Sound Ministry Series Part 6 - The Low Frequency EQ Knob

Hey guys. It's been a while since the last post, so let's dive right in!

The next knob on your channel after the mid range is usually your low frequency. This control typically allows you to boost or cut everything from 80Hz or so and below. Remember that if your PAD switch is in, you are already cutting the lows to an extent. Therefore, the Low knob and the PAD switch are interactive.

These low frequencies are going to really affect the fundamentals of the rhythm section (bass guitar, kick drum, 'body' of acoustic guitar sound, bottom end of the keyboard, etc.) They can give the music a more powerful sound in larger doses, or a bit more body in smaller doses. That's when it's used right. Used wrong, it will make the music sound boomy or muddy, and if cut too much can make everything sound 'thin'.

Be careful with lower frequencies. Lower frequencies are what we call "omni-directional" - they go everywhere in all directions, even behind the speaker! This means that a little boost goes a long way.

Be aware, also, that as you get lower you will begin to feel the sound more than hear it. This means that even if you can't hear the difference you are making, you might still be reprogramming someone's pacemaker in the 3rd row (just kidding).

On vocals, low frequencies won't to do much, especially if you have the PAD switch in to reduce handling noise.

Next time: the AUX buses

Tutorial - Piano and Keyboard

Piano or keyboard players often provide the foundation to most church music teams. Most of the time, you have a very well-trained pianist and musician taking up residence at the keys.

However, it is often difficult for pianists to make space for other musicians in the team, purely because the piano or keyboard is able to handle melody, harmonic movement and rhythm all at once! And that is the way we are taught to play it. Or you may find some songs are actually difficult to lead effectively from the piano, because they are written for more of a guitar-oriented team, and then you are left wondering what to play.

This excellent tutorial from Sovereign Grace Ministries should be compulsory listening for all church pianists and keyboard players. In just over an hour, Jon Payne (pastor at Sovereign Grace Church, Gilbert, Arizona) teaches trained and untrained piano and keyboard players to make the most of their instrument as they serve both the congregation as well as their fellow musicians.

Topics covered include chord construction, inversions, scales, arrangement, left and right hand techniques, voicing, ranges and improvisation (melodic and harmonic). And the best part is that you can download the .mp3 and the .doc outline for free here

Foundations for Keyboardists - John Payne

WorshipGod 2008, Sovereign Grace Ministries