Following is the first part of an article I am working on. I will post the rest of the article and a link as soon as the Magazine edition is printed. If you have read any of my articles, newsletters or blog, you know that I use the acrostic TnT (tech and talent) often. I do because tech and talent are an explosive combination that can produce spectacular fireworks or it can create such a large crater that you can never crawl out of it. That said executing a productive sound check can help determine what kind of explosion the TnT that you are working with will create!
A sound check is not always the easiest or the most fun thing to do. However when it is done in an orderly and proper fashion it will set the tone and “explosion” level for the service.
Sound check vs. rehearsal
There is often a debate what is a sound check and what is a rehearsal, the lines between the two often get blurred. For me a sound check is a max 15 minute time with the band where I check input level and do some initial eq work. During that time I have the lead role and control how it happens. The musicians may have input or ask to go in a different order, but I am the one in charge. Following the sound check, I turn over the control to the stage with the lead person (usually the worship leader) in the band running the rehearsal portion. During this time the band leader is in control, I can ask to stop or redo a section, but this is his time to get the band comfortable and tight on stage. This also is the time when monitor levels are set and tweaked (and tweaked, and tweaked….are musicians ever satisfied with the monitor mix?). More on that later.
Ten Steps on how to use a sound check to ignite a powerful explosion in worship
1. Be Prepared!
Being prepared means “being all there” ready to engage and do your best! I know that sound checks and rehearsals can be just plain boring and tedious. However this is your opportunity to get off to the right start.
Being prepared means that you have all the tools and “stuff” that you need, including everything right down to the board tape to label the mixing console. If you know you will get thirsty have your bottled water handy so you don’t have to chase it down. On the same note use the facilities ahead of time not during sound check or rehearsal.
2. Have an input list and keep it handy!
Since I have passed the mark of 40 yrs of age (this happened sometime in this decade) I am finding out my short term memory is not what it used to be. I usually remember peoples name about ½ ways into a conversation. I often stop and stutter as my brain frantically tries to connect and interweave stored data into a conversation, and most importantly under pressure my brain throws up the blue screen of death. Because of that I have learned to write things down! At all times I keep a pen in my pocket and if I don’t have a piece of paper, my original palm pilot (my hand) becomes the notation point. Before the first musician arrives I make sure that the board is labeled and that I know where every input is plugged into and patched to!
3. Stage Layout
Another thing that I think is very important is to have the stage layout done and all of the proper equipment in place like; mic stands, Music Stands (with stand lights if necessary), direct boxes, monitors, etc. I also make sure that all of the chords are dressed and neat so that when the musicians arrive they will have plenty of open space to set up their equipment. Note: if the drummer is bringing his own kit and will be setting it up, have all of the microphones for the kit set in place about 5 feet in front of where the drummer will set up. If you are using drum claws to hold the tom mics, set the mics in the claws on the floor in you mock set up.
In this process make sure that you do not forget about electrical power at the appropriate locations. Also, NEVER assume that the musician will have an extension cord, power strip or even the correct line cables to connect into a direct-box. Make sure you have out and in place all cables that will be needed.
Small touch here…… if you have bottled water available set out one at each musician’s station. At some point you will get the opportunity or someone else will point out that it was the thoughtful sound guy the set the water out.
4. Line check
Even if you skip steps 1-3 never ever skip a line check. A line check is simply making sure that all the mics and inputs are working, showing up in the right place on the board and do not have any hum, buzz, or other unwanted noise showing up. I usually will carry my mp3 player around with a ¼ inch to 1/8 inch adapter to check direct inputs. Also, make sure that you don’t forget to test all of the monitors to ensure that they are working and are also patched to the proper output on the board. If you have an on-stage monitor set-up make sure to check each input at each station.
I know that this is tedious, time consuming and sometimes just a plain, pain in the rear. However, in reality it does not take that long in light of how long it takes when the entire band is waiting and you are under pressure to get it right!
go here http://bit.ly/bEgfSR for steps 5-10!
