Church Sound Podcast
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. Hosted by James Attaway (james@attawayaudio.com) and Gary Zandstra.
Episodes
122 episodes
117. Passing The Torch
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...
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49:58
116. Myth Of The Perfect Sunday
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 th...
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34:20
115. Sound Check & Building Your Mix
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 ...
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48:22
114. Relationships Are Your Greatest Tool
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 an...
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42:51
113. Broadcast Dynamic Range
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 Chu...
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33:37
112. Broadcast Balance & EQ
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 Ch...
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42:27
111. Broadcast Audio Setup
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 Churc...
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49:58
110. Loudspeaker Health
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...
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46:48
109. The Case For Flying Loudspeakers
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 b...
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37:46
108. Fixing Distortion
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 actual...
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35:49
107. Wireless 101
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 ...
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38:15
106. Orchestral Instruments
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, spacin...
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54:51
105. Getting Optimal Results With Choirs
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. Th...
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55:42
104. Leveling Up (Education)
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 ...
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50:20
103. Feedback
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 Podc...
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47:33
102. Learning A New Console
In Episode 102, James and Gary discuss ways to learn and understand a new console. Different consoles and manufacturers have different configurations, so it’s important and helpful to learn not only the base layout but the different ways to acc...
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45:35
101. Monitor Mixing
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...
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49:06
100. Immersive Audio, Part 2
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...
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56:21
99. Vision For The Mix
In Episode 99, James and Gary take a step back and discuss how to find and implement an overall vision for a mix. Vision isn’t always about loudness, it’s more about feel: how do we want people to receive the message and how do we match the ove...
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40:21
98. Gates & Triggers
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 ...
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47:32
97. Practice Makes Perfect
In Episode 97, James and Gary discuss an important part of live sound, practice. The little things we take note of, listen for, and learn along the way add up and result in a smoother and better service. The hosts also discuss incorporating too...
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1:01:39
96. Effects In The Mix
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...
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48:50
95. Compression – Mastering The Basics
In Episode 95, James and Gary discuss all things compression — not only what compression is but how it effects different instruments or sections during a service. The hosts share some basics and starting points they use when compressing in the ...
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59:04