What Running Sound is NOT

I've seen my share of bad sound techs across different churches and of different congregational sizes.  I can tell you that church size is not an indication the sound tech knows what they are going.  That being said, here is what sound production is NOT;

1. It's not purely volume control.  All those knobs are there for a reason.  Whether or not the congregation can hear is not the only measure of success.
2. It's not about setting all band members at the same volume level.  Audio production is partially about giving a song depth.  You can't do that if everyone is "out front."
3. It's not about "good-enough."  When there is a service where several people share the same podium microphone, you don't leave the volume like it is for each person.  Some people talk soft and others project to the ends of the earth.  Alter your volume per user as necessary.  I've heard services where I could clearly hear one person but the next was barely audible.  Especially not good when it's your own kid.
4. It's not about "set once and walk away."  Songs are different.  People sing at different levels depending on the song (and sometimes how well they know the song.)  Each song has a specific vibe, a specific arrangement.  Running sound means you are responsible for conveying that arrangement / vibe to the congregation.
5. It's not about "the way we've always done it."  Live audio production in the church is about two things; presenting a great sound to the congregation and producing a great sound for God.  Are you willing to say the way you've always produced sound presents the most awesome sound to God?  You have to be willing to learn and experiment.
6. It's not about you.  If you are at odds all the time with the band, you aren't ministering to the worship team.  You and the band are a team, you support each other.  Maybe the guitarist knows what he's talking about and you need to listen.  Maybe your style is so confrontative that even if you are right over an issue, you aren't helping anyone.

Question:  What Would You Add To This List?

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