Mixing Desks for Church PA

Mixing Desks

for Church PA

Mixing desks gather the input signals and distribute them to amps and speakers. Additionally, they give the possibility to change levels and adapt the sound in the church by using equalizers. They differ greatly, especially in numbers of channels, and in their equipment specification for EQ and buses for speakers and monitors.

The mixing desk is the "eye of the needle" of the PA system, because all signals have to go through here. Therefore you should be concerned of all the possible purposes of it - because of this, don't try to save money here. And don't be afraid of big desks, they are not really more complicated than smaller ones. You can easily work with standard settings.

Normally you can calculate how many channels you need. For example: 3 x mics for altar, pulpit and other position…, 2 x radio-mics, 1 x CD stereo, 1 x acoustic guitar, 1 x keyboard (stereo?= 2x), 1 x flute, 1x solo vocal, 4-8 x choir ... you easily get to 16-24 channels for special occasions, like a children's musical etc.

Examples:

Allen & Heath Mix Wizard 16:4:2, 16 inputs and 4 monitor-and 2 effects buses £850

Mackie SR 24x4, 24 channels, 4 bus, 4 monitor and 2 effects £1500

Soundcraft Spirit E-Series 8-12 Mike, 2 x stereo Line, 3-band EQ, 2 x Aux, £ 300 - 500

Soundcraft Spirit M-Series 8-12 Mike, 4 x stereo Line, 3-band EQ, 4 x Aux, Digital Output, £400 - 600

Yamaha GF Series £700-1100