There's a lot going on in the world of church audio and it's not all good.  Chris and Brian talk with Richard Gaspard, the House of Worship Market Manager about what he, and PreSonus are doing to help.  They also talk about the night and day difference between the first PreSonus digital console and what they offer today.

What do you call a man so devoted to the Chicago Cubs that he named his dog, Wrigley?  You call him Jason Wetherholt, Worship Minister at Greenwood Christian Church.  Today, Chris Huff interviews him and he answers the question of what musicians expect from the sound tech - the answer might surprise you.

Resources:

• Greenwood Christian Church
• The Worship Architect: A Blueprint for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services
• Behind the Mixer

Episode 45 - Back from a short hiatus, Chris and Brian talk about the topic everyone should teach their new audio techs right from the start.  Unfortunately, it's a topic that's usually taught last.  They also discuss the top 3 qualities a church tech leader needs but why it's often only one that gets any attention - and how that can spell disaster.

Resources:

• Audio Essentials for Church Sound
• The Soundcheck Checklist

Episode 40 - Music copyright laws are in place to protect musicians and the original music owners.  However, there are popular myths that churches have believed for years that have resulted in copyright infringement.  Chris covers these myths, myths on video licensing, and what you should be doing.

Reference:

• Your Guide to Playing Church Music and COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT!
• Video copyright Myths and Copyright Infringement
• Church Copyright Toolkit

Episode 43: What mistakes are we making as tech team leaders?  For that matter, what mistakes are we making as volunteers? In this episode, Chris interviews his wife, who has worked in a variety of leadership roles, including the volunteer coordinator at the local hospital where she oversaw 90 volunteers.  Gina brings up key areas for retention as well as recruitment and they talk about how understanding personality types goes a long way to helping team members and becoming a better leader.

Resources:

• Submit Questions to Behind the Mixer
• Personality Test
• Which Animal Are You (Personality Test)
• Equipping You for Real Life (Gina’s Site)
• Conflict Resolution

What speakers should we buy? What about the mixer? These questions are part of typical conversations Chris and Brian have had with many churches over the years.  Only this time, Chris is playing the role of the pastor and Brian plays...Brian.  Discover how they look at a church system, the types of questions they ask, and how you should take a new look at your system.

Resources:

• Talk with Chris and Brian

What's the purpose of technical production in the church?  What about your church? Josiah Way answers this in his new book, Producing Worship: A Theology of Church Technical Arts.  On today's show, Chris Huff interviews Dr. Way to talk about the basis of the book and the important aspects of church technical work that's often overlooked by tech artists.  You'll also find out why Chris believes this book should be mandatory reading for pastors, worship leaders, and everyone in the church tech community.

Resources:

• Producing Worship: A Theology of Church Technical Arts
• Dr. Way's Higher Ed AV Podcast

Audio Fusion Systems is a new contender to the personal monitor mixing realm and they are unlike everything else in one big way.  They claim you can get pro-level wireless monitoring using software on the devices you already have.  And it's unbelievably affordable and easy to use.  Does their product live up to the hype?  Find out as Chris Huff interviews co-founder Brandon Leafblad.

Resources:

• Audio Fusion Systems

Low end frequency problems can plague a mix if they aren't identified and addressed.  In episode 39, Chris Huff discusses how the low end frequencies can work both positively and negatively.  He also discusses how you can control excess low end both on stage and in the sound booth.

Resources:

• Got the Low-End Frequency Blues?
• Audio Essentials for Church Sound

It's the end of the year so Brian and Chris decided to take time to reflect on production successes of 2018 and what the future holds for Behind the Mixer in 2019.  Also, they're talking about YOUR successes, but.... Here's the thing, you might want to SKIP the podcast and just read the post on the web site.  We're not really sure what happened this time.  I think they had a little too much fun and were a little (way too) disorganized - a result of production work during the Christmas season I suppose.  Next year, they're looking at taking the podcast up to the next level.  But for episode 38, I think the extra work for the holiday season finally got to them.​​

Resources:

• Your Production Successes in 2018 and What's in Store for 2019

Don't assume there are only two different types of microphones; vocal and instrumental. Chris Huff and Brian Gowing explain how microphones are different, why they're different, and how to pick the right one for your need. They also talk about creative miking solutions for kids choirs, drums, cajons, and how microphone placement on an amplifier can affect the tone.

Resources:

• Vocal Microphone Guide
• Mixing Drums: From Stage to Console
• The Basics Of Phantom Power
• Audio Essentials for Church Sound