Need a New Sound System for Churches? Top 3 Things to Consider First
If you have made it to this article, chances are you are in the market for the best sound system for churches. While it may be easier to explain the best church speakers, there are a few things you should consider. First, what are your goals? Is it a traditional setting or will you be playing rock and roll? What are the challenges in the room? The best sound system for your church is one that fits the layout and needs of your church. Even if live music is being played, it is not a concert hall, which means the volume and purpose of the sound system will be different.
To find the perfect sound system, keep the following factors in mind:
#1 Speech Intelligibility:
The most important thing about a church sound system is that you can clearly understand what is being said, regardless of where you are in the room. That is speech intelligibility. The meaning of someone talking can quickly be lost if you cannot understand the words clearly. Have you ever heard of the airport effect? We have all had the experience of hearing the flight announcement and cannot tell what was said. That is the difference between asking whether my system is loud enough or intelligible enough.
#2 The acoustics of your church:
This is especially important if you have a lot of hard surfaces, such as concrete floors or stone walls. You would want to make sure the sound system you choose will not create an echo or distorted sound. Some systems offer more versatility than others, so it's important to choose one that has the features you need for the space. A smaller congregation needs a different system than a larger one. When making your decision, consider how many people will usually be in attendance. If you have a small room, focus on compact and efficient systems. If you have a large space, look for systems that can fill it with clear sound.
A pro tip: Check the acoustics of your building before installing a church sound system. Some buildings just are not built well for sound reinforcement. And acoustical treatment can be one of the biggest hidden costs.
#3 Your budget:
You always would want to stay within your budget when choosing a sound system. Of course. There are a lot of great options out there that vary widely in price. In some cases, it may be worthwhile to invest a little extra to get a higher quality system. The same goes the opposite way – although the new thing may be “cool” you do not need it. At the end of the day, it is important to be good stewards of the allocated budget for the project and find appropriate solutions.
When it comes to outfitting a church with a sound system, there are five main components to consider: microphones, mixers, amplifiers, speakers, and power. Choosing the right combination can be a daunting task, but it is important to get it right to create the best possible sound quality.
HOW CAN AV TECH EXPERTS HELP?
We're here to make life easier for you, not harder. Check our some of our work around town in your local Houston community: Sojourn Heights or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
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