Selecting a Sound Console: Reprint from Jan-Mar Issue of Sound Express, 1998

Owning a quality mixing console is necessary to be able to enjoy high quality live sound. This article covers features to consider when selecting a console. One of the first items to consider is the number of outputs needed. Many installed sound systems don't need a stereo output.  However, since most mixing  consoles are stereo, this issue relates to how the mixer is installed rather than a purchase decision.  Stage monitors have become standard and multiple stage monitor channels may be needed.  For maximum benefit,  the vocalists may need to hear a different mix than the instrumentalists.  In addition, a lot of churches want to send output to a foyer area and other parts of the building.

For church sound installations, the ability to create quality recordings of services and events may be desired with separate controls for the record mix.  Having a mic to include the congregation in the recording for the 'live' effect also requires control of individual channel feeds to the record output.

An obvious consideration is the number of inputs channels needed.  You could simply sum the maximum number of microphones that need to be used concurrently.  However, a factor that is often missed is that there may be several portions of a program with different personnel.  Do you want to have to shuffle the mics around between parts of a service or performance?  This gets confusing for the sound tech in keeping track of who is using which mic.  Once you set the mix for one music group beforehand, you don't want to have to change it for another group. Using the same mic for multiple purposes invites problems that would be worth avoiding.  Therefore we suggest some expansion room in the number of channels you specify for the vocalists.

Other inputs will be needed for tape, CD, lectern/pulpit, instruments, audience/congregation, announcements made from the back of the room, plus inputs for wireless microphone systems.  An example of a plan could be:

# Mics  Purpose
  8  Vocalists
  1  Pulpit
  1  Wireless Lapel Mic
  1  Wireless Hand-held mic
  1 or 2  Tape Input
  1 or 2  CD Player
  1  Announcements etc from rear of room
  1  Piano
  1  Keyboard
  2  Guitars
  1  Audience pickup (for service recording)
  3-5  Spares (or drums, special programs etc.)
-------
  24 Total

Other Mixer features to consider:
Pre-Fader-Listen (PFL).  This highly recommend feature provides a PFL button for each channel.  When pressed, only the sound from that channel is heard in the headphones.  This allows the sound tech to determine who is using which mic and set their individual channel sound (EQ) while the music team is playing.

Other features to consider include: selectable output (add/remove channels from the outputs), phantom power (required for certain mics), effects sends (add echo/delay).  A 'pad' or attenuator should be on each channel to allow control over problems with inconsistent input levels. 

In addition to these basic concepts, your sound consultant can provide additional selection considerations for your particular installation.

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