One method for identifying a microphone on stage is with a ring of colored tape on the microphone. Then place that same colored tape on the mixer channel or label it such as “Red.” This makes visual identification quite easy…as long as your sound booth is near the stage. The problem is that singers often cover up the tape when they are holding the microphone. Leave it to a microphone company to come up with a solution.  read more »

The djembe (a type of drum) is a great musical instrument that blends well into the church worship setting.  However, microphone placement for the djembe is not a hard and fast rule.  Here are the guidelines you can use for providing the best amplification.  read more »

I recently received a message from a reader concerning a statement I made.  I stated dynamic microphones are preferred to condensers for live vocals because, in part, dynamic microphones can withstand high sound pressure levels without damage or distortion.  My reader disagreed with me.  read more »

An acoustic guitar produces a wonderful range of sounds from warm bass tones to crisp high notes; a range of 70hz to 700hz.  Because guitars are made out of different types of wood, they can produce different overall sounds.  Some guitars have an overall warm sound, others are bright, and others might accentuate the midrange sounds.  How can you capture those sounds and amplify them?  read more »

Check out the post of Basic Mic'ing Techniques for Piano from ChurchAudio.

I'm finding some worship team pianist's like to play a regular piano instead of an electric such as the Clavinova.  While a baby grand does have a great sound, toss in a guitar, some drums, and a whole congregation singing, then you see why you need to mic the piano.  JB shows in his article that it usually takes more than one microphone.

When I first learned how to run a church sound system, the only thing I heard about phantom power was "the phantom power switch is right next to the power switch in the back of the mixer.  Make sure you turn on the power and not the phantom power."  Now, many years and a lot more microphones later, I know the reason behind the phantom power.  It's quite simple...  read more »

A microphone stand is a key piece of equipment for a worship team.  Even the use of a standing microphone for a guest speaker makes the stand itself very valuable.  Dispite the low cost, it's an important piece of equipment.  But aren't they all the same?

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Wireless sound amplificaiton occurs via three primary microphone types; handheld, lapel (Laveliere) microphone, and the earpiece.  Which is right for you?

A handheld wireless microphone is perfect for any situation where the mic is passed around or only used for a short amount of time.  This includes open prayer times, open announcements, and short times like candle lighting with scripture reading.

These include:  read more »

"WACO, Texas (AP) -- A pastor performing a baptism was electrocuted inside his church Sunday morning when he adjusted a nearby microphone while standing in water, a church employee said. The Rev. Kyle Lake, 33, was stepping into the baptistery as he reached out for the microphone, which produced an electric shock, said University Baptist Church community pastor Ben Dudley."  read more »