PRE-SERVICE

Line Check

• Once the band has communicated that they are ready for a line check, direct them through each audio line
  • At this point, the audio engineer should direct the band on stage through the specific line order using FOH talkback mic
  • It is good practice to go through lines in order that they appear on the console (example: Individual Drums, Bass, EG, AG, Keys, Individual Vocals, etc.)
  • Be sure to check tracks as needed as well
  • This is a time to check that you have signal coming to the console, set the gain structure and make sure signal is going where it should. This is NOT the time to set EQ, compression, or other processing; that should come during sound check
• P2P Sundays
  • There will be different channel checks on RESI, which will be properly labeled on the console
  • Be sure to check all channels that you’ll need for that service

Sound Check

• Once line check is complete, the audio engineer can communicate to the worship leader that they are all set and hand control of the stage over to the worship leader
• During sound check, the worship leader will direct the band through songs as well as call out IEM (In-ear monitor) mix changes for the audio engineer to make
• For IEM mix changes:
  • It is simplest to work through the band in the order of their packs. Start with pack 1, and move forward in an orderly fashion
• During sound check, the audio engineer can begin creating a mix as well as make any detail changes that they made note of during line check
• After band sound check and rehearsal is finished, coordinate with the person running projection to:
  • Check audio of stream (there will be a stream/mic check sent through RESI before service)
  • Check audio for any bumpers/videos playing through ProPresenter
• Be sure to check the host mic as well
• Lastly, make sure batteries in all mics/packs are fresh and can last through the day

SERVICE

iPad/iPod

• PRE-SERVICE: Have an energetic playlist playing as people come through the doors
• POST-SERVICE: After the keys player has stopped playing, put on quiet instrumental music during ministry time, as people are receiving prayer and walking out
• Mute iPad when not being used

Worship

• Understand the setlist, and adjust lead/background vocalists according to the song
  • A good option is to make presets for each vocalist if they serve consistently. That way, you’ll have a shortcut to mix their vocals, however you should always adjust gain, dynamics, EQ, etc. accordingly
• When a vocalist is speaking, bring down the FX group (reverb and delay), so they can be heard clearly and without distraction
• Always make sure the delay effect is synced with the tempo of the song, by tapping
• When host is speaking, turn down keys so they do not overwhelm the speaker
• A good rule of thumb for audio is to not exceed roughly 95 dB, 6 rows back from the stage (there is a dB meter located at FOH)
• Use your ears and knowledge of the songs to mix dynamically, and make sure instruments/vocals can be heard clearly
  • Remember that the goal of worship is not to overcomplicate things, but for the congregation to encounter the Holy Spirit
• Be ready for the transition from ProPresenter to RESI, and vice versa, to assure that sound remains consistent

BEST PRACTICES

P2P Inputs

• When not a P2P Sunday, best practice is to have the unused channels MUTED for extra precaution. You will need to keep the host/speaker mic unmuted, but all others can remain muted

iPad Playlist Transition

• A good tip is to have music playing on the iPad, with the fader all the way down, before fading in. This means that as the host is closing service, you can press play on the iPad so that you know as soon as they’re done, you can fade in the music
• If you have two services or enjoy playing energetic music as you load out, the best time to swap over from “End of Service” to “Pre-Service” playlist is when you visibly see no one praying for each other
• It is good to have “Pre-Service” music playing before doors are opened but do note that this should be done only if the whole team is ready for doors to be opened

Close of Service

• The close and ending of service is the most important part as the Holy Spirit works on people’s hearts and they come to know Jesus. With that being said, once the speaker asks everyone to stand, all verbal communication should stop unless it is time sensitive for the moment. We want to be as little of a distraction for those around us as possible