Sometimes, it is very difficult to find someone to run sound in a church service. If you have someone who is always there and is very good, then God has blessed you richly. If you don’t have someone that fits that bill … welcome to the majority.
Therefore, here is my list of the 5 imperative characteristics of a good sound tech:
- A Servant Heart – Any musician in the church must have this. Consequently, it is imperative for the sound tech as well. If you have a sound tech with an agenda, get them out of there ASAP!
- A musicians ear – Great sound techs are nothing other than just another musician on the worship team. They need to be able to hear the various instruments and vocals and adjust the sound to a pleasing mix. Not everyone is capable of this!
- Understanding of mixing terminology – Every sound tech must understand what each knob on the mixer does and why you use it. Fortunately, this is a teachable skill!
- Understanding of the particular pieces of equipment in the sound booth – This, of course, is obvious. You must understand the tools you have at your disposal. However, it is amazing how many church sound techs don’t know how to run their equipment.
- Availability for practices – A sound tech who is only there on Sunday Morning will not do a good job of running sound. It is impossible. They need to practice their craft just as anyone else who is in the choir, praise band or other singing groups.
I traveled in a gospel music ministry for a number of years. Our sound tech was the best sound tech that I have ever been around. And … he was part of the group! He was at rehersals, he was at our recording sessions … his picture was even on our CDs!
That is how important a good sound person is. When you find one, do whatever you have to do to keep them … they are like GOLD!
– The Church Tech
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