Sound Operator Instruction

I have found that both learning about sound reinforcement and teaching a willing volunteer about this is very challenging. I come to this out of need since I am the most "expert" in our congregation. That is not saying much. Therefore I need a good deal of education in this area. The volunteers that I can find need much education in this area as well.

People learn in many different ways. I like to have a step-by-step instructional textbook to methodically guide me through. In the sound field, you also need some examples to listen to and occasionally someone to show you physically how to do something. I have found the perfect resource!!!!!!!!

The Ultimate Church Sound Operator's Handbook.
This is a great resource for the church. It assumes a volunteer's knowledge base, but does get very technical at times. The first 5 chapters are just the place to start. Bill Gibson, the author, starts with a discussion of the heart matters.

• Ch. 1 -- Qualifications for being a sound operator
• Ch. 2 - Responsibilities of a sound operator
  
• Ch. 3 - The Spiritual Importance of Worship and Music
• Ch. 4 - Relational considerations
• Ch. 5 - To get paid or not

The next 17 chapter tackle audio topics from sound theory to microphone design to mixing etc. There is also a CD/DVD with audio examples and video examples as well.

I think it is a must have. I bought two. One for me and one for the sound volunteer.