It’s rare to have a conversation about church sound systems that doesn’t include some frustration. Sound systems are clearly a blessing and a curse. They enable the sound source to be heard, and yet they can make it unbearable. A post on sound could go on and on, but I will make just one comment for now.
For churches of average size with average sound systems and folks with average training, here’s my advice: Keep your sound just above the natural level. Bring it up too much and you will be hitting folks with a wall of sound, which kills singing. That is by far the most common mistake. However, the converse is true as well. The congregation can lose confidence if the volume is too low. Work with your sound personnel and your musicians (especially drummers and organists) to bring the sound up or down to achieve just enough sound to enhance congregational singing.
Practical Tips:
Rather than “plugging in,” mic instruments whenever possible, especially acoustic guitars. This naturally keeps things in check and is generally much more musically dynamic.
Try to have singers to hold or stand with the mic a “fist” away from their mouths. Some sound personnel may get a bit upset with this idea, but a little air between the mouth and mic works like natural compression and decreases that “in your face” sound. Along those same lines, distant mic where possible. For example, depending on the room, I like one mic to cover several violinists.
Finally, try dropping the volume until your musicians can really hear the congregation. This is counter intuitive, but very effective. At first, you will find that the singing suffers. Over time the trend will reverse.
The Main Soloist
Remember, the congregation is suppose to be the main “soloist.” This deserves a whole post, but if we are working toward supporting the congregation it may change the way we use our sound systems. Out of all the tips above, decreasing the volume until the musicians can truly hear the congregation is the most important. Pretty soon your musicians will begin to think and play like the supportive accompanists they should be.