Determining your needs is the first step in the sound system installation process. Will the system be used for amplification of the speech, music, or both? If music amplification is not needed now, will it be necessary in the future? Church sound systems need to be expandable to fit future needs, especially if the building will be expanded at some future point, or if additional sound needs are imminent.
One mixer input is needed for each microphone, and the number will grow dramatically if a praise band with multiple instruments and vocals will be a part of the service. Consider wireless clip-on lapel or hand-held microphones to give speakers the option of moving about, without being tied to set microphone locations. Wireless microphones will also limit the mixer inputs needed, but using wireless systems solely to replace mixer input needs is usually not cost-effective.
Write down your current and future needs, and consult with a sound system professional experienced with church installs. Local music stores often employ installation specialists and consultants, or will refer you to one.
Portable self-contained systems are relatively inexpensive and can be used for permanent installs, but may not offer the expansion capabilities of a component system. Expansion is not simply a matter of adding more speakers, and doing so can cause damage to the amplifier. Speakers and amplifiers are rated in ohms, which dictates the safe working load of speaker and amp sets. Adding speakers to a single amplifier changes the ohm load, which will cause the amplifier to work beyond its rated capacity. Component systems include a separate mixer, with amplifiers and speakers. When the capacity of speakers reaches the safe working load of the amplifier, additional amplifiers and speakers can be added to the system.
Sound systems should not be complicated to run, and a well-designed system will enable volunteers to turn on and operate the sound with minimal training. Church sound systems do not always require mixers with all the "bells and whistles," and simple is always better unless you have a dedicated sound engineer.
Outline a rough plan based on the room size and congregation layout. Consider placement of mixer, amplifiers, and speakers, and don't forget speaker and electrical wiring. Wiring needs to be kept away from foot traffic, and the overall plan must consider wire length.
Safety is a prime concern, as most church sound installations involve hanging speakers on the wall or from the ceiling. Even if you design the system yourself, mounted speakers must always be installed by professionals to ensure safety and compliance with state and federal safety regulations. Speakers vibrate, and always require back-up safety cables, as mounting brackets and anchoring devices can become loose and unsafe over time. Professional installers will also determine the best location of speakers for optimum sound quality and room coverage. Speaker location is very important, as even the most expensive systems will suffer sound quality loss from poor placement.
Provide a scale drawing to the installer or consultant, with room measurements, and location of pews, alter, sermon area, praise band or choir, and don't forget obstacles such as pillars and overhangs.