Friday, December 5, 2014

Setting The Standards For Church Sound System Designs

By Claudine Hodges


The audio needs of each chapel are unique because of the structural features, range of activities and expectations in each case. However, there are important tenets that are used to define ideal church sound system designs. They form the basis of any quotation and are especially important when requesting for services from engineers and other audio services providers.

Installing the right audio equipment and systems allows maximum utilization of available space. These standards will also make it comfortable to sit at any corner and easily follow proceedings. The equipment provide a perfect interface for members to follow the preacher. Every member becomes an active participant in the sermons.

It has taken numerous studies and evaluation to develop the standards. Comparisons have been drawn after considering the success of chapels with the best audio quality. They help to maximize the available space and determine the right equipment. This will make the preacher comfortable as well as the congregants gathered to listen to him.

The design affects all other aspects of audio production and quality within the chapel. Advanced technology will not produce better results if the design is flawed. There are different and befitting options regardless of the budget a church is operating on. Audio specialists ensure that you get maximum value for your budget.

Audio standards apply to systems across different environments including churches and auditoriums. Human beings are inclined to face the direction of the source of sound. The first test for professionally designed systems is their ability to create one center of attention. All speakers must cause the audience to face the preacher, stage, performance or the altar. People get distracted if the voice appears to come from behind or from the sides.

Advancement in technology does not lower the intelligibility threshold of any audio network. The user should be comfortable to place the microphone at a standard distance of 18 to 24 inches and still be audible. This means effective microphones that pick sounds and amplify them without being a nuisance to listeners. The speakers should be strategically placed on all corners depending on the shape of your chapel.

Necessity dictates that churches use several microphones at a time. A poorly designed network will be disrupted by constant feedback. This increases the level of participation without moving the microphones from one location to the other. The assembly of equipment, microphones and speakers must be synchronized to simplify control.

Audio technicians will not be present in all functions where the systems are in use. This calls for systems that easy to operate with the least instructions. They should allow both a loud and soft speaker to effectively communicate without the need to adjust the settings.

A provision must be made to accommodate the hearing impaired members of your congregation. They include those with hearing loss and those using hearing aids. This applies even in cases where their number is minimal.

To test if the system is right, you should close your eyes and listen to the sound from the speakers. With your eyes closed, face the direction of the sound. When the eyes are open, you should be facing the center of action. A good system will increase participation and concentration in the church.




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