The CTT staff writes that serving both in-person and online congregations requires volunteer sound techs to deliver great sound mixes week after week. With churches of all sizes now regularly live streaming, there are even more demands placed on technical ministry teams. However, by following a few simple steps, any church can produce a quality sound mix for both in-person and online listeners.
Step 1: Start with Signal Levels
Begin by setting the gain on each input of the console for the ideal signal level. Each audio source should be loud and clear, with “headroom” that allows the signal to go up in volume without clipping or distorting. Put the channel in “Solo” or “PFL” mode and turn the gain up until the average signal level registers near the middle to the upper-third range of meters.
Step 2: Mix for the Room First
Craft the worship mix for the room first. Build the mix so each instrument and vocal has space while placing the worship leader or lead vocal on top. Use EQ to fine-tune the frequency balance of instruments and vocals as needed. Apply a high pass filter (HPF) to eliminate low-frequency noise from most of the input sources.
Step 3: Set Up an Aux Mix if Possible
Most analog consoles offer an auxiliary (aux) or matrix mix option, and almost every digital console has the option for multiple mix outputs. Use the main mix for the room and the aux mix for the live stream. This allows for more control of the live stream mix separate from what is heard in the room. Monitor the aux mix output with headphones to ensure it sounds good for the live-streaming audience.
Step 4: Use a Limiter or Compressor for the Live Stream Mix
Using a simple compressor or limiter for the live-stream audio mix can make a big difference in sound quality. It will reduce the dynamic range and allow the online listener to experience a more even volume level. Most digital consoles can add compression to the mix output, and several streaming software providers offer audio effects that include compression. Alternatively, use a basic analog compressor between the mixer output and the computer or streaming encoder input.
Step 5: Test, Test, Test
Every quality mix requires critical listening and adjusting. Spend time testing the live stream mix in advance by using headphones and doing several test live streams. Regularly check the live stream audio feed once you go live, both before it enters the streaming interface and on the live stream itself.
By following these five steps, your AVL team can produce a quality sound mix that eliminates distraction and facilitates meaningful, powerful worship for both in-person and online listeners.
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