help you determine how to best address the issue.

When you run sound on Sundays, do you show up before everyone else? There’s a lot to do! You have to turn the system on, fire up the lights, change the batteries, set out all the mics, check all the monitors, and try to find where the teens put the drummer’s sticks… Again. And then, if something does go wrong, like the pastor’s wireless having some serious interference, what do you do?? I know what you’re thinking though. You’re gonna tell me you couldn’t get anyone to show up early on Sunday mornings unless it was their turn on the audio rotation.

Being in the back of the room, typically slightly higher than the congregation, you probably can see who is paying attention, who is sleeping, what new youth group couple is holding hands, and who is texting during the service. Seems a lot of people don’t pay attention, and I seem to find a lot of sound engineers pay too much attention during church.