Small Church Sound

Hey all,

Ok, what is Software Audio Console (SAC)? SAC is software that runs on a Windows-based PC and processes audio like a regular analog mixer. Maybe an easier way to say it would be, the software turns a computer into the mixer. In this part I will discuss the features of the software and some advantages those features present. And just as some background, I have been using this software as the bands travel system for the 5 months mostly without any problems (more on that in a later article). My current system is a 24-channel system that runs on a wireless network (that will make more sense later). Now for some of the features.

Me running SAC at Crossover.

First, the software console allows for up to 72 individual audio channels, just keep adding hardware inputs when you need more channels. Each channel has a 5-band fully parameteric eq and selectable high-cut and low-cut frequencies for a total of 7-bands of eq. A fully adjustable gate and compressor can be found on every individual channel. This is one of my favorite features because basically it replaces racks of compressors and gates for drums and vocals that most churches can not afford any way. However, with SAC a high-end sound can be had for very little cost. Also found on every channel is a gain selector, six aux sends (for internal plugins or external gear), a pre/post section for virtual effects and plugins, 24 output options, surround sound mixing capabilities, solo, mute, and fader. There is also a return section for the aux sends where you can put an overall reverb, delay, or eq for selected channels.

A couple of other keys features include up to 8 main outputs and 16 subgroups. There are also 24 completely separate mixes below the FOH or main mixer. This resembles layered pages on a digital mixer accept it is a full mix of every available channel. These mixes are generally for monitors, however they could also be used for a nursery audio feed or tv/internet streaming feed where you want a separate mix from the FOH. These pages make it possible by providing all the same individual channel features as the FOH for each page (granted the more individual eq/gates/comps/plugins that are added the faster your computer has to be to process the information). The last feature I would like to mention is that a remote computer can control the main SAC computer through a wired or wireless network. Actually, up to 28 remote computers can be logged in a one time with verying levels of access. That means each musician can have access to their own monitor mix through their laptop without having access to the FOH mix. In other words every musician could mix their own monitor and have exactly what they want. The other thing that I like about this feature particularly for traveling or moving a sound system is that you can leave the main SAC computer and the inputs on stage and put a remote laptop anywhere in the venue for FOH. This way we can eliminate the heavy stage to console snake and speeds up setup.

Before I go I know the first question I’ll get is what does it cost? Well, the software itself is only $500. For more information, purchasing, support, and a complete description here is the SAC website. The hardware necessary is another story and I will cover that more in an upcoming part to this series. If you are interested in installing a SAC system but want it built for you or need some training I would be glad to help and give you a quote for your customized specific needs. If you have questions or want a quote please leave a comment or send an email to darin@smallchurchsound.com.

D

Hi all,

I haven’t posted in forever. So, I’m going to give it another shot and will try to stay consistent. My problem is that I am a perfectionist. I think that I have to have a video or picture to make the post sizzle. Instead what I need to do is make this website usable and fun. Therefore, if you get a video or picture consider it bonus material.

You know, I think sound engineers, volunteers, whatever are perfectionist too. We work so hard to have everything perfect: the right amount of drums and bass, all the compressors set properly, not too loud for the audience or congregation. Then someone on stage plays the song in the wrong key. We get so upset that we take them out of the mix for the rest of the day … yep, it’s ruined so let’s just quit. Ok, maybe it’s not that horrible but maybe we just need to be consistent with what we have and work on improving that stuff. That is what I am going to try to do. Over the next couple of posts, I’ll give you some insight to a new program I have been using called Software Audio Console (SAC).

A couple of my previous posts were about keeping the stage volume down. Just a couple of days ago a friend emailed me a link to an article about 5 reasons to turn the sound down in church. While I do think it is important to keep control on the volume, because as the author John G. Stackhouse Jr. points out, its not a rock concert it’s church, this article had some added perspective. Very interesting read — tell me what you think.

“Memo To Worship Bands”

D