DISQUS

Chris Vacher · 1 year ago

We've started dB-ing (is that word? :)) our services. I'm not sure if we're A-weighted or C-weighted but we're using the kind you're supposed to use for a band sound rather than a vocal sound, I know that much.

We're running about 94dB and peaking about 98dB. That seems to be the right levels for us - fills the room nicely with sound and also allows people to hear themselves singing.

mandy · 1 year ago

well.... i'm at a church that is split between college students and geriatrics, so volume is one HECK of a sound problem.

our sanctuary is an A/V nightmare, but perfect for the spoken word! our drummer is scared to play loud bc he's been chastised one-too-many-times. and our pianist plays a beautiful grand piano that drowns out every-other-instrument-up-front.

and, did i mention we don't have monitors? yeah.

i don't currently have a solution. i just wish i understood how hearing aids worked. apparently, my voice does not cooperate with hearing aids. also, if i try to "tone it down" a bit, one of our elders (with a hearing problem) can't hear me.

what to do?!

Jeff M. Miller · 1 year ago

Mandy,

If you've got any kind of budget money available, you might try some in-ear monitors. We've got the HearBack system, which is no where near as versatile as Avioms, but it is quite economical in comparison. Just make sure you have a way of getting the correct output from your sound board before purchase, but that is rarely a problem. You should be able to install a HearBack system for about the same as getting a full stage set-up of monitor wedges (maybe even less).

Then, if you've got the money on hand, you could also pick up one of the Williams systems for the hearing impaired. It's a little wireless pack that allows the person to plug their own headphone into and turn it as loud or as soft as they want. We've got one transmitting our complete mix.

These are things you can often find on ebay for a reasonable price in a reasonable condition.

I completely understand about the piano situation. Do you close the lid? Does the piano have a mic on it?

As for the drums, I completely understand. That's why we compromised and got an electric set. As a drummer, I know how most drummers feel about electric sets. But, it was a compromise well worth the bother, as our FOH techs can mix the drums into the overall sound without any problems, while our drummer can hit it as hard as he wants.

klampert · 1 year ago

We DB at around 87-91...got a mix of ages as well

inWorship · 1 year ago

We are running 90-92. We actually are getting ready to purchase a smaart system so that we can monitor overall levels. Also, churches are starting to get targeted by some people who threaten to sue due to hearing loss. They claim the sund levels are too high. We had 2 in the state of Oregon this year have this happen.

Just for reference. OSHA standards for sound level dba is 90 for 8 hours. That is pretty high compared to what churches actually run. Most people are really comfortable in the 85-90db range. But remember that music spikes and we are most often measuring the spikes. When a system that can monitor the overall level is in place it can show church members that you are safe and also confirm OSHA's standards and keep you safe from any legal issues. A normal church service that has consistent spikes of 95 will most likely measure out around 75-80 overall sound dba. Way under OSHA's standards.