Episodes
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There's a lot going on in the world of church audio and it's not all good. Chris and Brian talk with Richard Gaspard, the House of Worship Market Manager about what he, and PreSonus are doing to help. They also talk about the night and day difference between the first PreSonus digital console and what they offer today.
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What do you call a man so devoted to the Chicago Cubs that he named his dog, Wrigley? You call him Jason Wetherholt, Worship Minister at Greenwood Christian Church. Today, Chris Huff interviews him and he answers the question of what musicians expect from the sound tech - the answer might surprise you.
Resources:
Greenwood Christian Church The Worship Architect: A Blueprint for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services Behind the Mixer -
Missing episodes?
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Episode 45 - Back from a short hiatus, Chris and Brian talk about the topic everyone should teach their new audio techs right from the start. Unfortunately, it's a topic that's usually taught last. They also discuss the top 3 qualities a church tech leader needs but why it's often only one that gets any attention - and how that can spell disaster.
Resources:
Audio Essentials for Church Sound The Soundcheck Checklist -
Episode 40 - Music copyright laws are in place to protect musicians and the original music owners. However, there are popular myths that churches have believed for years that have resulted in copyright infringement. Chris covers these myths, myths on video licensing, and what you should be doing.
Reference:
Your Guide to Playing Church Music and COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT! Video copyright Myths and Copyright Infringement Church Copyright Toolkit -
Episode 43: What mistakes are we making as tech team leaders? For that matter, what mistakes are we making as volunteers? In this episode, Chris interviews his wife, who has worked in a variety of leadership roles, including the volunteer coordinator at the local hospital where she oversaw 90 volunteers. Gina brings up key areas for retention as well as recruitment and they talk about how understanding personality types goes a long way to helping team members and becoming a better leader.
Resources:
Submit Questions to Behind the Mixer Personality Test Which Animal Are You (Personality Test) Equipping You for Real Life (Gina’s Site) Conflict Resolution -
What speakers should we buy? What about the mixer? These questions are part of typical conversations Chris and Brian have had with many churches over the years. Only this time, Chris is playing the role of the pastor and Brian plays...Brian. Discover how they look at a church system, the types of questions they ask, and how you should take a new look at your system.
Resources:
Talk with Chris and Brian -
What's the purpose of technical production in the church? What about your church? Josiah Way answers this in his new book, Producing Worship: A Theology of Church Technical Arts. On today's show, Chris Huff interviews Dr. Way to talk about the basis of the book and the important aspects of church technical work that's often overlooked by tech artists. You'll also find out why Chris believes this book should be mandatory reading for pastors, worship leaders, and everyone in the church tech community.
Resources:
Producing Worship: A Theology of Church Technical Arts Dr. Way's Higher Ed AV Podcast -
Audio Fusion Systems is a new contender to the personal monitor mixing realm and they are unlike everything else in one big way. They claim you can get pro-level wireless monitoring using software on the devices you already have. And it's unbelievably affordable and easy to use. Does their product live up to the hype? Find out as Chris Huff interviews co-founder Brandon Leafblad.
Resources:
Audio Fusion Systems -
Low end frequency problems can plague a mix if they aren't identified and addressed. In episode 39, Chris Huff discusses how the low end frequencies can work both positively and negatively. He also discusses how you can control excess low end both on stage and in the sound booth.
Resources:
Got the Low-End Frequency Blues? Audio Essentials for Church Sound -
It's the end of the year so Brian and Chris decided to take time to reflect on production successes of 2018 and what the future holds for Behind the Mixer in 2019. Also, they're talking about YOUR successes, but....
Here's the thing, you might want to SKIP the podcast and just read the post on the web site. We're not really sure what happened this time. I think they had a little too much fun and were a little (way too) disorganized - a result of production work during the Christmas season I suppose. Next year, they're looking at taking the podcast up to the next level. But for episode 38, I think the extra work for the holiday season finally got to them.Resources:
Your Production Successes in 2018 and What's in Store for 2019 -
Don't assume there are only two different types of microphones; vocal and instrumental. Chris Huff and Brian Gowing explain how microphones are different, why they're different, and how to pick the right one for your need. They also talk about creative miking solutions for kids choirs, drums, cajons, and how microphone placement on an amplifier can affect the tone.
Resources:
Vocal Microphone Guide Mixing Drums: From Stage to Console The Basics Of Phantom Power Audio Essentials for Church Sound -
Bullies exist even in the church technical production realm and if you're dealing with one then this episode is for you. Chris Huff and Brian Gowing explore the causes of the problem, how to deal with the problem, and how the entire worship experience is affected by a tech team bully. They also discuss the biggest question to come out of the situation; is it time for me to leave the church.
Resources:
Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:15-17 10 Ways to Respond When You’ve Been Offended -
How can I eliminate feedback? How can I get our ear-worn mic to stay on? Why do our new microphones sound so different? Chris and Brian answer these questions and others related to live audio production. They even discuss how to route channels on a Behringer X32.
Related Resources:
Why Your Mixer Channel Order Is Slowing You Down X32 Patching -
Have you ever wondered how a live audio engineer got a particular sound, when you attended a concert? Do what Brian and Chris do, just ask! In today's episode, the guys talk about how much you can learn by attending live events and listening with a critical ear. They also talk about how they talk with those engineers either before or after a concert - and how you can, too!
Resources Mentioned:
Podcast 32: The Top Production Mistakes in Portable Church Audio Behind the Mixer - the Cool Free Stuff -
Ever notice your spouse sitting alone (without you by their side) in the congregation while you're running sound? You probably didn't see them before church because you were out the door by the time they woke up. The life of a church sound tech means you are sacrificing time from your family to serve in the audio ministry. In this episode, Chris Huff interviews his wife and they talk openly and frankly about how his audio production work (and the long hours) has impacted the family...and what every church tech AND THEIR SPOUSE should know to help them as a married couple and as parents.
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Portable church audio, video, and lighting can be a beast of production work each week. Load it all in, pack it all away, and hope everything in between goes smoothly. On episode 32 of the podcast, Chris Huff and Brian Gowing discuss the biggest mistakes made in each of those areas - audio, video, and lighting, and how to overcome them.
They also announce the new Guide to Portable Church AVL.Resources:
The New Portable Church AVL Guide (Bundled)
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Do you set the mix once for the band and never touch it again? What do you do when the skill level of the sound techs greatly varies? Chris and Brian have seen a lot of things done wrong and a lot done right regarding both questions. In this episode, they go deep as they answer these questions and even address worship leaders who think they know more about mixing than the audio techs. They discuss why this can happen and how much of it's about their mindset - not bashing them, but seeing things from their point of view.
Related Resources:
What to Do When the Tech Team and the Band are at Odds -
Isn't running sound only about mixing and working with gear? Far from it! In a recent article, Karl Winkler discussed the seven habits (skills) every audio tech should have. In today's episode, Chris talks about Karl's article and digs into each of the seven areas.
Resources:
The Original 7-Habits Article Audinate: Training and Tutorials The Advantage: Patrick Lencioni CTS-D Exam Guide This episode's transcript -
ENOUGH! At some point, someone in the band angered the tech team and things haven't been the same. Maybe the animosity felt between the groups is the fault of the tech team. Whatever the reason, it's time to admit there's a problem, get through it, and get back to working toward the same goal. In this episode, Chris and Brian talk about why the Us Versus Them division can occur between the production team and the band. They also talk about what can be done to get things back to the way they should be - where everyone works together and respects each other.
Resource:
How to Fix the Divide Between Tech Teams and Musicians -
Move past the microphones and mixers and technical side of church audio production work and you'll find there's a whole lot more to learn. If you're lucky, you'll discover the six things that no one talks about - but they're so important. In this episode, Chris Huff details each of these. Out of all of them, the last one can make the difference between being happy or unhappy in your role as a church sound guy.
Resources:
Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People - Show more
