Simplifying Church Sound: Insights from Kade Young
In the ever-evolving landscape of church sound and technology, maintaining consistency and training volunteers remain significant challenges. I’m Kade Young, and I’ve spent over a decade addressing these issues to help churches improve their sound systems. Today, I’m excited to share my perspective on how to simplify church sound systems to enhance both the volunteer experience and the auditory environment of your services.
The Challenges of Church Sound
From my experiences, including my own humorous and humbling transition from a tech enthusiast to a novice farmer, I’ve realized that consistency and simplicity in church sound operations are not just goals but necessities. Churches often struggle with sound consistency week to week, and new volunteers can easily feel overwhelmed by the complex setups. My journey with sound at church has shown me that whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, there’s always room to grow and improve.
Emphasizing In-Room Experience
My philosophy centers on the importance of the in-room experience over the livestream. While livestreaming is a fantastic outreach tool, it should not detract from the energy and engagement of the in-person gathering. At my church, we prioritize setting the lights and sound for those present in the room and then adapt that setting for the livestream. This approach ensures that we do not compromise the live experience for the sake of online broadcast.
A Simple Approach to Live Stream Sound
Many churches, including mine, were thrust into the world of livestreaming without much preparation due to the pandemic. This challenge led me to develop a straightforward method for achieving a high-quality livestream sound without requiring extensive additional equipment or personnel. Contrary to more complex setups like using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), I advocate for a post-fader bus mix approach, which simplifies the process and reduces the need for multiple operators.
Training and Tools for Volunteers
Understanding the intimidation new volunteers might feel when faced with a complicated soundboard, I designed my training program, Church Sound Made Simple. This online course condenses ten years of sound engineering experience into an accessible format that volunteers can complete in just a few hours, equipping them with the knowledge to manage church sound effectively.
Collaboration and Community
Over the years, my work has reached millions through YouTube, and I’ve taught thousands through my courses. This impact was made possible not only through my efforts but through collaboration with churches and learning from industry leaders. For instance, visiting churches like Church on the Move and Victory Church, I discovered that even large, well-resourced churches often employ simple, effective strategies similar to what I advocate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you are just starting or looking to refine your church’s sound system, remember the importance of simplicity and focus on what truly enhances the worship experience. If you’re interested in learning more about simplifying your church’s sound system or training your volunteers without overwhelming them, consider exploring the resources I’ve developed. They’re designed to help you make sound a seamless and supportive part of your worship service.
