We get feedback/howling in our church

It is very difficult to use our sound system, which is around ten years old, because if we turn up the level to something which people can hear, we get horrible howling sounds from the speakers. I´ve been told this is called feedback. Can you help?

Feedback in a sound system only occurs when the sound coming from speakers re-enters through a microphone and is then amplifed again and again.

Therefore the most common cause of feedback is that the microphones are somehow pointing at a speaker or a very direct wall reflection from a speaker.

Solution: ensure that no microphones are pointing directly at any speakers, and be very careful of omnidirectional pickup (all directions) as you are asking for problems!

The second most common cause is that the amplification (or gain) of the system is too high. In churches this is common if the speakers are inefficient or pointing in the wrong direction, or the wrong type of speaker. This forces the level to be turned up to compensate and will eventually lead to feedback.

Solution: if you have older speakers, consider installing modern speakers with a well defined coverage pattern (such as the JBL Control range of speakers). Often this can be a straight swap for your existing speakers. Turn down the level at the mixer a little too, and if you have tone or EQ controls then try to reduce the level at problematic frequencies.

The third most common cause is the wrong type of microphone. Very often, churches use vocal/singers microphones for lectern and readers microphones. Vocal mics are designed for efficient pickup at about 2 inches, but users at a lectern are more than 2 feet away. Again, this forces the input gain level of the system to have to be set too high, and feedback will be likely to happen.

Solution: replace any dynamic vocal mics (such as the Shure SM58) with condenser microphones (our best choice is the Audio Technica ATM33a) if they are used for speech only. Ensure that singers are right up to their vocal microphones too, so that the gain can be kept low - just watch how pop singers almost eat their microphones.

We are available to answer any questions you may have - don´t forget that the sound quality in your church is as important to us as it is to you. As one of the leading suppliers of audio equipment exclusively to churches, we have seen pretty much everything, and we love to help!

Hope that your sound problems are improved by these changes.

Water damaged church audio equipment

Now that the water from the floods is subsiding, we hope that your church has come through without much damage.



Unfortunately, a very few churches have sustained damage from water getting into their sound systems.



Our tips are as follows:

• If there is any risk that your audio or video equipment is still wet, DO NOT switch it on


• Microphones really don't like water - if they have been wet then please consider replacing


• Mixers also don't cope well with water because of all the moving parts


• Speakers are the final link in the chain, and if these get wet please consider replacing unless they are designed to cope with moisture (like our JBL Control range)

Finally - if you require a replacement quote for insurance, we are able to produce audio and video insurance quotes for churches, including replacement and repair of sound system, PA, amplifiers, CDs, microphones, cables and induction loops.

ChurchPA is comitted to getting your church back up and running as quickly as possible.

Congregational Pickup - is it worth it?

We are looking into the possibility of extending microphone pick-up during congregation participation and require advice on how to install microphones that will pick up comment from the floor. Are you able to give us any advice?

Your requirement is one of the hardest things to do succesfully with a sound system, I'll try to explain why...

"Ambient" pickup in churches seems to be desirable because when the congregation is participating, you want to ensure that everyone can hear clearly.

However the problem comes because invariably the PA system is designed to amplify sound into the main body of the church - exactly where you want your ambient pickup to occur.

Normally your PA does not have feedback problems (if it does, SPEAK TO US - We are experts at helping you reduce church feedback problems). There is no feedback because microphones are used very close to the user. Therefore the pickup from around is minimised and it is simple to add a lot of amplification (gain) to the signal for the speakers.

However, if you try to pick up in a church from distance, however good the microphone is and whatever the type of microphone is, you will inevitably be picking up more of the ambience and hence by definition will pick up sound created by the sound system itself - a recipy for feedback problems (howling).

If the pickup is PURELY for the recording, then of course there is no problem and ambient pickup is simple BECAUSE you are not trying to put it through the sound system and amplify it. ChurchPA can easily advise you on pickup for recording in churches.

BUT- if you are trying to amplify your congregation, you need to decide to what lengths you wish to go to to achieve it. Our advice is to think twice...

Firstly and most simply you can provide an inexpensive handheld radio microphone that is held by those in the congregation when they speak. This way there is no feedback problem etc.

The other simple and easy solution is to ask people to stand at the lectern if they wish to speak. Simple, and most churches already have the technology for this one!

Next, it is possible to arrange for a "zone" in the church where those that wish to speak should stand - and with a suitable microphone and feedback destroyer (and careful microphone positioning) you can safely pickup from a mid sized area.

HOWEVER it really is NOT possible to pickup an entire congregation and amplify it back to that congregation. Feedback WILL happen.

Depending on your applications, it MAY be possible to come up with a suitable solution and we would definitely reccomend that you contact us to discuss your particular church. However, firstly we would recommend considering adding a handheld radio mic for those moments when the congregation needs to be heard!

Hope this helps, and don't forget that using our LiveHelp service, you can chat to ChurchPA in real time - you might even catch me answering!!

Tim.

Stereo or mono for church sound system installation

Should a church have a mono or stereo sound reinforcement (public address) system. ChurchPA has the answer for your church or hall PA....

How is stereo sound used in real life?

Generally you send some or all of a particular source (i.e. microphone, guitar, drum) to a specific speaker so that you can recreate a "stereo sound image".

Where does stereo sound work well?

Actually it is perfect in the home when you are listening to your (aptly named) stereo system. By positioning yourself in a nice triangle with the speakers, you can get a really good representation of a realistic sound stage, with the guitar where it should be, the piano, each drum realistically spaced out and so on. The sound reaching your ears will be high quality and as if you are actually sitting in front of a band, choir or orchestra.

BUT what does this have to do with a public building like a church?

Not much, as it turns out. Assume for a moment that you have set up a really nice stereo mix, with the guitar panned to full right. Sounds great at the back of the hall where the stereo image is formed. But for the person right under that speaker, all they can hear is the guitar (TOO LOUD). And what about the person under the left hand speaker? They can only hear the guitar reflecting off the rear wall, if at all. To say this another way, the person under the left hand speaker cannot hear anything at all from the right hand speaker (due to psycho-acoustic masking)..

To say it another way:

In the case of amplifying live music and speech for public buildings, we strongly recommend that you go for a MONO system, where all you have to worry about is getting the relative volumes (sound levels) of each instrument correct, and then the sound will be correct for all listeners at all positions.

Stereo mixes only have relevance in the home, and possibly in your car. Mono audio for public buildings, churches and hall sound systems are a LOT less problematic.

Mic Rider Problem Solver!

We now have stock of the fantastic new plug in DSP unit specifically for microphones! These units are the perfect accompaniment for speech microphones, and will make life SO MUCH EASIER for uses of sound systems.

This unit can be retrofitted onto most "wired" microphones, and gives you the folowing five powerful audio solutions:

1. FBX Feedback Exterminator - removes feedback to give you increased sound levels before problems
2. Automatic Gain Control - controls the sound level as you move closer and further from the mic
3. Proximity Effect Control - controls excessive bass as you get closer to the mic, and maintains a flat response at all distances from the mic
4. Plosive Control - controls loud pops and bursts from some sounds in speech
5. Infrared Gate - TURNS THE MIC ON AND OFF AUTOMATICALLY

This unit looks to be the ideal upgrade for all microphones, including singers microphones and lectern microphones, you just plug it in and benefit from the power of DSP digital signal processing on your audio.

It is as useful as having a professional sound engineer IN EVERY MICROPHONE.

The unit works with microphones which have a standard 3-pin XLR connector, and in systems which have a minimum of 17V phantom power (most modern mixers do!). It even passes through phantom power to your active microphones - clever!

You can see the pictures and information (and buy!) from our store...

http://www.churchpa.co.uk/store - search for "mic rider" to see the different versions available!

We know that this is the ONLY upgrade you need for your sound system this year!

PC Audio for churches

Can you advise me the best/simplest way to get sound from our laptop computer to our sound system. We use the laptop in the centre of the church and the PA is at the back. We don't want to have cables trailing everywhere. Thanks!

Great question, and we have the perfect product just added to our webstore. This is a common problem, and so here goes...

We have a USB -> radio -> receiver system, which means that you DO NOT NEED any cables running from your PC audio to your PA system!

The USB stick plugs into your computer (laptop or desktop) and transmits the audio output of your PC via 2.4GHz radio to a small receiver. The receiver has phono outputs as well as a jack output, and therefore it is simple to connect it to any mixer system!

Hey presto - audio from your computer to your PA sound reinforcement system without wires.

It also crosses my mind that this unit could also be used in the home for that "wireless" sound sytsem, and could also be used to send audio from a PC to active (powered) speakers directly for a really simple to get working PC based sound system. Any budding DJ's out there in our community?

Check out the link here -> USB PC sound transmitter

SO, simple, great sounding audio from your PC is simple and easy!

Is my induction loop working

A recent question:

There have been numerous reports regarding our loop not working. The question I have is, “how do we know it is working”? Obviously finding a hearing aid user and using them as a guinea pig is one method but is there a more scientific approach to be taken?? Are there any cost effective loop receivers available so we can check on a regular basis the loop?

The simple answer to your question is that you need a loop listener, which will enable you to listen in to the sound on the induction loop. We have two versions available, and the least expensive is available to purchase in the link below...

We have recently added a lower cost induction loop listener (receiver) to our range, and it is available from this link -> Loop Receiver - *Click Here*

We also have loop level meters, but find that these are less useful in the day-to-day running of a church.

As an added benefit of having a loop listener, you can hand the listener to those with poor hearing but with no hearing aid. Assuming that your loop IS working, you will be amazed at the clarity of sound that comes from an induction loop, and will want to use the loop listener all the time!

Installers Required

Hello,

As part of our expansion through the UK, we are now urgently looking for installers to operate in the North of England and in the London region.

With great rates of pay, we know that this is an exciting job for people with the right qualifications to take on.

Preferably, the candidate will have experience with live audio, working in churches, good practical and problem solving skills. A head for heights is also essential.

All potential people are encouraged to email us on jobs@churchpa.co.uk

We look forward to speaking to you,

The ChurchPA Team

Sport Hall Sound System

We worship in a large sports hall, and need a sound system for the worship group. Can you help, and what advice can you give?

Large sports halls such as this are notoriously difficult accoustic environment - echoes can be really bad, and it is quite hard to avoid introducing feedback (howling) sounds when introducing a sound system. With a hall like this, there are a couple of important points to bear in mind:

1. ALL microphones must be behind speakers or pointing away from them
2. Use directional microphones rather than "omni" microphones
3. Get the mic as close to the source as humanly possible, this greatly helps to reduce feedback as the gain on your mixer can be lower
4. If you can have an operator at the mixer, get them to "mute" unused channels such as the band when they are not playing. This will improve sound clarity in quiet sections
5. Get as much soft material into the room as possible. Can you run a carpet down the centre aisle? Can you put banners onto the walls?

You will also want to make sure that any equipment you select can be quickly and simply put up and taken down again. This might mean that you should spend a little more to make sure that everything is flight cased - it will pay off in the long term.

The other important consideration is to choose the right speakers for a sports hall. I actually feel that the ideal solution for the hall is to use the Carlsbro NlightN speakers. These use a completely different technology to conventional speakers, and are much less of a "point source". They really do help in reducing feedback problems - they look great too!

NlightN Flat Panel Speakers - Click Here

Since you are also trying to reproduce your band through the speakers, you should also consider the Slammer Bass Bin which is designed to run with the NlightN Speakers, and has all the internal amplification needed.

Slammer Bass Speaker - Click Here

With the NlightN/Slammer combination, you will be able to get a higher sound level without feedback.

Hope this helps!

Tim Ridgway.

Speakezee Portable PA - IN STOCK!

We have just got stock in of the Carlsbro Speakezee Portable PA system

-------> Act now to reserve your Speakezee Portable PA

Click Here for More Speakezee Info

For those of you who have not seen or heard the Speakezee, let me tell you a little more... the speakezee is a convenient "all-in-one" sound system which you can just switch on!

The Speakezee is a battery/mains powered unit with built in 20 Watt speaker - perfect for meetings or even small outside gatherings. The battery is rechargeable, giving up to 3 hours of heavy use from a single charge.

The unit comes with not one but all three radio microphones styles - a handheld microphone, a tie clip lapel microphone and even a headset microphone! This allows you to select the most suitable microphone for your event, from a meeting to a party to a keep fit class. It is all included.

What is more, you will never have to take minutes at a meeting again, as the Speakezee comes with a built in tape player/recorder, so whatever your event is, the Speakezee is perfect!

Even more than this, the Speakezee comes with tone controls, and phono jack input ensuring that you can even plug in a CD or MP3 player to keep people happy before and after your event.
So, to recap, if you have or are planning any events, fetes or fairs, training days, meetings or weekends away, you really can't do better than take a Speakezee unit along with you.

You really are encouraged to buy now - they sell out very very quickly!

Available for £109.00 - Early booking essential !

You can see more details about the product on our webstore at the following address:

Click Here for More Speakezee Info

We really do find that the Speakezee is the most versatile and incredibly cost effective portable PA on the market. Stop shouting at meetings and spread the word with the Carlsbro Speakezee Portable PA.

Yours in Christ,

Tim Ridgway.