Skip to main content

From the Field: Mike Robertson on Audio Mixing

448084011_1928294620964952_6394114587869238654_n

Like many before me, I started my tech journey when I was in middle school, at the youth group. They needed someone to turn some knobs, and man, did I like turning those knobs! I ended up being the “sound guy” for our youth group and quickly was serving in “Big Church.” I never ended up getting formal training, but simply learned to use what we had at the church, picking up tricks along the way. This path allowed me to work local events and eventually I ended up leading the church technical team. When I left for college, I still did some audio support but dove into the broadcast video world. This took me out of the audio world for the next decade plus – now I was the Video Guy. 

Years later, after working in two Tech Lead roles at two churches where I had a hand in most everything but primarily video, I have stepped into a volunteer role at my local church video directing and running audio…and I have to learn everything all over again!  

Here are things that I have learned over the past year while learning how to be the sound guy again. I am not an expert; sometimes I feel like I’m not even good! But, I want to serve wherever I go, and I feel a connection to God, worshiping as I serve at the FOH position. 

1. Learn the instrument you are using

I grew up mixing on mostly analog consoles. I have used some digital boards along the way, but not consistently. I currently work for a National Integration company and a phrase I hear in my conversations with other Church Techs who are still making that Analog to Digital transition is that the “Analog to Digital Learning Curve is steep”. Not all digital boards are the same, but it always does take time to learn the ins and outs of the instrument we were using at the church. One year into my journey of using this audio board a few times a week, I finally felt comfortable with how to navigate “all the things.” When that comfort level hit, I felt liberated to begin exploring my mix on a deeper level.

2. Learn to be curious

Learning your tool leads to an ability to be curious and to explore the options that are available to the mixer. I have become more adventurous with adjusting the compressors and gates and started rearranging the physical layouts to fit my needs. We use a third-party software and hardware program for effects and processing and I am now turning, twisting, and testing everything I can to see how it affects the audio I hear. There were moments when I would sit in the room by myself, play tracks, and then decide to scrap everything I was once using for another path. Being curious is a path to growth.

Continue reading

Insights and Innovations from InfoComm 2024

Insights-and-Innovations-from

We’re Back and Stronger Than Ever!

InfoComm 2024 marked a significant milestone in the post-COVID era, with this being the most well-attended trade show we've experienced since the pandemic. While unsure of the exact attendance numbers, it was clear that the enthusiasm for trade shows is back in full swing.

The event not only showcased the latest releases in professional audio and video products but also offered a comprehensive education program with daily courses. However, one notable trend was the frequent use of the “AI” buzzword by many vendors. Despite their claims, we often felt that their offerings didn’t genuinely embody artificial intelligence.

Innovation was everywhere, with many new products and solutions from both well-known and emerging brands. Transparent LED displays, for example, are becoming more common, though their application in the church world remains to be seen.

Reconnecting with our long-standing partners and re-establishing relationships with past ones was a highlight. We also observed a growing adoption of SMPTE 2110 video over IP. However, its requirement for high-bandwidth infrastructure makes it a costly investment.

Motion tracking technology has now permeated mid-level PTZ cameras and is starting to appear in entry-level models, although the quality varies.

Continue reading

5 Things to Look for When Choosing an AVL Integrator for Your Church

5-Things

Selecting the right AVL (audio, visual, and lighting) integrator for your church goes beyond merely enhancing technical capabilities; it's about finding a partner who truly understands and aligns with the heart and soul of your worship community. This decision can profoundly impact how your congregation connects, communicates, and engages during worship services. An integrator that meshes well with your church’s mission can transform your worship experiences, making them more immersive and meaningful. This is why it’s crucial to choose a partner not only for their technical expertise, but for their ability to integrate their solutions into the fabric of your church’s operations and aspirations. This partner should be someone who respects your church’s culture, upholds its values, and seeks to enhance the communal spirit through thoughtful and effective AVL solutions.

In this journey, you’re not just looking for an AVL vendor, but for a relationship that will grow and evolve with your church. The right integrator will listen deeply, propose solutions that resonate with your specific goals, and adjust their approach based on your feedback and evolving needs. Their expertise in AVL technology becomes a tool for fulfilling your church’s vision, enhancing every sermon and song, and deepening the connection between your leadership and the congregation. As such, this selection process is as much about finding a technological match as it is about securing a collaborative partner who will walk alongside your church in its mission to inspire and connect.

 

1. Emphasize Experience in Similar Settings 

When searching for an AVL integrator, the importance of relevant experience cannot be overstated. An integrator that has worked with churches that share similar characteristics to yours will likely have a deeper understanding of your specific needs. This experience means they can anticipate common challenges and provide solutions that have proven effective in similar environments. Ask potential integrators for case studies or references from previous projects to gauge their familiarity and success in environments like yours.

In addition to technical skills, it’s important that the integrator grasps the spiritual and communal objectives of your setting. A good integrator should be someone who respects the ethos of your worship and seeks to enhance it through technology. They should demonstrate how their projects have supported the mission of other churches, helping to facilitate worship that resonates with congregational expectations and enhances spiritual engagement.

Connect with us

Continue reading

What We Learned at FILO 2024

FILO-Recap

Church technology professionals inspire us.  Many churches are working so hard to create engaging worship experiences; and it is a major motivation for us and an honor to serve Churches across the US.

 

Coming Up for Air at FILO

Many Church tech professionals are going it alone because of demanding schedules, lean staff, and strained resources. We could see the ‘coming up for air’ at FILO, and we are grateful for FILO’s role each year in making that possible and supporting the production tribe. At the same time, we encourage churches to carve time to connect with other churches in your area; reach out when resources are strained; and build a relationship with an AVL Integrator who can work ‘on it’ while your team is busy working ‘in it.’ These things can be the difference!

 

We Are a People Business First!  

We talked with over a hundred churches, and remain convinced that as you decide your tech journey; there is enormous value in consulting church tech peers who have been where you are, and who can encourage you in your journey. Pick up the phone, send an email, and you will be met halfway by others who get it and get you. As an integrator, one of our favorite things is connecting churches with each other, and then seeing relationships flourish. We are ALL in the people business. Let’s keep the spirit of the FILO community alive this year in our communities. Take the first step, and see what God does!

Continue reading

Powered By One Firefly   |    Sitemap   |    Privacy Policy