From elegant cathedral-like structures to humble store-front rooms in strip malls, most congregations have a weekly gathering place. While a house of worship is more than just a building, its acoustics determine whether worshipers can comfortably hear both music and message. Good church sound system design makes the difference between an involved and enthusiastic congregation, or one that is struggling just to hear.
Many people have experienced the frustration poorly amplified sound can cause, and realize that simply pouring money into an already inadequate setup may indeed eliminate some issues, while making others even worse. Volume may become agonizingly loud in one corner, and fine in another. Speech may be loud enough, but clearly understanding the words might become difficult. The pulpit may seem quite distant, or be obscured by feedback.
In some congregations, the addition of acoustic panels or thick carpet may eliminate echo entirely, while others fight heavy reverberation. People sitting in the front pews may hear the speaker adequately, but those a few rows back may miss most sentences. Inadequate microphones often provide good spoken vocal clarity, but cannot begin to handle the demands of amplified bass, drums or keyboards.
Church members sometimes attempt to correct these issues without outside help, even though acoustically fine-tuning a room for both music and sermon may be best accomplished through professional analysis and necessary equipment improvements. Most churches have limited resources, but the costs involved are only one factor in selecting the best components and controls. While sometimes necessary, spending a great deal may not be effective.
Good analysis relies on digital electronics for critical measurements, and the human ear for final judgments. Every room has its own unique acoustical footprint, and that can be determined best using specialized audio reference software. Spots that encourage echo or that swallow certain frequencies can be eliminated, creating a dynamic range that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but which is also universally audible.
Many rooms require more than one speaker, and that can create regions where there are acoustic hot or cold spots. When properly balanced and timed, those spaces are eliminated, providing clean signals to every single location. Calibration may be difficult to achieve without the proper equipment, but an experienced consulting and installation firm takes the guesswork out of optimization.
Both music and spoken words are vital to church services, and a system must be able to handle both at the same time. Certain microphones are fine for vocal reproduction, but not for the combo that accompanies the singers, and can create a wall of distorted noise rather than amplifying an inspiring anthem. Choosing speakers because they are on sale can be disappointing, even though budgetary considerations are always important.
Installation is as important as design. An experienced system installer avoids code violations, and knows how to place wires to avoid inductive noise. In addition to tasteful concealment, proper speaker suspension helps ensure the safety of those sitting beneath. When the system is in place, most will also train members of the congregation to properly operate the electrical control panel.
Many people have experienced the frustration poorly amplified sound can cause, and realize that simply pouring money into an already inadequate setup may indeed eliminate some issues, while making others even worse. Volume may become agonizingly loud in one corner, and fine in another. Speech may be loud enough, but clearly understanding the words might become difficult. The pulpit may seem quite distant, or be obscured by feedback.
In some congregations, the addition of acoustic panels or thick carpet may eliminate echo entirely, while others fight heavy reverberation. People sitting in the front pews may hear the speaker adequately, but those a few rows back may miss most sentences. Inadequate microphones often provide good spoken vocal clarity, but cannot begin to handle the demands of amplified bass, drums or keyboards.
Church members sometimes attempt to correct these issues without outside help, even though acoustically fine-tuning a room for both music and sermon may be best accomplished through professional analysis and necessary equipment improvements. Most churches have limited resources, but the costs involved are only one factor in selecting the best components and controls. While sometimes necessary, spending a great deal may not be effective.
Good analysis relies on digital electronics for critical measurements, and the human ear for final judgments. Every room has its own unique acoustical footprint, and that can be determined best using specialized audio reference software. Spots that encourage echo or that swallow certain frequencies can be eliminated, creating a dynamic range that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but which is also universally audible.
Many rooms require more than one speaker, and that can create regions where there are acoustic hot or cold spots. When properly balanced and timed, those spaces are eliminated, providing clean signals to every single location. Calibration may be difficult to achieve without the proper equipment, but an experienced consulting and installation firm takes the guesswork out of optimization.
Both music and spoken words are vital to church services, and a system must be able to handle both at the same time. Certain microphones are fine for vocal reproduction, but not for the combo that accompanies the singers, and can create a wall of distorted noise rather than amplifying an inspiring anthem. Choosing speakers because they are on sale can be disappointing, even though budgetary considerations are always important.
Installation is as important as design. An experienced system installer avoids code violations, and knows how to place wires to avoid inductive noise. In addition to tasteful concealment, proper speaker suspension helps ensure the safety of those sitting beneath. When the system is in place, most will also train members of the congregation to properly operate the electrical control panel.
About the Author:
Coherent Design provides counsel as audio visual design consultants for church sound system design. For info on our theater design and project management services, visit us on the Web today at http://www.coherentdesign.net.
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