In the dynamic realm of live sound engineering, achieving optimal audio quality is a delicate dance between various technical elements. One indispensable tool in the audio engineer's arsenal is compression. Let's delve into the world of live sound compression and explore how this technique transforms the auditory experience for both performers and audiences.

In the ever-evolving world of visual storytelling, the choice of camera plays a pivotal role in determining the final look and feel of the content. Cinematic and broadcast cameras are two distinct categories, each tailored to specific needs within the vast realm of film and television production. Let's delve into the key differences between these two types of cameras.

Drum heads play a crucial role in defining the sound and performance of a drum kit. Over time, they experience wear and tear, affecting both the tone and feel of your drums. In this blog post, we'll explore the factors influencing the lifespan of drum heads and provide insights into how often you should consider changing them to keep your drumming experience at its best.

Neutral Density (ND) filters are the unsung heroes of the filmmaking world, enabling filmmakers to achieve cinematic excellence by controlling the amount of light that enters the camera. In this blog post, we'll delve into the significance of ND filters, their applications in filmmaking, and how they contribute to crafting visually stunning sequences.

A review of the Hollyland M1 Intercom system written for Technology for Worship Magazine 

It seems that many of the churches I talk to have had a challenge with trying to use haze machines effectively and similarly to the first time they tried to add acoustic drums, if it wasn’t done perfectly the first time, its basically been banned from use by leadership. For the most part it’s some combination of issues in one of 3 categories: Smoke detectors, Air Flow, and “health concerns”.

A Review of the Black Magic Design 2ME switcher with 1 ME advanced Panel

I originally wrote this story for Technology for Worship Magazine.

It can feel very overwhelming when trying to select a vocal mic. Not only are there many brands that people will recommend but there are also many choices within each brand. While I’m not going to answer the question directly “what mic should you get?”, we will look at several factors that should help you make the best choice for your context.

When it comes to mixing monitors especially in ears it seems like it’s a constant battle and there can be a lot of frustration. For a variety of reasons, many houses of worship have gone with a system that requires the musicians to mix their own monitors in one way or another. The problem is that the musicians get to a point of either pulling out an ear or just “accepting” the lie that they won’t ever be able to hear what they want/need. In this post, I’m going to give you 5 ways to improve your Monitor experience.

It’s pretty obvious to most people that multi camera video has the potential to create the most engaging online experience. The challenge often boils down to where should you even start? My goal in this post is not to suggest specific equipment, but help you think through the functions you need so you can make the best choices on the tools to help get you where you want to go.

Drums can be a very polarizing topic especially when it comes to electric VS acoustic drums. Ask the average drummer and they will tell you that acoustic drums are the only way to go because of feel and playability.  The average sound guy will advocate for electric drums because of constancy and controllability. the average pastor will attempt a compromise by looking into at least a drum shield if not a full enclosure. While they all have very valid points, theres not a single right solution for every occasion.

Over the past several years I’ve begun seeing this pattern in my organizations and interactions where visionaries and processors end up at odds with one another exactly how Les describes it in his books. While this doesn’t surprise me, I have begun asking the question “why?”. Why is it that visionaries think processors are trying to get in the way and slow them down, and why is it that processors think visionaries are loose cannons who can’t plan ahead? 

I’ve had several conversations over the past few months where a worship pastor was dead set on getting a Waves rig for their live experience. Many of the reasons given have been things like “It will make us sound better” or “Elevation (or some other big church) uses it and we want to sound like them”.

For most of us, it seems like there is a constant struggle when it comes to how to make an idea reality.

Complexity is the mother of frustration. Technical minds don’t often worry about how complicated their system is, all that matters is what it can do and the process of manipulating it into doing those things. But what happens when they have to show someone else how it works? Or even worse what happens when someone else has to figure it out on their own?

Many Churches have begun reopening and getting back to live services. People no longer have a personal volume control which will inevitably lead back into volume complaints. While there is no sure-fire way to eliminate them, there are some factors that may be contributing to the comfort level of your audience. Most importantly, there are probably some things you can do about it that don’t involve earplugs. 

No matter what size church, it always seems like there aren't enough tech (or any other) volunteers. Often it feels like no one can take a weekend off or everything will crash and burn.

This is my “why”, its the driving vision behind what I do. Historically the Church was the primary driving force behind art. The Church is where the best artists, musicians, and craftsman spent their lives creating beauty and telling the story of Jesus. Unfortunately in some cases the opposite is true today, The church has become the place where “we get by” because the people involved “have a good heart”.