Hey everyone, Dariel Cummins here, coming to you from the heart of Puyallup, Washington, where I have the privilege of serving as the Production Director at Experience Church. I’m thrilled to take you behind the scenes of our church’s cutting-edge production setup, sharing insights into the innovative solutions we’ve implemented to enhance our worship services and outreach.
Embracing the Power of Technology
At Experience Church, we believe in leveraging technology to its fullest potential to connect with our congregation and beyond. Our journey into the tech world has been nothing short of revolutionary, transforming the way we conduct services and engage with our community.
The Ultimate Video and Audio Over IP System
Our journey began with a vision to create the ultimate video and audio over IP (Internet Protocol) system tailored for a church environment. The goal was clear: to achieve seamless integration of video and audio components, ensuring high-quality broadcasts and live productions. With this vision in mind, we embarked on a journey to overhaul our existing setup, introducing state-of-the-art equipment and software solutions.
The Heart of Our System: Dante and NDI
Central to our setup are Dante for audio and NDI (Network Device Interface) for video. Dante allows us to connect and manage our audio devices over a standard IP network, providing flexibility and scalability. NDI, on the other hand, enables us to transmit high-quality video over the network with low latency, perfect for live production.
The Backbone: Our Consoles and Networking
Our system is powered by two Allen & Heath dLive consoles, one for front-of-house and one for broadcast. These consoles, equipped with GigaACE and Dante cards, form the backbone of our audio setup. The integration of these consoles with our network infrastructure allows for a streamlined workflow, ensuring that our audio is crisp, clear, and perfectly synchronized.
Innovations on Stage and Beyond
One of the most exciting aspects of our setup is the use of mobile devices as part of our production toolkit. From screen sharing sermon notes and verses directly from a phone to using mobile devices as roaming cameras for special events like water baptisms, we’ve embraced the versatility and convenience of smartphones and tablets.
We’ve also introduced innovative solutions like using Skype for remote contributions and integrating iPads for real-time communication with on-stage talent. These tools have opened up new possibilities for interaction and engagement during our services.
The Visual Experience: LED Walls and Camera Systems
Visually, our services are enhanced by a stunning LED wall, providing a vibrant backdrop for worship and sermons. Our camera setup, including Panasonic and Blackmagic cameras, is designed to capture every moment in stunning detail. The use of PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) cameras and advanced control systems allows for dynamic shots and angles, bringing a professional broadcast feel to our streams.
Audio Innovations: In-Ear Monitoring and Acoustic Treatment
In the realm of audio, we’ve made significant strides in improving the on-stage experience for our musicians and speakers. Our in-ear monitoring system, powered by Aviom, provides personalized mixes for each performer, ensuring they hear exactly what they need. We’ve also focused on acoustic treatment throughout our facility, from the auditorium to our recording studio, to ensure optimal sound quality.
The Studio: A Hub for Creative Content
Our studio, equipped with a versatile LED TV wall and a range of cameras, serves as a hub for creating a wide array of content, from podcasts to special segments for our services. This space, designed with acoustics in mind, offers a controlled environment for high-quality audio and video production.
Looking Ahead: Continuous Innovation
As we look to the future, our focus remains on leveraging technology to enhance our worship experiences and outreach efforts. Whether it’s exploring new software solutions or integrating the latest hardware, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of church production technology.
Join Us on This Journey
I hope this glimpse into our production setup at Experience Church has been enlightening. Our journey is a testament to the power of technology in enhancing worship and fostering community. We’re excited about the possibilities ahead and invite you to join us, whether in person or online, as we continue to explore new horizons in church production.