Sound Choices for Praise Band Purchases
By: Mike Overlin

As worship music moves from traditional to blended to contemporary, many houses of worship, regardless of size or denomination, are eventually faced with the decision on how to bring their music ministry into the 21st century.

In many cases, a praise band, or “worship team,” has taken the place of the organist and traditional song leader. Although leaning toward more popular styles, today’s worship music runs the gamut from folk to rock, with soloists on a piano or guitar to full orchestras with strings and horns, and many variations in between. Regardless of style, the same question arises, namely, what types of instruments and sound equipment is needed to outfit this group and ultimately draw the congregation into corporate worship?

Purchase decisions should be made according to the following factors: 1) the type of music played; 2) the budget; 3) the desired stage volume and 4) the preference of the musicians. Fortunately, the basic components of a rhythm section never change—drums, keyboards, guitar and bass, and some type of PA system.

Drums
Acoustic drums are the most familiar format and can range in size from a small jazz kit to a large, multi-tom rock kit. Despite their relative newness, there are some compelling reasons to look at electronic drums. These kits can adapt to any musical style, since they have large sound and memory banks that can generate many of the same sounds found on an acoustic kit and more. Electronic drums also have the added benefit of volume control.

When shopping for electronic drums, buy as much as your budget allows; you’ll get better quality drum and cymbal pads, more durable hardware, better flexibility, and more versatility in the type, number and quality of sounds.

Keyboards
The acoustic piano has been a staple for years and is one of the few instruments to have successfully survived various musical transitions. The epitome of the piano is the MIDI grand. They’re quite expensive, but if your budget allows for one, it’s a great option, particularly if your church hosts “name” artists, as a MIDI grand will satisfy the requirements of most visiting artists.

The next level of product includes what are called “digital,” “stage” or “slab” pianos. They offer the sound and feel of an acoustic piano, are portable enough to be moved around, do not require tuning, and can be set to almost any volume. They also offer the capability to layer—add a second sound to the one currently being played (piano and strings, for instance), or split, where the sounds are physically divided on the keyboard. Be sure to look for “weighted” action, where the keys duplicate the feel of an acoustic piano, and “graded” action, where the keys will start to feel heavier as you approach the bottom end of the keyboard.

Some models do not require amplification, but have integrated speakers, which will allow the player to actually feel the presence of the instrument and can also act as monitors.

High-performance synthesizers and arranger workstations are also finding their way into praise bands. These instruments, standards in professional recording studios and on tours, are well-known for their versatility and feature multiple layers, splits and network with other keyboards and recording equipment. Although their high-quality sound palettes can really fill out a band’s sound, these products also have an increased learning curve in order to master and can be very intimidating.

Portable keyboards have come a long way. What were once thought of as lower-quality instruments now have sophisticated sounds banks and MIDI capability, and include many professional-level features such as auto arrangement and accompaniment. A portable keyboard usually will contain a very simple interface and, even in the lower-cost models, many good sounds. Most contain built-in speakers, and many have the ability to split, layer and perform vocal processing, but often offer fewer keys and a “piano” feel.

The ideal product should have weighted keys, a good, basic piano sound and MIDI capability. Familiarize yourself with the product thoroughly and know the right questions before you buy.

Guitars and Basses
It’s not unusual to have acoustic and electric guitars sharing the stage with an electric bass. For the sake of simplicity, some bands will even opt to cover the bottom end with a keyboard, rather than a bass. Although instrument choices are more often than not dependent upon the personal taste of the musicians, desired stage and house volume probably affect this area more than any other.

Here’s a brief explanation: Acoustic guitars and basses can either be mic’d or run into a direct box, and the sound then gets returned back into monitors. However, the sound of an electric guitar is dependent on the combination of the instrument and the guitar amplifier. Electric guitars cannot be run direct into the PA system, and since the amplifiers are a source of stage volume, they should ideally be positioned offstage or substituted with an effects processor that will replicate (or “model”) whatever sort of amp that you would have used.

Today, there are many such processors with a feature called “amp modeling.” These offer the flexibility of having various classic, vintage and contemporary amp sounds, effects, more controlled volume, and the benefit of not having to carry around a large amp. It’s often an education process for a guitar player who will insist that their amp is part of their “sound.”

There are similar products available for electric basses. For acoustic guitars, effects boxes with microphone modeling duplicate the attributes of tube, condenser and dynamic microphones, feedback suppression and more.

There’s a lot of new technology such as amplifier and microphone modeling that will not only make a guitar or bass sound great, but will also keep things clean and simple for your sound person and fellow band mates.

Audio Systems
The basic components of an audio system include speakers, amplifiers, microphones and monitors. Monitors can take the form of stage wedges or in-ear systems, and each has it own advantages and limitations. Stage wedges often work best for groups of singers, while in-ear monitors are best when used in conjunction with electronic instruments and personal monitoring systems. They completely eliminate stage volume and allow everyone to control their own mix.

Microphones can be wired or wireless, handhelds or headsets. This is definitely a case where you get what you pay for—cheap mics can be absolutely detrimental to a worship service.

To balance all the sound, you will need a multi-channel mixing console. The console can almost be thought of as an instrument in that the operator can not only control all the elements, but also affect the overall ambiance--panning out singers in stereo adds aural panorama, while panning out keyboards or other instruments will increase the clarity of spoken words and vocals. Be sure to not only have enough channels, but also room for expansion. For example, if your band has eight members, a 16-channel board should be fine.

There has also been a shift from analog to digital mixing consoles, and the worship market is one of the fastest-growing areas accepting that shift. Digital boards give you the ability to instantly recall all your settings, which is an extremely convenient feature if you need to recall settings for multiple events and services. Digital consoles are very intuitive and user-friendly and have built-in effects and clean sound.

There are many choices, so it’s best to seek out the advice of a reputable expert who will not only design and/or install a system, but who will also provide training and service options, since many church audio staff members are volunteers.

Final Thoughts
When putting a praise band or worship team together, plan on the size of the band you want to have, not what you already have. Educate yourself, seek out the advice of other musicians, and when it’s time to buy, buy the best you can afford. Remember that everyone on the platform is a worship leader. While there’s one lead worshipper, every musician or singer is helping to lead that congregation into a time of worship.

Mike Overlin is manager of Worship Resources for the Institutional and Commercial Services Department of Yamaha Corporation of America, whose initiative it is to equip and educate through events designed specifically for worship leaders, worship musicians and church technical personnel. He is also a Free Methodist worship leader in Southern California.

Product Roundup

Audio-Technica Wireless Microphones from All Pro Sound  
Church praise teams may be surprised to discover that wireless microphones aren’t necessarily complicated or expensive to use. The ATW-3000-8 system from All Pro Sound utilizes a total of eight Audio-Technica 3000 series microphones in any combination of handheld, head-worn or lavalier styles. Easy to set up and use, the Audio-Technica 3000 series boasts 200 selectable UHF channels, true diversity operation (for distortion-free reception), and a transmitter battery-life fuel gauge meter on the receiver. A rugged Gator powered roller rack houses the eight receivers plus two UHF antenna distribution systems. And, the price is affordable. 
www.allprosound.com

Azden
Azden Corporation has introduced the new 200UPR, a dual-channel, 63-frequency UHF receiver in the 794 - 806MHz band. The 200UPR allows videographers to record the sound from two subjects simultaneously. It is available in three pre-packaged systems, each including the receiver and two mic/transmitters. Users also can purchase the components separately to make their own combinations. The 200UPR includes crystal-controlled PLL synthesis and a two-channel 3.5mm balanced mic-level output. Each channel has on/off switches, LEDs for power on/signal received, group/frequency selectors, dual high-gain detachable antennas and two sup-plied cables—a dual-channel 3.5mm-to-twin balanced XLR cable for professional cameras and a dual-channel 3.5mm mini-to-mini cable for mini DV cams.
www.azdencorp.com

Shure PGX Wireless System
Shure’s PGX Wireless system is ideally suited for bands ready to stepup to the freedom of wireless operation.  PGX products offer plug-and-play simplicity, even for first-time users. Among the eight PGX systems, the product group is equally divided between handheld and bodypack systems, with microphone choices including the PG58, classic SM58, premium Beta 58A or an SM86 condenser microphone. Handheld and bodypack transmitters provide eight hours of continuous operation from a pair of AA batteries.   Bodypack systems include the PGX Guitar System (for guitar and bass) PGX Lavalier Vocal System (offered with an SM93), PGX Instrumentalist System (packaged with a Beta 98), and PGX Headworn System (featuring a WH20 microphone). 
www.shure.com

Helpinstill Piano Sensor
With the advent of praise bands featuring drums, guitars and other electric instruments, amplifying the piano has become a major concern in church sound systems. Many churches have found a solution with the Helpinstill Piano Sensor. A unique, patented approach using magnetic pickups, the Helpinstill was first developed in the 70s for rock concert applications. By tracking the string vibrations of the piano similar to the way an electric guitar works, the Helpinstill Piano Sensor does not “hear” any sound waves at all. Therefore, it is immune to feedback or undesirable boosting of instruments around the piano—two main problems encountered when using conventional microphones on a piano. Several models are available for grand or upright pianos, including a new stereo version.
www.helpinstill.com

Turbosound’s TCS Compact Series Loudspeakers
Turbosound’s TCS Compact series (TCS-081C, TCS-101C, TCS-121C and TCS-151C) is a new range of sound reinforcement loudspeakers offering contractor-specific features that encompass installation, audio performance and aesthetics. Designed to provide contractors with a range of installation alternatives, the TCS Compact products come standard in black or white. They are also available in custom colors and weather-resistant variants to IP54 – perfect for specific interior design and architectural requirements. The TCS Compact models offer accurate pattern control, backed up with EASE 4.1 data, and feature optimized passive crossovers incorporating high-frequency protection circuits. Sennheiser Electronic Corporation distributes all of Turbosound's products into the U.S. and Latin American markets.
www.sennheiserusa.com

Alesis Fusion 8HD Keyboard Workstation
The Alesis Fusion 8HD is a 61-note semi-weighted and 88-note fully-weighted keyboard workstation, with four integrated synthesis types, including sample playback, analog modeling, FM and physical modeling. The Fusion 8HD features simultaneous 8-track, 24-bit hard disk recording and 24-bit digital sampling with internal memory expandable from 64MB to 192MB.  The system comes with a built-in 32-track MIDI sequencer with integrated multi-channel digital audio playback, a built-in 40 gig hard disk, compact flash and USB 2.0 storage. A full-programming arpeggiator with standard, phrase and drum machine playback also is included.
www.alesis.com

Peavey Classic Series Guitar Amplifiers
All-tube Classic Series guitar amplifiers, newly redesigned by Peavey, retain their distinctive sound and circuitry but now feature an updated chassis design and two new models—the Classic 30 Head and matching 212 Cabinet.  Classic Series amps feature three 12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL84 power amp tubes, and are available in two 50-watt designs—the Classic 50/212 and 50/410—as well as a 30-watt combo and 30-watt head. The 50-watt models include an active presence control, and all models include footswitchable reverb and three-band EQ. Classic Series combos and cabinets are outfitted with Blue Marvel loudspeakers. 
www.peavey.com

KORG OASYS Open Architecture Synthesis Studio
Korg has created the OASYS Open Architecture Synthesis Studio— a new keyboard instrument designed to provide performers and songwriters with a complete set of audio creation tools. OASYS offers a self-contained musical environment, uniting three powerful synthesizers (Tonewheel organ, PCM playback, analog modeling) with sophisticated features including sampling, audio recording, MIDI sequencing and studio-quality effects. It’s easy to use, taming all this technology behind a flexible control surface highlighted by a flip-up, full–color TouchView display. Every sound generating element is completely new, using state-of-the-art technologies to deliver better fidelity. The true “open architecture” offers endless sonic possibilities, allowing new synthesis techniques, new effects, and other future Korg developments to be incorporated for years to come.  OASYS is available in two models: a 76-key version and an 88-key version with keys that are weighted like a real piano.
www.korgusa.com

Lectrosonics IS1400 Wireless Instrument System
The Lectrosonics IS1400 Wireless Instrument System is ideal for guitar and bass. Flat frequency response, low distortion and compandor-free operation provide the closest thing to using a high-quality, short instrument cable. The IS400 reproduces the lowest fundamental from a 5-string bass (low B) at 32Hz up to the highest overtones and harmonics at 20 kHz.   Both the transmitter and receiver are all metal and provide 256 selectable frequencies in standard Lectrosonics frequency blocks. A 24-bit A-D converter digitizes the audio, and then filters supersonic audio above 21 kHz. The resulting signal is encoded with a proprietary algorithm to produce an analog data signal for RF transmission. The RF transmission is an optimized FM system with +/- 75 kHz deviation for a high signal to noise ratio, extended operating range and excellent resistance to dropouts.
www.lectrosonics.com

Audix i-5
The i-5 from Audix is a dynamic microphone that can be used for any instrument miking application. With its sleek styling and unique design, the i-5 features a durable cast zinc alloy body, dent-resistant grill, and black E-coat finish. The i-5 is designed with a cardioid polar pattern, allowing it to focus on the particular instrument that is being miked  without picking up other instruments or ambient noise on stage. With a smooth and uniform frequency response of 50 Hz  – 16 kHz and an ability to handle sound pressure levels in excess of 140 dB,  the i-5 can be used for a wide variety of applications  and for all genres of music.  
www.audixusa.com

AT892 MicroSet from Full Compass
The AT892 MicroSet from Full Compass represents the latest in miniaturization technology. It utilizes a condenser capsule with a diameter of a mere 2.5 mm, making it ideal for applications requiring minimum visibility. In addition, the AT892 MicroSet offers an ergonomic, flexible, ultra-lightweight, under-ear design that is both comfortable to wear and highly secure. The AT892 MicroSet hooks behind the ear, and it is said that it can be worn for hours without fatigue. Its contoured earpiece stays in place even on the most animated performer/presenter and does not interfere with the user's eyeglasses.
www.fullcompass.com

Voice Technologies from Jireh Supplies
Jireh Supplies features Voice Technologies lavaliere and head worn microphones. The VT700 head worn is lightweight and is very comfortable and unobtrusive. The flexible gooseneck enables the user to position the microphone for optimum sound and gain before feedback. A perspiration drip ring on the gooseneck ensures the microphone capsule stays dry at all times. The cable runs neatly behind the neck for maximum concealment. The headband is highly resistant to corrosion and is easy to clean. Units are preconfigured to operate with various belt packs including Audio-Technica, Shure, Sennheiser and many others. 
www.jirehsupplies.com

Kawai CP205
The Kawai CP205 in the world's first digital grand piano with a built-in CD recorder and player. This 5'3" baby grand piano features real wooden keys and a wooden soundboard integrated into its 9-speaker, 200-watt sound system. The CP205 boasts over 900 sounds including a 9-foot concert grand piano, 60 pipe organ stops, 35 drawbar organ sounds and dozens of guitars, electric pianos, strings, brass and real human voices. Kawai's CP205 also has hundreds of drum beats and auto-accompaniment styles, giving the instrument the ability to become a self-contained praise band. Additionally, this magnificent instrument contains both an easy to use simple recorder and a sophisticated 16-track workstation.  The CP205, with its built-in CD recorder/player, allows anyone to make a professional quality audio CD quickly and easily. Users can even record vocalists and choirs to CD via the built-in microphone input.
www.kawaius.com        

PraiseCharts
Christmas is the perfect time to introduce a contemporary praise band to your church. PraiseCharts has just released an original Christmas album called "PraiseCarols: Christmas Carols for Contemporary Worship." Put the CD into your audio system and hear the Christmas carols come alive again through a variety of styles, including rock, gospel, folk, worship ballad and more. Put the CD into your computer and pull up all the lead sheets, chord charts and stereo trax for free. Then, click on the dynamic links that enable you to purchase SATB vocal charts and full orchestrations online, and have them available to download and print immediately.
www.praisecharts.com