WelcomeWelcome

Aim of Training

• To create an environment conducive to worship and teaching for all members of the church and visitors using:

• PA system

• T-loop

• Recorded media

How will we achieve this

• Good communication between ‘stage’ and ‘balcony’

• Good preparation by the PA team

• Informed decisions based on good training and understanding/knowledge

Knowledge

• The PA system

Schematic

Knowledge

• Microphone types

• Condenser – radio mic’s and our ‘standard’ mic’s

Condenser Mic

• Will ‘pop’ if you get too close

(NEVER SHOUT DIRECTLY INTO A CONDENSER)

• That’s you Dave Fielder….

• Has a reasonably good pick up field

Lapel Mic

• Position close to mouth without getting it right under your chin

• Try not to attach where clothing can rub against it• Position centrally (as this is generally where your

mouth is…)• Should indicate channel 001 or 002 on belt-pack –

mute should be OFF• Red light on, but not flashing

Hand-held Mic

• Primarily for vocal use - hold at 90 degrees to the mouth, NOT right up close …

• Bear this in mind if you are holding it for someone else

• Should indicate channel 003 on stem – mute should be OFF

• Red light on, but not flashing

Stage Mic

• Will pick up from a fair distance and in a fairly wide pattern

• Suitable for all types of instruments and vocals

• Best all-round general purpose microphone

Knowledge

• Microphone types

• Condenser – lapel mic’s and our ‘standard’ mic’s

• Dynamic – ‘loud’ instruments and singers only

Dynamic Mic

• ‘Close Vocal’ use only

• Not suitable for readings, prayers etc..

• If you see this mic available on the stage, look for another one…unless you plan to sing into it!

Knowledge

• Microphone types

• Condenser – lapel mic’s and our ‘standard’ mic’s

• Dynamic – ‘loud’ instruments and singers only

• Microphone positioning for stands

Mic positioning

PA speakers

90o

Knowledge

• Microphone types

• Condenser – lapel mic’s and our ‘standard’ mic’s

• Dynamic – ‘loud’ instruments and singers only

• Microphone positioning for stands

• Feedback

Feedback

• Caused by the signal from the speakers ‘leaking’ back into the same microphone

• Starts with a bit of an echo, develops into a howl

• Usually happens if you are too far away from the microphone

• If you hear it, backing away from the mic does not help….

Communication

• It is essential for the service leader and PA team to discuss the requirements for a service

• For those preparing a service, it helps us if you have an idea of what microphones are required

• It is essential to have multi-media ASAP

Communication

• During the service, establish eye contact EACH time you plan to speak

• If you plan to talk over an outro, or during a song, establish eye-contact first

• Between items is the busiest time for the PA team

Communication

• Use signals if you want to talk to the PA team via your lapel mic

• Wait for them to put on headphones so that they can hear you

When there is a problem

• Get eye contact with the balcony and follow any direction

• Don’t stop talking….we need the signal

Stage position

• Please direct interviewees or anybody that you invite onto the stage to a suitable microphone

• ‘Feel’ for the stage lights so that you are as well-lit as possible for lip-readers

Recap

• Good communication between ‘stage’ and ‘balcony’

• Good preparation by the PA team• Informed decisions based on good training

and understanding/knowledge• If anyone wants to take this further, please

consider training with the next draft of PA volunteers

Thank you