The days when churches relied on their building’s acoustics are over. Nowadays, churches must have sound systems, microphones, amplifiers, and other modern technology.
This means that a modern church needs a sound booth so that sound techs can ensure that everyone in the congregation can appreciate the music, clearly hear the sermon, and enjoy the entire experience. However, sound booths require significant planning.
Here are some church sound booth ideas and factors to consider as you decide how to build a sound booth for your church.
Location
The ideal location for a modern church sound booth is in the middle of the sanctuary. This means the techs hear exactly what the congregation hears and get all the feedback they need.
Unfortunately, this locates the booth in people’s lines of sight, and this can potentially interfere with the worship experience.
But resist the temptation to hide the booth in a loft, a separate room, or, worse, a separate building. The techs will not get the right feedback, and the sound will inevitably be weakened.
The best compromise for the location is in the back of the auditorium. There, it will not block the line of sight.
Also, the techs will still hear most of what the audience does, albeit with a slight delay. This can be mitigated by using high-quality headphones and ensuring that techs use them.
Finally, the techs should be able to make contact with (and give signals to) speakers and performers. Communication is vital if issues do arise.
Again, most church sound booth ideas put the booth at the rear of the sanctuary. But if you can manage a more central location, that is better.
Safety, Accessibility, and Comfort
Your tech booth should be wheelchair accessible, even if you don’t currently have techs who need it to be. This helps ensure you can get the talent you need now and in the future. Your area may also legally require it.
Some people also recommend putting a small fridge or cooler for drinks and snacks. Techs often have to arrive early and leave late.
All the equipment used should have high quality, and the booth should be comfortable to sit in for the length of regular services and any concerts or other special events that might be longer.
However, if you’re worried about your budget and asking yourself what a sound system costs, save your funds for essential equipment.
Finally, all cords must be buried under the floor or run along the wall. The last thing you want is a tripping hazard!
Calibration
Remember that the sound heard in the booth should be as close to possible as what the congregation hears. If you use a monitor speaker so the techs can hear the mix, keep the volume low enough that it doesn’t spread to congregants nearby.
This means your speakers must be properly equalized to the house, and your monitor must be calibrated, too. This process can take time. Sound techs also need to have training to knowledgeably compensate for the sound-deadening effect of a larger crowd.
Construction
It’s actually best to have your equipment before you build your booth. You can then measure around the equipment and ensure that there is enough clearance for a wheelchair (which guarantees good clearance for everyone else). You will need a solid wooden table with fabric skirting to hide equipment placed under it.
Make sure that the table and fabric blend with the church’s style. Ideally, the congregation should forget the sound booth is there, and it should never distract from the focus on the front of the room.
At the same time, the sound booth should not be enclosed completely. Some people prefer to enclose the lower part of the table, but this can make access to the back of equipment challenging.
Again, make sure the chairs the techs will be using are comfortable and ergonomic.
Equipment
Your equipment needs to be balanced for the room. This can be challenging, and it’s a good idea to contact an expert to install and set up a sound system for your church, including the items needed for the booth and training for your techs.
The needs of church sound systems aren’t quite the same as for other buildings; you need clarity for voice, good sound for music, and the ability to move seamlessly between the two.
Choose your equipment with the help of an expert who has worked with churches before. Sound experts with church-specific experience can also advise on the perfect church sound booth design to fit the precise building you are in.
This information is courtesy of Moffitt Technology, an Alabama-based audio and video security systems integration firm, www.moffitt-tech.com.
