Church Sound Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Discussions and topics relevant to the house of worship sound community. Mixing techniques, IEM setup, building teamwork, and more. Between the technical aspects and the human aspects -- that's where church audio techs live. Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s available online. Reach her via email at spotterengineering@gmail.com.
In Episode 131, James and Gary have a conversation with Ralph and Brandon Heinz of top loudspeaker developer Renkus-Heinz. The episode dives into the founding of the company and some of the technology that makes the company’s loudspeakers unique, along with general help and knowledge when it comes to loudspeaker setup and placement. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 130, James and Gary cover the basics of loudspeaker design. Loudspeakers can be a weak link in sound systems, with the hosts presenting language it’s important to know when choosing loudspeakers as well as guidance on placing them in the right location joined by a quick overview of how to tune them, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 129, James and Gary discuss time-based effects, which can be a great way to add space and depth to a mix. If done correctly, using time-based effects like reverb and delay can help transform a mix and give it a little extra polish. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 128, the hosts discuss acoustics & psychoacoustics, how sound behaves in space and how our ears gather and interpret that sound. Having an understanding of acoustics can help how we mic sources, how we use and place loudspeakers, how we adjust things like reverb and delay to make it fit within a mix, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 127, the hosts provide a deeper dive into compression, building on the discussion that began in the previous episode. They talk about a tricky aspect of compression: knowing exactly when it’s needed, backed up with examples and situations where it could be needed — or not. They also dive into the numbers, providing good starting points for aspects such as attack, release, and threshold. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 126, the hosts go through the basics of compression, when and how to utilize it correctly as well as what compression does and how we can use it to control and/or add consistency to instruments and vocals with a large dynamic range, and more. They also discuss the basics of threshold, knee, and ratio. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 125, the hosts continue their discussion on equalization (EQ). In Episode 124, they discussed the basics of EQ, and this time out, they dive into how to equalize specific instruments and vocals, as well as when to use high/low pass filters, when to boost and when to cut, how that fits into the greater context of the mix, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 124, the hosts go back to the basics with one of the foundational blocks of processing audio: equalization (EQ). Discussion revolves around what EQ actually is, when you need to use it, and ultimately how to use it correctly. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 123, the hosts discuss how to not only build a great volunteer team, but how to get the most out of them. Recruiting volunteers can be difficult, but training and retaining them is the way to ultimately build a “dream team.” The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 122, the hosts discuss a proper gear maintenance plan to get the most out of your equipment and increase longevity. Setting up (and keeping) a schedule to dust, wipe down, and check the overall health of equipment can lead to better functioning service over a longer period of time. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 121, the hosts discuss strategies and workflow when working with a compact consoles. Some of the keys to success include properly utilizing DCAs and snapshots/scenes, staying organized, and much more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 120, the hosts dive in on future-proofing church tech. First, is it even possible? We might not be able to account for every upcoming change, adaptations happen and equipment wears out over time, but we can make informed decisions that make the future less daunting. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 119, the hosts discuss getting into a musician’s mindset to better understand arrangement and improve the overall mix. It benefits us to not only identify the various sections of a performance but also understand what the primary and secondary instruments or parts are and where to place them in the mix. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 118, the hosts discuss plugins, what they are and how they can be used. The bottom line is that plugins can be useful (and sometimes more) when used correctly, but they should be seen more as helpful tools rather than a quick fix to a complex problem. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 117, the hosts discuss the process of preparing and educating others on the team with mental and technical skills so they’re ready to step up when the time comes. They also highlight key areas to work on or have full understanding of before that torch is passed. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 116, the hosts discuss different physical and mental aspects of running the “perfect service” — or as close to it as we can get. Mistakes will be made and equipment will fail, but we can learn how to better manage those hurdles as they arise. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 115, the hosts discuss how to carry out sound check and begin building the mix. A proper sound check goes beyond just making sure everything is plugged in, it also helps in staying organized for the upcoming performance and shines a light on problems that could occur. They also dive into setting up a simple mix once sound check is complete. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 114, the hosts discuss creating and maintaining relationships. Fundamental ways to build and grow relationships include consistency, integrity, and communication. Having accountability, an open mind, and a good attitude will start anyone down the right path. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 113, the hosts continue their series on broadcast mixing by discussing dynamic range. They discuss the goal of attaining a balanced and consistent mix across not only for the broadcast, but the various devices it’s played on. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 112, James and Gary continue their discussion on broadcast mixing and address two new topics, balance and EQ. For example, how you pan and EQ instruments and vocals can create the space needed to provide a clean broadcast mix. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 111, James and Gary discuss setting up broadcast audio, including a focus on differences between the mix in-person, the mix for broadcast, and tips on how to go back and forth while maintaining the highest quality possible. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 110, James and Gary discuss how to check loudspeakers to make sure everything is working properly, including different ways to measure loudspeakers, document and interpret the data, and decide if it’s the time to make changes or move on. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 109, James and Gary make the case for flying loudspeakers — a significant benefit of the approach, when done correctly, is more consistent coverage and volume throughout the audience, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 108, James and Gary talk audio distortion, as in, where it comes from and how to fix it. The offer straightforward approaches that can mitigate most distortion issues, and they also discuss a few scenarios where distortion can actually be a good thing. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 107, James and Gary discuss the ins and outs of wireless/RF technology. When it comes to wireless systems, it’s important to think about your specific needs in advance, the RF environment, antenna type/placement, and more. The hosts also share helpful tricks and tips to simplify in-ear monitor set up and use. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 106, James and Gary discuss orchestral instruments — with a wide variety of instruments comes a wide variety of different tones and challenges. Ways to incorporate them effectively into a mix include using certain microphones, spacing of sections and/or individual instruments, putting up barriers, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 105, James and Gary discuss ways to work with and mix a choir. As with the vocals of the choir itself, it’s all about balance. What mics are being used, where are they placed, and the size of the choir are all factors to consider. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 104, James and Gary discuss ways to take your audio knowledge to the next level. A big part of expanding skillsets and understanding is to be a sponge: communicate and network, strive for new and better ways to do things, be open to any and all information, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Episode Links:
Mixing Audio – Roey Izhaki
Bobby Owsinski Books
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 103, James and Gary discuss everything feedback — the audio type of feedback — including what it is, how to avoid it, and key aspects such as gain before feedback, loudspeaker and microphone placement, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 101, James and Gary dive into mixing monitors, including a key aspect of finding the right balance to give artists a reference so they can blend and level themselves within the band. They also talk about the differences between stage wedges and in-ear monitors (IEMs). The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
In Episode 100, co-hosts James and Gary are joined by Luke Vogel for a deeper dive into immersive audio. Luke shares his past of working at houses of worship and how it led him to his current work with immersive audio at Fulcrum Immersive. Like most technological advancements, immersive audio is becoming more accessible and affordable, and may something to consider when choosing a new sound system or making upgrades to an existing one. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
In Episode 98, James and Gary discuss gates and triggers — what they are and how to use them. They come in handy as tools that help not only control how much sound is being let in, but when. For example, if we’re using multiple microphones, we don’t always want every sound being picked up — enter gates and triggers that let us set parameters so the system knows when we don’t want sound, when we do, and how much. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out co-host James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
James is also the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
In Episode 96, James and Gary discuss effects, often termed “FX” for short. It’s important to remember that with great power comes great responsibility — particularly when it comes to the application of effects in the mix. The hosts share their observation that the two effects the majority of mix engineers deploy most frequently are reverb and delay, and why that’s the case. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out co-host James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
James is also the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
In Episode 94, James and Gary discuss the relationship between audio techs and musicians. It all starts with building positive communication and thinking about not only what is said, but how it’s said. At the end of the day, both audio techs and musicians are needed to put on a good service, and when they’re working together and sharing ideas, that job and experience becomes much better. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
In Episode 93, James and Gary discuss four pillars of a great mix: a great sounding source, capturing the source the right way, level balance and gain structure, and using high and low-pass filtering. Essentially if you start with clean sound, capture it the right way, balance the levels and then make small cuts to fit it all together, a quality result will follow. The co-hosts focus on how to do just that. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
In Episode 92, co-hosts James and Gary discuss the foundation of great audio. A solid base starts with the setup. System design, where the loudspeakers are located and where they’re pointed. System tuning, taking those loudspeakers and applying EQ and delay so they all work together. Finally the console setup, having a clear detailed map so you increase efficiency and make it easy for others to step up and run the show if you’re not there. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
In Episode 91, co-hosts James and Gary dive into the world of immersive audio. What is it, where do we find it and why is it becoming more popular? Is immersive audio worth looking into for your space? What are ways that it could be used for worship services? The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
In Episode 90, the hosts focus on a critical pillar of audio: gain structure and balancing. They discuss how to prepare for a service so you don’t have to make gain adjustments during the worship service — it can throw off everything. They also share strategies and preferences when diving into a mix, including where they like to start. And don’t suffer from “console fog” — it’s important to get out from behind the desk to get a new perspective on the mix. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
In Episode 89, the co-hosts get back to the music. In a world with a million and one ways to shape, present, and experience music, how do we get out of our own way and be present in the moment? The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice.
They talk about ways to set up before an event and tips to make sure we don’t miss a beat during a live performance, and they also discuss reference tracks, how to know what to reference, how to use them to save time or prepare for any given service, and they wrap up the conversation with a daunting question: Where is worship music heading?
Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production, as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.
If you're wondering if we added another bass player to the podcast, we didn't -- he plays drums. Samantha and James welcome on another new co-host, Gary Zandstra, to bring in new perspectives and even more educational content for you listeners. Gary is a long-time contributor and author for Church Sound Magazine, and we couldn't be happier having him on board!
Check out our new Instagram Page @churchsoundpodcast
James' brand new academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
James is out having some family bonding time while they welcome their new daughter into the world! While James is away, the networking comes out to play! On this episode, Samantha welcomes Kat Taub from Audinate to discuss Dante and all the technology that's coming onto the network. Additionally, they discuss how to approach learning networked audio and Dante, even if you're brand new.
Kat Taub currently works at Audinate as a Product Marketing Manager for networked video technology. Kathryn joined Audinate in 2018 as a Technical Sales Engineer, providing pre-sales support and working to educate the AV industry on Dante AV-over-IP technology. While studying Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music, Kathryn fell in love with using advanced technology to help facilitate creative endeavors. Prior to joining Audinate, Kathryn spent many years working as a staff member at Berklee in a variety of roles supporting, training on, and designing AV systems for music production computer labs, classrooms, studios, and performance spaces.
Check out James' brand new academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
James and Samantha welcome back Ben Ivey to talk all about mixing in houses of worship and beyond! Ben Ivey is a touring FOH Engineer, Production Manager and Consultant based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Ben serves a variety of clients ranging from national acts, corporate companies and churches. Within the last year his clients have included Priscilla Block, Lily Rose, Ludacris, Megan Moroney, Elle King, Trace Atkins, Jason Upton and Vineyard Worship to name a few.
Check out James' brand new academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
Can there be a party if there's only 2 people? We say yes!
Happy Winter Holidays! That's a Merry Christmas to the Christians, a Happy Hanukkah to the Jewish, and a Magnificent Kwanzaa to those who celebrate it! Merry Winter Solstice and a Happy New Year to all!
This week, James and I have a quick check in and reminder to everyone: we appreciate you for listening for 4 seasons now! Don't worry, there's no end in sight, but we want to express our joy for this community.
Stay strong, and try to have fun this holiday season!
Check out James' brand new academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
You're frantically googling, trying to find out what the heck is so important about mixing even though there are seemingly 10,000 things to do! Have no fear, James and Samantha are here to help. This topic comes up constantly with new mixes and new volunteers always stepping up to the plate to help out. Let this episode shed a little light on what's most important when you first start mixing.
Check out James' video on mixing for the first time!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
Achieving consistency is one of the most important goals for mixing as soon as you graduate from newbie to intermediate mixer. Whether that's consistency between services, between weeks, or between engineers, if we have consistency it leaves space for meaningful worship, quality broadcasting, and more cohesive experiences all-around. Samantha and James dip into the topic this week offering tips on exactly how we can start making consistency a priority.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
Crowd mics (and by extension, room mics) are an easy way to help out the musicians on stage, and everyone tuning in to the broadcast feed. James and Samantha dive into setting up crowd and room mics, what the difference is, how we process them, and when the best times to start using them are!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
When you do what you love, or you give your heart to volunteering, it becomes hard to distinguish sacrifice and burnout. In this week's episode, Samantha and James dig into creating a balance between our work and the rest of our life. Take care of yourselves out there as the winter holiday season is upon us -- an often draining time contrasted with joy and reverence and reflection.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
What tools should every FOH have? What tools do we carry in our bags? This week, Samantha and James tackle the tools that are good to have in arm's reach.
There are specialty tools, and there are generic tools. We need a good mix of both in order to cover any reasonable amount of issues -- batteries, tape, volt meter, spare mics, and more!
**Coherence value (not correlation) is what lets us know our data is "good" in system's such as Rational Acoustics' Smaart.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
Stage noise has this thing where it's everywhere and contributes heavily to out-of-control sound systems. In an effort to create a world with as little unwanted noise as possible, Samantha and James arm wrestle with tactics and techniques on getting control of our stages and all the distortion coming off of it.
Some sanctuaries or venues are built to not have amplification in them, and that can add even more variables and make it even harder to get control to -- but have no fear, there are always things to try!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
How many bassists does it take to talk about live sound mixing?
A lot, apparently, given that so many of us are bass players. In this week's episode, James and Samantha finally tackle the topic that could easily turn into a 3-part gear series: bass guitar. Bassists On Bassists -- what a world. Tune in to hear a whole lot of opinions, and some great starting points for nailing that persnickety bass.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
That's right, "miking" not "micing".
James and Samantha deep-dive into stereo miking techniques, why it's important, when we should do it, and why our lizard brains function the way they do. If you're curious about stereo miking, this episode is for you!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
Eliminate variables, don't create them.
In this week's episode, James and Samantha tackle every tech's most important and most feared skillset: troubleshooting. What happens when our wedges are feeding back? How come my iPad won't connect? How do I figure out what's happening? Join us as we wrestle with troubleshooting tips and tricks
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
What happens if you choose to believe the best in the people you serve with? How do you manage your leadership team? This week, Samantha and James discuss what it's like to work with leaders who are perhaps failing to lead, and what we can do to help drive our tech teams and our houses or worship to success.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
This week, Brad Price from Audinate joins James and Samantha to discuss Dante Virtual Soundcard, when it's time to start implementing Dante, and if Dante is affecting sound quality, plus more! Networked audio -- it's time to get on board, folks! Audinate has some excellent training available, and we always highly suggest techs take at least the Level 1 Certification to familiarize themselves.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
While Samantha and James are recovering from some hectic travel and personal losses, we wanted to bring you the second part of one of our most popular episodes: The Best of the Best, Part 2! Where we've condensed nuggets of info from some of our most-downloaded episodes.
This episode features clips from Episodes 52 (Church Gear), 51 (Letting Go of a Volunteer), 61 (Virtual Soundcheck), 65 (Audio Protocols), and 54 (System Tuning).
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
Low frequencies are notoriously hard to control. They have a tendency to build up and get out of whack. Why is that and how can we mitigate those problems? What's low-end feedback? Why should we invest time into this at all? Samantha and James discuss low frequencies in our systems and how to tackle issues before someone notices!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
Guitars (after vocals) are the most prominent instrument in modern worship services. Acoustic, electric, multiples of each, even! James and Samantha dive in to mixing guitars, miking them up, and how we approach guitars in mixes on Sundays.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
More of the artistry in mixing this week on Church Sound Podcast! But this time... it's all before it gets to the console. James and Samantha explore microphone techniques and how to start experimenting with mic choice and placement. With so many to choose from, the options are nearly endless!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
Samantha and James tackle our industry's most utilitarian tool: EQ! Where do we start using EQ, is there any particular go-to's, and what's the deal with low-pass filters? All this and more on this week's episode. Also, be sure to watch George Massenburg show how he uses parametric EQ:
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, DiGiCo, and Electro-Voice.
On this week's episode, keeping things simple!
How can we not only prepare our houses of worship for the times we may be gone, but how can we better train and prep the volunteers so that a tool as complex as a sound console becomes digestible and easy to use?
James and Samantha dive into keeping our consoles simple and user-friendly, even with all the bells and whistles at our disposal!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo.
Happy new year and happy new season!
Tablets have made their way into our hearts and our toolboxes. But how do we set them up with a wireless router? What do we really even use them for?
James and Samantha dive into tablets and iPads and how they've changed the game for us in so many ways.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, and DiGiCo.
What's the big deal between stereo and mono? What even do each mean? Whether we're talking sound systems, buses, or inputs, there are some massive rules we need to understand about stereo and mono sound. Samantha and James discuss how we approach different sound system setups, and how we treat mono vs stereo inputs. Take a listen to explore more options within our stereo and mono audio world.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic and DiGiCo.
What the heck is a protocol and which one is right for me? James and Samantha dive into audio over ethernet and audio over IP protocols. Proprietary vs Non-Proprietary, intermingling devices and so much more is discussed on this week's episode of Church Sound Podcast!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, K-array and DiGiCo.
Our ears are no doubt our greatest tools when it comes to mixing. So how can we get those reps in to make ourselves even better? Well, to no one's surprise, it's training. James and Samantha dive into frequency and dynamic ear training, the "dumbbells" you can use to sharpen your listening, and even discuss musical arrangement training. Tune in to learn all about training our ears!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic, K-array and DiGiCo.
While James and Samantha are zipping and zooming all over the globe, we've decided to dig into our archives and rerun one of our most popular episodes (and it so happens to be the first episode James makes an appearance!
We'll be back soon with fresh episodes, ready to regale you with our travel tales of pro audio progress!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Primacoustic
We all love learning new skills, or even trying to save a few bucks here and there. But at some point, we all need to have a "Come to Jesus" moment and recognize we should hire a professional. James and Samantha dive into the stickiest topics that are either the least fruitful for DIYers or the most dangerous!
Church Sound Podcast Season 1 Episode 19: Ryan O John, Time Aligning Drums
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
Virtual soundchecks (VSC) are one of our greatest tools as live audio engineers. It allows us to bridge the gap between studio and live -- without annoying parishioners or asking the drummer to hit a single tom for 20 mins! In this week's episode, James and Samantha discuss how to get VSC up and running, as well as the cost/benefits analysis of it all.
James' Virtual Soundcheck Challenge!
Dante Virtual Soundcard
Dante Via
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
It's time for everyone's favorite topic: drums! Samantha and James dig deep to discuss how they approach drums overall in the mix, and their approach to each individual drum.
Drum kits can make or break a mix easily, and while much of the timbre and experience of drums is stemming from the player and their kit, we definitely have a few tricks up our sleeves to put a little bit of ourselves in it!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
So what's most important to focus on when we're training up new volunteers? What about if we're just starting out in mixing or audio engineering?
Samantha and James detail the most important focus points for any new mixer, or a veteran looking to polish up on the foundations.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
Digital, even analog, consoles give us nearly endless possibilities for routing our audio for our particular taste and style of mixing. Samantha and James explore all the ways we can route audio and how each of us approach our mixes.
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
What happens if we take our entire broadcast mix and produce it "in the box"? Samantha and James explore how to setup DAWs for broadcast mixing, the pros, the cons, and the why's!
Co-host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her via email here email.
Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
In-ear monitors are a trick of their own. James and Samantha discuss IEM and monitor techniques, skills, and common problems we see when helping musicians adjust to and make the most of their in-ear monitors.
See Samantha on her LinkedIn, on IG @potteraudio, or contact her here!
Watch James on YouTube, on IG @attawayaudio, or contact him here!
A new and exciting era is beginning here at Church Sound Podcast. I've asked a dear friend, and an excellent engineer and educator to join me as a co-host. No, it's not because I'm going anywhere -- I wanted to bring in more perspectives, different experiences, and bring you more of the quality content you've enjoyed over the last two-and-a-half years. With all of this, please welcome back James Attaway as the new co-host of Church Sound Podcast.
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, Compression and Effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him via email here.
Jireh Vides is a systems engineer specializing in helping HoW tune their systems. Tune in to learn about the approach and process to optimizing your PA, and when it's time to hire in the big guns.
MARANATHA!!
Jireh's IG: @_jvides
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Trade Show Season!! Things are absolutely bonkers and exciting right now, and despite all that, I wanted to make sure to bring you a little something this week. Daniel Liston Keller from Get It In Writing invited me to join his show with 30 Second Chances, as well as an episode of Insights In Sound. Be sure to check out Daniel's full list of interviews and videos at Get It In Writing.
Full Videos and Interviews with Daniel
Get It In Writing
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Blake and Toby from Church Gear join me this week to talk about all that gear we've got in a closet. What happens to old gear? Should we be using it? If so, how?
Listen in to see why I'm better than John Mayer and how to use the gear in our graveyards.
Church Gear's Website
My Episode On Church Gear's Podcast
Church Gear's IG: @church_gear
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
We all love our volunteers as they help carry most HoW in the weekly tasks, welcoming, admin, and tech work. But sometimes... volunteers are hurting more than they're helping. Or they've been doing it so long they've lost touch with why they began doing it at all. I bring back Cortney Lemke (fmr. Inbody) (our resident spiritual advisor) to discuss a seldom covered topic: when it's time to let go of a volunteer.
Cortney's latest articles on PSW
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
We've been talking about the future of audio and networking a lot over the last year or so, and in a new friend, John Huntington, who literally wrote the book on AVL networks, joins me to further our understanding of it all. Jump back in time and yet into the future with John as we discuss some basics of show networking, his amazing books, and even chasing tornados.
John's Website
John's book, Introduction to Show NetworkingTubes by Andrew Blum
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Compressors are wonderful tools, but often people don't understand in full or are afraid to twist too many knobs in. For this episode, I've brought back James Attaway from his flourishing career to come chat with us about compressors. It also happens to be that James is writing a multi-issue piece for Church Sound Magazine -- it's almost as if I planned this.
Join us this week to learn more about the wonderful world of compression!
James' YouTube Channel
James' Book, The Live Mixing Field Guideand the free guide, How To Lead Your Church Sound Team.
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Knowing where to spend money on equipment can be tough and every person you ask may have a different answer. I've come up with some generalities in this week's episode on where it's best to save a few bucks, and where you can gain a lot by spending a little more. Let's try to use our money as wisely as possible and not blow it on unnecessary things, or on doodads and thingamajigs we would've spent 1/2 as much on and gotten just as much quality.
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Alesia Hendley is a long-time friend of mine with a myriad of work experiences that have come to a head at her new position at Audinate. There's been so much conversation around audio networking lately that I figured it would be excellent to grab Alesia and see if we could talk Dante.
Alesia's LinkedIn
Alesia's Website
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Bon Voyage, into the new year! I quickly wrap up Season 2 during that weird time between Christmas and New Years where work is allegedly happening but we're all recovering from what the year has brought us (good or bad.)
Thank you all, out there, reading this, listening to the podcast, or reading Church Sound Magazine. 2022 is scheduled to be bigger than ever, so strap in and let's be ready to take our skills to new heights!
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
To cap off 2021, I wanted to look at the most popular episodes that had the most to offer. So, in part, you all voted for these with your downloads! But I wanted to create an episode that showcases some bits and pieces of the best of the show so far. With so many amazing guests and such incredible content, this will actually come in two parts -- so keep your eye out!
On this episode, in order of appearance: Dan Leafblad, Victoria Butash, Michael Lawrence, and Ben Ivey.
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The new world of pro audio is steeped in networked audio. In this episode, I go over some basics of AoE and AoIP. What are the differences? Why would we pick this over copper? Should I pick Layer 2 protocols or Layer 3? Tune in to wet your whistle on audio over ethernet.
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
On this week's episode, Jeff Hawley, Marketing Director at Allen & Heath USA, joins me again to discuss what the future of mixing technology might look like given all the recent technological pushes.
From Jeff:
"Are we ‘duped by grammar’ in how we speak about Artificial Intelligence? What do we mean by ‘intelligence’ when we apply the term to digital consoles and the ‘internet of things’, etc.? This article from philosopher John Searle comes up in our podcast discussion. "
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Doug Gould is a seasoned vet, practitioner, and market developer for audio technology manufacturers with a special penchant for houses of worship. He joins me this week as we discuss building teamwork and communication both within our media and tech teams, but also with the musicians on stage. What does good communication look like and what are the most important pieces to a team?
Doug's Facebook
Email Doug!
Worship MD
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
On this week's episode, I take three of the most common questions I've been receiving on the road. I've been teaching around the US the last few weeks and some similar questions keep popping up. I take the opportunity to dive in a bit! I go over what aux-fed subs are, different sub feeds, time aligning inputs, and give some actual target numbers for streaming loudness!
YouLean
MLoudnessAnalyzer
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The ProSoundWeb team met up together (some of us for the first time) in Dallas, TX at the end of September, 2021. With the opportunity presented, the crew all got on the mic together to discuss how the conference was going and what we've all been up to!
Host Samantha Potter is also co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Mike Sessler, an author and Maker of Magic joins me to dive into mix buses. What are they, why we use them, and when we use them -- including examples! If you've seen or heard about audio buses but aren't exactly sure what they are or how to get started, this episode is for you!
Mike Sessler on ProSoundWeb
Mike's Website
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
Anca Trifan is an event producer, audio engineer, and all-around AV Unicorn. She joins me this week to discuss, as you might have guessed from the title, hybrid events. Our world is becoming more virtual and our virtual world is becoming more real, so how does this reflect itself in our worship services? Are truly hybrid or interactive services a thing? We discuss some good practices and open up conversations about the consequences of hybrid worship.
Anca's website: www.treefanevents.com
Instagram: @treefan_events
Anca's podcast: www.eventsdemystified.com
Instagram: @eventsdemystifiedpodcast
Women in Event Productions IG: @womeninavproductions
Anca's YouTube
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
On Aug 21st, 2021, SoundGirls hosted a panel discussion on House of Worship mixing and careers. I (Samantha) moderated and was joined by some dear friends -- all of whom should look familiar to the listeners of this podcast!
If you're unfamiliar with SoundGirls, I highly recommend checking out their organization as well as joining the very popular Facebook Group.
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
So much of what we do for the church world is sacrificial, volunteer, or a gift. I don't think there are too many audio techs in the world that join a house of worship for the trough of money they give us all. We do it for other reasons. So, what is our calling? Why do we do what we do? What leads us down these paths? I explore what my calling has been over the years and how it can take shape.
My email is at the bottom, please feel free to message me your calling, or your compass. I'd love to hear it.
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
Golden Preciado is an amazingly accomplished woman in audio with a huge heart, an infectious laugh, and a ton of wisdom and experience. She joins me this week and we talk about what audio leadership looks like, the biggest potholes for tech teams, and how we can prepare ourselves to walk up to any console -- ready to rock.
Golden's ProSoundWeb Profile
QSC's Facebook for Tech Talk
Church Sound Training FB Group
Coming Soon: QSC HoW training
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
This week, we bring you a flashback from one of the first episodes from Signal To Noise, all about church sound! You can check it out along with all of ProSoundWeb's podcast network here.
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
Brian Maddox is back on the show this week to discuss intercom systems. What are comms? Why should we have them? Join me in learning all about comms and how to start implementing them in your productions. Trust me, you'll wish you'd been using them for years!
The Audio Opinion Show
Email Brian!
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
SPL is a hairy beast, one that can be misconstrued too easily. This week, Michael Lawrence is back to chat with me about what Sound Pressure Level means for us sound engineers and how we can start measuring and understanding its consequences.
Michael's System Tech Blog
Rational Acoustics' YouTube
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
Mix consistency is one of the most difficult achievements to aim for at a house of worship. Willa Snow joins me this week to discuss the process of getting consistency between services, between musicians, even between weeks or audio techs.
Willa's Website
Her IG handle: @w.snow.audio
Willa's Artists: Ley Line, Dossey, Zach Person
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
Bennett Prescott from B&C Speakers joins me this week to discuss loudspeakers: what are they? How do they work? What should we listen for? Where do we begin!?!
Bennett is the N. American Sales Director for B&C and has a long history with loudspeakers. If you've got an idea about how loudspeakers work but would like more info, this episode is for you!
Email Bennet!
Bennett's Website
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by K-array and DiGiCo.
Touring system tech and professor of live sound in Austin, TX, Victoria Butash joins me this episode. As always we talk about how we end up in the places that we do, but more importantly, we also discuss the biggest booboos we see from students, volunteers, and new techs -- and how to solve them! We're all always learning, but newcomers tend to trip up on just a few things pretty habitually. Tune in to hear me and Victoria having far too much fun.
Victoria's IG handle: @veebee.audio
Host Samantha Potter is lead instructor at Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Third-party plugins have been popping up in discussions more and more lately. Well, I ask my friend Ben to join me in a discussion about what these things are, when we do and do not use them, and more! Plus, we get an update on Ben and what he's been doing since way back on Episode 12. Third-party plugins can open the door for massive extra (arguably gratuitous?) processing
Living Oaks Recording Studio
Ben's Facebook
Ben's IG: beniveymusic
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Isaac Moreno, one of the audio gurus behind Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, Warner Brothers, and DreamWorks and formerly on tour with the likes of Seventhday Slumber, KJ52, and Manafast, joins me to talk about approaching mixes. What do we focus on when we step up to the plate? What are our go-tos? Isaac is an amazing engineer with a huge heart for ministry and church audio -- plus we're basically neighbors! I couldn't not have him on. This is an episode for the books!
Isaac's IG: isaac_moreno
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
I try something different this week and instead answer questions I get from the field. There are so many that I come in contact with, so I figure why not make this a segment! On this episode, I cover a myriad of topics including balanced and unbalanced lines, stream translation, latency, burnout, and more! If you enjoy having me answer questions like this, or have your own question you'd like answered "on air" please shoot me an email (found below!)
Brian's Balanced Audio Video Part 1
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Grace Royse, a top-tier, A1-grade pro audio engineer, joined me this week to discuss virtual congregations along with a myriad of other topics. Grace has been working on events such as the Super Bowl, World Pride, the US Open, and thousands of festivals for over 18 years. This week, we wanted to talk about the idea of virtual congregations and the care and keeping of them, as well as improving our stream mix, and getting ourselves out of mixing ruts.
What are your life values? I'd love to hear about them.
Some of mine:
-Assume every person is trying their best
-Always be learning, always be teaching
Grace's IG: @gracemusic
Grace on MxU Rocks
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
How can we measure how loud our mix is so that is sounds as good as possible online? Boy, do I get that question a lot. Luckily, Michael Curtis joins me this week to tell us all about mastering, LUFS, and getting the biggest bang for our proverbial buck when it comes to broadcast mixing. Be sure to check out all the goodies linked below!
Michael's Audio Math Survival Sheet
Learn AVL
Youlean
Michael's Audio Blog
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Speech intelligence is arguably the most important part of any PA -- doubly for houses of worship. How can we improve our speech intelligibility? How do we even figure out how "good" it actually is? Luckily, Ted Leamy is here to talk to us about the Speech Transmission Index. Ted is the general manager for Clair Global Integrations. You may know Clair from their thousands of tours of the biggest stars on the planet? Yeah, that Clair. Ted has a storied history with speakers and working in the touring and manufacturing space. Learn all about how we can quantify speech intelligibility and get it as good as possible on this week's episode.
Ted's Email: tleamy@clairglobal.com
Clair's Pedigree
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Joshua Maichele (my-kellee) a veteran currently with L'Acoustics as the go-to fella for houses of worship and other faith-based organizations. On this episode, we dive into audio infrastructure as it was, where it is, and where it's going. Begone, COPPER! We hath banished you from whence you came. Fibre is here. How does this change how we design new spaces? What's the benchmark for new audio engineers? Get nerdy with me and Josh this week.
Josh's Instagram: @joshmaichele
Josh's Podcast: High-Tech Simplicity on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
I kick off 2021 with a brand new episode about streaming. Broadcasting is everywhere and isn't going anyplace anytime soon. This week, Jon Wygant from VOUS church joins me. He's the production coordinator for VOUS in Miami, FL, who's seen exponential growth over the last year (to the tune of 40,000 downloads a week!) We talk equipment, style, technique, and so much more. This is such a great episode, I must admit.
Jon's Instagram: @jon_wygant
VOUS's article on PSW
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Thank you guys for all of your support this year. I've got big plans for the podcast coming up this year (Lord willing,) and I'm excited to have you along for the ride.
If you have any requests or ideas you'd like to hear on the show, please shoot me an email! I would love to know more about what you guys are interested in hearing. Happy New Year! So long, 2020!
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
This has been a year for the books. Some of us for better, some of us for worse. I asked Cortney Inbody, our pastor-in-residence, to join me in this week's episode because I felt like we all needed a deep breath and a check in. I think some of us are burned out, maybe frustrated, tired, and more. I don't want you to forget that I'm here for you (if you ever need anything -- tech related or otherwise.) We're in this together. As much as we want to give to other people, sometimes we need to take care of ourselves. This is a different kind of Christmas season and as Cortney puts it, perhaps the most Christmas-y Christmas.
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
James Rudder is a live sound engineer AND a studio engineer. With quite a varied background in audio, much of his career has been in tandem with Hillsong Church. James and I discuss the blending of these two worlds and the different techniques we can take from studio world for live-sound use. Live sound consoles are getting more and more powerful, so as every new firmware or console is released, we can take even more from the likes of studio processing. If you're looking for a bulleted list of tips and tricks for mixing, you've reached your destination.
James' XO Contour Discount Code: RUDDER10
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Gary Zandstra and Justin Edmonds of D16 Technologies join me this week to talk about the merging of technology and talent. This extends far beyond simply musicians and engineers, but what about technology in our worship services? As a part of an ongoing conversation about blending seemingly opposite ideas, Gary, Justin, and I explore what it means to work with others and stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones for the sake of teamwork. As a bonus question, Gary and Justin ask me about attracting and retaining women and girls into the audio field -- particularly in houses of worship. All this and more on this week's Church Sound Podcast!
D16 Technologies
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Have you ever heard of drum alignment? What about time alignment? Notable veteran audio engineer and AVID product developer Ryan John joins me on this week's episode and we explore implementing time alignment in our mixes. Playing with time (or distance, depending) can drastically change the relationship between mics in your console. If you've never played with the input delay on your digital board, this is your sign.
Time Alignment Demo Tracks from Ryan
Ryan's Social Media
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
If you read the title of this episode and started singing the jingle, you're a cool kid. My friend Jim Yakabuski joins me in another episode this week. There seems to be so much content for us to consume, but how do we sift through it? What if we want something more formal? Jim and I swim through a multitude of different audio programs available in different formats -- in person, at a college, online. Audio programs can over a lot of value, but be certain that you'll be guaranteed something at the end that you may not otherwise get. Jim and I also break down the steps you can take in trying to further your audio knowledge! Everyone has to start someplace. You won't always be the newbie.
MIX Institute
SynAudCon
Church Sound University
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
This week, I thought it would be best to give you guys a way to listen to this incredibly important panel discussion. This episode, as you may have noticed, is a lot longer than my normal episodes. So, take your time -- but keep listening. A panel of incredible professionals in the field with a vast array of backgrounds and disciplines joins me. A discussion revolving the future of the audio industry and how we can use this once-in-a-lifetime chance to build a better industry for everyone in it.
We cover technology, safety practices, diversity, and work life. Thanks for listening, guys.
Special thanks to our panelists, ProSoundWeb, and SoundGirls.
Panelists:
Alesia Hendley
Jeri Palumbo
Bill Reeves
Carlos Mosquera
Sidney Wilson
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online. Reach her via email here.
Church tech and leadership conferences can be a great way to meet professionals and other tech teams, educate yourself or your team, or just find out the latest and greatest gear. Since WFX has discontinued, the vacuum for a church tech conference is in existence. CFX, church facilities conference and expo, is poised to fill it. Stephanie Lippi joins me this week as we discuss what virtual conferences are like and why we should be paying attention.
Check out the CFX Conference and Expo
Sign Up for CFX Virtual 2020 and get a discount with the code: ADVANCED
Check under the connections page for their podcasts, webinars, and case studies!
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online — and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound magazine. Reach her via email here.
Wireless mics and monitors aren't getting any simpler, but so many churches want to begin implementing them earlier and earlier. So how do we begin understanding all this wireless mumbo-jumbo? Karl Winkler from Lectrosonics joins me this week in tackling these vast and complicated ideas. Wireless systems create so much value and can give us so much freedom -- but with great freedom comes great responsibility (or something like that.) Wireless gremlins, rechargeable batteries, audio jobs in the military, and more on this episode of Church Sound Podcast!
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and KLANG:technologies.
Episode Links:
Karl Winkler on LinkedIn
SynAudCon Courses
Lectrosonics' The Wire-Lists
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online — and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound magazine. Reach her via email here.
Two gents from Group1 Limited join me today to discuss the transitions in technology -- a bridge we all inevitably cross. As always, communication is a huge tool in our arsenal. But what are our first steps? How do we know what's appropriate for us? When do we even know when we should start thinking about upgrading a system or transitioning to newer audio gear?
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and KLANG:technologies.
Episode Links:
Need some help finding a local solution? Matt and Ryan have supplied their phone numbers for just such an occasion:
Matt Larson: (952) 686-1856 or email him
Ryan Shelton: (615) 972-9301 or email him
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online — and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound magazine. Reach her via email here.
Jeff Hawley joins me this week. The Marketing Maestro at Allen & Heath USA, Jeff is an audio engineer, music industry veteran, and aspiring philosopher. We discuss the idea of "mixing-by-number". When should you use presets? When shouldn't you? At what point do we consider visual cues on a board a crutch? (Hint: your ears are important!)
Pursuing some post-graduate degrees in philosophy, Jeff seeks to understand the intersection of sound and mind. Who can say what "good" is, and how can we quantify that which is unquantifiable?
The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and KLANG:technologies.
Episode Links:
Jeff Hawley on LinkedIn
Host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University — a training program tailored specifically for worship audio techs that’s now also available online — and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound magazine. Reach her via email here.
Soundcheck can be a flurry of never-ending checklists and troubleshooting. My friend Ben Ivey joins me to discuss how we approach every soundcheck from the time we show up at church to the beginning of service. Building confidence in your skills can make soundcheck a breeze -- don't discount organization and repetition!
Bonus: 25 tambourines (as compared to 1) is an SPL increase of 28dB = [20log(25/1)], so could effortlessly hit 120dB. Beware of 25 tambourines.
Living Oaks Recording Studio
Ben's Facebook
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and KLANG, and is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine. Get ahold of her via email
Chris Leonard, one of the hosts of the Signal To Noise Podcast and director of audio at IMS Technology Services joins me this week. What does it look like to play well with others? Chris and I discuss what it means to work with people we don't get along with (and why it matters most.) Additionally, we hash out adding in pads and tracks into worship sets. Also, what does the corporate world and the House of Worship world have in common?
The Signal To Noise Podcast (available where you listen to podcasts)
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and KLANG, and is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine. Get ahold of her via email
David Jordan is the almighty ruler of the very popular Facebook group, Church Sound & Media Techs. Perhaps you've heard of it? David and I discuss what the future of church technology might look like once we are able to return to some sort of new normal.
What have been your toughest adjustments so far during quarantine?
What do you think church will look like from now on?
David on Facebook
The CSMT Group
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and KLANG, and is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine. Get ahold of her via email
Repping Orlando, Florida, Beckie Campbell shares her experiences as a tech director and production company owner. Being a tech director takes a lot of knowledge, skill, patience, leadership, and communication. Not every church needs one, but the second your production hits a certain level it’s time to bring in the big guns. Beckie and I discuss the path towards some kind of legacy — acting selflessly and trying to give back to those around us and those who will come after us. Care about your team and watch them sacrifice what they want for the greater mission.
Beckie's Production Company, B4 Media
Know a woman or girl in sound? Check out SoundGirls.Org
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Saint Paul School of Theology and DiGiCo, and is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine. Get ahold of her via email
Networked audio... the new wave of technology we cannot escape from not matter how hard we cry. It's the way of the future and there's no getting out now. Dan Leafblad joins me this week to talk not only about audio, video, and lighting networks, but what ministry can look like beyond the walls of our church buildings in a technical and spiritual approach.
Dan's first installment of AVL Networking
Dan's Articles on PSW
Yamaha Pro Audio Networking Playlist
Wiki Page for Networking Protocols
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Saint Paul School of Theology and DiGiCo, and is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine.
Monitors. What a freakishly important, yet entirely ignored wonder of audio. Jordan Tracy joins me this week for all things monitor world. KLANG, personal monitor mixers, and IEMs galore!
Jordan hails from SoCal but lives in the Midwest helping an admittedly massive church achieve perfect monitors for every musician that walks on stage. With a background working and learning with Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia, this monitor engineer has more than enough knowledge to go around.
Jordan's In-Ear Hookup, Inside Monitor World LLC
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Saint Paul School of Theology and is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine.
Get ready for an audio explosion. Brian Maddox (Patti LaBelle, James Brown, Herbie Hancock) is a pro audio veteran with enough experience to fill several books. Our main topic covers some best practices for live sound: the importance of proper gaffing, objectivity vs subjectivity, troubleshooting tips, and more.
What are your best live sound practices?
Brian Maddox on ProSoundWeb
ProSoundWeb Forums
Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by Saint Paul School of Theology and is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine.
Worship leaders and audio techs are two very different sides of the same coin. Mike O'Brien, a worship leader and producer from Atlanta Georgia, joins me this week. What can we do to help out the worship leaders and what can they do to help us? What happens when we nerdy audio folk let down our guards in an effort to avoid being an anxious presence? Mike and I answer these questions and more while designing a culture of care in this episode of Church Sound Podcast.
Visit Mike's Website
Vineyard's School of Worship
Church Sound Podcast is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine.
A healthy amount of skepticism will take you a long way. I welcome ProSoundWeb's technical editor Michael Lawrence onto the podcast for this special edition about technical information in the audio field. Plenty of people are clicking "Publish" these days to put info online, but how much should you trust?
Email Michael Lawrence at michael@precisionaudioservices.com
Michael's Website
Ethan Winer's Website and Book
Bill Whitlock's paper on Balanced Lines in Audio Systems
Church Sound Podcast host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine. Reach her via email here.
This week, James Attaway from Attaway Audio and I examine various plug-ins including dynamic EQ and tube emulation. James is an audio engineer around Kansas City for assorted houses of worship including IHOPKC where they've been hosting 24-hour worship for over 20 years. What would you do if you couldn't have rehearsal? Imagine a track meet where you hand off the baton to the next runner as efficiently as possible -- now instead of a baton, it's a worship band!
Check out James' article on tube emulation on ProSoundWeb
Attaway Audio on YouTube
James' Worship Sound Wisdom course
Church Sound Podcast is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine.
Sometimes working with Pastors and Ministers can be like pulling teeth. If I had to pick an antonym to "technology" it would be "Pastor". This week, I'm joined by Cortney Inbody -- a self-described Luddite Pastor from the Heartland. We discuss joining pastoral teams and religious leaders with our tech teams: how we can better communicate, and what it can mean for our ministries.
Cortney's piece on ProSoundWeb
Church Sound Podcast host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine. Reach her via email here.
With all the hubbub going on, I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about some streaming basics and answer some of the questions I've gotten over the last two weeks. Enjoy this special edition episode of Church Sound Podcast
Samantha's article: Setting Up Simple , Effective Streaming of Worship
Dan Leafblad's article: Not So Mysterious: Defining The Basics of Digital Audio Networking
Podcast Transcript
Church Sound Podcast host Samantha Potter is co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine. Reach her via email here.
This week, the incomparable Jim Yakabuski and I chat about the most common mistakes a church audio tech makes. As a mix master, Jim points out his favorite mix techniques including a couple of effect tips and tricks even I can't help but try! Work/life balance has been a hot topic online lately, and we just had to spend a few mins trying to sort it out. A great "Thank You" to Jim for the wonderful conversation!
Check out Jim's writings on ProSoundWeb
Church Sound Podcast is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine.
On this week's episode, Chris Huff from Behind The Mixer joins me in a conversation about getting started in church sound, having a career in houses of worship, and some finishing touches you can put on your live mix including gain correction, EQ techniques, and fader balancing.
Check out Behind The Mixer
Join the Facebook Community
Chris' Article "Putting The Finishing Touches On Your Live Mix" on ProSoundWeb
Church Sound Podcast is hosted by Samantha Potter, co-lead instructor with Church Sound University and editorial director with ProSoundWeb and Church Sound Magazine.