Church Sound Podcast
Education & Explainer
About
Discussions and topics relevant to the house of worship sound community. Mixing techniques, IEM setup, building teamwork, and more. Between the technical aspects and the human aspects -- that's where church audio techs live. Hosted by James Attaway (james@attawayaudio.com) and Gary Zandstra.
Episodes
- 141. Vocal Effects
In Episode 141, the hosts discuss various vocal effects and how to apply them to mixes. Using the right vocal effects (and the right amount) can help glue a mix together and give it a little more polish. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsor…
- 140. Hiring An Integrator
In Episode 140, the hosts welcome Justin Edmonds of EnhanceAVL to discuss understanding how to know you need help and what to look for when hiring an integrator. Simply put, with limited budgets and capabilities, sometimes it’s beneficial…
- 139. Vocal Compression
In Episode 139, the hosts discuss when and how to apply compression to vocals so they’re front and center, and don’t get lost in the mix. They go through the various parameters of compression, when and how to apply it, and ultimately how t…
- 138. Wireless Systems With Shure Product Specialist Paul McWhirter
In Episode 138, Paul McWhirter of Shure joins the show to talk everything wireless antennas. Discussion includes antenna setup, RF basics, and how to make the most out of the gear and budget you have. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored…
- 137. Vocal EQ
In Episode 137, James and Gary discuss vocal EQ (equalization) and microphone placement — what boosting and cutting particular frequencies can do to a vocal, how different mics and mic placement affect the vocal, how to achieve an overall…
- 136. The Worship Leader – Sound Tech Relationship
In Episode 136, James and Gary discuss the relationship between the worship leader and the tech team. A key is bridging the gap caused by different technical language, personalities, and perspective to reach a common goal. Ultimately, how…
- 135. Advanced IEM Tips & Tricks
In Episode 135, James and Gary share practical tips and tricks when using in-ear monitors. They discuss the key components of in-ear mixes and how to level and manage those components to deliver a full but clean sound. They also discuss ho…
- 134. Wireless Tools
In Episode 134, James and Gary dive into “everything wireless.” Wireless system problems can cause distractions and be difficult to troubleshoot, with the hosts providing insights and tools to help make your systems more consistent and rel…
- 133. Growing The Team
In Episode 133, James and Gary venture away from audio-heavy topics to discuss an import aspect of any successful team: growth. They discuss good places to start when growing the sound team, how to hold on to that growth in the long-term,…
- 132. 4 Keys To Consistent Church Audio
In Episode 132, James and Gary share four keys to achieving consistency when utilizing volunteers with varying backgrounds and skill levels. These keys include consistent inputs, a consistent starting place on the console, consistent targe…
- 131. A Conversation With Ralph And Brandon Heinz
In Episode 131, James and Gary have a conversation with Ralph and Brandon Heinz of top loudspeaker developer Renkus-Heinz. The episode dives into the founding of the company and some of the technology that makes the company’s loudspeakers…
- 130. Loudspeaker Design Basics
In Episode 130, James and Gary cover the basics of loudspeaker design. Loudspeakers can be a weak link in sound systems, with the hosts presenting language it’s important to know when choosing loudspeakers as well as guidance on placing th…
- 129. Time-Based Effects
In Episode 129, James and Gary discuss time-based effects, which can be a great way to add space and depth to a mix. If done correctly, using time-based effects like reverb and delay can help transform a mix and give it a little extra poli…
- 128. Acoustics & Psychoacoustics
In Episode 128, the hosts discuss acoustics & psychoacoustics, how sound behaves in space and how our ears gather and interpret that sound. Having an understanding of acoustics can help how we mic sources, how we use and place loudspeakers…
- 127. Compression Practicals
In Episode 127, the hosts provide a deeper dive into compression, building on the discussion that began in the previous episode . They talk about a tricky aspect of compression: knowing exactly when it’s needed, backed up with examples and…
- 126. Compression Basics
In Episode 126, the hosts go through the basics of compression, when and how to utilize it correctly as well as what compression does and how we can use it to control and/or add consistency to instruments and vocals with a large dynamic ra…
- 125. EQ Practicals
In Episode 125, the hosts continue their discussion on equalization (EQ). In Episode 124 , they discussed the basics of EQ, and this time out, they dive into how to equalize specific instruments and vocals, as well as when to use high/low…
- 124. EQ Basics
In Episode 124, the hosts go back to the basics with one of the foundational blocks of processing audio: equalization (EQ). Discussion revolves around what EQ actually is, when you need to use it, and ultimately how to use it correctly. Th…
- 123. Building A Volunteer Dream Team
In Episode 123, the hosts discuss how to not only build a great volunteer team, but how to get the most out of them. Recruiting volunteers can be difficult, but training and retaining them is the way to ultimately build a “dream team.” The…
- 122. Gear Maintenance Plan
In Episode 122, the hosts discuss a proper gear maintenance plan to get the most out of your equipment and increase longevity. Setting up (and keeping) a schedule to dust, wipe down, and check the overall health of equipment can lead to be…
- 121. Compact Console Workflow
In Episode 121, the hosts discuss strategies and workflow when working with a compact consoles. Some of the keys to success include properly utilizing DCAs and snapshots/scenes, staying organized, and much more. The Church Sound Podcast is…
- 120. Future-Proofing
In Episode 120, the hosts dive in on future-proofing church tech. First, is it even possible? We might not be able to account for every upcoming change, adaptations happen and equipment wears out over time, but we can make informed decisio…
- 119. How To Learn A Song (For Mixing)
In Episode 119, the hosts discuss getting into a musician’s mindset to better understand arrangement and improve the overall mix. It benefits us to not only identify the various sections of a performance but also understand what the primar…
- 118. To Plugin Or Not To Plugin
In Episode 118, the hosts discuss plugins, what they are and how they can be used. The bottom line is that plugins can be useful (and sometimes more) when used correctly, but they should be seen more as helpful tools rather than a quick fi…
- 117. Passing The Torch
In Episode 117, the hosts discuss the process of preparing and educating others on the team with mental and technical skills so they’re ready to step up when the time comes. They also highlight key areas to work on or have full understandi…
- 116. Myth Of The Perfect Sunday
In Episode 116, the hosts discuss different physical and mental aspects of running the “perfect service” — or as close to it as we can get. Mistakes will be made and equipment will fail, but we can learn how to better manage those hurdles…
- 115. Sound Check & Building Your Mix
In Episode 115, the hosts discuss how to carry out sound check and begin building the mix. A proper sound check goes beyond just making sure everything is plugged in, it also helps in staying organized for the upcoming performance and shin…
- 114. Relationships Are Your Greatest Tool
In Episode 114, the hosts discuss creating and maintaining relationships. Fundamental ways to build and grow relationships include consistency, integrity, and communication. Having accountability, an open mind, and a good attitude will sta…
- 113. Broadcast Dynamic Range
In Episode 113, the hosts continue their series on broadcast mixing by discussing dynamic range. They discuss the goal of attaining a balanced and consistent mix across not only for the broadcast, but the various devices it’s played on. Th…
- 112. Broadcast Balance & EQ
In Episode 112, James and Gary continue their discussion on broadcast mixing and address two new topics, balance and EQ. For example, how you pan and EQ instruments and vocals can create the space needed to provide a clean broadcast mix. T…
- 111. Broadcast Audio Setup
In Episode 111, James and Gary discuss setting up broadcast audio, including a focus on differences between the mix in-person, the mix for broadcast, and tips on how to go back and forth while maintaining the highest quality possible. The…
- 110. Loudspeaker Health
In Episode 110, James and Gary discuss how to check loudspeakers to make sure everything is working properly, including different ways to measure loudspeakers, document and interpret the data, and decide if it’s the time to make changes or…
- 109. The Case For Flying Loudspeakers
In Episode 109, James and Gary make the case for flying loudspeakers — a significant benefit of the approach, when done correctly, is more consistent coverage and volume throughout the audience, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponso…
- 108. Fixing Distortion
In Episode 108, James and Gary talk audio distortion, as in, where it comes from and how to fix it. The offer straightforward approaches that can mitigate most distortion issues, and they also discuss a few scenarios where distortion can a…
- 107. Wireless 101
In Episode 107, James and Gary discuss the ins and outs of wireless/RF technology. When it comes to wireless systems, it’s important to think about your specific needs in advance, the RF environment, antenna type/placement, and more. The h…
- 106. Orchestral Instruments
In Episode 106, James and Gary discuss orchestral instruments — with a wide variety of instruments comes a wide variety of different tones and challenges. Ways to incorporate them effectively into a mix include using certain microphones, s…
- 105. Getting Optimal Results With Choirs
In Episode 105, James and Gary discuss ways to work with and mix a choir. As with the vocals of the choir itself, it’s all about balance. What mics are being used, where are they placed, and the size of the choir are all factors to conside…
- 104. Leveling Up (Education)
In Episode 104, James and Gary discuss ways to take your audio knowledge to the next level. A big part of expanding skillsets and understanding is to be a sponge: communicate and network, strive for new and better ways to do things, be ope…
- 103. Feedback
In Episode 103, James and Gary discuss everything feedback — the audio type of feedback — including what it is, how to avoid it, and key aspects such as gain before feedback, loudspeaker and microphone placement, and more. The Church Sound…
- 102. Learning A New Console
In Episode 102, James and Gary discuss ways to learn and understand a new console. Different consoles and manufacturers have different configurations, so it’s important and helpful to learn not only the base layout but the different ways t…
- 101. Monitor Mixing
In Episode 101, James and Gary dive into mixing monitors, including a key aspect of finding the right balance to give artists a reference so they can blend and level themselves within the band. They also talk about the differences between…
- 100. Immersive Audio, Part 2
In Episode 100, co-hosts James and Gary are joined by Luke Vogel for a deeper dive into immersive audio. Luke shares his past of working at houses of worship and how it led him to his current work with immersive audio at Fulcrum Immersive.…
- 99. Vision For The Mix
In Episode 99, James and Gary take a step back and discuss how to find and implement an overall vision for a mix. Vision isn’t always about loudness, it’s more about feel: how do we want people to receive the message and how do we match th…
- 98. Gates & Triggers
In Episode 98, James and Gary discuss gates and triggers — what they are and how to use them. They come in handy as tools that help not only control how much sound is being let in, but when. For example, if we’re using multiple microphones…
- 97. Practice Makes Perfect
In Episode 97, James and Gary discuss an important part of live sound, practice. The little things we take note of, listen for, and learn along the way add up and result in a smoother and better service. The hosts also discuss incorporatin…
- 96. Effects In The Mix
In Episode 96, James and Gary discuss effects, often termed “FX” for short. It’s important to remember that with great power comes great responsibility — particularly when it comes to the application of effects in the mix. The hosts share…
- 95. Compression – Mastering The Basics
In Episode 95, James and Gary discuss all things compression — not only what compression is but how it effects different instruments or sections during a service. The hosts share some basics and starting points they use when compressing in…
- 94. The Role Of Musicians In Audio
In Episode 94, James and Gary discuss the relationship between audio techs and musicians. It all starts with building positive communication and thinking about not only what is said, but how it’s said. At the end of the day, both audio tec…
- 93. Pillars Of A Great Mix
In Episode 93, James and Gary discuss four pillars of a great mix: a great sounding source, capturing the source the right way, level balance and gain structure, and using high and low-pass filtering. Essentially if you start with clean so…
- 92. Foundation Of Great Audio
In Episode 92, co-hosts James and Gary discuss the foundation of great audio. A solid base starts with the setup. System design, where the loudspeakers are located and where they’re pointed. System tuning, taking those loudspeakers and app…