For more than 20 years MediaMerge has designed hundreds of church sound systems both large and small. During this process we have learned that churches of all different denominations and sizes share a similar common goal - To create an environment where worship can happen without any major distractions
After putting some thought behind it, we figured it might be beneficial to share some of the main goals of a church sound system and detail the purpose and some of the main components of that make up a modern church sound system.
The Basics
Purpose of a sound system
Sound systems are generally comprised of microphones, instruments and other input devices that produce audio. These audio sources are run through mixing consoles, signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers that allow the signals to be adjusted, amplified and distributed.
One of the unique goals of the sound system is to become part of the experience and go unnoticed. If the sound system becomes noticeable it is usually because there is something wrong. Too loud, feedback, distortion etc.
Sound System Format - Mono VS Stereo
MONO SOUND SYSTEM
In a central mono arrangement the entire seating area is covered within +/-3dB from a single channel of audio. In its most basic form a mono system would include a centrally located loudspeaker or array. This type of church sound system was most popular in the 80’s and 90’s, but has largely fallen out of favor for most musical applications.
Pro: The biggest benefit of a mono system is that all of the sound emanates from a single location in the room (the central loudspeaker or array). In this arrangement, there’s only one initial arrival of the sound, and speech intelligibility can be very good if properly designed.
Con: However, the high level of speech intelligibility comes with a trade-off. Musical presentation with a central mono system simply does not sound as big or enveloping as with the other system formats. Central mono is typically a poor choice for modern church sound system design.
STEREO SOUND SYSTEM
A stereo arrangement is not unlike a home stereo or the sound system in a car, using two separate channels of audio: a left and a right. For the system to work properly, the entire seating area is covered within +/-3dB from both the left and right loudspeakers.
Church Sound System Design - Stereo Format
Pro: The biggest benefit of a stereo system is the wide, enveloping sound, which is ideal for worship presentation. Instead of being crammed into a single audio channel, the instruments and vocals are spread across the stereo field making it easier to hear them separately. Additionally, by spreading everything out in the stereo field, instruments can typically be more present without covering vocal clarity.
The stereo format is one of the most desirable formats for modern worship presentation.
Con: Stereo format sound systems only work well in rooms with specific aspects of architectural design. Rooms that are extremely wide or that include seating wrapped around the sides of the stage platform are not typically good candidates for a stereo approach.
It’s also worth noting that loudspeaker selection and orientation are critical to designing and installing a proper stereo system. Many church sound systems that are sold as “stereo designs” fail to meet the basic criteria for loudspeaker coverage, with only the center section of seating covered evenly by both the left and right loudspeakers.
Common Components of a Church Sound System
We're constantly amazed and celebrate the many expressions of worship in the church. Audio system components can vary widely based on the specific needs of your church. The following includes a list of the most common components and considerations for a modern church sound system.
Wireless Microphones
Wireless Microphone Tips
How to reduce feedback
Frequency compliance and rebates to upgrade
Playback Sources (CD, BlueTooth, etc.)
Floorboxes & Cabling Infrastructure
Floor-boxes can include microphone inputs, monitor outputs, PMM outputs, electrical outlets and more.
Mixing Console
The mixing console should be located out in front of the stage where the Audio Engineer can simultaneously hear what the audience is hearing. Placing the anywhere else may limit the Audio Engineers ability to adjust the board according to the needs of the audience.
WIRELESS MIXING
For churches that don't have a booth in front of the stage it may be worth checking into something like the TF-1 which includes the ability to mix wirelessly via owner-furnished iOS, PC or Android devices.
Recording & Streaming
Purpose of Recording & Streaming
Tips for Recording & Streaming
Amplifiers & Processing
Purpose of Amplifiers & Processing
Tips for Amplifiers & Processing
Main Loudspeakers
The primary design objective of a new Sound System Upgrade is to provide full-range reinforcement for both music and spoken word with exceptional coverage of the seating area while limiting the amount of acoustical energy exciting the reflective surfaces of the side walls and ceiling. The system should be carefully designed with a variety of uses in mind to provide a full range of features in an easy-to-use configuration.
These speakers are considerably different than “Home Stereo Speakers”. The difference is the way the speaker projects or “throws” the sound. Stereo speakers may sound great in a small room but aren’t built to throw the sound for long distances.
Subwoofers
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Purpose of Subwoofers
Tips for Subwoofers
Delay/Fill Speakers
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Purpose of Delay/Fill Speakers
Tips for Delay/Fill Speakers
Distributed Audio (Lobby, Nursing Room, etc.)
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Purpose of Distributed Audio
Tips for Distributed Audio
Hearing Assist System (for ADA compliance)
A personal assisted listening system allows listeners to use a personal audio device to listen to the mix from a sound reinforcement system.
This can be used by members of the congregation that are hard of hearing, require hearing aid technology, or simply want more control over the volume level of the sound at their ears.
Hearing assist systems typically consist of a wireless transmitter that connects to a mixing console or digital signal processor and wireless receivers that pick up the signal. The user can then connect to the personal receiver with personal headphones, earbuds, or inductive neckloops that are compatible with telecoil-equipped hearing aids. For more information on assisted listening click here.
Broadcast Audio
Purpose of Broadcast Audio
Tips for Broadcast Audio
Stage Monitor Speakers
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Purpose of Stage Monitor Speakers
Tips for Stage Monitor Speakers
Personal Monitor Mixing (PMM)
With this system each user will have his/her own personal monitor mixer and a set of in-ear-buds. Each unit allows the user to balance the volume of up to 40 inputs in his/her own ears, which reduces the need for monitor speakers on stage. The benefit of in-ear monitors is two-fold: the stage volume of the monitors is significantly reduced, which improves the fidelity of the house sound system; and the sound system operator is relieved of the responsibility of adjusting each musician’s monitor mix, thereby allowing him/her to concentrate on what the audience is hearing.
Tips for PMM
Wireless In-Ear Monitors
Purpose of Wireless In-Ear Monitors
Tips for Wireless In-Ear Monitors