In researching for this piece, I wanted to first focus on the science behind the audio path, acoustical analysis and electronic manipulation and amplification of the signals in both live and recording environments.
In addition, I sought to take a closer look at a Sound System Engineer, the person who is operating the equipment, placing microphones and operating recording decks and editors.
When choosing a speaker system, consider worship/service style, size of your room, and what volume level you require.
Let's first look at the practice of Audio Engineering, particularly the design and implementation of installing an Audio Reinforcement System into a worship space. An audio reinforcement system in its simplest form, makes sounds more audible for your audience. This is achieved by increasing the volume, distributing the audio and/or manipulating its frequencies and transients in the space.
The audio signal begins by flowing from the source (a person or instrument) into a microphone, where it is converted into electricity. The electrical signal is then manipulated and blended with other signals (in your audio desk), and sent to an amplifier, where the voltage and current are increased to drive the speaker system. The speaker system then will convert the electronic signals back into acoustical energy.
Before starting any project, though, you should define your needs. Some initial questions to answer are:
1. What is my worship style?
2. What is the size of my room/audience?
3. How loud do I want it to be?
4. Are there any special considerations? (things that happen a few times a year that may require special attention/equipment)
Microphones, Tracks and other Audio Sources
Let's start with inputs. Inputs come in many shapes and sizes, as they are not just microphones (although mics typically make up the majority of your sources). They can be playback sources such as music tracks, audio from videos, reverb and/or effects processors. Or they also can be sources from other sound systems.
The number of microphones that you typically use, needs to be communicated to your integrator. Do you mic every instrument? Does the instrumentation change often? Do you change your set or stage layout often? How do you see the use of the space on a typical weekend? These questions can go a long way to determine the specifications of the system. Not only will it help to identify what you will need your audio desk to do, it will determine the location of microphone jacks on or around your stage and whether you need a patchbay or another form of routing inputs to the audio desk.
Audio Mixing Desk
The audio desk is the heart to any audio system. Its primary function is to take all of the inputs, manipulate their signals and blend them together into the desired audio "mix." Audio desks vary in size and capabilities as much as cellphones these days.
Your facility may only need a small "automixer," or it may require a large format digital console. How much signal processing do you use for your style? Are you running "dry" signals, or does your style lend itself to a lot of electronic manipulation (compressions, reverb, equalization). What is the skill level of your team?
Each of these factors can affect the type and size of audio desk that you chose. Whether it's analog or digital, small or large format, you need to determine what your needs are before jumping on-board. (Pun intended)
Speaker Systems
When choosing a speaker system, consider worship/service style, size of your room, and what volume level you require. There are three major components to any worship service: Live music (worship), spoken word, and playback (tracks, videos, etc.). Your worship style has a dramatic effect on the type and design of audio system your facility needs and is the driving force behind the design.
While a more traditional setting might be better suited to a distributed 70V system, a contemporary worship style lends itself to a system that typically utilizes more power (resulting in a higher sound pressure level), has a wider frequency response, and typically is designed as a point-source system.
Acoustics and Acoustic Treatments
The size and shape of your room has one of the most profound impacts on the design of your system. You may have heard of the term "Acoustics" or "Acoustic Analysis" thrown around. In its simplest form, acoustics is the way that sound reacts to a structure. Audio waves are affected by things like hard or soft surfaces, humidity, temperature and whether your walls and ceilings are parallel with each other.
There is a lot of science behind acoustics and many different ways to analyze and treat a room to decrease decay and increase the intelligibility of your audio signals. The placement of your speakers and acoustic treatments can be calculated to provide the most benefits utilizing 3D modeling and analysis.
I would encourage anyone who is reading this piece to seek out a professional system integrator. In my experience, their knowledge and expertise outweigh any money that can be saved upfront when installing or upgrading your system.