Start Here

A random list of 101-level articles doesn't seem helpful if this is your first time here. Therefore, I've put together a SPECIAL page just for you. Consider it your road map. The page includes links to articles I think would be the best place to start, especially if you are new to audio production.

Check out your road map.

How to EQ Vocals in Six Easy Steps

June 3, 2013 Mixed by Chris
EQ'ing vocals starts with the right microphone.

Vocal EQ work can make or break your mix. A solid vocal mix will capture the listener's ear. Don't think vocal mixing is hard. EQ vocals using these six easy steps. Oh, you might have one particular singer that has a difficult tone to perfect but as long as you follow these six steps, EQ'ing even the hardest vocal will become much easier. EQ Vocals with these Six Steps 1. Select the Right Microphone Properly EQ'ing vocals begins before you ever touch the EQ knob. It begins before you turn [...keep reading]

Filed Under: Church Audio 101, Mixing Tagged With: , ,

The Most Frightening Article I’ve Ever Read | The Chain Sinnet

April 23, 2013 Mixed by Chris
Photo provided by mjtmail

On April 18th, I read the most frightening article I've ever laid eyes on.  Not that I pulled out my eyes and set them on the article.  But as I read through the article, my eyes were ready to pop out. What was the title of the article? "No More Tangled Extension Cords: How to Wrap Up Your Extension Cord Like a Contractor." Foolish me, when I first saw the title, I thought the article would outline how to use the over-under method for wrapping cords.  I was wrong, very very wrong.  [...keep reading]

Filed Under: Church Audio 101 Tagged With: ,

Tech Gossip: What Others Hear You Say

January 30, 2013 Mixed by Chris
Tech Gossip: What Others Hear You Say

The topic of gossip isn't one you'd expect to see on a church audio blog.  Then again, it's not one I expected to write. Back in December, I was sitting in a coffee shop and reflecting on the different churches where I'd been involved in audio production.  I remembered the struggles I'd had with equipment and occasionally with people. And I remembered the words I'd muttered to my cohorts within the sound booth. That is to say, the words I shouldn't have said. Was I gossiping? Not in the way [...keep reading]

Filed Under: Church Audio 101, Non-Tech Tagged With:

Stage Preparation: The Three Key Areas of Importance

January 28, 2013 Mixed by Chris
Stage Preparation: The Three Key Areas of Importance

The front of the church sanctuary is where all eyes are focused. It's the place where the pastor presents the Word of God. It's the place where the congregation is lead to worship in song. It's the place where people kneel at the cross. It's the place of most importance. I believe it's important to note the use of the word "stage" before going on. The room is the sanctuary. The place the pastor speaks from is the pulpit. But what do we call the place where the pulpit and musicians and choir [...keep reading]

Filed Under: Church Audio 101 Tagged With: ,

Feedback Prevention: A Closer Look at Microphones and Monitors

October 11, 2012 Mixed by Chris
Feedback Prevention: A Closer Look at Microphones and Monitors

Monday's post on feedback prevention prompted a good question from Ryan, a reader.  He said, "...there was one phrase that jumped out at me.  Specifically, 'Regarding floor monitors, vocalists should be very close to their floor monitor.'  I wanted to ask what the reasoning is behind this?  I would think the further away the singer is, the more the sound is diffused; ergo, feedback is reduced." One of the hard parts of live audio production is taking into account all the different [...keep reading]

Filed Under: Church Audio 101 Tagged With: ,