Mix Priority

Our congregations hear it every week, without fail.

What do they hear? Each of our audio techs has their own mix priority. Sure, there’s the variation of “Bill runs it loud, Ed runs it soft,” etc. But do we give them something to shoot for? Do they know what a win is?

Here’s how I’d talk about it. Make sure that these are the loudest in this priority in the mix:

1. Melody
2. Rhythm
3. Harmony

What do I mean?

Melody

This usually refers to the lead voice. Whether they are singing or speaking, we need to hear them - intelligibly, pleasantly, and fully. Never make the congregation wonder what they just said.

But sometimes other instruments carry the melody, like the lead electric or keys players. That recognizable melody matters, and we must hear it because it gives the congregation a sense of familiarity and security.

Rhythm

Drums and bass are the railroad tracks that the band rides on. But they are also the next most important thing that the congregation needs to sing and clap with. When the rhythm section isn’t fully present in the mix, people don’t clap much, and the energy is low. It’s so important to have a solid and present rhythm section.

Harmony

Harmony is everything else. This is the section that typically steals the available bandwidth from our mix - the piano is too loud, or the acoustic guitar is overwhelming the rest. I think something subconscious happens to audio techs: whoever the leader or pastor is on the team, their instrument seems to get pushed up in the mix beyond what's appropriate or musical.

Of course, we want fullness in the electric and acoustic guitars and the keys, but they sit nicely in their place. That’s where they shine, as supports.

Spelled out with as much clarity as I can muster, the mix priority is:

1. Voices and instrumental leads/riffs

2. Drums and bass

3. Everything else

I know this is oversimplified, but if you aim for this, your congregation may just sing louder.

Ps. While this simplification is a good starting point, with the crucial elements being rhythm and melody, a nuanced problem is that amateur musicians tend to bang out the rhythm, which isn't musically appealing. If 4 musicians are attempting to play the rhythm but there is no counter-rhythm or counter-melody, it gets busy. I'm looking for piano players and guitar players to play more horizontally, less vertically. If the entire band is playing in first position, you have mud and no space. It takes years of reminding them to realize this is a problem. (added by Audio Coach Tony Guyer) You can read more of Tony’s thoughts on this here.

-Dave Helmuth
Author of the Five Faders and Founder of Ad Lib Music

Mix Priority (Nº 488)

Five Faders: A Roadmap to a Healthy, Thriving Worship Team

$20.00

Why do some leaders succeed at building lasting worship ministries while others fail? In the Five Faders, Dave Helmuth explores the process of development and breaks down the lies, myths, and traps keeping you from being the fruitful leader God desires. Using decades of evidence-based insights, Dave reveals how understanding what motivates you is the first step in becoming a Five Faders Leader.

With our framework for becoming the best Artist, Shepherd, Priest, Educator, and Producer, you'll learn to slide each Fader up or down as Love requires you in each moment of leadership. Through relatable stories, insight gained from years of coaching worship teams in every kind of setting, and step-by-step advice, readers learn how to become the healthy expression of their Fader, build a culture of honor on your team to bring out the best in everyone, and be the most effective leader in the ever-changing landscape of ministry. Whether you’re looking to relieve frustration, increase confidence, or outlast change, this book offers the tools to become a Five Faders Leader.

Buy on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3WqUeKi.

DISCOUNTS: If you want to receive 10% off your order of 10 or more, order from this link and enter BULK10 to your order!

Bulk order