If you’re a house technician, chances are you’ve been in a position to re-evaluate your sound system or a piece within it. Whether you’re looking at a complete overhaul or simply updating some components, I’ve found that these 6 things help to guide you to getting the equipment you NEED.
1. Evaluate your needs/current deficiencies
Where do we start? Typically, there are obvious deficiencies in performance or features that lead us to consider an upgrade. From large touring stops to small churches, each venue will have certain needs and requirements in order to run efficiently. It’s very important to narrow down needs so money is not spent needlessly, or in the wrong areas.
A common trend I’ve seen in recent years is not that churches are replacing equipment that is failing, but they’ve outgrown the systems which were designed and installed to meet simpler needs. Technicians are trying to make a system that was designed for light music and voice reproduction keep up with full rock band set ups. We now find ourselves running out of channels on our mixers, short on stage monitors and running out of steam in our PA’s. It’s important to know exactly why you’re looking for upgrades so you can make an effective case for your cause.
2. Consider all available products – don’t fall into trends
Once you’ve defined the areas that need to be upgraded and why, it’s important to consider all available products. Sometimes budget can be saved in one area to make sure you maximize in another area. One example is a recent client of mine who wanted to move to a digital console. Upon visiting and sitting in on a few services to get a feel for their needs, it quickly became apparent that dropping in a $25k console would be somewhat like dropping a V8 engine into a compact hatchback from the 80’s. I had to inform them that though I would happily integrate a console of their choice, the sounds they were looking for wouldn’t be supported by their current system. In the end, we made a case for-replacing the PA, installed a budget-friendly, yet effective digital console, as well as some economical solutions for in ear monitoring and the clients have been thrilled with the results.
Another consideration is to ensure the right product is spec’d for your space. Just because a certain speaker format works for touring bands in arenas, doesn’t mean it is right for your venue. That same client had been told they really needed to go with a line array speaker system as it was the latest and greatest, when the room simply didn’t require it and wouldn’t benefit from it. We stuck with a high performance point source system and it’s a great venue to mix in.
3. Get help – find a reliable and resourceful installer/ consultant
I’m a member of a few Facebook groups related to church technology and I’m amazed at how many of the other members don’t seem to have a “go to” AV supplier/consultant. While there are plenty of resources online, it’s very hard to keep track of all the new products and upcoming product without the help of a reputable AV supply house.
I’m not suggesting you find the closest, cheapest or most expensive guys around, they should earn your business and build trust and rapport with your venue. They should have the inside scoop on upcoming product and should be able to provide multiple options for any project and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Without the help of someone who can potentially offer solutions outside of conventional thinking, you may not be getting the most of out of your budget. There are plenty of very qualified AV suppliers out there, and it’s important to find a supplier who is likeminded and can help you grow.
Anyone can sell you gear — it’s the relationship that counts.
4. Evaluate your space
I’m sure we’ve all been to venues that suffer from too little PA, and I’ve seen my share that suffer from too much! When thinking about upgrades, it’s important to evaluate the meeting space. I realize that in some cases churches may be in transition and could be considering products they can use in a new space, and also use currently. When analyzing your space, it is important to consider acoustic treatment as part of any upgrade project. While we likely aren’t going to be changing any architecture of the building, some well-planned treatment will go farther than any console/ PA combo will to help you get better sound in a non-treated environment. Considering things like in ear monitors/ electronic/hybrid kits to keep stage level down, or at least smaller compact monitors and proper drums skins/ cymbals will help keep your space under control. There are companies that will help you source the proper drum skins and cymbals for the size of room you have, considering items like volume and decay times.
5. Prioritize your needs
As previously mentioned, it’s important to get the proper pieces in place in the right order. Getting the appropriate PA for your application is the most important step in achieving your goals. Once again, dropping in that digital console you have your eye on isn’t going to improve your coverage issues, or extend the range of your speakers.
In some scenarios you can start your upgrade by simply replacing power amplifiers or adding processing to the system as these are pieces that will make a difference (not all amplifiers are equal) and they are items that can be carried over when you are ready to purchase new speakers. Prioritizing your needs is important, and will help build your budget. Perhaps going with an in ear monitoring set up is the right next step, or perhaps the integration of a new/better subwoofer will help you achieve the sound you’re after. Perhaps getting those guitar amplifiers off stage, mic’ing them up and finally being able to mix properly is the way to go. As you can imagine there are lots of possibilities, so figuring out what you are missing in your set up and at what stage these things make sense to implement are very important.
6. Create a realistic budget/ plan
Obviously none of this gear comes free, unless you’re fortunate to have inherited some past equipment that suits your needs! Once you’ve prioritized your needs and enlisted the help of a trusted AV provider or consultant, you can proceed to evaluate the available products that will meets your needs. Once these steps have been completed you’ll be in a much better place to create a realistic budget and plan. Far too often random budgets are placed for specific purchases and then the tech team or budget manager are tasked with finding solutions to fit within this budget. It’s been my experience that doing the research ahead of time, getting proper input and budgetary quotes from your AV supplier results in a far better result and less money spent on things that may not have been required, or were a Band-Aid solution.
It can be daunting sometimes to make these decisions, and we all sleep better if we feel we’ve done our research. Try not to use Band-Aid solutions unless you see the potential of using these purchases somewhere else down the road when you get a little more budget to invest! Ultimately, you’re going to be the one left to use the gear, so make sure you are satisfied with equipment you invest in!
