Sample Sound-Check Procedure

With multiple musicians and singers, a sound check will always be a necessary step in preparation for a worship service. With practice and discipline it can become very efficient. The following is a sample procedure that typically takes 30 minutes but is often achieved in 20 minutes with consistent success. While it is not perfect for every team, it illustrates the principles and practices needed.

Preparations (beforehand)

Insert a compressor into the lead-vocal (Wireless Beta 87) channel insert. Set to slow response. Set drive to 12 o'clock. Set output to 12 o'clock. Set channel gain to 2 o'clock. Set EQ.
Set rhythm-guitar monitor to post-fade so that fader movements are reflected in monitor levels Use channel fader for live mix.
Set supporting vocal and instrument gains and EQ to "typical" positions.

Verify signals (10 min)

Using mains only, verify that each source appears at the expected channel with no obvious problems. Troubleshoot as necessary.

Lead and supporting vocals
Rhythm Instruments: Drum mics; bass; rhythm guitar
Melodic Instruments (keyboard, piano, flute, etc…)

Mix Mains (10 min)

Using mains only (monitors off), set EQ and balancing between submix instruments. Use full house levels to minimize required monitor levels.

Submix rhythm instruments (3 min). Instruments should play at full volume.

Begin with drums and bass.
Add rhythm guitar
Add melodic instruments to rhythm one at a time.

Submix all vocals together with instruments off (3 min). Vocalists should sing at full volume.
Balance vocals with instruments (2 min).
Set mains to full level and perform final EQ and submixing (2 min).

Mix Monitors (10 min)

Philosophy and approach

Monitors are used carefully to supplement the mains which should provide most of the musicians' listening reference.
Each musician should estimate the minimum that he/she needs in order to minister effectively.
When a request is made of the sound operator:

Full concentration must be given by everyone to the request until the musician making the request is satisfied.
The operator needs time to solo the proper monitor mix in the headphones and find the channel control.
Making eye contact with the requesting musician, the operator adjusts the channel as the musician signals up or down in level. Other musicians listen to the effect on their mix.

Order

Piano monitor (3 min). This is first because the keyboard and piano have the greatest dependence on their monitor to hear themselves.
Vocal monitor (3 min). This is second because other musicians will receive some vocals from these speakers.
Band monitor (3 min).
Fine tune monitor mixes if necessary.

Balance (1 min): Turn mains off and evaluate the stage volume relative to the mains. If the stage volume is too high, the operator will have minimal control over the mix, and musicians may experience excessive levels resulting in fatigue or hearing damage.

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updated 16-Aug-2002