Setting up Mics and Adjusting Levels
Holy Family AV Team
CHOIR:
The size of the choir (number of singers) will determine positioning of the choir mics andhow many of the mics should be used. The head amp levels should need little if noadjusting if the mics are properly positioned.
The two outer mics (far left and far right) will probably never have to repositioned, butthey should be checked to make sure they weren’t moved or unintentionally repositioned.
The two ‘center’ mics should be positioned to adjust for the size of the choir at aparticular service. Larger choirs will have three rows of chairs and the center micsshould be in the middle of choir and 3 to 4 feet in front of the first row of singers. Whenthe choir is smaller, only 2 rows of singers, these mics need to be moved in closer, tokeep the same distance of 3 to 4 feet in front of the first row. For small services of lessthan 10 singers, keep the same distance in front of the group and use only the center mics.
The outer mics will be too far away from the smaller group to pick up any significantsound.
BAND:
Because every service will have different instrumentation and different musicians, whoand what instruments are playing and the levels adjusted as needed. Certain instruments,specifically the drums and piano, will be pretty consistent and need little if anyadjustment.
The levels of guitars will need adjustment depending on the instrument and player. Thereis no “one good setting” so each guitar needs to be checked and adjusted. Once a decentlevel has been set, it will probably be good for the entire service.
Certain instruments, such as violin and flute, will need to use one of the auxiliary micsand these will need to be positioned to the instrument and the head amp adjusted.Generally, the mics should be about 1 foot in front of the instrument and pointed slightlydown from above the instrument to pick up primarily the instrument being micked andreduce as much stage noise as possible.
If either or both of the auxiliary mics are not being used, they should be turned off tokeep them from adding unwanted stage noise to the mix.
SINGERS:
Different singers will have different microphone techniques and sing with differentdynamics and varying levels, and it is the sound engineer’s task to adjust for these differences. Since Colin is the one constant for every service, a particular microphone (yellow) has been established as ‘his’ and this should maintain a fairly consistent sound for him. But different singers will use the same mic for different songs, and it’s very possible adjustments will need to be made throughout the service. Initial adjustments should be made at the head amp to bring the level to a decent, not-too-soft, not-too-loud setting. This will help keep a balanced blend between singers, but will also give a balanced blend in the monitors for the singers to hear themselves. Once this decent level has been set, fine tuning can be done with the faders between singers or between the singer and choir, etc. It may be worth noting the head amp level for a particular singer at this point. If they sing another song later in the service this noted level can be quickly re-set.
Blending the Music
The choir needs to be clearly heard just above the band so that the congregation will sing along. People don’t sing if they can’t hear others signing. Within the choir, any soloists should be at a level where they can be heard separate from the choir (unless they pull back for a refrain). Obviously, if they are singing without choir backup, then they need to be clearly heard.
The piano is the lead instrument for the band – so it should be just a bit above the other instruments. Try to blend the whole band so that you can hear and pick out each instrument. Trumpets, trombones and saxes don’t get micked and so there is nothing you can do with their level. The flute is typically a little lower than the rest unless soloing.
When you think you have a good blend, go down to the floor in direct line of the main speaker array and listen from that position. Sound should be adjusted to sound good from the floor.
Final Word: The choir director is ultimately responsible for the sound. If he wants something changed, we need to make that change even if we do not think it is the best thing to do.
Checklist for each mass
Holy Family AV Team
Properly place all mics & turn off unused channels. Check batteries. Check to make sure POF is on@ floor.
Good blend – solo, choir, piano, then rest of band
Mics on when needed and off when not (POF, Ambo, Choir off when not in use)
Leave channels and settings at preset level unless there is a reason to change it. Don’t automatically change anything.
Don’t forget to give a “thumbs up” to proclaimers at the Ambo and POF when you have the channel on and up.