Nothing can disrupt a worship service like the annoying squeal of feedback from the sound system. Feedback is a ringing sound or squeal which occurs when the signal generated by the microphone is reproduced by a nearby loudspeaker which is then picked up by the microphone and the re-produced by the loudspeaker and picked up by the microphone again, etc. This looping process will continue until the microphone is relocated so that it does not pick up the sound from the loudspeaker. Feedback can be very specific to frequency and /or location. There are a variety of outboard processors that minimize feedback problems, but much can be gained by the proper selection and application of microphones in Worship.
For the most part, microphones can be classified by how they convert sound energy to an electrical signal. The most common types are condenser and dynamic. In a place of worship, condenser microphones offer a number of advantages over dynamics. First, condenser microphones can be made much smaller (and less conspicuous) than dynamics without sacrificing performance. They also have higher sensitivity for excellent pickup, even at the distances required by hanging choir mics. They have lower handling noise than dynamics, and their extended frequency response provides a crisper, more accurate reproduction of sound. Finally, condenser mics have superior "transient response" for accurately reproducing sudden sonic impulses, such as those produced by voice, piano and percussion. Condenser microphones require a power source for their internal electronics. Some models can receive power from an internal battery while others may be "phantom" or "remote" powered.
Microphones are also classified according to the way they pick up sounds from different directions. An omnidirectional (omni) mic picks up sound equally well from all around. A unidirectional (uni) mic picks up mainly what is directly in front of it. The most common type of unidirectional mic is the cardioid type. It has a broad angle of pickup in the front, and rejects sounds from behind the mic. Supercardioid is a tighter pattern, but with more pickup from the rear than cardioid. Hypercardioid is tighter still, with even more pickup from the rear. Because they reject feedback, room reverb and leakage, unidirectional mics are the most common choice for sound reinforcement.
Experiencing Worship, The Study
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
Experiencing Worship, The Study