A few days ago, I asked what types of headphones you use for FOH. Then, I ran off to study up on the headphones mentioned. I came upon a similar request in the pro-audio community about the best headphones for mixing. Many of those folks recommended the same headphones as those here on this ... Read More

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 ... Read More

Identifying Signal Flow Differentiation Between VCA’s, DCA’s, and Subgroups
Analog and digital mixers allow for controlling multiple channels as if they were one. These controls are commonly known as subgroups...but not really...maybe in the generic sense...but then you might say VCA's if that's what your board uses...because subgroups are different. [Sigh] There are ... Read More

Music and Video Copyright Infringement
Music copyright laws are in place to protect musicians and the original music owners. However, there are popular myths that churches have believed for years that have resulted in copyright infringement. Chris covers these myths, myths on video licensing, and what you should be ... Read More

Keyboard Mixing
You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish...apologies to REO Speedwagon. While a keyboard can sound similar to a piano, there are a lot more sounds that can come out of a keyboard along with being able to shape those sounds in unique ways. Keyboard Basics A decent keyboard/synthesizer ... Read More

How to Transition from Analog to Digital Mixing
I’m in the process of helping one of my churches transition from an analog mixer to a digital mixer. They were in need of more channels than their A&H 16-channel MixWiz with some outboard gear (FOH EQ, couple of compressors, FX unit) could provide. Based on the maximum number of channels that ... Read More

Mixing Electric Guitars
When I first started running sound oh so long ago, the electric guitar was the last thing a churchgoer would expect to see. Today, it’s commonplace. Just to be clear, yes, we did have color television back then. The electric guitar can be played as a lead instrument, rhythm instrument, and even ... Read More

Tips on Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
Episode 43: What mistakes are we making as tech team leaders? For that matter, what mistakes are we making as volunteers? In this episode, Chris interviews his wife, who has worked in a variety of leadership roles, including the volunteer coordinator at the local hospital where she oversaw 90 ... Read More