Churchfront Podcast

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront

Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Podcast Episode Notes: Choosing Church Broadcast Audio Systems Episode Overview

Discussion about switching from Logic Pro to other broadcast audio solutions including Waves LV1, Studio One, and Pro Tools for church live streaming applications.

Key Participants

Jake Gosselin - Host/Audio Expert
Matt Woltjer - Audio Engineer/Consultant

Main Topics Covered Current Industry Setup

Most professionals using matrix mix from LV1 systems for broadcast
Common approach: dedicated matrix send from main front-of-house mix
Requires ongoing attention to maintain quality

Logic Pro Issues Identified

Primary Problem: Time Drift

Logic Pro gradually falls behind video stream
Can drift up to 2+ seconds behind actual video
Creates major sync issues for live streaming
Problem appears unique to Logic Pro

Design Limitations

Logic Pro optimized for studio recording, not live applications
Apple's development priorities focus on studio use
Pricing model ($200 for 18+ years) indicates different revenue focus

Alternative DAW Options

Ableton Live & Pro Tools

No reported time drift issues
Better suited for live applications
More reliable for broadcast mixing

Waves LV1 System

Purpose-built for live mixing
Hardware controller integration
Superior plugin processing
Most expensive but most reliable option

System Integration Challenges

Hardware Requirements

Allen & Heath SQ: Requires Waves interface cards
Dante Systems: Need Dante Wave Sound Bridge (~$3,000)
LV1 Options:
- Classic (most expensive, full features)
- One C Compact (budget option, limited processing)
- Proton Duo (insufficient for full mix)

Critical Decision Factors

Budget Considerations

LV1 systems: $10,000+ for complete setup
Additional hardware costs often overlooked
Integration complexity increases total cost

Staffing Reality Check

Many churches: 1-2 experienced engineers, 2-3 learning operators
Common mistake: Experienced on FOH, beginners on broadcast
Results in expensive equipment producing poor mixes

Fundamental Issues First

Acoustic treatment more impactful than equipment upgrades
Proper PA tuning essential before broadcast considerations
Secondary console improves mix quality only 2-5%
Room acoustics can transform entire sound

Professional Recommendations

When to Choose Matrix Mix:

Small to midsize churches
Limited experienced staff
Budget constraints
Desire for consistency and reliability

When to Consider LV1:

Dedicated broadcast mixing staff
Sufficient budget for complete system
Acoustics and PA already optimized
Need for advanced plugin processing

Questions to Ask Before Upgrading:

What specific problems are you solving?
Do you have dedicated, experienced broadcast staff?
Are fundamental acoustic/PA issues addressed?
What's your complete system budget?
How complex is your current audio routing?

Real-World Case Study

Recent consultation example:

Church requesting lighting upgrades without understanding lighting theory
Eight BLX wireless systems failing across multiple rooms
Recommended: Learn fundamentals before spending money
Upgrade to antenna-capable systems for multi-room use

Key Takeaways

Equipment Isn't Always the Answer

Master current equipment before upgrading
Address fundamental issues (acoustics, tuning) first
Proper operation often more important than specific hardware

Context is Critical

Every church situation is unique
Professional consultation recommended
Holistic system assessment necessary
Strategic upgrade planning prevents expensive mistakes

Success Factors

Experienced operation
Proper implementation
Fundamental acoustic treatment
Realistic budget and expectations

Action Items for Listeners

Assess current system holistically before planning upgrades
Prioritize acoustic treatment and PA tuning
Evaluate staff experience and availability
Consider professional consultation for complex decisions
Focus on mastering current equipment capabilities

Resources Mentioned

Church Front premium membership for professional consultation
Professional coaching calls available
Community recommendations for Studio One and Pro Tools

Next Steps for Churches

Evaluate specific broadcast mixing challenges
Consider matrix mix optimization before new systems
Plan strategic upgrade path with professional guidance
Address fundamental issues before equipment purchases

Episode Duration: ~10 minutes Topic: Church Audio Technology Audience: Church technical teams, audio engineers, ministry leaders

Who's still watching YOUR church livestream in 2025?!? || Churchfront Podcast Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront

Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Podcast Episode Notes: Church Live Streaming Reality Check Episode Overview

Matt and Jake react to Pro Church Tools' recent discussion about the current state of online church, diving deep into questions about quality, purpose, and audience for church live streaming in 2025.

Key Topics Covered The Quality vs. Accessibility Debate

Pro Church Tools' Position: High-quality livestreams require dedicated mixing boards and professional expertise that most churches lack
Matt & Jake's Pushback: 85-95% quality is achievable with proper fundamentals and doesn't require professional-level resources
The Real Issue: Sometimes poor livestream quality stems from poor source material (musicianship, room acoustics)

The Hard Truth About Audio Quality

Matt's Honest Take: "Your livestream mix is not good because your musicians are not good"
The Growth Mindset: Every great musician started as a not-so-great musician
Foundation First: Master musicianship, room acoustics, and basic mixing before investing in expensive gear

Who's Actually Watching Your Stream?

Key Statistic: 35% of online church attenders are retirement age (12 points above average)
Implications for Ministry: Need to consider accessibility, content relevance, and viewing habits
Snowbird Effect: Many older viewers are traveling members staying connected to home church

The Purpose Question

What are we streaming for?

Marketing tool for church visitors
Connection for homebound members
Seasonal/traveling member engagement
Accessibility for those who can't attend in person

Production Philosophy

Start with fundamentals: Musicianship, room acoustics, basic mixing skills, proper lighting
Avoid the gear trap: Don't buy expensive equipment without mastering the basics
Quality target: Aim for "good enough" that serves your actual audience, not "perfect" that impresses other tech people

Notable Quotes

Jake: "You can compress a jackhammer, but it's still going to sound like a jackhammer."

Matt: "If you're the sound guy trying to get an online mix that sounds good from a band that doesn't sound good in house, then good luck."

Jake: "There's something magical that happens when you're in person in the room at worship every Sunday."

Matt: "The top four pages on church websites are always: homepage, about us, staff, and livestream."

Action Items for Churches

Audit your fundamentals before investing in new gear
Understand your actual livestream audience (hint: it might be older than you think)
Optimize for accessibility - text size, audio levels, clear announcements
Invest in musical training for your team
Remember the goal: Complement, don't compete with, in-person worship

Tools & Resources Mentioned

Waves Real Tune plugin for pitch correction
Importance of proper room acoustics
Front-of-house mixing consoles for dual-purpose mixing
Website analytics for understanding visitor behavior

Discussion Questions

Who is your church's livestream actually serving?
Are you starting with the right foundational skills?
How do you balance quality aspirations with realistic resource constraints?
What role should livestreaming play in your overall ministry strategy?

Related Topics for Future Episodes

Room acoustics basics for churches
Building a volunteer tech team
Church website optimization
Generational differences in worship preferences
Cost-effective lighting solutions for churches

This episode was a reaction to Pro Church Tools' video about online church. While we respectfully disagree on some technical points, we appreciate Brady and Alex for raising these important strategic questions about church technology.

Real (GOOD) Drums for churches - Churchfront Podcast | Joey Parish May 30, 2025

Show notes

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront

Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Church Front Worship and Tech Podcast - Episode with Joey Parish Guest: Joey Parish - Founder of Parish Drums Episode Description

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Joey Parish, founder of Parish Drums and longtime touring drummer with Chris Tomlin and Shane & Shane. Discover how one drummer's need for portable gear led to a complete rethinking of drums designed specifically for worship contexts. From canvas drum heads to brush techniques, Joey shares practical insights for worship teams looking to solve volume and space challenges.

Key Topics Covered Joey's Background

Started playing in church in 5th/6th grade with a pawn shop drum kit
Early touring with Chris Tomlin (the "little east Texas guy in a cowboy hat")
Years on the road with Shane & Shane, learning nuanced, acoustic-focused drumming
Transition from bus tours to flying and the birth of Parish Drums

The Parish Drums Innovation

The Problem: Need for consistent, portable drums for fly dates
The Research: Existing portable kits were too heavy (70+ lbs without cases)
The Solution: Custom-built nesting kit under 50 lbs, fits in airline luggage
Evolution: From 14" bass drum to current 18" bass drum design

Design Philosophy

Wood Choices: Mahogany exterior, poplar interior (softer, less dense woods)
Bearing Edges: Rounded edges for less resonance and more control
Shell Depth: Shorter drums for quicker decay
Goal: "Dead, thumpy" drums that don't require extensive muffling

Revolutionary Canvas Heads

Patent Pending: First-of-its-kind cotton canvas drum heads
Benefits: Extremely quiet, removes high frequencies, maintains attack
Testing: Road-tested extensively during Shane & Shane Christmas tour
Sound: Natural muffling without sacrificing musical quality

Playing Techniques for Worship

Brush Advocacy: Nylon bristle brushes for volume control and articulation
Brush Development: Creating improved brushes to solve durability issues
Dynamic Range: Learning to play from whisper-quiet to full volume
Adaptability: Removing drums as needed to fit the room/moment

Practical Tips for Worship Drummers In-Ear Monitor Mixing

Counter-intuitive Tip: Turn problem instruments UP in your mix to naturally play softer
Simplification: Turn off crowd mics, choir mics to maintain timing focus
Click Track: Use plenty of click for solid timing foundation

Transitioning from Rock to Worship

Understand the Mission: Create an environment for corporate worship
Know the Songs: Learn originals thoroughly before adapting
Build Vocabulary: Play with different worship leaders to develop adaptability
Embrace Dynamics: Move beyond on/off playing to gradual dynamic shifts

Room Adaptation

Play the Room: Adjust setup and dynamics to fit the space
Less is More: Sometimes removing elements serves the music better
Acoustic Partnership: Leave space for other instruments to fill

Technical Insights Microphone Approaches

Versatility: Parish drums work well with any standard drum mics
Preference: Beta 98s on toms for wood hoop compatibility
Studio Standard: 421s on toms, large diaphragm dynamics on kick
Monitor Mix: Often removes bottom snare mic from personal mix for clarity

Drum Tuning and Setup

Locking Tension Rods: Maintain tuning stability during transport
Head Choices: Evans 56 Calftone (synthetic calfskin) for natural feel
Snare Wires: Uses 12-strand instead of typical 42-strand for volume control
Shell Materials: Prioritizes control over projection and resonance

Shane Bernard Collaboration Insights Musical Partnership

Extreme Dynamics: Shane plays from inaudible whisper to full volume
Percussive Approach: Shane thinks like a drummer on guitar
Negative Space: Musicians fill each other's gaps rather than competing
Real-time Adaptation: Shared musical language allows for spontaneous changes

Learning from a Master

Observation Period: Spent month doing sound before playing, learning the parts
Musical Vocabulary: Built understanding of Shane's musical thinking
Dynamic Response: Learned to match and complement extreme dynamic ranges

Business and Ministry Integration The Worship Initiative Partnership

Resource Support: Financial and operational backing for growth
Shared Mission: Equipping churches with better tools for worship
Content Creation: Part of comprehensive worship training platform

Church Applications

Volume Control: Primary solution for churches struggling with drum volume
Space Efficiency: Fits in corners, small stages, intimate settings
Aesthetic: Eliminates need for drum shields in many cases
Consistency: Same sound every service, regardless of room acoustics

Resources and Connect Parish Drums

Website: parishdrums.com
Innovation: Canvas heads and improved brush designs coming soon
Focus: Drums designed specifically for worship contexts

The Worship Initiative

Website: theworshipinitiative.com
Content: Songwriting, heart training, instrument training
Mission: Comprehensive worship leader development

Quotable Moments

"I learned to do more with less. When you're touring with buses and trucks and trailers, you end up bringing more than you need... it really helped move me back to these are the fundamentals. This is man, you're here to keep time and occasionally do something interesting maybe."

"Every kit in every church is just covered in gaff tape and gels and big fat snare drum rings... So what I wanted to do was out of the box have just the dead, most dead thumpy drums with the least amount of resonance."

"If you just Google 'drum muffle,' you can just scroll for pages and pages and pages... everybody that I know in my whole career has been spent trying to tame frequencies, overtones, all that stuff."

"We want to sing together. We want to praise the Lord... We want to create an environment where that's the most possible."

Episode Length: Approximately 65 minutes Host: Luke Jackson Production: Church Front Worship and Tech Podcast

Carson Bruce | The Worship Keys - Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast May 16, 2025

Show notes

Podcast Notes: Interview with Carson Bruce of The Worship Keys Episode Overview

In this episode of the Church Front Worship and Tech Podcast, Luke Jackson interviews Carson Bruce, founder of The Worship Keys platform—a resource dedicated to helping keys players in worship settings improve their skills and understanding of their role.

About Carson Bruce & The Worship Keys

Founder of The Worship Keys platform, which focuses on four main areas: music theory, gear/software, ministry, and industry
Classically trained pianist who now lives in Nashville
The Worship Keys podcast releases weekly on Wednesdays, featuring interviews with keys players

Origin Story

Carson created the platform because he "wished something like this existed" when he was younger
Piano has been central to his personal faith journey—often serving as his "prayer closet"
Noticed a gap in resources specifically for worship keys players

Essential Skills for Worship Pianists

Heart Posture: "If your heart is not in ministry...you're not going to stay on that stage satisfied"
Playing by Ear: Learning to listen and replicate what you hear is crucial
Nashville Number System: Understanding music theory through the number system
Ear Training: Practice playing unfamiliar worship songs by ear, then verify with chord charts
Focus on Fundamentals: Learn to play well before worrying about gear

Transitioning from Classical to Contemporary

Classical training often emphasizes sight-reading and technical precision
Worship contexts require playing by ear, improvisation, and band awareness
Many pianists struggle with this transition because the learning approaches are fundamentally different

Nashville Number System for Keys Players

Despite some believing it's mainly useful for guitarists, Carson advocates for pianists using the Nashville Number System because:

It facilitates whole-band communication
Makes modulation easier
Numbers are quicker to call out than complex chord names
Works internationally across language barriers
Promotes collaboration rather than piano-centric leadership

Common Mistakes Worship Keys Players Make

Overplaying the Low End: Creates muddiness when there's already a bass player
Doing Too Much: Sometimes simplicity serves the song better
Playing Full Triads in Both Hands: Consider simpler voicings like fifths or suspended chords
Not Understanding Context: Different musical styles require different approaches

Technology Tips Software Options

MainStage: Good for Mac users, moderate learning curve
Ableton Live: Most powerful but steeper learning curve
Sunday Keys App: User-friendly iPad app with AI capabilities ($120)

Hardware Highlight

Atmosphere Pedal by Aerospace Audio: Physical pedal with high-quality atmospheric pads built in
Allows pianists to trigger pads without needing a computer on stage
Features 10 different pad sounds based on atmospheric layers
Small footprint allows it to be placed directly on the keyboard

Keys Players' Rigs

Carson's typical setup includes:

Arturia KeyLab MIDI controller
MainStage software for sounds
Focusrite 18i20 interface when running tracks
Software from Sunday Sounds or Aerospace Audio for pads

Decision-Making for Keys Equipment

Carson's advice:

If your keyboard works well, keep it and upgrade your sounds through software
Consider Sunday Keys app for simplicity and ease of use
MainStage for Mac users who want more control
Ableton Live for those willing to invest time in learning a comprehensive system
Use iPad apps when available to avoid complex computer setups

Sunday Keys App Highlights

Features AI-generated sounds based on text or emoji descriptions
Allows easy sharing of setlists between multiple campuses
Affordable one-time purchase with optional annual updates
Limitation: Cannot currently import custom-created patches

Artists That Inspire Carson

Red Rocks Worship (particularly Spooky Scott)
Elevation Rhythm (especially "Goodbye Yesterday")
The Ramp Worship from Hamilton, Alabama
Various gospel artists for technical inspiration

Connect with The Worship Keys

Instagram: @theworshipkeys
YouTube: The Worship Keys
Email: Carson@theworshipkeys.com

Key Quotes

"If you're not using the number system as a pianist, maybe you're not meaning to, but it's like you're trying to say one up almost."
"It's like buying a Lamborghini and driving it in first gear everywhere you go."
"The piano was once looked at as a secular instrument that you only play in the bars and the pubs, and then it was brought into the church and people had big problems with that."
"A lot of times they're asking you to do less in a full band context."

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront

Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

The Songs Your Congregation Will Remember on Their Deathbed | Churchfront Conference | Ben Haley May 02, 2025

Show notes

Pastoring Your Congregation Through Worship with Ben Haley Episode Summary

In this powerful session from the Church Front Conference, Ben Haley shares three essential foundations for effective worship ministry that truly shepherds congregations. Drawing from scripture and personal experience, Ben explains how worship leaders must know their hearts, know their Bibles, and know their people to lead worship that transforms lives.

Show Notes Key Timestamps

00:00 - Opening quote and introduction
00:59 - Ben shares the moving story of his father's final moments
03:18 - The profound influence of worship music and responsibility it brings
05:35 - What should be the foundation of worship ministry?
06:37 - Foundation #1: Know your heart
11:06 - Foundation #2: Know your Bible
15:35 - Practical tips for selecting and using worship songs
17:44 - Foundation #3: Know your people
21:29 - The danger of prioritizing programs over people
24:27 - Final encouragement to show off God's glory
25:39 - Closing quote from Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Key Topics The Lasting Impact of Worship Songs

Ben's father, despite being sedated and on a ventilator, communicated "It is well with my soul" in his final moments
People rarely remember sermon details but often recall songs throughout their lives and even on their deathbeds
What we sing has a profound influence on us, creating great responsibility for worship leaders

Foundation #1: Know Your Heart

Reference to 1 Timothy 4 - "Watch your life and doctrine closely"
Cultural conditioning has led us to value competency over character
Ephesians 5:18-19 commands being filled with the Spirit before addressing singing
Many things can cause us to neglect our hearts: busy schedules, tasks, praise, or personal struggles
"If our ministries are to bless the congregations that we lead, then our ministries have to be led and staffed by people who know that we have a great need for Jesus."

Foundation #2: Know Your Bible

Compare Ephesians 5:18-19 with Colossians 3:16 - singing flows from being Spirit-filled and Word-filled
Technological and musical excellence alone don't make disciples
"What truly makes disciples is the Word of God revealed by His Holy Spirit in the hearts and minds of His people."
"The song book of a church is an indicator of that church's maturity."
People need biblically rich lyrics to help them through grief, shame, and cultural confusion

Practical Song Selection Guidelines

Songs should use biblical language and themes
Songs should be singable for the congregation
Find creative ways to incorporate Scripture into worship times (slides, readings, etc.)
Style preferences (old/new, simple/complex, upbeat/slow) are secondary to biblical content
"When your people are moved by a melody...make sure that what you are giving your people to sing is something worth singing from the Word."

Foundation #3: Know Your People

Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 both emphasize singing "to one another"
Corporate worship is both vertical (to God) and horizontal (to each other)
We need each other's voices when we're struggling to worship
Practical implication: music shouldn't be so loud that congregants can't hear each other
"The church is Jesus's bride. These are his people. He cherishes them. He gave his life for them."
You can't shepherd people you don't know

The Ultimate Goal of Worship Ministry

Help people do what they were designed to do - worship God
Attempts to reform behavior or conform people to church culture will fail
"What you win people with is what you win them to."
"Use those instruments, use those melodies, use the soundboards, use the lighting controllers to show off God's glory, and give your people the kinds of songs that they will sing on their deathbeds."

Memorable Quotes

"What we sing has a profound influence on us." - Ben Haley

"With great power comes great responsibility." - Ben Haley (quoting Uncle Ben from Spider-Man)

"We have been conditioned by our culture to value competency over character. We prefer platform over piety. We choose hype over holiness." - Ben Haley

"Great melodies don't make disciples. A brighter projector doesn't make disciples. An online service with better EQ doesn't make disciples." - Ben Haley

"The song book of a church is an indicator of that church's maturity." - Ben Haley

"Church music is not a one-way street from an individual to God. It's also something we do with each other and for each other." - Ben Haley

"Church leaders are not leaders of nobody. We are leaders of people." - Ben Haley

"I can forgive a man for a bad sermon...if he gives me some dim glimpse of the majesty and the glory of God, the love of Christ my savior, and the magnificence of the gospel." - Martyn Lloyd-Jones (quoted by Ben Haley)

Scripture References

1 Timothy 4 - "Watch your life and doctrine closely"
Ephesians 5:18-19 - "Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs"
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs"
Psalm 146 - "Praise the Lord, O my soul"
John 10 - Jesus knows his sheep and they know his voice

Resources Mentioned

Stephen Miller (author referenced regarding worship leadership)
Charles Spurgeon (quoted regarding personal worship)
Martyn Lloyd-Jones (quoted in opening and closing)

Next Steps

For worship leaders and tech teams wanting to implement Ben's teaching:

Evaluate your personal worship habits and spiritual disciplines
Review your church's song selections for biblical content and singability
Make an effort to build deeper relationships with congregation members
Consider ways to incorporate more Scripture into your worship services

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront

Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Churchfront Show 2025 NAB Special Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

Church Front Show - NAB 2025 & Church Architecture Insights Episode Summary

Jake Gosselin shares his experience at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show 2025, highlighting innovative broadcast technology for churches. He and Matt Woltjer also discuss church architecture trends and why thoughtful building design matters for worship spaces.

Show Notes Timestamps

0:08 - Welcome and introduction
1:12 - Church Front hiring announcement
5:28 - NAB Show 2025 overview
6:43 - Hollyland cameras for vertical video
7:12 - Lyntec power sequencing systems
11:14 - Canon CR-N100 PTZ camera
12:33 - Church Front's studio camera setup (CR-N500 & CR-N300)
15:05 - Canon RC-IP1000 PTZ controller
17:40 - Canon C400 cinema camera
20:31 - Allen & Heath AHM matrix mixing system
24:18 - DiGiCo Quantum mixing console
25:39 - Blackmagic Design booth and new gear
27:47 - SMPTE 2110 IP video protocol benefits
32:16 - Blackmagic Pyxis 6K camera
33:55 - ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 switcher
36:01 - ATEM Constellation switchers
41:02 - PTZOptics Hive Studio for remote camera operation
42:07 - Meeting PTZOptics team
43:07 - Santa Barbara church architecture discussion
44:45 - Why modern churches favor utilitarian buildings
48:15 - Economic factors affecting church construction
52:49 - Revitalizing vs. building new facilities
54:16 - Church growth strategies and building acquisition

Key Topics Church Front Job Opening

AVL Technician position available at Church Front (Melbourne, FL)
Apply at churchfront.com/avl-technician
Responsibilities include equipment rack assembly and system deployment

NAB Show Highlights

Lyntec Power Sequencing

Integrates power sequencing into electrical panels
Offers motorized circuit breakers and remote control
Provides flexibility for system automation in new church builds

Canon Camera Technology

CR-N100: More affordable alternative to the CR-N300 (no SDI, but keeps NDI capability)
CR-N500: High-quality PTZ now used in Church Front studio
C400: Cinema camera alternative to the RED Komodo with Canon's color science and autofocus

Allen & Heath AHM

Matrix mixing system for simpler audio control
Perfect for events requiring basic microphone and playback functionality
Can bypass the main console for volunteer-friendly operation

Blackmagic Design Technology

SMPTE 2110 IP protocol for video distribution over CAT6 cables
Saves money compared to expensive 12G-SDI cabling ($2/foot)
Studio cameras with 10Gb ethernet for single-cable connectivity
Pyxis 6K camera at just $3,200

PTZOptics Hive Studio

Remote camera operation via internet
Allows volunteers to control cameras from home
Part of growing remote production trend

Church Architecture Discussion

Critique of modern "black box" utilitarian church buildings
Benefits of intentional, beautiful worship spaces
Economic factors (inflation) making quality construction more difficult
Strategies for church growth:
- Acquiring existing church buildings
- Building smaller (250-500 seats) beautiful spaces
- Multi-site approach vs. single large campus
Community formation in different sized worship spaces

Resources Mentioned

Church Front Toolkit: churchfront.com/toolkit
Church Front job board: churchfront.com/job-board/
Church Front Facebook Group (for discussions)

Connect With Church Front

Website: churchfront.com
Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and other platforms

Next Episode

Stay tuned for more church tech insights and integration project updates.

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront

Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

How to Mix Like a MUSICIAN Michael Curtis at Churchfront Conference 2024 Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5"> Active Mixing - From Boring to Baller Episode Overview

In this episode, Michael Curtis shares practical strategies for creating more engaging, dynamic worship mixes. Drawing from his background as a professional bass player and mixer, he explores how intentionality and specificity can transform "boring" mixes into creative, engaging experiences that better serve worship environments.

Time Stamps & Key Points Introduction [00:48]

Michael introduces the concept of "active mixing" versus boring mixing
The challenge: Moving beyond "it sounds fine" to creating engaging, dynamic mixes
Creativity as the antidote to boring mixing

Creativity Through Structure [01:41]

Biblical concept of creation: bringing order from formlessness
The playground analogy: Children with fenced playgrounds use 90% of the space vs. 30% without fences
"Sometimes what feels like a straight jacket is actually a Narnia closet"
Leadership through specificity and making finer distinctions

Strategies for Worship Pastors [05:52]

Prescriptive leadership can be valuable when appropriate
- The progression from 10 Commandments (prescriptive) to Sermon on the Mount (descriptive)
- Matching leadership style to team maturity level
Create "sit-down chords" - signals that create clear expectations
- Setting up rhythms and cues that guide the worship team
Organize tracks by function, not just instrument:
- Percussion: Rhythm-driving elements
- Foundation: Bass and low-end elements
- Filler: Pads and ambient elements
- Leads: Melodic elements that guide congregation
Gamify growth paths for volunteers
- Create progressive learning steps (like unlocking levels in a game)
- Apply "arbitrary limits" that help beginners master fundamentals before moving on
Name and assign musical ownership
- Clarify who owns each musical element at any given time
- Consider adding a dedicated "music producer" position

Strategies for Musicians [12:36]

"Rhythm Randy needs a retirement party"
- Moving beyond mindlessly strumming the chord chart
- Playing a part rather than just playing the chart
Use the whole playground within boundaries
- Finding creative ways to express within structure
Create "alley-oop" moments
- Intentional handoffs between instruments
- Setting up moments for other musicians to shine
Beware of "bedroom vacuums"
- Sounds created in isolation often take up too much sonic space
- Smaller sonic footprint needed in larger ensembles
Interesting is greater than good
- Focus on creating compelling sounds, not just technically correct ones
Hire both "Jekyll and Hyde"
- Balance between foundational players and texture specialists

Strategies for Front of House Engineers [18:57]

Be the guide - lead with your decisions
- Take charge of the mix and make intentional choices
Use contrast effectively
- Create distinction between elements (can't have "close" without "far")
- Highlight different instruments in different sections
Anticipate "oops" moments, don't just react
- Push faders before transitions, not after they happen
Vary verse highlights
- Intentionally feature different instruments in different verses
- Keep congregation engaged through variety
Develop common tonal language
- The "5-1-2" system for describing frequency ranges
- Creating shared vocabulary for sound issues
Reference the real
- Compare your mix to professional recordings
- Combat ear fatigue by checking against references
Mise en place - everything in its place
- Strategic console layout for efficient mixing
- Positioning faders for easy access during active mixing

Conclusion [24:25]

Start with clear direction (10 Commandments approach) then move to principles (Sermon on the Mount)
Have the courage to be specific with your team
Embrace structure as a pathway to creativity

Key Quotes

"Sometimes what feels like a straight jacket is actually a Narnia closet."
"Move away from playing the chart to playing the part."
"It is in that company's best interest to give you a patch that sounds great out of the box, but that's taking up a lot of real estate to make it sound good on its own."
"Be the guide, take charge, lead your congregation with your decisions."
"There cannot be close if there's not far, there cannot be wide if there isn't narrow."
"Interesting is greater than or at least equal to good."

Practical Applications

For Worship Pastors:
- Organize tracks by function rather than instrument type
- Create clear growth paths for volunteers
- Be appropriately prescriptive with newer team members
For Musicians:
- Consider your sonic footprint within the full band context
- Play intentional parts, not just the chord chart
- Create sounds that are interesting, not just technically correct
For Sound Engineers:
- Use your left and right hands strategically on the console
- Intentionally highlight different instruments in different verses
- Reference professional mixes to maintain perspective

Connect & Continue

For more insights on active mixing and creative worship production, connect with Michael Curtis and the Church Front team.

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront

Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Our FAVORITE new wireless mic system The Churchfront Show Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Podcast Notes: The Church Front Show - Studio Setup & New Products Episode Overview

In this episode of The Church Front Show, hosts Jake Gosselin and Matt Woltjer discuss plans for their podcast studio setup, review newly released audio/video products, share updates about Church Front Conference 2025, and explore potential expansion plans for their company.

Time Stamps & Key Points Introduction [00:00]

Jake and Matt joking about camera specifications and recording quality
Initial discussion about their podcast setup needs

Podcast Studio Equipment Plans [00:45]

Microphone considerations:
- Shure SM7B microphones (with mention of the DB version with built-in preamp)
- Discussion about the need for Cloud Lifters with standard SM7Bs
Audio equipment:
- Yamaha DM3D digital mixer with Dante capabilities
- Headphone monitoring options (in-ear vs. over-ear)
Studio furniture:
- Plans for a larger 72" x 36" Uline cafe table
- Preference for a setup where hosts face each other for better interaction
Acoustic treatment:
- Prime Acoustic panels already installed
- Need for cloud panels (jokingly assigned to Chris)

Lighting Setup [07:21]

Nanlite PavoTubes for accent lighting
Discussion about permanent vs. flexible lighting options
Consideration of Aperture softboxes for overhead lighting
Preference for movable stands with casters for flexibility

Camera Equipment [10:13]

Currently using Sony FX3 camera
Plans to transition to PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras with NDI connectivity
Benefits of NDI: single ethernet cable for power, control, and video
Production approach using ECAMM Live software
Discussion about camera mounting options

New Warehouse Plans [16:54]

Looking at additional warehouse space with the same landlord
Need for more assembly, rack-building, and testing space
Benefits of pre-programming and pre-building systems before installation
Goal of improving craftsmanship in rack builds

Church Front Conference 2025 [31:30]

Announcement: moving to Rock Harbor Church in Florida
Limited capacity of 200-250 attendees (down from ~400 last year)
Conference dates: November 4-5, 2025
Location benefit: half a mile from the beach
Advice to get tickets early due to limited availability

New Product Reviews [33:31]

Shure SLXD4Q Dante:
- New Dante-enabled version of SLXD wireless system
- Comparison with higher-end ULX-D and QLX-D systems
- Price point and channel count considerations
- Space-saving quad-channel receiver in single rack space
Dante Virtual Sound Card Pro:
- New subscription model ($100 first year, $125 subsequent years)
- Increased channel count: 128x128 at 48kHz
- Discussion about subscription pricing models
Waves Titan Sound Grid Server:
- High-performance audio processing server
- Comparison with other Waves servers (Proton)
- Use cases for high channel counts and plugin-heavy mixing
Waves Classic LV1 Console:
- Price increase from $8,000 to $9,500
- Church Front has three units coming in (with two potentially available)
- Discussion about modular vs. all-in-one system approaches
Stream Deck rack mounts and panels:
- Custom mounting solutions for Stream Deck controllers
- Companion satellite server integration options
- Applications for church control systems

Concluding Segment [54:44]

Request for feedback on the new show format
Plans for future in-person and remote guest episodes
Mention of potential call-in question format
Information about joining the Church Front crew

Equipment Mentioned

Shure SM7B microphones (including DB version)
Yamaha DM3D digital mixer
Uline cafe tables
Prime Acoustic panels
Nanlite PavoTubes
Aperture lighting products
Sony FX3 camera
PTZ cameras with NDI
ECAMM Live software
Shure SLXD4Q Dante wireless systems
Waves Titan server
Waves Classic LV1 console
Stream Deck mounting solutions

Action Steps

Visit churchfront.com to connect with their team
Join the waitlist at churchfront.com/crew if interested in working with them
Consider attending Church Front Conference 2025 in Florida (get tickets early)
Email hello@churchfront.com with any questions
Leave a review if listening on podcast platforms

Connect & Continue

Follow Church Front on social media and visit churchfront.com for more information about their services and upcoming events

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront