MICROPHONES FOR HOUSE OF WORSHIP

The microphone is the first, and thus most important, piece of equipment in the sound chain. Every part of the audio chain after the microphone will attempt to replicate the original sound source, but speech intelligibility will be diminished when using subpar audio equipment. In order to ensure that the best possible sound reaches the ears of the congregation, you must ensure that the best possible sound enters the sound chain. This means you must focus on purchasing the right microphone for the speaker, taking into account his / her specific style.

For more information on microphones for worship situations, take a look at this article featured in Church Executive Magazine by Gabriel Antonini, Sales Support at DPA Microphones.

Best sound is close to the source

DPA Headset and Earset Microphones are small and elegant in design. They are lightweight and flexible; ideal for pastors who place more importance on accurate voice reproduction, comfort and easy setup, than concealment. These microphones benefit from being placed extremely close to the mouth, which is the best position from which to get the best sound.

"There are no other headset mics out there that offer the same benefits as the 6066. Our communicators really appreciate the redesigned ear grips and cable management, and our video team loves how the smaller element blends in on camera. The new locking boom also ensures that the mic element is in the right place, every time!"

 – Sean McDermott, production director, LCBC Church

DPA Omnidirectional Headset and Earset Microphones offer consistent audio performance at all sound pressure levels, impressive gain before feedback and durable construction. They are truly a plug-and-play solution for any situation.

DPA Directional Headset and Earset Microphones reject side and background noise while creating higher separation from nearby sound sources. This improves the gain-to-feedback ratio and offers the user more channel control. Natural voice intelligibility is preserved along with very high SPL capabilities.

Choose an omnidirectional if:

• You need a microphone that is not sensitive to positioning
• The microphone is being used by untrained personnel
• Background noise is not a problem
• Feedback is not an issue

Choose a directional (cardioid) if:

• Background noise is a problem
• Feedback is a problem

The best “do-it-yourself” option

Other options for religious leaders who prefer to roam away from the pulpit are our headset and earset mcrophones and our miniature lavalier mics (as well as all other types of DPA microphones) can easily interface wirelessly with all leading wireless microphone manufacturers, such as Audio Technica, Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony, Zaxcom and many more. This makes them a very easy and flexible microphone solution that can meet many needs within any House of Worship setting.

DPA's gooseneck microphone delivers high speech intelligibility. It combines controlled directionality with rejection of off-axis (background noise). Speech intelligibility is strengthened by the fact that there is uniformity around the microphone capsule, which enables the pastor to turn his or her head slightly without sounding off-mic. In fact, even if the pastor walks a few feet away from the microphone, it can still deliver fantastic, intelligible sound.

There are several variants of our goosenecks, so the microphone can be tailored to a preferred length allowing it to be flexible enough to work with multiple users.

Our gooseneck microphones, as well as all other types of DPA microphones, can easily interface wirelessly with all leading wireless mic solutions, such as Audio Technica, Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony, Zaxcom and many more. This makes them a very easy and flexible microphone solution that can meet many needs within any House of Worship setting.

Using fewer, but properly placed directional microphones, such as the our gooseneck mic, is the way to resolve this issue. Place the DPA's gooseneck microphone either on mic stands or suspend them from the ceiling. In addition, the newest solution, the 4097 CORE Supercardioid Choir Mic is an unobtrusive, versatile and great sounding choir mic for use in houses of worship as well as for live broadcast shows with choir or ensemble vocal performances. Point the capsules to the last row of singers. The directional pick-up pattern will attenuate the sounds to the side and produce a natural balance between the nearest (loudest but attenuated) and the furthest (weakest level, but performing to the microphones most sensitive direction). Follow the 3:1 distance rule, use proper panning—or a combination of the two.

For more information about the 3:1 distance rule or other issues relating to miking a choir, read our full Mic University article: How to mic a choir.

DPA's Gooseneck Microphone, the 4097 Supercardioid Choir Mic as well as all other types of DPA microphones, can easily interface wirelessly with work with all leading wireless mic solutions, such as Audio Technica, Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony, Zaxcom and many more.  This makes them a very easy and flexible microphone solution that can meet many needs within any House of Worship setting.