The Behind the Mixer Podcast

Don't assume there are only two different types of microphones; vocal and instrumental. Chris Huff and Brian Gowing explain how microphones are different, why they're different, and how to pick the right one for your need. They also talk about creative miking solutions for kids choirs, drums, cajons, and how microphone placement on an amplifier can affect the tone.

Resources:

• Vocal Microphone Guide
• Mixing Drums: From Stage to Console
• The Basics Of Phantom Power
• Audio Essentials for Church Sound

Bullies exist even in the church technical production realm and if you're dealing with one then this episode is for you. Chris Huff and Brian Gowing explore the causes of the problem, how to deal with the problem, and how the entire worship experience is affected by a tech team bully. They also discuss the biggest question to come out of the situation; is it time for me to leave the church.

Resources:

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:15-17
• 10 Ways to Respond When You've Been Offended

How can I eliminate feedback? How can I get our ear-worn mic to stay on? Why do our new microphones sound so different? Chris and Brian answer these questions and others related to live audio production. They even discuss how to route channels on a Behringer X32.

Related Resources:

• Why Your Mixer Channel Order Is Slowing You Down
• X32 Patching

Have you ever wondered how a live audio engineer got a particular sound, when you attended a concert? Do what Brian and Chris do, just ask! In today's episode, the guys talk about how much you can learn by attending live events and listening with a critical ear. They also talk about how they talk with those engineers either before or after a concert - and how you can, too!

Resources Mentioned:

• Podcast 32: The Top Production Mistakes in Portable Church Audio
• Behind the Mixer - the Cool Free Stuff

Ever notice your spouse sitting alone (without you by their side) in the congregation while you're running sound? You probably didn't see them before church because you were out the door by the time they woke up. The life of a church sound tech means you are sacrificing time from your family to serve in the audio ministry. In this episode, Chris Huff interviews his wife and they talk openly and frankly about how his audio production work (and the long hours) has impacted the family...and what every church tech AND THEIR SPOUSE should know to help them as a married couple and as parents.

Portable church audio, video, and lighting can be a beast of production work each week. Load it all in, pack it all away, and hope everything in between goes smoothly. On episode 32 of the podcast, Chris Huff and Brian Gowing discuss the biggest mistakes made in each of those areas - audio, video, and lighting, and how to overcome them. They also announce the new Guide to Portable Church AVL.

Resources:

• The New Portable Church AVL Guide (Bundled)

Do you set the mix once for the band and never touch it again? What do you do when the skill level of the sound techs greatly varies? Chris and Brian have seen a lot of things done wrong and a lot done right regarding both questions. In this episode, they go deep as they answer these questions and even address worship leaders who think they know more about mixing than the audio techs. They discuss why this can happen and how much of it's about their mindset - not bashing them, but seeing things from their point of view.

Related Resources:

• What to Do When the Tech Team and the Band are at Odds

Isn't running sound only about mixing and working with gear? Far from it! In a recent article, Karl Winkler discussed the seven habits (skills) every audio tech should have. In today's episode, Chris talks about Karl's article and digs into each of the seven areas.

Resources:

• The Original 7-Habits Article
• Audinate: Training and Tutorials
• The Advantage: Patrick Lencioni
• CTS-D Exam Guide
• This episode's transcript

ENOUGH! At some point, someone in the band angered the tech team and things haven't been the same. Maybe the animosity felt between the groups is the fault of the tech team. Whatever the reason, it's time to admit there's a problem, get through it, and get back to working toward the same goal. In this episode, Chris and Brian talk about why the Us Versus Them division can occur between the production team and the band. They also talk about what can be done to get things back to the way they should be - where everyone works together and respects each other.

Resource:

• How to Fix the Divide Between Tech Teams and Musicians

Move past the microphones and mixers and technical side of church audio production work and you'll find there's a whole lot more to learn. If you're lucky, you'll discover the six things that no one talks about - but they're so important. In this episode, Chris Huff details each of these. Out of all of them, the last one can make the difference between being happy or unhappy in your role as a church sound guy.

Resources:

• Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People