6 replies to this topic

[Crystals]

I have been asked to do some research on finding a system with 2 projectors, at least 6 new speakers, at least 2 new microphones (or compatible with our old ones), and some sort of control station/software for our small church.

Our church currently has old speakers tied to two corded microphones and that is it (and they are at least 50 years old). The main room is about 40 feet by 60 feet, we will need one additional speaker in two different rooms.  Our church has a max seating of 250.

All I can think of is to get a computer, add two monitors to it and tie the 2 projectors to the one monitor (so I have the second monitor to manage the music and volumes). I have used a simple plug and play projector with my personal computer before, but when it comes to speakers and microphones and volume controls for those I am utterly lost.

 

We are looking at posting song lyrics, verses, and stuff like that on the wall.  Microphones to be used by the people leading the service (no choir or groups singing - although the ability of the system to upgrade for this later would be a bonus).  We have a grant of $8000.

 

Any advice or tips?

[drtrmiller]

I did this for a church once. Room size and viewing distance are most important factors. Online calculators will help you determine an appropriate screen size, and that helps determine projector throw distance. Brightness is important to compensate for ambient lighting. You should definitely be able to buy all these things within budget.

[Crystals]

I have a lot of things to find out, and I am trying to get a list together.  (Such as screen size)

 

Did they actually use a computer or laptop, or something else all together?

 

Can you think of any things that can be included that would be nice for future use (such as guitar plug in or something?).  I have never paid attention to speakers before, as I was never one for loud music. 

[Subverted]

I can ask my dad for some input on this for you. He sings in his church choir and knows sound equipment pretty well.

 

As far as I know projectors are usually run off a laptop just for the sake of being portable and easy to move out of the way. Sound booths are not always the most spacious!

 

How big is the church (room size + weekly attendance)?

[Crystals]

The room is about 40 feet from the front to the back, and 60 feet from side to side.  There will be a projector on each side of the altar on the front wall.

 

The church is more than willing to build an elevated stand for the person controlling everything (likely just big enough for a desk and a computer with 2-3 screens).

 

I have no idea how to tie in the different speakers/microphones with the ability to alter the volume on each one.  I assume there is a special software that does this. 

 

I am trying to track down the tech person for another local church as they supposedly have a pretty good system.  I have always been told, look at at least 3 different setups and then think hard about what you need and what you might want in the near future.  So I am looking for tips and guidance from several sources.

[Subverted]

Getting advice from different places is a great idea. Whoever told you to do this that way was looking out for you!

 

I am pretty sure most speaker/microphone control setups are hardware based not software. You would probably have the soundboard/audio mixer and projection systems running side by side but not interacting with each other.

 

Also, depending on the acoustics of the room you may find you need to add in some sound dampening panels to the back wall/corners so don't get too frustrated if things arent perfect at the start! I don't have a ton of experience with this but I know it can take some finessing to get sound setups operating at their peak.

 

Good luck

[Crystals]

Thanks.

Good to know that we may need dampening panels.

 

That room was built for good acoustics, before the microphones and speakers were installed.  A person reading with a raised voice in a quiet room can be heard by most people anywhere in the room with no issues.