Don’t have a lot of time this afternoon, so I’ve decided to address the glaring, yet simple complaint with today’s worship music: “It’s too loud”
I think this one can be summed up in 2 words: BAD MIX
I’ve been in traditional Easter services where the Orchestra is pushing 110 Db and the entire senior community is present and loving it! So, I think we can say with confidence that when people complain about a 4 piece band running 95Db that the real issue isn’t volume, it’s the mix*.
I have run sound enough to know that when the average person complains about the mix, they generally don’t say things like, “I’m suffering from listening fatigue” or “The cymbals seem harsh, can you roll back the highs a bit” or “The vocals are way out front. Anyway to get them back in the mix.” Nope, it’s will almost always, “This music is too loud” or, more specifically, “The drums are too loud!”
So, if your a senior or worship pastor:
Invest in some great FOH engineers. Acoustically treat your room. Isolate your gear(you can’t run your rig like The Edge unless you have 10,000 people in your venue). Invest in good equipment. And I promise you this: it will go a long way in unifying your church in terms of music.
If your a congregation member:
Administer some grace, churches aren’t run on elaborate budgets (at least yours probably doesn’t), and it’s likely your leaders are doing their best. And in the meantime, feel free to offer constructive, heartfelt, criticism and loving, authentic encouragement. (And try to do more of the latter than the former).
What do you think? Do you agree? Do you disagree?
*This is a general statement. Sometimes, it’s just TOO LOUD!
Just saw that you were posting this series, Cole. Excellent commentary and insights. Thank you for tackling this with grace.
I’m not a senior – yet, but I do know that some seniors have difficulty with certin Db levels. Is that related to the mix?
I think that you are an excellent worship leader. Riverside is lucky to have you and your precious family in our church.
I Have to agree with all your statements above, I am a worship leader @ a new-frontiers church in Bedford and I also run a sound and av company doing live events and installs I often get asked that same question and not just in churches it all comes down to the mix and operation of the equipment you have, buy the best you can and get training for your guys who run the kit it will help a great deal
Great post I look forward to reading more!!
Matt
Thank you for sharing the things you’ve learned about worship, music and tech with others. Many will benefit from you sharing with them. This blog is awesome.