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Worship Band Mixing Techniques

Mixing the sound board for a worship band requires a good understanding of the role of live music in worship. Unlike a performance band or a traditional church instrumental ensemble, modern worship bands lead the congregation in worship with a full, modern musical sound. Knowing appropriate mixing technique is crucial for optimal worship band leading.
  1. Discuss Goals

    • Understanding a Worship Band's style is important to mixing

      Discuss worship sound goals with the church leadership and the band members. Before you are able to mix the sound appropriately you must know what kind of sound is right for the congregation and the band's musical style. Let a correct understanding of both lead your mixing choices.

    Set Each Instrument

    • Mix Each Instrument Individually Before Setting Volume.

      Set each instrument separately. Avoid controlling the sound by increasing the volume. Use the equalizer high, mid and low knobs to create the best sound for that instrument. Low-tones instruments, such as the bass guitar, are best set with increased lows and decreased highs. Instruments intended to provide higher tones, such as a piano or acoustic guitar, will need increased highs and decreased lows. Only adjust these slightly at first if you're unsure.

    Equalize All

    • Strive For Good Balance When Mixing The Whole Band.

      Balance the overall band sound as the band plays together. Set the volume for each instrument at nearly the same level. The high, mid and low tones of each should be distinct, depending on the role of each. Strive to make each instrument sound its best within the mix while creating a full sound while played together.

    Fine Tune

    • Fine tune the tound as the band plays.

      Fine-tune for each song according to varying instrumental roles. Bring out the instruments intended to drive the song slightly more than the others. Bring out instruments intended to drive the song slightly more than the others. Set instruments intended to fill out the sound without driving the tempo, such as keyboard pads, electric guitar filler or organ settings,at a slightly lower volume.

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