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 rooms, thick carpeting and panels eliminate any trace of echo, while other locations grapple with layers of reverberation. People sitting toward the front might hear the minister easily, but those a few pews back might as well have stayed home. Microphones are not all created equal. Some reproduce human speech well, but when faced with a wide musical frequency range they create muddiness, overtones, and distortion.
Members may try to correct those problems themselves, but fine tuning a room or equipment to a achieve the necessary balance for good live reproduction may require professional acoustic analysis. Although most congregations have limited budgets, equipment costs are only one factor in choosing and developing a new audio setup. In some cases, simply spending a great deal on speakers or microphones is not cost-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.
A single speaker may work well in small areas, but large spaces may require several, sometimes creating cold or hot spots. Proper timing and balancing helps to re-shape those spots and provide clean signals to all seats. Without the right testing equipment, precise calibration may be difficult or impossible. Working with an experienced audio room designer takes most of the guesswork out of optimizing a system.
Because church services usually emphasize both music and the spoken word, a new design must be able to handle both. Speech requires microphones that are able to accurately clarify what is being said, and they should also be able to seamlessly switch from words to music without volume issues or noticeable distortion. While cost is always an important consideration, choosing speakers based on price alone can be disappointing.
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 rooms, thick carpeting and panels eliminate any trace of echo, while other locations grapple with layers of reverberation. People sitting toward the front might hear the minister easily, but those a few pews back might as well have stayed home. Microphones are not all created equal. Some reproduce human speech well, but when faced with a wide musical frequency range they create muddiness, overtones, and distortion.
Members may try to correct those problems themselves, but fine tuning a room or equipment to a achieve the necessary balance for good live reproduction may require professional acoustic analysis. Although most congregations have limited budgets, equipment costs are only one factor in choosing and developing a new audio setup. In some cases, simply spending a great deal on speakers or microphones is not cost-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.
A single speaker may work well in small areas, but large spaces may require several, sometimes creating cold or hot spots. Proper timing and balancing helps to re-shape those spots and provide clean signals to all seats. Without the right testing equipment, precise calibration may be difficult or impossible. Working with an experienced audio room designer takes most of the guesswork out of optimizing a system.
Because church services usually emphasize both music and the spoken word, a new design must be able to handle both. Speech requires microphones that are able to accurately clarify what is being said, and they should also be able to seamlessly switch from words to music without volume issues or noticeable distortion. While cost is always an important consideration, choosing speakers based on price alone can be disappointing.
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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