Hey everyone, Matt here with Churchfront! We recently completed an exciting two-day build-out at Family Church in St. Augustine, Florida, and I’m thrilled to share the journey with you. This project was a fantastic opportunity to make significant improvements to their audio and stage setups, all while preparing for future upgrades. Here’s a detailed look at what we accomplished and what lies ahead.
Introduction to Family Church
At Family Church, we’re seeing a transition in leadership with Jared Cochrane stepping into the lead pastor role. Jared is not only a dedicated pastor but also an incredible drummer for their worship team. Our mission for this visit was to clean up their stage and improve their sound system, setting the foundation for a more organized and efficient setup.
Tackling the Antenna Structures and Stage Cleanup
One of our first tasks was redoing the antenna structures for all their wireless units. Previously, there was a significant amount of equipment just lying on the ground, creating a mess and potential hazards. With the help of Asa, who worked tirelessly on this project, we managed to clean up and organize everything, making a noticeable difference in the stage area.
Sound System Overhaul
The heart of our project involved enhancing their sound system. Family Church had been using an Allen and Heath SQ7 at the front of house and an SQ6 for their broadcast. However, due to a lack of manpower, the SQ6 was underutilized, leading to a subpar broadcast mix. To address this, we set them up with a Waves SuperRack system, which streamlined their setup and significantly improved their sound quality.
During their practice session, we fine-tuned the sound, ensuring it was crisp and clear. Jared, their drummer, was particularly impressed with the changes, especially the switch from mono to stereo tracks, which made a substantial difference in the overall sound quality.
Improving the Drum Setup
Given Jared’s role as the drummer, it was crucial to enhance the drum setup. We focused on sound deadening to reduce the volume on stage and organized the cords and equipment around the drum kit. The result was a cleaner, more efficient setup that dramatically improved the sound and appearance of the stage.
Backstage Tech Room Transformation
One of the most rewarding parts of this project was transforming the backstage tech room. What was once a cluttered storage area is now an organized, functional space. Asa did an exceptional job cleaning and setting up the equipment, making the room look professional and efficient.
Audio Gear Optimization
We also reorganized their wireless gear, installing an RF Venue Combine 8 to enhance their antenna distribution. By consolidating their Shure wireless units and mounting them properly, we improved both the aesthetics and functionality of their audio setup.
Deploying Waves SuperRack
The Waves SuperRack setup was a game-changer. We installed the Proton Duo, which serves as both the host and server, streamlining the processing and control of their audio. This compact and powerful unit allowed us to run sophisticated plugins and achieve a high-quality broadcast mix, ensuring the online audience enjoys the same great sound as those in the sanctuary.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans
While this visit focused on audio and cleanup, we’re not done yet. Phase two of our project will include installing new cameras and a switcher to revamp their broadcast setup. We’re excited to return in a few months and continue enhancing the worship experience at Family Church.
Conclusion
Our time at Family Church was productive and fulfilling. By reorganizing their stage and improving their sound system, we’ve set the stage for even greater improvements in the future. If you enjoyed this update and want to learn more about what we do at Churchfront, visit churchfront.com and click on “Apply Now” to join our program. We look forward to helping more churches elevate their worship and production ministries.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates from our team at Churchfront!
