121. Compact Console Workflow

Key takeaways

Compact consoles are advantageous in worship settings due to their ability to handle high input counts in a limited physical footprint.
Organizing console layouts, including using DCAs and custom layers, can improve workflow and facilitate smoother transitions during services.
DCAs are powerful tools for mixing efficiently, allowing control of multiple channels with a single fader, especially useful during service transitions.
Snapshots and scenes can be effectively utilized for rapid adjustments throughout different parts of a service, ensuring sound quality and consistency.
Continuous learning and adaptation are essential for audio engineers, fostering better mixing practices and a deeper understanding of equipment.

Summary

Compact Console Advantages

In this episode, James and Gary explore the advantages of compact audio consoles, emphasizing how these devices can support high channel counts with a minimal footprint, which is crucial in worship environments where space is limited. They reflect on past experiences with larger analog consoles and discuss their transition to modern digital consoles that allow for efficient organization and mixing, highlighting how small form factors can still deliver powerful audio solutions.

Organizing Your Console's Layout

A significant focus of the conversation revolves around the best practices for organizing a compact console. The hosts suggest customizing the layout of console controls, including DCAs (Digitally Controlled Amplifiers) and custom layers, to enhance workflow. They discuss strategies for retaining functionality while mixing worship services, focusing on how to streamline transitions between various parts of a service, such as worship music to announcements or preaching.

DCA and Transition Layers

James and Gary detail the importance of DCAs and transition layers. DCAs allow engineers to group multiple channels under a single fader, enabling quick adjustments for large groups of instruments or vocals. They outline how to set up transition layers specifically designed for service transitions, emphasizing the need for rapid access to essential controls to maintain a fluid service flow. Moreover, they highlight how thoughtful setup can minimize disruptions during critical moments.

The Role of Snapshots and Scenes

Additionally, the podcast touches on the utility of snapshots and scenes within a digital console. Gary shares his approach to using these features to change settings, effectively recalling specific parameters for different songs. The discussion focuses on the importance of testing settings and maintaining control over the mix, ensuring quick adjustments without losing the overall sound quality during worship.

Continued Learning and Adaptation

Finally, the episode stresses the importance of ongoing education and adaptation in audio mixing. Both hosts agree that understanding one's console, experimenting with different setups, and engaging with the broader community of sound engineers can significantly enhance mixing skills. They encourage listeners to explore the functionalities of their equipment, stay curious, and always seek new ways to improve their craft.

Show notes

In Episode 121, the hosts discuss strategies and workflow when working with a compact consoles. Some of the keys to success include properly utilizing DCAs and snapshots/scenes, staying organized, and much more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz.

Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/academy, and also visit our new Instagram page @churchsoundpodcast.

Co-host James Attaway is the author of the Live Mixing Field Guide, a quick-start guide to EQ, compression and effects. Find more from James on the Attaway Audio YouTube Channel and at AttawayAudio.com. Reach him on IG @attawayaudio or contact him via email here.

Co-host Gary Zandstra has worked in church production as an AV systems integrator and as a manufacturer’s rep for more than 35 years.