Going The Distance For Your Mix

14 02 2012

As posted on CCI Soluions’ Worship Tools for 2/14/12

One of the things I learned as I first started to mix was how to get comfortable at Front of House (FOH). I could get set up comfortably and go for long stretches perched in front of the console, ready to enjoy mixing for hours on end. It was great fun, dialing in a mix that sounded clear and had lots of punch. I could enjoy mixing from my little world and it would sound great, and I knew everyone would enjoy it.

Unfortunately, not everyone did. I’d occasionally get comments from other FOH guys about what they’d change in the mix and I’d get bummed out. Sometimes I would even take it personally and feel hurt, not understanding why those people didn’t like my mix. Fortunately I had some great mentors early on and when discussing this with one of them, the first question I was asked was, “Well, where were they sitting?” Wow, did my eyes open wide that day, when I realized for the first time that it wasn’t about my mix, it was about my mix in that spot, which was very different to my mix at my seat. The next time I mixed I got everything going and walked down to where some of those guys usually sit, and I wasn’t too happy with my mix either.

When mixing FOH, it’s very easy to get settled in and live in your own little world, but my challenge to you today is to go the distance to make your mix great for the audience, not just FOH. In fact, in reality it matters very little what it sounds like at the console, but it matters a whole lot what it sounds like in every seat in the audience. I’ve learned that when I mix, I have to spend a decent amount of time walking the entire room during sound checks and rehearsals to get a great feel for how the room is sounding. Even during service, now that we’ve added people (living acoustic absorption) it’s critical again to at least listen in a few different spots to make sure what you are trying to accomplish with the mix resonates with the audience and not just FOH.

I have yet to visit a church with perfect acoustics and a perfect sound system. We can make a lot of strides to get close, but there are still going to be anomalies in your room. Get out from behind the console on occasion and go listen. My church has FOH right under the front of the balcony (can I get a groan from anyone?) and it’s critical that I get out and listen to the house from other perspectives throughout services. If your mix position is compromised like mine is, meaning in the balcony, under the balcony, off to the side of the room or even in another room altogether, it’s that much more critical for you to go the distance to make the mix right for the audience. But even if your mix position is great, you still need to go listen to the rest of the room occasionally because odds are there are spots in the room that aren’t.

Mixing FOH is a fantastic role and I love doing it every chance I get. I get a chance to help churches and ministries lead congregations in worshipping and learning about our God. But if the mix is only good at FOH, who am I really serving? Go the distance for your mix, you’ll see more people engage in worship and clearly hearing the message, and that’s what it’s all about.


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Categories : Audio

Trade Shows Part 2

6 02 2012

Since my last post, I’ve had a couple people request more info on what trade shows I like and for what reasons.  This is not an exhaustive list by any stretch, but these are some of what I consider the most beneficial shows and hopefully it will help you pick a trade show that will give you a chance to connect with other church techs while learning something helpful to what you are doing.

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) – April in Las Vegas, NV
This is one of the biggest trade shows and features more video than any church can ever use.  While there is some audio and lighting gear, video is really the big focus at this show.  You should be able to get into the trade show for free, but the classes will cost you extra.
Pros: There is a lot of gear and a lot of people at this show.  You will get a chance to meet some incredible people and get your hands on lots of gear.  If you’re looking to make some significant video purchases, you should definitely attend this show.
Cons: It is a huge show which means it’s easy to get lost and not talk to anyone who does what you do.  You have to be intentional and deliberate to make connections.

InfoComm – Alternates site, June in Las Vegas, NV for 2012
InfoComm is a good, all around trade show involving audio, lighting and some video.  If you’re looking for a well balanced variety of gear, this is a good show to start with.  Just like NAB, you should be able to get onto the trade show floor for free with advanced registration, but the classes will cost you extra.
Pros: This show is a much more manageable size but also still has lots of great people to connect with.  It’s easy to both get your hands on lots of great gear and connect with manufacturer reps and other church tech people.  I find that I run into fellow church techs regularly while walking the InfoComm show floor.
Cons: Because the show is well rounded in it’s gear inclusion, it’s not exhaustive.  While you can get your hands on a lot of gear, it my not be the place to do an exhaustive search on what you are looking for.

LDI – Alternates sites, Late Fall/Early Winter in Las Vegas for 2012
If you are a lighting, staging or stage design person, LDI is a great show for you.  One of the only shows dedicated to lighting, LDI isn’t a huge show but it packs a good punch with what’s new in lighting and staging.  Once again, the trade show can be attended for free but the classes require paid registration.
Pros: You get a chance to see everything that’s new in the lighting world, from the cheaper DJ stuff to the higher end professional gear.  It’s also not a huge show so you can get a chance to talk to lots of great lighting people.
Cons: It’s pretty much about lighting, so if lighting is not your thing, this is probably not the right show for you to go to.

Worship Facilities Expo (WFX) – Alternates sites, September in Atlanta, GA for 2012
This is one of the biggest church focused trade shows and does a decent job blending the opportunity to get your hands on solutions for worship technology with opportunities to learn from and connect with other church tech leaders.  While you can get onto the trade show floor for free, the classes do require a paid registration.
Pros: No other show brings so many of today’s church technical leaders, and there are many opportunities to connect with and learn from each other.  In addition, unlike most of the other trade shows, WFX has numerous training classes focused on more than just showing you gear, but teaching you how to get the most out of gear for ministry.  WFX also has the Tech Director Retreat, a day of encouraging and training for Church Tech Leaders.
Cons: It is a smaller show so the trade show part isn’t big and there usually isn’t much that is new.  Also, being a younger conference, they are still growing and developing the event to make it better.

Guru’s of Tech Willow Creek – May in Crystal Lake, IL
After last year’s inaugural event, I have high expectations for this year’s Guru’s of Tech event.  While there are multiple Guru’s events, the willow Creek team put on a great event last year and the classes were excellent.  Not only that, but it’s a church tech only event and you’ll have opportunities to meet, chat and worship with many folks doing what you are doing.  Best of all, the event, including classes, is free.
Pros: Guru’s of Tech Willow Creek features fantastic classes and many great tech leaders ready to invest in you.
Cons: While there was a little gear to look at last year, this is not a trade show so don’t expect a lot of gear.

Have questions about these or other shows, please comment below or shoot me an email.


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Categories : General

Value of Trade Shows

27 01 2012

As I reflect on another trade show completed, I walked away from the annual NAMM show in Anaheim feeling both exhausted and invigorated, an unusual combination for sure.  Walking the show floor for 8 hours per day for multiple days, talking to everyone from manufacturers to vendors to fellow church techs will wear out even the most athletic of people.  At the same time it’s an energizing process.  You get the opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest tools to help you provide more effective ministry.  More importantly, trade shows give you the opportunity to connect with others who do what you do, who have come up with creative solutions to the issues you face and have weathered the situations that may be frustrating you.

I’ve long felt that the highest value of trade shows is the opportunity to connect with your peers, to pick their brains and get encouragement.   As more and more technology becomes available to help us accomplish our goals, connecting with others who do what you do also becomes more critical.  It seems there are 4 (or more) ways to do everything now.  Discussing the options, pros and cons of solutions with people who have used them in real life is invaluable.  Demonstrations are certainly helpful, but the word and experiences of peers tell you so much more.  Trade shows and other church tech events give you the opportunity to do both, to get your hands on solutions and discuss real life applications with those who are doing real life ministry.

If you’ve been serving in ministry as a volunteer or staff person for any time though, you know that it’s about way more than the gear.  Ministry is about people, and connecting with people at trade shows who really understand that is the most invigorating part of the whole experience.  Let’s be honest, serving in ministry is both one of the greatest and hardest things you can do.  Even as a volunteer, you can feel overworked and underappreciated very quickly, but I’ve found spending time with people who get what you do and share the same heart and vision will help encourage and reinvigorate you in the calling you have in serving in church tech.

If we’re honest with ourselves, we know that we can’t do ministry alone.  Who better to connect with than peers who do what you do, experience what you experience and face the same challenges you face?   Can I challenge you to get more connected with others who serve as you do from churches across the country?  In my first few years as a Technical Director, I actually paid out of my own pocket to attend a number of events and they helped shape who I am as a tech and ministry leader.  I would gladly pay all of that money and more to do it again.   If you can’t make it to one of the big trade shows, get involved with online networks like www.churchtechleaders.org.  Regardless of how you do it, get connected, get support and get inspired by your peers.  And if you sign up for www.churchtechleaders.org or are at one of the trade events, look me up, I’d love to meet, encourage and support you.

Just Some of the Trade Shows & Events Coming in 2012

Guru’s of Tech – Willow Creek (Crystal Lake, IL)

http://www.gurusoftech.com/

Infocomm – Las Vegas, NV

http://www.infocommshow.org/

Worship Facilities Expo – Atlanta, GA

http://www.wfxweb.com/

LDI – Las Vegas, NV
www.ldishow.com

Christian Musician Summit – Various Locations

http://www.christianmusiciansummit.com/


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Categories : General

Alien Adventures – The Explanation

21 08 2011

I travel a lot.  I have the absolute honor and privilege of working with churches all over the country, helping them to do technical ministry better than they are now.  I love my job but I’m on the road frequently.  What does any of this have to do with a little green alien?

My wife, who is very smart and creative knows that my kids want to remain connected to their Daddy while away and that I want to stay connected with them.  It can be hard, but about 5 weeks ago my wife came across a wonderful story of a road warrior Dad and how he stays connected with his kids while traveling internationally (click here for the story).  My wife, being a fantastic Mom always looking for ways to keep our family learning, growing and close to each other, forwarded the story to me knowing our kids would love to do our own version of something like this.

July 16th, 2011 marked the beginning of Alien Adventures, a running photo diary of Alien’s travels with Sammy and Izzy’s Daddy.  Some have seen these pictures on Facebook or Twitter already, and now you know why they are there.  The kids love it, and every time I get home they tell me about looking at the pictures of Alien’s Adventures.  Alien is not only watching over Daddy as I travel, but is helping my kids remain interested and connected to where I am and what I’m doing.  As you see these pictures, know that my kids are home thinking about where their Daddy is, and consider praying for our family.  As with any job, there are positives and negatives to any job or ministry and traveling can certainly be a negative with smaller kids.  We do what we can to stay close, connected and supporting each other, and this is simply a small but fun way to do so.

For all the pictures to date, check them out on Facebook here.


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Categories : Personal

Multi-Site – Message Is King

12 08 2011

As the multi-site movement continues to grow I often get asked, what are the most critical technical aspects of having a successful multi-site venue.  Since the thing that sets the Christian Church apart from other religious services, concerts and other events is the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I believe the most critical technical aspect centers around ensuring the message is delivered just as well in the multi-site venues as it is in the main.  Effectiveness in the message at multi-site venues relies on three key components, the capturing of the message, the recording of the message and the play back of the message.

Capturing
These days you can’t escape the letters H and D when it comes to video cameras.  In fact most video cameras you can purchase at Best Buy shoot in HD.  That means after a quick trip to your local electronics store you can beautifully capture your sermon with HD cameras, right?  When it comes to cameras, the old adage “you get what you pay for” absolutely applies.  The cheaper the camera, the worse it will handle low light, the less clean your image will be and the less you’ll be able to zoom in on your speaker, meaning your multi-site will watch poor quality video of the sermon.  In order to successfully engage an audience with a message delivered on video, please make sure you have adequate cameras to meet your needs.   You need a camera solution that is right for the size of your room, the lighting you have, level of control you want and the final output resolution desired.  There are many variables to consider and the team at CCI Solutions is ready and willing to work with you to determine the right cameras for your specific needs.

Recording
You have many options in recording video these days, a simple solution being a DVD recorder with more complicated solutions including direct to hard drive recorders or recording it directly into your editor of choice.  Regardless of your preference, I believe it’s critical to pick a proven method that fits your work flow and have redundancy in your recording.  I won’t make a case for memory based recorders over tape based methods versus live delivery here as I believe all of these methods can be a good solution for where they make sense.  If you need help selecting one or simply need to talk through the options, our team is available to help you determine what is right for your needs.  Ultimately though, the ability of the multi-site congregants to hear the message depends on the system you choose working, so research and choose your medium wisely.  In addition, if possible, choose two methods (or one method twice).  One of the worst things that can happen with multi-site venues when the recording fails is to have your site lead scrambling to figure out how to preach someone else’s message to cover.  The message is too critical to not have redundancy.

Playback
What is obvious here is that your playback device must be able to handle the media your recording is on.  If you record to DVD, you will need a solid DVD player.  If you’re doing it live, you’ll need something that receives the feed.  What may not be obvious are two recommendations I have.  First, give yourself some flexibility with the ability to start the message when it’s time, either because you hit play or you have a buffer on the live playback (like a DVR).  Look, stuff happens.  Worship or announcements go long in one of the venues, the worship leader decides to skip a song or whatever.   If you’ve got the ability to simply play the message back with the time comes, you have a much higher potential of avoiding awkward moments waiting for the video to start or cutting off someone on stage because the video must start at a certain time.  Second, give yourself redundancy here too.  If you followed my advice in redundant recording, have two playback devices ready and start both when it’s time for the message.  If for whatever reason your main feed goes down mid playback, with a quick switch your backup source can continue the message with little to no down time or distraction.

Ultimately, the idea of multi-site venues is taking the message of the Gospel to where people are.  In order to do that effectively, you must successfully transport the actual message from the main venue to the multi-site venues.  If you cover these three topics effectively, I believe you will have a successful venue where people focus on and are affected by the message, not bad video.


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Categories : Video

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