How Loud is Too Loud | Drew Brashler at the Churchfront Conference 2024

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How Loud is Too Loud? A Talk by Drew Brashler at the Churchfront Conference 2024

At the recent Churchfront Conference in October, Drew Brashler, an audio consultant and seasoned expert in live production, addressed one of the most debated topics in church sound engineering: “How loud is too loud?” His talk provided practical insights into balancing impactful worship experiences with safe sound levels, all while keeping church environments inclusive for every member of the congregation.

The Core of the Conversation: Why Loudness Matters in Worship

Brashler began by exploring the purpose behind amplified sound in worship. He emphasized that church audio serves a dual purpose: clarity and connection. Clarity is essential to ensure that lyrics and sermons are easily understood, while connection, achieved through volume dynamics, evokes emotional engagement within the congregation. “We’re here to build a mix that’s both clear and impactful,” Drew said, highlighting the importance of creating an experience that doesn’t distract but rather invites people into worship.

Understanding Complaints About Loudness

Brashler acknowledged that complaints about volume are common and often stem from perception rather than actual sound levels. Many times, people feel that the music is “too loud” because of tonal imbalances or sudden jumps in volume. “If the highs are over-emphasized or the lows are lacking,” he explained, “a mix can feel louder than it actually is.” To mitigate this, he suggested that sound engineers focus on balanced tonality and consider the dynamics of an entire service, gradually building intensity to avoid sudden, jarring increases in volume.

Techniques to Balance Volume Throughout the Service

Drew offered several practical strategies to avoid uncomfortable volume dynamics during a service:

  • Walk-in Music: Set a baseline of gentle audio before the service begins.
  • Intro Videos: Increase volume slightly to allow the congregation to adjust to the elevated sound.
  • Gradual Builds: Rather than sudden increases in volume, Drew recommended layering sound to prepare the congregation for louder moments gradually.

Acoustic Challenges and Practical Solutions

Brashler noted that many church acoustics aren’t designed for amplified sound, and live instruments, especially drums and guitar amps, can make volume control difficult. He discussed the benefits of using in-ear monitors and digital sound-capturing methods to control stage volume, as well as practical suggestions like repositioning guitar amps or asking drummers to use lighter sticks.

The Importance of Room Acoustics and Sound System Quality

One of the key points Drew addressed was room acoustics. He highlighted the need for churches to assess their spaces, as certain frequencies, particularly bass, can accumulate in specific areas and lead to complaints. For those dealing with aged PA systems originally designed for quieter worship, Brashler suggested reaching out to an AVL integrator to evaluate whether the system meets the needs of modern, dynamic worship.

The Science of Safe Sound Levels

Drawing on research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies, Brashler discussed SPL (Sound Pressure Level) standards for safe listening. He explained the difference between dBA and dBC measurements, advising sound engineers to prioritize dBA for its more accurate reflection of human hearing sensitivity. He then shared safe listening limits, emphasizing that churches need to maintain an average of 94 dBA or lower over a one-hour service to minimize hearing risk.

A Practical Approach to Long-Term Safety

To wrap up, Drew stressed the importance of consistently measuring and managing SPL levels during services, not only for the congregation but also for the worship team and volunteers who are exposed to higher sound levels over longer periods. He pointed attendees to Churchfront’s SPL measurement workshop, encouraging engineers to learn and apply safe SPL management in their own church settings.

In this informative session, Drew Brashler brought a balance of technical expertise and pastoral insight, reminding everyone that an impactful worship mix should be inclusive, safe, and above all, lead people into worship.

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