Behind The Mixer

I was in a heated discussion this weekend, after the service, with a worship team leader over what to do when a technical problem occurs during a worship song.  In this case, we had a problem with a singer's microphone that had shorted out.  The shorted mic became a distraction during the first song of the set.

We had both very valid points of view as to how and when to deal with the problem.  The question was "when and how" does such a problem get fixed?  We were both arguing from the same foundation of "what provides the best worship experience" but as you know, different peolpe can easily have different opinions.

The result in this case, we agreed, was that the cable should be replaced after that song.  Thus, after the song the worship leader should give a few moments for the cable to be fixed.  This could be via call to prayer, scripture reader, or just speaking breifly about "needing a moment to fix a technical problem." 

Problem solved, right?  Wrong.  In order for the sound op to get a spare cable, they need to walk through the sanctuary to the stage and into the closet containing the cables.  Now, given the closet may be locked, there are a few extra moments.  Then it's finding a cable in the cable box.  What if no extra cables are available?

The best method is to keep one spare cable (which has been tested) on stage within easy reach - but out of the way so no one trips over it.  This way, a worship team member or a sound op can quickly swap out cables. 

An added method is to have an extra microphone setup and tested so it can be used as a replacement.  The only issue here is musicians such as drummers and piano players can't easily grab the extra microphone.

The next time you set up for your worship service, set aside a few spare cables of different types that match what you are using (xlr, trs, etc.) and have them on standby on stage.  Make sure you test them.  The next time a problem occurs, you are ready to jump into action.

NOTE: We use the Aviom personal monitor system so our sound op has a microphone and can tell the worship team "Bob, you need to swap your microphone cable after the next song."  This way, the sound op can say in the booth and the time for swapping cables is minimized.