We get feedback/howling in our church

It is very difficult to use our sound system, which is around ten years old, because if we turn up the level to something which people can hear, we get horrible howling sounds from the speakers. I´ve been told this is called feedback. Can you help?Feedback in a sound system only occurs when the sound coming from speakers re-enters through a microphone and is then amplifed again and again.Therefore the most common cause of feedback is that the microphones are somehow pointing at a speaker or a very direct wall reflection from a speaker.Solution: ensure that no microphones are pointing directly at any speakers, and be very careful of omnidirectional pickup (all directions) as you are asking for problems!The second most common cause is that the amplification (or gain) of the system is too high. In churches this is common if the speakers are inefficient or pointing in the wrong direction, or the wrong type of speaker. This forces the level to be turned up to compensate and will eventually lead to feedback.Solution: if you have older speakers, consider installing modern speakers with a well defined coverage pattern (such as the JBL Control range of speakers). Often this can be a straight swap for your existing speakers. Turn down the level at the mixer a little too, and if you have tone or EQ controls then try to reduce the level at problematic frequencies.The third most common cause is the wrong type of microphone. Very often, churches use vocal/singers microphones for lectern and readers microphones. Vocal mics are designed for efficient pickup at about 2 inches, but users at a lectern are more than 2 feet away. Again, this forces the input gain level of the system to have to be set too high, and feedback will be likely to happen.Solution: replace any dynamic vocal mics (such as the Shure SM58) with condenser microphones (our best choice is the Audio Technica ATM33a) if they are used for speech only. Ensure that singers are right up to their vocal microphones too, so that the gain can be kept low - just watch how pop singers almost eat their microphones.We are available to answer any questions you may have - don´t forget that the sound quality in your church is as important to us as it is to you. As one of the leading suppliers of audio equipment exclusively to churches, we have seen pretty much everything, and we love to help!Hope that your sound problems are improved by these changes.

Posted on: 9 January 2008 | 2:18 am

Water damaged church audio equipment

Now that the water from the floods is subsiding, we hope that your church has come through without much damage.Unfortunately, a very few churches have sustained damage from water getting into their sound systems.Our tips are as follows:If there is any risk that your audio or video equipment is still wet, DO NOT switch it onMicrophones really don't like water - if they have been wet then please consider replacingMixers also don't cope well with water because of all the moving partsSpeakers are the final link in the chain, and if these get wet please consider replacing unless they are designed to cope with moisture (like our JBL Control range)Finally - if you require a replacement quote for insurance, we are able to produce audio and video insurance quotes for churches, including replacement and repair of sound system, PA, amplifiers, CDs, microphones, cables and induction loops.ChurchPA is comitted to getting your church back up and running as quickly as possible.

Posted on: 24 July 2007 | 2:35 am

Congregational Pickup - is it worth it?

We are looking into the possibility of extending microphone pick-up during congregation participation and require advice on how to install microphones that will pick up comment from the floor. Are you able to give us any advice? Your requirement is one of the hardest things to do succesfully with a sound system, I'll try to explain why..."Ambient" pickup in churches seems to be desirable because when the congregation is participating, you want to ensure that everyone can hear clearly. However the problem comes because invariably the PA system is designed to amplify sound into the main body of the church - exactly where you want your ambient pickup to occur.Normally your PA does not have feedback problems (if it does, SPEAK TO US - We are experts at helping you reduce church feedback problems). There is no feedback because microphones are used very close to the user. Therefore the pickup from around is minimised and it is simple to add a lot of amplification (gain) to the signal for the speakers. However, if you try to pick up in a church from distance, however good the microphone is and whatever the type of microphone is, you will inevitably be picking up more of the ambience and hence by definition will pick up sound created by the sound system itself - a recipy for feedback problems (howling).If the pickup is PURELY for the recording, then of course there is no problem and ambient pickup is simple BECAUSE you are not trying to put it through the sound system and amplify it. ChurchPA can easily advise you on pickup for recording in churches.BUT- if you are trying to amplify your congregation, you need to decide to what lengths you wish to go to to achieve it. Our advice is to think twice...Firstly and most simply you can provide an inexpensive handheld radio microphone that is held by those in the congregation when they speak. This way there is no feedback problem etc.The other simple and easy solution is to ask people to stand at the lectern if they wish to speak. Simple, and most churches already have the technology for this one!Next, it is possible to arrange for a "zone" in the church where those that wish to speak should stand - and with a suitable microphone and feedback destroyer (and careful microphone positioning) you can safely pickup from a mid sized area.HOWEVER it really is NOT possible to pickup an entire congregation and amplify it back to that congregation. Feedback WILL happen.Depending on your applications, it MAY be possible to come up with a suitable solution and we would definitely reccomend that you contact us to discuss your particular church. However, firstly we would recommend considering adding a handheld radio mic for those moments when the congregation needs to be heard!Hope this helps, and don't forget that using our LiveHelp service, you can chat to ChurchPA in real time - you might even catch me answering!!Tim.

Posted on: 16 July 2007 | 8:34 am

Stereo or mono for church sound system installation

Should a church have a mono or stereo sound reinforcement (public address) system. ChurchPA has the answer for your church or hall PA....How is stereo sound used in real life? Generally you send some or all of a particular source (i.e. microphone, guitar, drum) to a specific speaker so that you can recreate a "stereo sound image". Where does stereo sound work well? Actually it is perfect in the home when you are listening to your (aptly named) stereo system. By positioning yourself in a nice triangle with the speakers, you can get a really good representation of a realistic sound stage, with the guitar where it should be, the piano, each drum realistically spaced out and so on. The sound reaching your ears will be high quality and as if you are actually sitting in front of a band, choir or orchestra.BUT what does this have to do with a public building like a church? Not much, as it turns out. Assume for a moment that you have set up a really nice stereo mix, with the guitar panned to full right. Sounds great at the back of the hall where the stereo image is formed. But for the person right under that speaker, all they can hear is the guitar (TOO LOUD). And what about the person under the left hand speaker? They can only hear the guitar reflecting off the rear wall, if at all. To say this another way, the person under the left hand speaker cannot hear anything at all from the right hand speaker (due to psycho-acoustic masking).. To say it another way:In the case of amplifying live music and speech for public buildings, we strongly recommend that you go for a MONO system, where all you have to worry about is getting the relative volumes (sound levels) of each instrument correct, and then the sound will be correct for all listeners at all positions.Stereo mixes only have relevance in the home, and possibly in your car. Mono audio for public buildings, churches and hall sound systems are a LOT less problematic.

Posted on: 4 June 2007 | 11:20 am

Mic Rider Problem Solver!

We now have stock of the fantastic new plug in DSP unit specifically for microphones! These units are the perfect accompaniment for speech microphones, and will make life SO MUCH EASIER for uses of sound systems.This unit can be retrofitted onto most "wired" microphones, and gives you the folowing five powerful audio solutions: FBX Feedback Exterminator - removes feedback to give you increased sound levels before problems Automatic Gain Control - controls the sound level as you move closer and further from the mic Proximity Effect Control - controls excessive bass as you get closer to the mic, and maintains a flat response at all distances from the mic Plosive Control - controls loud pops and bursts from some sounds in speechInfrared Gate - TURNS THE MIC ON AND OFF AUTOMATICALLYThis unit looks to be the ideal upgrade for all microphones, including singers microphones and lectern microphones, you just plug it in and benefit from the power of DSP digital signal processing on your audio.It is as useful as having a professional sound engineer IN EVERY MICROPHONE.The unit works with microphones which have a standard 3-pin XLR connector, and in systems which have a minimum of 17V phantom power (most modern mixers do!). It even passes through phantom power to your active microphones - clever! You can see the pictures and information (and buy!) from our store...http://www.churchpa.co.uk/store - search for "mic rider" to see the different versions available!We know that this is the ONLY upgrade you need for your sound system this year!

Posted on: 30 March 2007 | 4:54 am

PC Audio for churches

Can you advise me the best/simplest way to get sound from our laptop computer to our sound system. We use the laptop in the centre of the church and the PA is at the back. We don't want to have cables trailing everywhere. Thanks!Great question, and we have the perfect product just added to our webstore. This is a common problem, and so here goes...We have a USB -> radio -> receiver system, which means that you DO NOT NEED any cables running from your PC audio to your PA system! The USB stick plugs into your computer (laptop or desktop) and transmits the audio output of your PC via 2.4GHz radio to a small receiver. The receiver has phono outputs as well as a jack output, and therefore it is simple to connect it to any mixer system!Hey presto - audio from your computer to your PA sound reinforcement system without wires.It also crosses my mind that this unit could also be used in the home for that "wireless" sound sytsem, and could also be used to send audio from a PC to active (powered) speakers directly for a really simple to get working PC based sound system. Any budding DJ's out there in our community?Check out the link here -> USB PC sound transmitter SO, simple, great sounding audio from your PC is simple and easy!

Posted on: 7 March 2007 | 9:01 am

Is my induction loop working

A recent question:There have been numerous reports regarding our loop not working. The question I have is, “how do we know it is working”? Obviously finding a hearing aid user and using them as a guinea pig is one method but is there a more scientific approach to be taken?? Are there any cost effective loop receivers available so we can check on a regular basis the loop?The simple answer to your question is that you need a loop listener, which will enable you to listen in to the sound on the induction loop. We have two versions available, and the least expensive is available to purchase in the link below...We have recently added a lower cost induction loop listener (receiver) to our range, and it is available from this link -> Loop Receiver - *Click Here*We also have loop level meters, but find that these are less useful in the day-to-day running of a church.As an added benefit of having a loop listener, you can hand the listener to those with poor hearing but with no hearing aid. Assuming that your loop IS working, you will be amazed at the clarity of sound that comes from an induction loop, and will want to use the loop listener all the time!

Posted on: 22 February 2007 | 2:55 am

Installers Required

Hello,As part of our expansion through the UK, we are now urgently looking for installers to operate in the North of England and in the London region.With great rates of pay, we know that this is an exciting job for people with the right qualifications to take on.Preferably, the candidate will have experience with live audio, working in churches, good practical and problem solving skills. A head for heights is also essential.All potential people are encouraged to email us on jobs@churchpa.co.ukWe look forward to speaking to you,The ChurchPA Team

Posted on: 17 May 2006 | 4:17 am

Sport Hall Sound System

We worship in a large sports hall, and need a sound system for the worship group. Can you help, and what advice can you give?Large sports halls such as this are notoriously difficult accoustic environment - echoes can be really bad, and it is quite hard to avoid introducing feedback (howling) sounds when introducing a sound system. With a hall like this, there are a couple of important points to bear in mind: ALL microphones must be behind speakers or pointing away from them Use directional microphones rather than "omni" microphones Get the mic as close to the source as humanly possible, this greatly helps to reduce feedback as the gain on your mixer can be lower If you can have an operator at the mixer, get them to "mute" unused channels such as the band when they are not playing. This will improve sound clarity in quiet sections Get as much soft material into the room as possible. Can you run a carpet down the centre aisle? Can you put banners onto the walls? You will also want to make sure that any equipment you select can be quickly and simply put up and taken down again. This might mean that you should spend a little more to make sure that everything is flight cased - it will pay off in the long term.The other important consideration is to choose the right speakers for a sports hall. I actually feel that the ideal solution for the hall is to use the Carlsbro NlightN speakers. These use a completely different technology to conventional speakers, and are much less of a "point source". They really do help in reducing feedback problems - they look great too!NlightN Flat Panel Speakers - Click Here Since you are also trying to reproduce your band through the speakers, you should also consider the Slammer Bass Bin which is designed to run with the NlightN Speakers, and has all the internal amplification needed. Slammer Bass Speaker - Click HereWith the NlightN/Slammer combination, you will be able to get a higher sound level without feedback. Hope this helps!Tim Ridgway.

Posted on: 9 May 2006 | 7:35 am

Speakezee Portable PA - IN STOCK!

We have just got stock in of the Carlsbro Speakezee Portable PA system-------> Act now to reserve your Speakezee Portable PAClick Here for More Speakezee InfoFor those of you who have not seen or heard the Speakezee, let me tell you a little more... the speakezee is a convenient "all-in-one" sound system which you can just switch on!The Speakezee is a battery/mains powered unit with built in 20 Watt speaker - perfect for meetings or even small outside gatherings. The battery is rechargeable, giving up to 3 hours of heavy use from a single charge.The unit comes with not one but all three radio microphones styles - a handheld microphone, a tie clip lapel microphone and even a headset microphone! This allows you to select the most suitable microphone for your event, from a meeting to a party to a keep fit class. It is all included.What is more, you will never have to take minutes at a meeting again, as the Speakezee comes with a built in tape player/recorder, so whatever your event is, the Speakezee is perfect!Even more than this, the Speakezee comes with tone controls, and phono jack input ensuring that you can even plug in a CD or MP3 player to keep people happy before and after your event.So, to recap, if you have or are planning any events, fetes or fairs, training days, meetings or weekends away, you really can't do better than take a Speakezee unit along with you. You really are encouraged to buy now - they sell out very very quickly!Available for £109.00 - Early booking essential !You can see more details about the product on our webstore at the following address:Click Here for More Speakezee InfoWe really do find that the Speakezee is the most versatile and incredibly cost effective portable PA on the market. Stop shouting at meetings and spread the word with the Carlsbro Speakezee Portable PA.Yours in Christ,Tim Ridgway.

Posted on: 2 May 2006 | 8:26 am

How to add speakers to a 100V PA system

A recent question was very interesting to us, and will undoubtedly be useful for all churches who wish to extend their sound system...We would like to add a couple of loudpseakers to our 100v system. At present we have 8 speakers in our system. What do I need to check before getting another couple of speakers, and how easy is it to 'patch' them in?In a 100V system, you must not add more speakers than the amplifier will drive.100V speakers have "taps" which are rated at different powers (such as 10W, 15W etc.). Amplifiers suitable for 100V are also rated with a maximum power, say 120W. You can effectively "daisy-chain" more speakers up to the maximum rating BUT we would not recommend going more than about 80% of the maximum to get the best sound, and to stay within tolerances of components.Therefore to be able to determine how many speakers, and of which type, you can add, you must go to each speaker in your system and look on the back to see which "tap" has been selected. Add them all up. Then compare this to the rating of your power amplifier.If there is spare capacity, it is simple to add in new speakers - simply mount them on the wall, run speaker cables either back to the main amplifier, or to a convenient speaker, and ensure that you connect "+" to "+" and "-" to "-". That is all there is to it.One important questions to ask is this - what you are trying to achieve with the extra speakers?Are you extending into another room, or trying to increase sound coverage, or to mask some other underlying problem in the sound system? Knowing the answer to this question will help in determining which speaker or speakers to install.A very common issue we help with is churches with old column speakers which really do sound bad! Modern speakers can easily and greatly improve the sound, without resorting to any extra wiring.We hope that this helps, and would point you in the direction of our "installed speaker" selection.http://www.churchpa.co.uk/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7_8If you have any questions, or require further advice, please do not hesitate to contact us on the following email address (enquiries@churchpa.co.uk) , and we look forward to forming a strong relationship with you and your church.***** Visit us online at www.ChurchPA.co.uk ********** Phone 0845 430 9486 *****

Posted on: 9 April 2006 | 4:09 pm

Lapel Microphone "Booms"

One of our ministers is rather animated and likes to look around lots while preaching. So his head is moving but his shoulders (and therefore the mic) are not. This causes him to get very quiet as he looks away from the mic and then suddenly get very loud as he looks "over" the mic. Any suggestions? We suggest placing the lapel microphone as high as possible on the collar, so that the distance to the mouth is pretty much a constant. Placing the microphone too low down allows the mouth to move into and out of the "field of view" of the microphone, and too low down causes problems with picking up rumbling tummys (oh, and will increase the risk of feedback too!).The reason for placing a lapel microphone as high as possible is to make it very hard for the user to get their mouth pointing directly at the microphone. High under the chin is a good place because unless you really bend your head forwards, your mouth is pretty much always the same distance from the microphone, wherever you turn your head. I challenge you to make your mouth point at your collar bone without forcing your head unnaturally downwards.A lot of the sound of a lapel microphone is actually picked up from the throat, and they have (should have!) frequency responses designed to accommodate this. Additionally, as with all microphones, the closer the mic is to the source, the louder the signal picked up (obviously). This means that you can have the level set lower on the PA system, and thus reduce the risk of feedback howling. So, there are strong reasons for suggesting that a lapel mic should be high on the collar.A point of interest is that news readers etc. on the TV can have their microphones lower down because their head is always facing forwards - there is no danger of them speaking to the floor.You could also check to see if the "booming" is actually wind noise from speaking straight into the microphone somehow. The addition of a small foam wind/pop shield can help a little to reduce this.One final tip is that by moving the microphone slightly to the side of the body (which happens on TV presenters as they clip onto their jacket lapel, or to the side on the collar of their T-shirt), gives a more natural sound which is less "nasal".So, to sum up.... booming or sudden changes in volume only come when you change the distance from the microphone to the mouth. There may be a better place that you can find on your "animated" minister, but we really do find that higher up is best.Tim Ridgway.

Posted on: 2 January 2006 | 4:05 pm

Tie mic feedback - help!

We have problems with our lapel tie clip microphone giving feedback, what can we do about it? Also, would you recommend an EQ to eliminate these problems?As a first port of call, we would probably NOT suggest adding a Graphic Equaliser to reduce feedback, although of course they can help!There are a lot of things you can do without resortingEQ to reduce feedback.Ensure the speakers are in front of all microphones at all times Keep the "on stage" sound level down as low as possible - musicians to play quietly, keep foldback monitors low volume Position the lapel microphone high up on the collar (and slightly to the side) so that it is very close to the sound source. This means that the microphone level in the mixer can be kept lower You need to be very careful if heading down the EQ to reduce feedback route as it is possible to end up with a weak sound if you are not careful - really do think deeply about the actual causes of the feedback first. However, if you really are having difficulties then a simple EQ can help to give you a little more headroom before feedback occurs. You need as fine frequency band control as possible - 31 is good - so that you don't alter frequencies which are not a problem. See....Samson 31 Band Graphic EqualiserAlternatively, a purpose built feedback destroyer can remove feedback without damaging the overall sound of your mix. See...Samson Advanced Feedback Managment UnitFinally, using a directional (cardioid) lapel microphone can also help to prevent feedback problems. The EW122G2 Sennheiser lapel microphone is a cardioid microphone, i.e. it has directional pickup. Don't forget that you have to position the microphone facing the right direction!Sennheiser EW122G2 UHF radio microphoneHope that this helps!Tim

Posted on: 21 December 2005 | 5:23 am

Competition Winner!

Thank again to all who participated in our online web shop questionnaire. We are now shipping a large amount of audio equipment including microphones, mixers, speakers, cables and stands to churches across the UK (and even beyond!)http://www.churchpa.co.uk/storeThanks to all our loyal customers, and hello to all our new ones.From Tim Curry, the winner of our microphone ..."Thanks for sending the mic - I have attached a pic. Sorry its a bit cheesy! I think this is the first time I ve won something like this so I am dead pleased (as is our AV team who think the mic is lovely)"Thanks to you too Tim, for entering our competition.Bye for now,Tim Ridgway.

Posted on: 20 December 2005 | 5:59 am

We have a WINNER

Hi All,We have drawn a winner for our recent "Store Opening Competition Prize Draw" and the winner is -Tim Curry from WendoverTim is the proud winner of a Shure PG57 Instrument Microphone.Our thanks to everyone who entered the competition, and thank you all for the words of encouragement as we strive to serve the church community better.Bye for now,Tim.

Posted on: 12 December 2005 | 7:21 am

100V Line vs. 8 ohm speakers

Can you explain the difference (in non -technical terms) between 100V and 8 ohm speakers, and which we should choose. We require four speakers in our church.Many older 100V speakers did not sound very good, and so lots of churches are changing them to modern speakers. However, new speakers, including the Control25 (8ohm) and Control25T (100V) speakers sound the same today. Therefore it is just the manner in which the signal is sent to the speaker which is different between the two systems. If you go for 8ohm speakers, you obviously connect them to the low impedance output from your amplifier and if 100V then connect to that output (note not all amplifiers have a 100V output).The difference between the two systems comes in the wiring to the speakers. If you use low impedance speakers over long distances (greater than maybe ten metres) you need increasingly thicker copper in the speaker cable otherwise you get a lot of cable loss and distortion. So, for long distances 100V line is much better as you can pretty much use any old speaker cable.Additionally, you mentioned that you wanted four speakers. With 100V line, you can literally connect all the + terminals together and all the - terminals together in any way the wiring happens to be. With 8 ohm speakers, you need to ensure that the impedance is above 4 ohms, which with four speakers involves wiring pairs in parallel and then connecting the pairs as a serial chain. Most older churches are wired for 100V line systems as the speakers are both a long way from the amplifier and also the cable is not of thick copper. Therefore if you are updating your system it is highly likely that 100V speakers are suitable. To say it again, with modern speakers, both 100V and low impedance speakers sound very similar. Hope this helps, Tim

Posted on: 5 December 2005 | 6:04 am

Installation Fear

We want to order an induction loop system but fear installation is going to be difficult as walls are white and smooth but have many pillars and indentations. Can the loop be installed at a height of 4 metres or alternatively on the floor? The loop cable can go at any height, but should be kept away from running next to lighting mains cables (generally at ceiling height). Installing at 4 metres or at floor level is perfectly fine otherwise. We generally find that floor level is easiest, as long as the cable is not going to get trapped by chairs or pulled out by children! Installing on skirting board is very easy and safe, using hot-melt glue where appropriate.Tim Ridgway.

Posted on: 28 November 2005 | 6:49 am

Digital Hearing Aids

Hello,We have been asked again about the emergance of digital hearing aids, and their compatibility with induction loops.Some very recent in-ear digital hearing aids do not have a "T" setting, and as such these device cannot pick up the signal from the induction loop at all. However these aids are often only for those with very mild hearing loss where the loop is not so essential anyway.The vast majority of hearing aids still do have a "T" setting, so an induction loop is still of great benefit to many.Tim

Posted on: 10 November 2005 | 3:57 am

What information is needed for a loop

Hi,We get asked about hearing aid induction loops for churches, public buildings and halls all the time, and there are very few details that we need to be able to give you an on-the-spot price for your system. Having the answers to these questions to hand before calling us on 0845 4309486 saves time and will allow us to get a price to you as quickly as possible....What are the dimensions of your building (front to back, left to right)?What is the décor of the building - carpets/flooring, wall coverings, skirting board etc.?What colour are the walls?Details of any existing system, including makes and models - especially microphones and mixer (if you have one)?Any digital photographs of the building? These can be incredibly useful if emailed to us!If you need to discuss any of the above questions, please feel free to call us on 0845 4309486 (ask for Tim) and we would be glad to speak to you.As you may know, an induction loop consists of a small cable run around the perimeter of the building - generally at low level. This typically goes right around the whole main meeting room, thus including the everyone at the meeting. There is also an induction loop amplifier that powers the loop. Users of the induction loop switch their hearing aid to the “T” position, and then can hear very clear sound from the loop.See our full range of Loop Equipment in the ChurchPA online shop - Click HereChurchPA has the best prices for induction loop equipment online, and with our expertise we will be able to swiftly help you out.Tim.

Posted on: 8 November 2005 | 11:07 am

Web Shop Launch!

We at ChurchPA are proud to have launched our online shop!You can get to the store at www.ChurchPA.co.uk/store - check out the wide range of equipment, and don't forget that there is free shipping if your order is over £100. Of course our equipment is backed by a one year guarantee too!Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you in the store!Tim Ridgway.

Posted on: 3 November 2005 | 4:14 pm

Streaming Online Audio

Hi all,Just a quick one today. We have recently been selling quite a number of MP3 recorders to churches to enable them to record their services simply and easily, then to take away the recorder and copy off the audio onto their computer ready for copying onto CD. This is so simple to do today, that many older recording mechanisms are becoming obsolete.MP3 Audio Recorder - Click HereHowever, we heard today that one of our clients has gone one stage further, and is also posting the recordings onto the internet! What a great way to spread the word of God.We had just one suggestion for this client to make the experience even easier for their users......The old method they are using is to simply post the mp3 audio files as downloadable files on their web page. However, at 5Mb per sermon, it takes quite a long time before you can hear anything at all, even with a high speed broadband connection.The new method we have suggested is to use Streaming Audio Techology which allows visitors to the site to listen to the recordings almost instantly.Check out SoundStreamer, which we think is a fantastic application, and is very inexpensive. This application allows anyone to add streaming audio to their website, and it could be perfect for your church too!Tim

Posted on: 1 November 2005 | 2:15 pm

Testing Loops

Because you cannot listen to the sound on a loop without a hearing aid, it is difficult to really know that your induction loop is working without asking someone with an aid to inform you, which is often embarassing.There are a number of devices which allow you to listen in on the loop as if you have a hearing aid, and others which give you the "field strength" of the loop. We recommend that you have a loop listener or field strength meter to ensure that you are putting the right sound onto the loop, and that you really are helping those in need.ChurchPA supplies a good selection of loop equipment, and we would be delighted to discuss your needs.Tim.

Posted on: 19 September 2005 | 2:59 am

Induction Loop Amplifier v.s. Audio Amplifier

Ocassionally in older churches, a "normal" audio amplifier is being used to drive an induction loop for the hard of hearing. This is the "way it was done" when purpose built induction loops did not exist. However, these days, it is NOT really acceptable to continue to do this....We do not recommend using a standard audio amplifier to drive an induction loop as they really are not designed for this job. Having said this, they do work and are able to drive a loop, but it is very taxing for the amplifier to drive a low impedance loop and often the sound quality on the loop is much lower than that from an induction loop amplifier. You are also at risk of damaging the amplifier. Induction loop amplifiers are designed to drive the high current needed for a loop, they also have built in compressors to ensure that even if the source signal gets quieter or louder, the signal provided to loop users is of a consistent level, ensuring that they have a comfortable sound level in their hearing aid. We supply a full range of induction loop amplifiers for all sizes of room, if you plan to replace your audio amplifier with a dedicated loop amplifier, we will need to know the dimensions of your room to be able to specify the correct amplifier.Also check before re-using your existing loop cable that there is just a SINGLE turn around the room. To increase the impedance of an old loop they used to take several turns around the room (this was to prevent the audio amplifier overheating). It is not acceptable to have multiple turns with a modern loop amplifier.***** Visit us online at www.ChurchPA.co.uk ********** Phone 0845 430 9486 *****

Posted on: 19 September 2005 | 2:54 am

Royal PA

Hello everyone!Just got back from the most amazing experience - providing a PA for Royalty! To be specific, we provided PA for the Gypsy Moth IV re-dedication on the Cutty Sark in London and Her Royal Highness Princess Anne was present for the dedication.This was a real honour for us, and I think, the first time that our equipment has been checked by a sniffer dog. What an amazing world!Well - we hope to post photographs soon.Bye for now.Tim

Posted on: 7 September 2005 | 3:18 pm

Audio and loop cables very close

We're just re-doing our church sound system and I was wondering with the induction loop if any laying the loop next to our mic wiring loom (along the floor) will cause any problem hums, buzzes etc? You can run loop cable next to audio microphone cables AS LONG AS your microphone cables are balanced cables and you are using balanced microphones or DI boxes at the source and balanced inputs on your mixer.If there are any un-balanced cables or equipment involved you will no doubt have problems. You don't get a hum - instead you get feedback as the signal on the loop couples onto the microphone cable and is then re-amplified.Remember - you can't put a loop near to an aluminium or metal suspended ceiling as this will stop it working. Also, in the UK it is against wiring regulations to install an induction loop closer than 60cm from mains wiring (including lighting) for long runs.There is another post in our help pages which expands further on problems you can have with a loop, and why these are rarely actually a problem! Click Here Hope this helps,Tim.

Posted on: 17 August 2005 | 9:34 am