Spencer Clem, Consultant, CCI Solutions

As a consultant for a church AVL integration company, my job is to continue to refine how I help my clients and partners become more confident and knowledgeable about their AVL systems.  Two of the most powerful yet underutilized features I encounter are “Scene Safe” and “Focus Recall.” These features can make a significant difference in live mixing environments, but a lot of church AVL staff don't use them because they can be complicated or difficult to set up. While you technically can manually achieve what you want without Scene Safes and Focus Recall, you can make your job a lot easier and the outcome a lot more consistent if you learn how to dial these in.

Scene Safes: What You Don’t Want to Recall

Let's start with Scene Safes. Essentially, Scene Safes are the parameters or settings you want to protect when loading the next scene. Imagine you've dialed in the perfect microphone gain or monitor mix. The last thing you want is for those settings to change when you switch scenes. That's where Scene Safes come into play. You can lock in those critical settings, ensuring consistency throughout the service, no matter how many scenes you load.

For example, if your vocal channels are set just right, you can make sure they stay that way even as other aspects of the mix adapt. It's all about preserving what’s essential and letting the rest of the mix work its magic. This is especially useful in live performances where consistency is key, and you don't want to risk messing up something as crucial as microphone levels.

Focus Recall: What You Do Want to Recall

Related, Focus Recall allows you to zero in on specific elements of a scene—just the parts you want to change. Instead of loading every parameter within a scene, you can recall specific parameters of specific channels, like a group of channels, effects, or fader levels. Once you’ve dialed in your Focus Recall settings, it can be a lifesaver when you need to make quick adjustments during live events.

For instance, say you need to fade in and out of pre-service music. Instead of manually adjusting multiple channels, you can simply put it all in a scene that only recalls the fader positions. Everything else remains unaffected. This targeted recall not only simplifies the process but also keeps things running smoothly without interrupting the flow of the service.

In today’s rapidly changing world of church AVL (Audio, Video, and Lighting) systems, the idea of replacing wired technology with a new wireless system continues to be attractive. Whether it’s freeing up space on a busy stage or eliminating the hassle of cables during a live event, the idea of going wireless can be tempting. Wireless technology, like microphones and handheld cameras, exists in almost every system we install because it offers significant benefits.However, it’s also important to provide a full understanding of the potential challenges that come with going wireless. Before making the leap, consider why you are contemplating a fully wireless system in the first place. Wireless technology offers flexibility and can be a benefit when used in the right places, but it also comes with trade-offs that need careful consideration, especially when reliability and quality are crucial.

Why Is This Question Important?

The drive toward wireless systems often stems from a desire for convenience and freedom to move around.  The benefits are clear: no more cables to trip over and fewer restrictions on movement for cameras and other equipment. However, there are also key considerations to keep in mind. While going wireless can solve some problems, it may also introduce new ones that could impact your church’s live events.

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Prioritize People Before Tech

When considering whether to go wireless or stick with wired systems, it’s essential to remember that technology should serve your church's mission, not overshadow it. Choosing the right AVL setup and the right integrator is about more than just the latest gadgets; it’s about enhancing your ability to connect with your congregation.

The best AVL integrators will understand that your church's needs go beyond technical specifications. They’ll take the time to understand your congregation's needs and ensure that the technology, wired or wireless or a mix of the two, supports your vision for worship.The goal is always to enhance the connection between your leaders and your congregation.

In an age of rapidly advancing technology, it's easy to be tempted by the latest gadgets for your church's audio, visual, and lighting (AVL) needs. The allure of cutting-edge features or budget-friendly options can be strong. However, it's important to remember that technology is just one tool in your toolbox to deliver engaging experiences and connect with your congregation. This is why having a well-thought-out master plan for your church's AVL setup is crucial.

Master Plan vs. Design Plan: Understanding the Difference

A master plan is more than just a design plan. It’s a comprehensive, phased approach that outlines the current and future AVL needs of your church. While a design plan focuses on the immediate AVL setup, a master plan is essential when your vision exceeds your current budget. It integrates technology and expertise with your church's overall vision and goals, considering both present and future requirements.

The master plan ensures that even with budget constraints, strategic decisions are made to gradually achieve your vision. It’s about creating a cohesive system that enhances worship experiences and supports your ministry’s activities, making sure that each phase of the plan moves you closer to your ultimate goals.

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Mike Robertson, Consultant, CCI Solutions

Like many before me, I started my tech journey when I was in middle school at the youth group. They needed someone to turn some knobs, and man, did I like turning those knobs! I ended up being the “sound guy” for our youth group and quickly was serving in “Big Church.” I never ended up getting formal training, but simply learned to use what we had at the church, picking up tricks along the way. This path allowed me to work local events and eventually I ended up leading the church technical team. When I left for college, I still did some audio support but dove into the broadcast video world. This took me out of the audio world for the next decade plus – now I was the Video Guy. 

After years of working as a Tech Lead at two churches, where I handled everything from video production to audio management, I’ve now taken on a volunteer role at my local church. My focus is on video directing and running audio, and despite my experience, I’ve found myself relearning many of the basics all over again!  

Over the past year, while adjusting to my role as the church sound technician, I’ve picked up several key lessons. I’m no expert—sometimes I feel like I’m still finding my way—but my goal is to serve wherever I can. For me, working in the FOH position helps me connect with God and worship through service.

1. Learn the instrument you are using

I grew up mixing on mostly analog consoles. I have used some digital boards along the way, but not consistently. I currently work for a National Integration company and a phrase I hear in my conversations with other Church Techs who are still making that Analog to Digital transition is that the “Analog to Digital Learning Curve is steep.” Not all digital boards are the same, but it always does take time to learn the ins and outs of the instrument we were using at the church. One year into my journey of using this audio board a few times a week, I finally felt comfortable with how to navigate “all the things.” When that comfort level hit, I felt liberated to begin exploring my mix on a deeper level.

2. Learn to be curious

Learning your tool leads to an ability to be curious and to explore the options that are available to the mixer. I have become more adventurous with adjusting the compressors and gates and started rearranging the physical layouts to fit my needs. We use a third-party software and hardware program for effects and processing and I am now turning, twisting, and testing everything I can to see how it affects the audio I hear. There were moments when I would sit in the room by myself, play tracks, and then decide to scrap everything I was once using for another path. Being curious is a path to growth.