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[Isaac South]

Our church is doing a sound system overhaul.  In fact, we are getting a totally new system.  We are scheduled to meet with several sound companies in the area this month.  But I wanted to get some of your opinions on this topic, before I meet with them.

We are going to run all of our sound through the sound system (obviously).  The only stage noise we will have are the monitors at the pulpit for the preacher, and two monitors for the singers. 

My suggestion, in preliminary discussions with our team, was that we would put the drums in an isolation booth (like a Perdu or Clearsonic).

Am I making the right decision? 

From a drummers perspective, I realize that a good drummer should be able to "play the room".   But when we are at full-tilt (we are a lively church), it would sound terrible to have no stage volume and then a set of drums in the corner with no isolation at full volume.  Correct?

I would imagine that they guy at the FOH would hate that.

Thanks for any input.  I'm just trying to learn.  Not suggesting that one way is better than the other.  I don't know myself.  That's why I'm asking.

[lindsay Dean]

isolation is the best solution for control.
it attenuates a huge bleed problem.
mixing will be easier.
 how about the guitar ,
 bass and keyboards amplifiers,
 will they be shielded also?

[Erik Jerde]

I hate the visual of the drum booth.  A shield just re-directs the energy to either bounce off or be absorbed elsewhere.  I've never found a drummer who has anything good to say about being so isolated from the rest of the musicians.  Also, I'm not a drummer, just a sound guy.

When you say going "full tilt" what SPL are we talking about?  If full tilt is 95-100 dB-A then someone who can "play to the room" should still be able to play with energy and not overwhelm the PA.  Yes it will sound like the kit is on the stage in some parts of the room.  You'll also get bleed into the vocal mics.  Picking the right drum kit and cymbals can make a big difference in how loud it plays.  Vocal mics with a tight pattern and vocalists with good technique can help minimize bleed too.

[lindsay Dean]

No,  they have models with absorbsion panels to the rear  and tops.
They become a lot prettier when the drums and cymbals wont have to be
competeing with the other signals and loud drummers.

[Erik Jerde]

No,  they have models with absorbsion panels to the rear  and tops.
They become a lot prettier when the drums and cymbals wont have to be
competeing with the other signals and loud drummers.

I'm well aware of what you're talking about.  My opinion remains the same.

[lindsay Dean]

Bleed into the vocal mics.  Picking the right drum kit and cymbals  Vocal mics with a tight pattern and vocalists with good technique . Fun stuff
 not easily obtained.
 most can be controlled with a drum booth
     my opinion.

[Isaac South]

isolation is the best solution for control.
it attenuates a huge bleed problem.
mixing will be easier.
 how about the guitar ,
 bass and keyboards amplifiers,
 will they be shielded also?

Lindsay.  This is something I have thought about.  We only have one lead guitar player.  My plan was to put that guitar amp in a room behind the stage and mic it.  Do you think that's a good idea?

The bass, keyboard, and everything else will be direct.

Which brings me to another problem.  We have a B-3 (and Leslie) in our mix, too.  What's the best option for that?  Maybe I should start a new topic solely for that.  I'm sure it's a big topic.

Thanks everyone for your help, so far.  Good info.

[Keith Broughton]

I'm well aware of what you're talking about.  My opinion remains the same.

So, in your opinion, the sound should be secondary to the "look" ?

[Scott Olewiler]

  We only have one lead guitar player.  My plan was to put that guitar amp in a room behind the stage and mic it.  Do you think that's a good idea?

Instead of putting the amp in a room and then having to pump it back through the monitors so the players/singers can hear it, why just position the amp so it is facing the player and not the audience?  And then keep it at a reasonable volume.

And don't fall for the "it needs to be loud to get my tone" nonsense. It may need to not be whisper quiet to get the tone, but if it needs to be loud, then the amp is not properly sized  for the stage and needs to be replaced with something more appropiate.

[Mike Caldwell]

What will be in the pulpit monitors? I hope your not going to try to put a lapel mic in those monitors.

As for the drums, if you want isolation short of building a drum room, electronic drums, I know those two words don't go together when talking to drummers but a good set will sound good and you can take various lines from the controller to give you something to mix.

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