Is there anything that is more difficult to get “right” than the stage volume level? Is it even possible to get it “right”? Who decides if it is “right”?
- The musicians on stage?
- The Pastor (which one)?
- Individuals in the auditorium?
- The sound tech?
Of course, the answer to “who decides if it is right” is the first question you have to ask. And to be honest, I can’t answer the question for you. However, I can tell you which of the answers above are wrong. There is only one answer in the above list that is obviously wrong. And the most disheartening part about it is that probably 50% of you will say it is the correct answer.
The wrong anwer above is “The Sound Tech”. The Musicians on stage could be the right ones to say whether the volume is correct … so could the pastor (or pastors) … a person in the auditorium could even have an input as to the overall volume in the auditorium based upon how loud it is on stage.
The only one in the list above who should not have an opinion on whether the stage sound is too loud is the Sound Tech. Why you ask? Because the Sound Tech is not a “decider”. He is a servant.
OK … you say that the sound tech has the right to say that the sound on the stage is too loud because it effects the overall volume level in the auditorium. Yes, you are correct to some extent. However, the sound tech has this right only if every other avenue has been exhausted. What options am I talking about? Well … for starters … how about:
- Speaker placement
- In-Ear monitors
- Equalization
- Monitor Mix
- Multiple Monitor setups
- Equipment replacement
These are just a few things that can be tried. There are many others. However, the first thing that usually happens is the easiest. Turn down the monitors. Running sound and being a “sound tech” is more than changing volume levels. It is learning how to get the best sound for all everyone involved.
Read some of the lessons on this site. Try a few things. Never be satisfied with what is easy. Be a learner.
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