Sound Board - Digital Vs. Analog
Once we know our current and future needs, the big decision comes - DIGITAL or ANALOG.
The decision between DIGITAL and ANALOG sound boards is not necessarily an easy one. The debate of which is best is an ongoing battle among professionals, and there is no quick an easy answer.
The top 4 items I tell folks to look at are as follows:
1. How much space do you have?
Digital boards take up much less space because they work in layers. Let's say you need 40 inputs but only have space for a board with 10 inputs. You can get a 40 channel board that only has 10 sliders, but has 4 layers. You can assign one layer for mics, one for music, and then even have a separate layer that allows you to mix the two. That is just an example, basically you can set it up to fit your needs.
2. Who are your operators?
Digital boards are not difficult to use, but many older and less experienced operators are intimidated by them. Remember why you have a sound board. It isn't to impress, it's to amplify the message so that everyone can hear the Word of God! If you buy a board that is too difficult for your volunteers or scares them away, you haven't done God a service.
3. What sound do you prefer?
Some purists say that they can tell a difference in the sound coming from a digital board vs. an analog board. While I can hear a difference when comparing one to another side by side, I couldn't pick one out if it were not being compared - nor could most church members. My biggest peice of advice is to make sure you like the sound coming from the board first and foremost. I always suggest renting or "testing" any large ticket items before purchasing them if it is at all possible.
4. What is your budget?
Digital boards cost more, but may not be as expensive as you think when you compare the total package cost. When you buy an Analog Board, every addon costs extra. If you want reverb, you have to buy something else. If you want to patch your cables, you have to buy something else. Even getting inputs to the stage requires the purchase of a snake to carry the multiple cable lines. Digital boards have many features built into them, and some even allow you to run a single CAT5 cable from the board to the stage. This is why planning is important. Know your needs and limitations.
Hopefully this gives you a little bit of insight. There are other factors to look at, and the variety of boards are tremendous. Look around a bit - and not just at one store. If you want to really get an idea of what you want, visit other churches and sit in on a service with their operators. If you have the money to hire a consultant, you can't go wrong! Let them look at your church and help you to get what you need. My biggest suggestion is to take your time, plan, pray and save up. Don't buy a cheap board just to save a few bucks. If you do this right, you won't have to buy another board for a while.
The decision between DIGITAL and ANALOG sound boards is not necessarily an easy one. The debate of which is best is an ongoing battle among professionals, and there is no quick an easy answer.
The top 4 items I tell folks to look at are as follows:
1. How much space do you have?
Digital boards take up much less space because they work in layers. Let's say you need 40 inputs but only have space for a board with 10 inputs. You can get a 40 channel board that only has 10 sliders, but has 4 layers. You can assign one layer for mics, one for music, and then even have a separate layer that allows you to mix the two. That is just an example, basically you can set it up to fit your needs.
2. Who are your operators?
Digital boards are not difficult to use, but many older and less experienced operators are intimidated by them. Remember why you have a sound board. It isn't to impress, it's to amplify the message so that everyone can hear the Word of God! If you buy a board that is too difficult for your volunteers or scares them away, you haven't done God a service.
3. What sound do you prefer?
Some purists say that they can tell a difference in the sound coming from a digital board vs. an analog board. While I can hear a difference when comparing one to another side by side, I couldn't pick one out if it were not being compared - nor could most church members. My biggest peice of advice is to make sure you like the sound coming from the board first and foremost. I always suggest renting or "testing" any large ticket items before purchasing them if it is at all possible.
4. What is your budget?
Digital boards cost more, but may not be as expensive as you think when you compare the total package cost. When you buy an Analog Board, every addon costs extra. If you want reverb, you have to buy something else. If you want to patch your cables, you have to buy something else. Even getting inputs to the stage requires the purchase of a snake to carry the multiple cable lines. Digital boards have many features built into them, and some even allow you to run a single CAT5 cable from the board to the stage. This is why planning is important. Know your needs and limitations.
Hopefully this gives you a little bit of insight. There are other factors to look at, and the variety of boards are tremendous. Look around a bit - and not just at one store. If you want to really get an idea of what you want, visit other churches and sit in on a service with their operators. If you have the money to hire a consultant, you can't go wrong! Let them look at your church and help you to get what you need. My biggest suggestion is to take your time, plan, pray and save up. Don't buy a cheap board just to save a few bucks. If you do this right, you won't have to buy another board for a while.
posted by onevoice at 3:51 PM
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