Good Church Sound System Design Clarifies Words And Music

By Marylou Forbes


Nearly all bodies of worship congregate in a central location, which may include elaborate, soaring spaces reminiscent of cathedrals, or unassuming strip mall storefronts re-purposed for meetings. No matter what room is used, its acoustics determine whether or not the experience is inspiring or irritating. Good church sound system design encourages enthusiasm, while poor acoustics create fatigue and frustration.

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.

A single speaker may be enough for a small space, but using multiple sets can cause timing problems and other issues. Proper echo-control and balance eliminates most of those irritations, giving each listener the gift of clean, easy-to-process sound waves. Without the proper equipment, however, achieving accurate calibration can be frustrating or difficult, and a design company eliminates the guesswork.

Most services are a combination of speech and music, and a well-designed configuration should be able to reproduce both equally well. Speech amplification needs microphones that clarify specific types of output, but those same devices must also be capable of reproducing musical tones without listeners noticing or complaining. Both speakers and microphones should be chosen based on reputation, not necessarily on cost.

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.




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