Sound system control - keeping it simple

The first digital sound mixer was introduced over 25 years ago. 10 years later, major sound rental companies embraced the technology and digital consoles began to replace their analogue counterparts on the larger touring shows. Progressively, extensive software and hardware developments have found their way into smaller, low cost mixers that are highly suited to church installations.

In parallel, tablet computers have transformed the ability to implement wireless control over many domestic and commercial applications. The combination of the two has seen the recent introduction of very affordable sound mixing systems that overcome many of the issues that face local village churches.

'Simplicity of operation, security, high speech intelligibility and the ability to connect an iPad are some of the key priorities discussed at site meetings,' according to Andy Callin, managing director of Surrey-based Sound Analysts.

'St Mary's Church in Oxted, Surrey was a classic example. There was a 30 year-old inflexible system in place with a lot of existing cabling and a control cabinet located next to the organ, near the altar. As part of an upgrade, the church wanted to expand their sound system to accommodate the occasional guitar and playback from a laptop, as well as having the ability to control volume levels from the rear of the church.

'Using QSC's new TouchMix system meant we could incorporate the wish list and maintain much of the existing infrastructure. The system can be controlled either from the cabinet or via a tablet using a local WiFi link. Day to day operation is very straightforward and we can easily lock out some features to prevent unauthorised adjustment. The upgraded system is in a different league and with the inclusion of the EM Acoustics speakers, the sound quality for speech and music in this Grade 1 listed village church is outstanding'.

The Rev'd Andrew Rumsey, vicar of St Mary's commented: 'These guys really went the extra mile to ensure we have a sound system that now does exactly what we want'.

For further information visit the website at www.soundanalysts.co.uk or meet the team at CRE International stand number C19A.