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May 2012

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Digital Audio Consoles: From Our Readers Perspectives - Full Interview Responses

Eight Church Production readers talk about their experiences with the digital mixing consoles used in their churches

by Jim Kumorek

Digital audio consoles are all the rage these days. And there’s a lot of talk from the manufacturers on how their consoles shine. So, when it came time to return to the topic in the pages of Church Production Magazine, we thought we’d take a different approach this time around. This time, we decided to talk to some of you about your experiences with the digital consoles you are using.

We contacted church users of the major digital console lines found in Houses of Worship these days, and asked them for their input on what they are using, how it suits their technical ministry work, and their favorite and least favorite feature of their console.

So, let’s turn it over to them, and hear what they have to say.

Digico SD8

User: Brian Caringer, audio engineer, St. Matthew UMC, Belleville, IL

Configuration: A Digico SD8 with Digirack (providing 56 inputs, 16 outputs). Also a RME MADI interface for a Mac Pro with REAPER (audio workstation software) for running Virtual Soundchecks.

Length of Ownership: Since September 2009.

Describe the environment where the console is used.

It is used in the main sanctuary at the church. There are three services on Sunday morning. Two are more traditional, and the other contemporary. 8:00 is a traditional service with a piano or two and worship leader. 9:17 is the contemporary service with full band (Drums, two electrics, bass, piano/keys, acoustic, and singers). 10:45 is the big traditional service with full orchestra and choir. Then Sunday nights at 7:00 there is the Revolution Service, an alternative service with full band that plays more rock oriented music. For every service there is a remote audio feed for video controlled by the offline software on a computer networked to the console.

How does it fit your needs?

Very well. With the short transitions between services in the morning it is good to have a board that does quick changeovers in settings. Having parametric EQ and dynamics on every channel has helped out a ton with eliminating feedback and controlling levels. It has also been great to have the ability to do a virtual soundcheck – that has made services go smoother.

How is the sound quality?

Sonic quality has been outstanding with this board. The channel processing is very responsive and clean, and I have never noticed degradation in quality when maxing out the capabilities of the board.

How has it held up?

There have been several issues with sessions not being recalled properly, especially with aux mixes being lost after a start up the next week. The solution has been to restructure the entire session. A large pain but it seems to fix the issue. Initially there were also some issues with networking where the remote computer shut down the main console during a service. This was fixed by making the connection via hardwiring as opposed to a wireless network.

Have you installed any upgrades?

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Jim Kumorek is the owner of Spreading Flames Media, providing video/media production and writing services to the A/V/L, technology, architectural and hospitality industries. He has led audio, video and lighting teams in churches as both staff and a volunteer for over 10 years. He can be contacted at james@spreadingflamesmedia.com.