A highly-respected audio tech recently blogged about the intensity of a particular service and how he was unable to sing during that particular service when he was running sound. My first thought was "how could he ever sing when he's running sound? He's on the job!"
That's a critical statement for me to make. It's also a judgement on his actions.
After that initial thought passed, I asked myself a counter question – "Do I really have to listen to the mix for each song so much that I can't worship?" The first song is usually where the tweaking occurs. 95% of mixing is done during the practice. The other 5% is primarily during the first song as the congregational singing effects the mix (as well as a bit of room dynamic changes due to the presense of people in the sanctuary).
The audio tech of whom I spoke has every right to sing. Based on his reputation, I trust that if he's singing then the mix is already as good as it could get. I am left asking myself the question…"why do I prevent myself from worshipping when the moment is right?"
Do you ever sing when you are running sound? What are your thoughts on this?
Joseph Cardana says
April 3, 2015 at 9:11 pmI sing, they sing… we all sing! Especially the computer op, so they stay on top of the slide changes. We don’t so loud since we have a camera with a mic (for ambiance) right in front of us.
David Taylor says
August 12, 2012 at 3:01 pmAnother thing I like to do as the sound tech is try to get the congregation clapping when appropriate. Our sound booth located near the center at the rear of our sanctuary is elevated at the same elevation as the stage, singers onstage have only 1 hand free and musicians have none. I find I can get a good clap going without to much effort, adding another sound to the worship that everyone can get involved in.
Chris says
August 13, 2012 at 12:37 pmCongregational Clap Leader – just one more service offered by your friendly neighborhood Soundman. Love it!
David Taylor says
August 12, 2012 at 2:56 pmYes, not every one not even every service, when able ( mix is good congregation is engaged song is set up). I dont believe just because I’m in the sound booth I can’t worship, although for mixing is a form of worship. There is a time and a place, remain focused and aware of what is happening onstage and able to respond to whatever comes up (there is always something).
Bill Wilt says
July 25, 2011 at 2:29 pmI wouldn’t ever think of not singing. Not only am I the sound guy, but I also consider myself part of the congregation. I also lisen to the message and pray when it is possible for me to do so.
Bill
Mark says
March 4, 2011 at 8:16 pmFor me at the end of the day, the reason for church is to praise God. Until maybe 20 years ago church sound systems were on the whole a very small minimal thing. I do the sound in my church, I am a volenteer and was choosen to do it as there was no one else. It is a small church. I totally agree that sound has to be right or it can take away from the act of worship, but there are times that you just have to sing and praise him. Yes being a sound person is important but it doesnt get you into heaven, we must realise that we are there to worship God ad give ourselves to him. Maybe im all wrong here but its just my thoughts on it all.
Chris says
August 13, 2010 at 3:16 pmOne of the factors of my "not singing," when I look back on it, was the fact that when the person running slides is singing or has their hands raised, the odds they miss a slide change goes way up. And that so burns me when they do that.
Everyone's comments on this thread have been very helpful to me. Thanks.
James Muscat says
August 13, 2010 at 10:57 amI almost always sing when I’m behind the sound desk – but I’ll drop in and out of singing as I mix through a song. Mostly because I love to sing my heart out to God, but also because it helps me to ‘feel’ what’s going on musically; to me it just seems the natural thing to do.
This past week I was running visuals at a reasonably large Christian conference – large enough to have an external company managing most of the AV, so most of the AV team weren’t Christians. I think the guys I was working with got a bit of a shock when they saw me arms raised and singing loudly while VJing through most of the worship set!
jermtech says
August 13, 2010 at 10:41 amI will often sing at FOH to get a feel for the overall volume. Internally, I’m asking myself if I can hear myself louder or softer than the worship leader. If I can hear myself too well, than I may turn things up a bit so that our more timid singers in the crowd may be more apt to join in if they feel they won’t be heard too clearly by those around them. On the other hand, If I feel I have to scream the song to hear myself, then its an indication the level is too hot.
It’s not designed to take the place of an SLP meter or other volume safeguards – but it does give me an insight into what the crowd might be experiencing.
Ed says
May 3, 2010 at 3:49 pmWell guy’s, I got it pretty bad, at a mega Church here in Cleveland, Oh. I not only sing, I play the tamborine and operate a 18′ camera crane all at the same time. I do not won’t to be left out of the Praise and Worship period, oh, I forgot to mention, I do all three while listening to the Technical Director on a dual muff headset.
Anonymous says
February 1, 2010 at 9:17 pmWell…no not really. I will sing more during rehearsals. I think everyone is a little more relaxed. Besides, the projectionist, also known as my wife, claps and sings so loud if I were to belt out even one note I would totally lose track of everything.
I do know that this is something that the singers and worship leaders see (a worshipping sound tech) and I have been told that it is a huge encouragement to them. Probably because it means everything is working and sounding good!