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 rooms, thick carpeting and panels eliminate any trace of echo, while other locations grapple with layers of reverberation. People sitting toward the front might hear the minister easily, but those a few pews back might as well have stayed home. Microphones are not all created equal. Some reproduce human speech well, but when faced with a wide musical frequency range they create muddiness, overtones, and distortion.
Although some members attempt to fix the problem on their own, acoustical fine tuning often requires the help of a professional analyst and designer. Even though most congregations are self-funded, the final cost of a newly-designed audio configuration is only one of the factors critical to choosing a new acoustic setup. Without determining the real causes of problems, spending on speakers or microphones may be wasted.
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.
Many rooms require more than one speaker, and that can create regions where there are acoustic hot or cold spots. When properly balanced and timed, those spaces are eliminated, providing clean signals to every single location. Calibration may be difficult to achieve without the proper equipment, but an experienced consulting and installation firm takes the guesswork out of optimization.
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.
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 rooms, thick carpeting and panels eliminate any trace of echo, while other locations grapple with layers of reverberation. People sitting toward the front might hear the minister easily, but those a few pews back might as well have stayed home. Microphones are not all created equal. Some reproduce human speech well, but when faced with a wide musical frequency range they create muddiness, overtones, and distortion.
Although some members attempt to fix the problem on their own, acoustical fine tuning often requires the help of a professional analyst and designer. Even though most congregations are self-funded, the final cost of a newly-designed audio configuration is only one of the factors critical to choosing a new acoustic setup. Without determining the real causes of problems, spending on speakers or microphones may be wasted.
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.
Many rooms require more than one speaker, and that can create regions where there are acoustic hot or cold spots. When properly balanced and timed, those spaces are eliminated, providing clean signals to every single location. Calibration may be difficult to achieve without the proper equipment, but an experienced consulting and installation firm takes the guesswork out of optimization.
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.
About the Author:
Coherent Design provides counsel as audio visual design consultants for church sound system design. For info on our theater design and project management services, visit us on the Web today at http://www.coherentdesign.net.
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