In Ear Monitors

After a short time away I have started blogging again. This post deals with In-Ear Monitors or IEM. The biggest advantage of using IEM is lower stage volume. Your sound will be much clearer because there is much less sound bleeding off of the stage, hence the ability to possibly make your entire mix quieter. I have used them and really like them.

There are two types of In Ear Monitor systems. The first is a wired set up, using a aux send , headphone amp, and a set of headphones is a cheap but quality way to go. I recommend using and actual in the ear system like the Shure SCL Series, or an actual headphone like the Audio-Technica ATH-M30. Ipod phones, or anything that does not seal the ear will not work as well. The cost for this can be under $250.00 per set up, not counting wiring. The problem is that most musicians dont like to be tethered by the head to gear.

The second type is wireless, no more leashes! There is a few drawbacks to these, the biggest is cost. A quality setup starts around $600.00 each. The other problems are possible radio interference, cost of batteries.

If your thinking about it try it!, rent, beg, or borrow a system and give it a month or two...after your musicians hear themselves clearer than ever they will be hooked.

Would you like a new guitar with that?

This series of posts deals with Contractors and Consultants. The first company, group or guy you need to watch out for is the Music Store sound expert. Almost all music stores have a "PA" department or sound room, so why not what is the difference? Music Stores generally deal with a different crowd that most audio consultants or contractors. Most of the time they deal with Garage Band's, not even large or semi pro bands. The gear they peddle is typical of this type of customer. A typical garage band system will consist of a mixer, amps and speakers like a system for a church, but they may not be the best choice. In my experience these guys push whats the best margin, and what they know...portable stuff. I have also found that music stores notoriously under-estimate churches and their needs. "It's only a church"

"I'll install it for you after work, for free" if you hear this RUN! Most of the salesmen at music stores are just that, salesmen. They don't install on a regular basis, they don't have the tools or experience to do a neat clean install.

An experienced contractor generally has access to more professional product lines that will serve your church for a long time, not cheaper junk. Yes, you may pay a little more to have a pro do it, you may not get the free guitar, but do you really want them to run a snake cable across your floor.

Why should we hire a pro?

Here is a good example why you should hire a professional early. Luckily this church realized that this gentleman was, lets say, doing some unconventional wiring, and handled it...This wire went to a snake box on the other side of the wall. This was only the beginning of what I found. Where was this going anyway!

I will be starting a blog series on why and when you should have a Professional AVL contractor involved in your upgrades to your systems

More MEEEEEE!!!!!

More MEEEEEE!!!!!!

One of the biggest sound problems I see in churches is floor monitors and stage noise.

You have all been there. Warm –up song ends, and the one of the musicians say, “I cant hear myself!” But STOP, back away from the mixer….DO NOT touch that aux send knob!!!!!!!!!!

This can be one of the most frustrating times for both the sound guy and the musician. The musician wants to hear and sometimes “feel” more than the sound guy can give without sacrificing the quality in the house system. What to do? Open a line of communication between your sound guys and your musicians. Put egos aside, we all NEED each other.

1. Demonstrate for your musicians why too much stage volume is bad. Pop in a CD, call the band to the floor and crank the monitors. Ask them how it sounds. You will probably get a few, sounds fine, a few a little muffled. Then turn down the monitors and up the house. Ask if it sounds better? (If it doesn’t sound better, you better call a pro to tune your system up) This usually works, they hear how much better direct sound is compared to reflected.
2. When you do sound checks, bring up the house BEFORE the floor monitor. The idea is that the floor monitor supplement and clarify what they are getting reflected. This is really true of bassists and drummers who like the “feel” of the music.
3. Get your musicians to listen critically. Why cant they hear themselves? Is it because the guitar player has their amp cranked and it is screaming in the vocalist’s ear? Some times it is what can we move, or turn down to allow yourself to hear better.

Work together, work smart.

Curmudgeons and Newbies

Which are you? Most fall into one or the other category, at least in spirit. I have seen my fair share of curmudgeons. In my tech ministry, I love newbies! They are so full of energy and enthusiasm; it makes ME feel better. They are healthy for a growing ministry, asking questions, keeping you on your toes.

So what about the grumps? Sure they are difficult at times, but... they CAN be useful for more than a door stop, or seat warmer. They also keep you on your toes and ask questions, albeit for a different reason.

The curmudgeon may have been doing tech stuff for a long time, most likely before speakers were invented! We didn't NEED a sound system in the '60's. Or they may only have been doing it for a few years.

The goal is to keep your newbie spirit even though you've been around long enough to be a curmudgeon.

Forums

Here are 4 forums I frequent or contribute too.

Worship Frequency - Chris Tomlin's Site
This is Chris Tomlin's forum, very good, useful info. More music orienteted.

Church Sound Magazine
Very technical, specific site.

Media Shout User Forum

Triumph Rat
Helps me learn more about my toy.

Forums are a great source of info. Check them out!

Sunday morning starts Saturday night

When I was a young(er) lad, Bob mentored me throughout my teen and young adult years. Bob was my youth pastor, and then he became the music director at the Church I was attending. I thought Bob was crazy. He would go to bed at...get this...8:30 PM on Saturday nights! We used to tease him, relentlessly. Of course he would give it right back saying, "well I need my rest if I need to deal with you tomorrow morning!" Yeah, Yeah, whatever. One Sunday Morning he pulled me aside. I was late for "teen band" practice, because I was at the movies with friends, then to Pizza Hut the night before. Getting in at a seemingly innocent 2:15 AM. Bob said to me, "in order to minister effectively, Sunday must begin on Saturday night" Again, blah, blah blah...

After a few years it began to sink in. What I do on a Saturday night effects what I can do on a Sunday morning. If I am out late, up late playing video games, whatever, it directly effects my performance as a Technical Artist. (Falling asleep during the teachers message?) God expects our best effort. If we "fall asleep at the wheel" on Sunday morning and cause a distraction at a reflective part of the service, is that honoring God? Honoring the Church people?

Will I be going to bed at 8:30 on Saturday?....uh, probably not, but I will do my best to remember Bob's words, "in order to minister effectively, Sunday must begin on Saturday night" Maybe I'll turn off Guitar Hero early or do my late night stuff on Friday. I am just going to give God my best effort.