Churchfront

Best Computer Setup for ProPresenter

Matt Woltjer — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000

The Ultimate ProPresenter Computer Setup for Worship: 10 Essential Components

Running ProPresenter reliably in a church environment requires more than just any computer. As your church grows and your video demands increase, you need a robust system that can handle lyrics, motion backgrounds, sermon slides, confidence monitors, live streaming graphics, and multiple display outputs without breaking down mid-service.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the 10 essential components for building a professional-grade ProPresenter system that scales with your ministry.

Why Computer Graphics Matter in Church

Computer graphics in church environments can be incredibly demanding. You’re not just displaying lyrics anymore – you’re managing motion backgrounds, sending lower thirds to your live stream, running confidence monitors for your band, displaying announcements on lobby screens, and coordinating multiple video destinations throughout your facility.

As churches grow from small to midsize or larger, these demands only increase. That’s why investing in the right system from the start (or upgrading strategically) is crucial for ministry success.

The 10 Essential Components

1. The Foundation: Mac Mini

Why Mac Mini? The amount of power packed into even the base model Mac Mini is incredible and sufficient for most church environments. While you could build a custom gaming PC, Mac consistently proves more reliable with ProPresenter in real-world church applications.

Specifications to Consider:

Base Model: Sufficient for basic setups with 1-3 screens
$899 Version: Features 10-core CPU/GPU, additional RAM and storage – ideal for multiple outputs and future-proofing
M4 Pro Mac Mini: Best for high-demand environments with numerous video outputs

Storage Recommendation: Opt for more than the default 256GB, as graphics machines need space for images, videos, and other media files.

2. Professional Integration: Rack Mount System

The Sonnet Rack Mac Mini is a game-changer for professional installations. This 2U rack mount system can house three Mac Minis and features front-accessible power buttons – no more reaching under desks to power on computers.

Pro Tip: Keep your computers on most of the time. This enables remote access for editing ProPresenter content and system maintenance.

3. Expansion Capabilities: Sonnet Echo Three Expansion Chassis

This expansion chassis unlocks the true potential of your Mac Mini by allowing up to three PCIe cards for additional inputs, outputs, USB ports, networking, and storage options. One Thunderbolt cable connects your Mac Mini to a world of professional connectivity options.

4. Professional I/O: PCIe Cards

Recommended Cards:

Deck Link Duo Two: Provides direct SDI video outputs from ProPresenter
Sonnet Allegro USB: Additional USB ports for dongles and peripherals

Why SDI Matters: Instead of dealing with HDMI adapters and dongles, you get clean SDI outputs perfect for long cable runs common in church environments. Your video signals go directly from ProPresenter to your switcher or projector via professional SDI BNC connectors.

5. Scalable Rack Solution: Sonnet Duo Modo

The Duo Modo system allows you to rack mount your expansion chassis alongside your Mac Minis. This configuration is perfect for growing ministries that may eventually need multiple computers for ProPresenter, audio systems, and video switching.

Typical Professional Setup: Three computers (ProPresenter, audio machine, video switching) with two expansion chassis for maximum flexibility.

6. Remote Control: KVM System

A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) system extends your control capabilities from the equipment rack to your tech booth workstation. The AV Access KVM provides a reliable point-to-point connection between your racked computer and operator position.

7. Operator Display: 24″ LG Monitor

A 1080p monitor is perfectly adequate for ProPresenter operation. Since most KVM systems support 1080p, and the resolution doesn’t impact ProPresenter performance, this provides excellent value without unnecessary expense.

8. Advanced Control: Stream Deck

A Stream Deck adds powerful programmable buttons for ProPresenter functions, video switcher control, and lighting system integration. It’s an invaluable tool for streamlining operator workflow.

9. Reliable Input: Macally Keyboard and Mouse

Key Features:

Large print, backlit keyboard for easy visibility
Wired USB connections (no Bluetooth reliability issues)
Designed for production environments

Why Wired? Avoid potential failure points like dead batteries or Bluetooth connectivity issues during services.

10. Ergonomic Setup: Wein Monitor Stand

The lay-flat monitor stand allows operators to tilt screens down for better sight lines over the monitor to see the congregation and stage activity.

Budget Considerations

Professional System Cost

The complete system ranges from $4,000-$5,000, but remember – you don’t need everything immediately.

Budget-Friendly Starting Point

Base model M4 Mac Mini
Sonnet Mac Cuff Mini for desktop mounting
Use built-in Thunderbolt and USB ports
Maximum 1-2 displays

When to Upgrade

Consider the professional system when your church has:

300-500 person auditorium
Multiple video destinations
Growing AV demands
Need for reliability during services

Why This Investment Matters

ProPresenter isn’t the most reliable software, but with proper computer specifications, mid-service issues become rare. The primary cause of crashes is under-specced computers running out of RAM or processing power during services.

Investing in adequate specifications prevents the distraction and embarrassment of system failures during worship. However, avoid the opposite extreme – a $10,000 over-specced system isn’t good stewardship either.

Getting Started

The beauty of this system is its scalability. Start with what your budget and current needs allow, then expand over time as your ministry grows. The rack-mounted, professional approach ensures you’re building toward a system that will serve your church reliably for years to come.

For detailed specifications and personalized system design, consider working with professionals who understand both the technical requirements and the unique demands of church environments.

Remember: a reliable ProPresenter system isn’t just about technology – it’s about removing barriers to worship and enabling your congregation to focus on what matters most.

The post Best Computer Setup for ProPresenter appeared first on Churchfront.

Can AI Mix Your Worship Band? | Testing Waves AQ

Matt Woltjer — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000

The AI Audio Revolution: Can Artificial Intelligence Mix Your Church’s Worship Music?

The world of audio engineering is experiencing a seismic shift, and it’s happening faster than many of us expected. What once required years of training, expensive equipment, and a finely-tuned ear can now be accomplished with the click of a button—thanks to artificial intelligence.

Recently, I decided to put this technology to the ultimate test. Using an old session from last year’s Church Front conference, I attempted something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago: mixing an entire worship song using nothing but AI-powered tools. The results? Well, let’s just say they were both impressive and slightly terrifying for those of us in the audio industry.

The Experiment Setup

The challenge was simple yet ambitious: take a raw Logic session and mix it from start to finish using only AI tools. No manual EQ adjustments, no subjective listening decisions—just pure artificial intelligence doing what it does best: analyzing patterns and making recommendations.

Here’s what I used:

Waves AQ: An AI-powered EQ plugin that analyzes individual channels and automatically applies appropriate EQ curves
Waves Curves Equator: A more surgical AI tool designed to identify and eliminate problem frequencies
Logic’s built-in AI mastering: Apple’s answer to automated mastering

The source material was a fantastic electronic worship song with phenomenal musicians, but like any raw recording, it needed some work. The vocals sounded dull, some instruments lacked clarity, and the overall mix needed that professional polish we all strive for.

Watching AI Work Its Magic

What struck me immediately was how intuitive these AI tools have become. As I loaded up Waves AQ on the kick drum channel, the plugin automatically detected what instrument it was analyzing. “Adaptive kick drum,” it announced, as if reading my mind.

The AI didn’t just stop at identification—it provided multiple EQ options tailored specifically for kick drums. Want a brighter kick? There’s a curve for that. Prefer something fatter with less low-end? Another option appeared. The plugin essentially became a virtual audio engineer, offering creative choices based on its analysis of thousands of professionally mixed tracks.

This pattern continued across every channel. The snare drum was instantly recognized and treated appropriately. Tom-toms received their own specialized treatment. Even the hi-hats got the AI touch, with the plugin automatically understanding the frequency content and applying suitable enhancements.

The Vocal Game-Changer

Perhaps the most impressive demonstration came with the vocal channels. As I played audio through the plugin, it didn’t just recognize “vocal”—it specifically identified “female vocal” and “male vocal,” then applied EQ curves tailored to each voice type.

The before-and-after difference was striking. Vocals that had sounded dull and lifeless suddenly had clarity, presence, and professional polish. The AI had somehow managed to enhance the natural characteristics of each voice without making them sound over-processed or artificial.

Bus Processing and the Big Picture

Using the Waves Curves Equator on the drum bus and master bus added another layer of polish. This plugin took a more surgical approach, identifying problem frequencies and smoothing them out across the entire mix. It’s like having a experienced engineer listening for those subtle issues that can make or break a professional sound.

When I finally applied Logic’s AI mastering to the entire track, the transformation was complete. The song had gone from a rough mix to something that could compete with commercial releases—all without a single manual EQ adjustment.

The Results: Impressive and Concerning

The final comparison was eye-opening. The before-and-after difference was substantial enough that anyone could hear the improvement. The AI had managed to:

Brighten dull vocals without harshness
Enhance drum punch and clarity
Balance instrumental frequencies
Create a cohesive, professional-sounding mix
Add appropriate mastering polish

But here’s what really got my attention: this level of quality could be achieved by someone with virtually no mixing experience. The AI tools handled all the technical decisions, from frequency selection to processing parameters.

What This Means for Houses of Worship

For churches and worship teams, this technology represents a democratization of professional audio quality. Small churches that can’t afford a full-time audio engineer could potentially achieve professional-sounding mixes using these AI tools. Volunteer sound technicians could focus on the basics while letting AI handle the complex EQ decisions.

The live applications are particularly exciting. With plugins like these running on systems like Waves SuperRack or built into consoles like the DiGiCo LV1, you could theoretically walk into any venue and let AI optimize your sound in real-time.

The Human Element Still Matters

While these results were impressive, I’d be lying if I said they were perfect. An experienced engineer could still go in and make manual tweaks that would improve the mix further. The AI provides an excellent starting point—perhaps 80-90% of the way to a professional mix—but that final 10-20% still benefits from human creativity and musical sensibility.

There’s also something to be said for understanding why certain EQ decisions work. AI can tell you what frequencies to boost or cut, but it can’t teach you the musical reasoning behind those choices or help you develop your ear for future projects.

Looking Toward the Future

As I listened to the final result, I couldn’t help but wonder about the future of our industry. If AI can achieve this quality with minimal human input, what does that mean for audio engineers, both in studio and live environments?

The technology isn’t going to replace experienced professionals overnight, but it’s definitely changing the game. The barrier to entry for achieving professional-quality audio has been dramatically lowered. Churches, content creators, and musicians who once needed to hire professionals or spend years learning complex audio engineering principles can now achieve impressive results with AI assistance.

The Bottom Line

This experiment proved that AI audio tools have reached a level of sophistication that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. While they may not completely replace human expertise, they’re certainly making professional-quality audio more accessible to everyone.

For worship teams and churches, this represents an incredible opportunity to elevate their sound quality without massive investments in training or equipment. The future of audio engineering is here, and it’s more accessible than ever before.

Whether this makes you excited or nervous probably depends on where you sit in the audio world. But one thing is certain: the landscape is changing rapidly, and those who embrace these new tools while maintaining their commitment to musical excellence will be the ones who thrive in this new era of AI-assisted audio production.

The post Can AI Mix Your Worship Band? | Testing Waves AQ appeared first on Churchfront.

InfoComm 2025 | New AV Solutions for Churches

Jake Gosselin — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000

InfoComm 2025 Show Highlights: A Church AV Perspective

The InfoComm Show 2025 in Orlando proved to be an inspiring showcase of the latest audiovisual technology, particularly for those working in church production environments. As one of the largest AV trade shows in the industry, hosted by AVIXA (Audiovisual Integrated Experience Association), InfoComm offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience cutting-edge equipment firsthand.

What Makes InfoComm Special

InfoComm stands out among AV trade shows for several reasons. The event typically alternates between Orlando and Las Vegas—two of the biggest AV hubs in the country—with next year’s show heading to the Las Vegas Convention Center. What makes it particularly accessible is the availability of complimentary tickets through various partners and vendors.

The show’s real value lies in its extensive demo rooms where attendees can hear PA systems from major manufacturers in person, plus get hands-on experience with gear on the trade show floor. This year’s Orlando location provided the perfect opportunity for an in-depth exploration of the latest church AV solutions.

Pre-Show Experience: First Baptist Church Orlando

The InfoComm experience began with a special event hosted by Church Gear at First Baptist Church in Orlando. This provided an excellent opportunity to tour a professional church AV installation, particularly their impressive audio system featuring a large d&b line array setup.

The church’s system showcased the power of professional line array technology. Even from distances exceeding 100-150 feet, the sound remained clear and present, demonstrating how line arrays can efficiently cover large spaces with minimal delay requirements. The system was running at over 110 decibels during the demo, highlighting both its power and clarity capabilities.

Equipment and Infrastructure Highlights

Rack Solutions: The Foundation of Professional AV

Middle Atlantic Equipment Racks The show featured impressive displays of professional equipment management solutions. Middle Atlantic’s BGR rack series stood out as a significant upgrade from their ERK series, offering increased depth, width, and expandability. These racks can be ganged together and even feature integrated lighting options—essential for managing complex AV installations professionally.

Unify’s Design Excellence Unify continues to impress with their hardware design, often compared to Apple’s attention to detail. Their white “light mode” racks presented a clean, modern aesthetic that many hadn’t seen before. Beyond racks, Unify’s extensive product line includes networking solutions, security cameras, and access points specifically designed for large gathering spaces.

Mixing Console Innovation

Yamaha DM7 Compact Getting hands-on time with Yamaha’s DM7 Compact revealed impressive build quality and a sophisticated software interface. While comparable in size to an AVANTIS Solo but priced similar to the full AVANTIS, it represents a solid option for churches needing higher channel counts and professional-grade mixing capabilities.

Allen & Heath QU Console The new QU console from Allen & Heath generated significant excitement as a much-needed refresh to their lineup. This console is positioned as an ideal starting point for many churches upgrading their mixing capabilities, with plans for extensive training content to help churches maximize its potential.

Camera Technology: The Future of Video Production

Canon’s Intelligent PTZ Innovation

Canon’s booth showcased revolutionary PTZ camera technology that hints at the future of camera operation. Their new intelligent software allows multiple PTZ cameras to work in coordination—when one camera focuses on a subject, the other cameras automatically reframe to cover remaining subjects in the scene.

This system uses overhead cameras to provide a complete view of the scene, with analyzer software tracking subjects and communicating positioning data to the PTZ cameras. The implications for worship production are significant, potentially allowing single-operator control of multiple cameras or even fully automated camera operation.

Enhanced PTZ Control

Canon’s CP-1000 PTZ controller represents a significant upgrade from their standard offerings. The built-in touchscreen display provides video preview directly on the controller, making exposure adjustments and camera management more intuitive and accurate than relying on external monitors.

Audio Excellence: PA System Shootout

The show provided extensive opportunities to compare major PA manufacturers, with dedicated listening sessions revealing the strengths of different systems.

Meyer Sound: Premium Performance

Meyer Sound continued to impress with their commitment to absolute audio fidelity. Their demonstration of the X80 point source speakers revealed incredible detail—so much so that familiar songs like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” revealed previously unheard elements like finger snapping captured in the vocal microphone.

Meyer’s philosophy focuses on engineering for the most demanding environments, from professional studios to cinema sound design. While this results in higher costs, the audio quality justifies the investment for those prioritizing sonic excellence.

Fulcrum Acoustic: Innovation and Quality

Fulcrum Acoustic showcased their new Constant Curvature Array (CC series), featuring subcardioid technology that significantly reduces sound levels behind the speakers. This design benefits stage performers by reducing on-stage volume and increasing gain before feedback—crucial advantages for worship environments.

The company’s Massachusetts-based manufacturing and scientific approach to speaker design continues to impress, with upcoming line array installations demonstrating their expansion beyond point source solutions.

Martin Audio: Budget-Conscious Excellence

Martin Audio presented compelling options for churches seeking quality sound within more modest budgets. Their point source speakers delivered impressive performance, making them worthy considerations for congregations looking to balance sound quality with financial constraints.

L-Acoustics: Immersive Audio Exploration

L-Acoustics heavily emphasized immersive sound technology, including speaker tracking that follows presenters as they move on stage. While technically impressive, the practical value for most churches remains questionable given the significant additional costs for processors, additional speakers, and amplifiers.

However, immersive systems do offer interesting possibilities, such as room emulation that could transform a dry acoustic space into a simulated symphony hall environment—potentially valuable for churches hosting diverse musical styles or special events.

Supporting Technologies

Shuttle Computing Solutions

Shuttle’s compact computers offer robust alternatives to consumer-grade solutions for on-site AV control. These systems provide the processing power and durability needed for running control software like Powersoft’s Armonia DSP, Dante Controller, and remote access tools without interfering with client computers.

Ape Rigging: Safety and Professionalism

Professional rigging solutions remain crucial for safe and clean speaker installations. Ape Rigging’s systems, often paired with Fulcrum speakers, demonstrate the importance of proper mechanical engineering in professional AV installations.

Industry Insights and Recommendations

The Importance of Proper Design

While all major manufacturers produce excellent speakers capable of incredible fidelity, the key to successful PA implementation lies in proper system design. The shape of the room, coverage requirements, and volume needs must all be considered when selecting appropriate components from any manufacturer’s lineup.

Professional Development Opportunities

For those serious about advancing their AV knowledge, AVIXA offers valuable certification programs. The CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) study guides provide comprehensive AV education, with specialized tracks for installation (CTS-I) and design (CTS-D). These resources can significantly benefit worship leaders and technical directors seeking to deepen their understanding of professional AV systems.

Brand Recommendations by Budget

Based on extensive listening and evaluation:

Premium Tier: Meyer Sound for uncompromising audio quality
Mid-Range: Fulcrum Acoustic for excellent engineering and value
Budget Options: The search continues for consistently recommended entry-level solutions

Looking Forward

InfoComm 2025 reinforced the rapid pace of innovation in church AV technology. From AI-powered camera systems to advanced immersive audio processing, the tools available to worship production teams continue to evolve dramatically.

However, the show also emphasized that successful AV implementation depends more on proper design, quality installation, and appropriate component selection than on choosing the “best” brand. The most important factor remains matching the technology to the specific needs and constraints of each worship environment.

For churches planning AV upgrades, InfoComm demonstrates the value of working with experienced integrators who understand both the technical capabilities of modern equipment and the unique requirements of worship environments. The complexity and sophistication of current AV technology make professional guidance more valuable than ever.

InfoComm 2026 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Consider attending to experience these technologies firsthand and stay current with the rapidly evolving world of worship production technology.

The post InfoComm 2025 | New AV Solutions for Churches appeared first on Churchfront.

Massive LED Wall! 1.9mm Pixel Pitch | Altitude LED

Matt Woltjer — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Transform Your Church Stage: A Complete LED Wall Installation Guide

How Go Elevate Church in Miami Lakes upgraded from basic lighting to a stunning 23-foot LED display

When Go Elevate Church in Miami Lakes, Florida opened their 700-seat sanctuary in 2021, they started with a simple lighting setup they called “the claw” – three columns of lights that served as their stage backdrop. Fast forward to today, and they’ve transformed their worship experience with a massive, crystal-clear LED wall that serves as both a visual centerpiece and a powerful ministry tool.

The Project Specs: Going Big and Going Sharp

The final installation is impressive by any standard:

Size: 11.5 feet tall by 23 feet wide
Pixel Pitch: 1.9mm for ultra-high definition
Aspect Ratio: 16:10 (slightly taller than standard 16:9)
Module Count: 392 individual LED modules
Capacity: Serves a 700-person sanctuary

Why 1.9mm Pixel Pitch Made All the Difference

Hugo Diaz, the tech director at Elevate Church, made a strategic decision that many churches overlook when choosing their LED specifications. “The reason we went with the 1.9 is because we are trying to get closeups with the camera,” Hugo explains. “We have the band right there, like two feet, three feet off the wall. So when we get close, we don’t want to see all those pixels.”

This attention to detail pays dividends during live streaming and video production. Even with professional cameras positioned just feet from the screen, the 1.9mm pixel pitch ensures viewers see a seamless, television-quality backdrop rather than visible individual pixels.

The Installation Process: Behind the Scenes

The installation process reveals the complexity and precision required for a professional LED wall:

Cabinet Preparation and Cable Management

The cloud panels feature an ultra-slim form factor with all cabling hidden inside the cabinets for a clean appearance. The installation team runs both data and power cables through strategically placed holes in each cabinet, creating a daisy-chain connection that keeps the back wall looking professional.

Data Requirements and Processing Power

One of the most technical aspects of the installation involves data management. With 1.9mm pixel pitch, the sheer volume of data required is substantial. Each data cable from the processor supplies approximately four cabinets, compared to twice that number for higher pixel pitch displays like 2.6mm. This requirement necessitated powerful Nova Star MX30 processors housed in the church’s media tech booth.

Module Installation

Each of the 392 modules comes with magnetic backing and specific connectors. The modules attach securely to the cabinets through a combination of magnetic hold and precise electrical connections, allowing for both stability during use and easy maintenance access when needed.

The Ministry Impact

Beyond the technical specifications, this LED wall serves a deeper purpose. As Hugo puts it, the screen functions “as a way of sharing the preaching message and also just a prop to be able to elevate Christ, which is our motto here at Elevate Church.”

The large format allows the entire 700-person congregation to clearly see sermon content, worship lyrics, and video elements from any seat in the house. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space that works particularly well for text-heavy content like scripture passages and sermon points.

Testing the Results

The proof is in the viewing experience. Even when filming with a 4K iPhone camera at close range, individual pixels remain virtually invisible. From the back row of the 700-seat sanctuary, text remains crisp and readable, while video content displays with cinema-quality clarity.

The installation team’s attention to cable management and processor placement ensures the system runs reliably week after week, supporting both live worship experiences and broadcast ministry efforts.

Key Takeaways for Church Leadership

Invest in Lower Pixel Pitch: If your church does video production or live streaming, the 1.9mm pixel pitch pays dividends in professional appearance
Plan for Data Requirements: Lower pixel pitch means higher data needs and more sophisticated processing equipment
Consider Your Space: A 16:10 aspect ratio can provide more versatility than standard 16:9 for text-heavy content
Professional Installation Matters: The complexity of data management, cable routing, and processor setup benefits from experienced technicians

Ready to Transform Your Church Stage?

Whether you’re upgrading from basic lighting like Elevate Church or replacing an aging projection system, a professionally installed LED wall can dramatically enhance your ministry’s visual impact. The investment in quality components and expert installation ensures your congregation enjoys years of reliable, stunning visual support for worship and teaching.

Interested in exploring LED options for your church? Consider factors like viewing distance, camera requirements, and content types when selecting pixel pitch and sizing for your specific ministry needs.

The post Massive LED Wall! 1.9mm Pixel Pitch | Altitude LED appeared first on Churchfront.

From Gymnasium to 450-Seat Church: Complete Transformation | Part 1

Matt Woltjer — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Essential AV Tips for Your Church Renovation Project: Lessons from Island Community Church

When Island Community Church in Islamorada, Florida decided to transform a former gymnasium into their new 450-seat worship space, they embarked on a journey that would take over a year of planning and 10 months of construction. Their experience offers valuable insights for any church considering a major renovation or AV upgrade.

Start Planning Early – Much Earlier Than You Think

One of the most crucial lessons from this project? Start your AV planning at least 14 months before your target completion date. Pastor Trevor Mann and his team began discussions with their AV integrator over a year before construction started, which proved essential for proper coordination with architects, contractors, and other trades.

“It will take at least a good year of planning to really figure out what you need in your space for the future,” Pastor Mann explains. This timeline allows for proper design iteration, budget planning, and coordination with the overall construction schedule.

The Foundation: Conduit and Cabling Infrastructure

Before any speakers or screens can be installed, the invisible infrastructure must be in place. The team at Island Community Church invested heavily in proper conduit installation – running two-inch conduits with pull strings throughout the facility.

Key Infrastructure Tips:

Install more conduit than you think you need – Having spare conduits makes future upgrades much easier
Use proper cable types: Cat6 for data, shielded Cat6 for sensitive connections, and dedicated video cable
Plan for stage pockets early – These floor-mounted connection points keep your stage clean and professional
Coordinate with your electrical contractor – They’ll install the conduit, but your AV team needs to specify locations and requirements

Smart Equipment Placement Strategy

Rather than cluttering the front-of-house tech booth with equipment, Island Community Church chose a distributed approach:

Equipment racks housed securely in the backstage green room
KVM systems allow remote operation from the tech booth
Stage pockets provide clean connectivity without visible cables
Multiple connection points accommodate flexible staging needs

Audio First: Why Acoustics Matter More Than Speakers

“As a former worship leader, I think really the audio quality to me was the most important thing,” Pastor Mann notes. Their approach prioritized acoustics over flashy equipment:

Their Audio Strategy:

Acoustic treatment first: 102 Prime Acoustic panels to control room reflections
Premium point-source speakers: Fulcrum Acoustic system with Powersoft amplifiers
Professional mixing: Waves LV1 console for broadcast-quality sound
Strategic subwoofer placement: Flown subs for even bass distribution throughout the room

LED Walls: The New Canvas for Worship

The church’s 11.5′ x 26′ LED wall serves as both a practical video display and artistic canvas. Key considerations for LED installations include:

Structural support: Proper rigging to building structure with redundant hang points
Power requirements: Six 20-amp circuits for their large display
Serviceable design: Front-serviceable panels keep the back clean
Integration with room design: The LED wall complements their bright, clean aesthetic

Balancing Vision with Budget

Not every church needs Hollywood-level production. Island Community Church made strategic choices:

They invested heavily in:

Premium audio system and acoustic treatment
Large, high-quality LED wall
Professional lighting with color mixing capabilities

They scaled back on:

Complex lighting rigs (choosing functional over flashy)
Extensive streaming equipment
Automated systems they wouldn’t fully utilize

Leadership Tips for Pastors Managing Construction

Pastor Mann’s advice for church leaders overseeing major projects:

Expect the Unexpected

Budget for overruns – both time and money
Problems will arise – patience is essential
Set high goals but remain flexible on execution

Build the Right Team

Hire experienced professionals in each specialty area
Establish a strong building committee with diverse expertise
Don’t try to be the expert in every area – trust your contractors
Ask lots of questions early in the process to clarify your actual needs vs. wants

Stay Focused on Ministry

“The problem is I like it a little bit too much and so I will insert myself a little bit too much at times,” Pastor Mann admits. The key is finding the balance between necessary oversight and micromanagement that takes you away from your primary calling.

The Power of Professional Partnership

Working with experienced AV integrators early in the process helps churches understand their actual needs versus their initial wishlist. The right partner will ask probing questions about worship style, production complexity, and future goals to design a system that fits both vision and budget.

Looking Forward

Island Community Church’s renovation demonstrates that with proper planning, realistic budgeting, and the right team, churches can create stunning worship environments that serve their mission for years to come. Their approach – prioritizing excellent audio, strategic video, and flexible infrastructure – provides a roadmap for other churches considering similar projects.

The key takeaway? Start early, plan thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to invest in the fundamentals that will make your worship experience truly excellent.

Ready to start your church renovation or AV upgrade? The lessons from Island Community Church show that success comes from early planning, realistic expectations, and partnering with experienced professionals who understand both technology and ministry.

The post From Gymnasium to 450-Seat Church: Complete Transformation | Part 1 appeared first on Churchfront.

Real (Good) Drums for churches – Churchfront Podcast | Joey Parish

Matt Woltjer — Fri, 30 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

This content is available on the Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

From Tour Buses to Canvas Heads: Joey Parish’s Journey in Worship Drumming

How one drummer’s need for portable gear led to a revolution in church drum design

When Joey Parish first started touring with Chris Tomlin in a cowboy hat across Texas, he never imagined that his frustration with airline baggage would lead him to revolutionize church drumming. Today, Parish Drums has become synonymous with innovative, worship-focused percussion solutions that solve real problems for churches worldwide.

The Birth of Parish Drums: Necessity Meets Innovation

Parish’s journey began not in a boardroom or design studio, but on the road with Shane & Shane. After years of living on tour buses with up to 24 people, the band made a crucial decision: ditch the buses and start flying to shows. This shift created an immediate problem for Parish.

“I realized that in order to play consistently the way that I play, for us to have a consistent sound and be the same band every night, I had to have drums that I could take with me,” Parish explains. The challenge was finding a kit that could travel as checked luggage while maintaining professional sound quality.

After researching existing portable options and finding them too heavy (some weighing 70+ pounds without cases), Parish took matters into his own hands. Starting with basic woodworking skills learned from home renovation projects, he began building drums specifically designed for travel and worship contexts.

The Philosophy: Less is More

Parish’s approach fundamentally challenges the drum industry’s focus on resonance and projection. While most manufacturers chase the “beautiful, resonant musical sounding drums” found in glossy advertisements, Parish noticed something different in the field.

“Every kit in every church is just covered in gaff tape and gels and big fat snare drum rings,” he observes. “The industry of how do we kill all the resonance in drums is endless.”

This insight led to Parish’s core philosophy: create drums that are inherently controlled and worship-appropriate straight out of the box. Using mahogany and poplar woods (softer, less dense materials), rounded bearing edges, and shorter shell depths, Parish drums are designed to be naturally “dead” and “thumpy” with minimal resonance.

Canvas Heads: The Next Frontier

In a industry first, Parish has developed patent-pending canvas drum heads made from tightly woven cotton canvas. These heads represent a dramatic departure from traditional Mylar constructions.

“They’re very quiet. All the high frequency stuff is gone from a distance,” Parish explains. “It sounds like you hear the attack, but you don’t hear a lot of the energy.” After extensive road testing during Shane & Shane’s Christmas tour, these canvas heads are set to revolutionize low-volume drumming.

The Brush Revolution

Parish’s commitment to volume control extends beyond drum construction to playing technique. He’s become a vocal advocate for nylon bristle brushes over traditional sticks, even developing his own brush design to address durability issues.

“A nylon bristle brush in combination with these canvas heads is just the biggest, fullest, and it’s just shocking because it’s so quiet,” he notes. This combination allows for intricate, musical parts while maintaining appropriate volume levels for worship settings.

Lessons for Worship Drummers

Throughout the interview, Parish shares invaluable insights for worship drummers transitioning from rock or cover band backgrounds:

1. Understand the Mission

“Why are we playing songs at church today? We want to sing together. We want to praise the Lord… We want to create an environment where that’s the most possible.”

2. Master Your Monitor Mix

Parish offers a counterintuitive tip: if your snare is too loud in the room, turn it UP in your in-ear mix. This forces you to play at the appropriate dynamic level naturally.

3. Embrace Simplification

Parish recounts playing a mountain worship gathering where he progressively removed drums from his setup until he was left with just kick and snare, playing high-hat parts on the snare rim. The result? A perfectly appropriate musical response to the intimate setting.

4. Dynamics Are Everything

Working with Shane Bernard, Parish learned to navigate extreme dynamics, setting his monitor mix for the loudest moments while developing the sensitivity to play parts so quiet “you can’t even tell if he’s playing.”

The Partnership with Worship Initiative

Parish’s collaboration with The Worship Initiative has provided the resources to scale production while maintaining quality. This partnership represents more than just business expansion—it’s about equipping churches with tools that serve the greater mission of worship.

Looking Forward

As Parish Drums prepares for their “big leap year,” the company stands at the intersection of innovation and tradition. They’re not just making drums; they’re solving problems that worship leaders and drummers face every Sunday morning.

Parish’s journey from frustrated touring drummer to innovative manufacturer illustrates a fundamental truth: the best solutions often come from those who deeply understand the problems. In a world of ever-louder, ever-bigger drum sounds, Parish Drums offers something different—instruments designed not to overpower, but to serve.

For worship teams struggling with volume control, stage aesthetics, or simply finding drums that work in smaller spaces, Parish’s story offers both inspiration and practical solutions. Sometimes the most revolutionary approach is simply asking: “What if we built drums specifically for worship?”

Learn more about Parish Drums at parishdrums.com and The Worship Initiative at theworshipinitiative.com

The post Real (Good) Drums for churches – Churchfront Podcast | Joey Parish appeared first on Churchfront.

The Best Auto Follow Camera Under 2k!

Matt Woltjer — Tue, 27 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

OBSbot Tail 2 & Tail Air: A Church-Focused Review

Over the past week, I’ve had the opportunity to test two auto-tracking cameras that could potentially transform how smaller churches capture and stream their services – the OBSbot Tail 2 and OBSbot Tail Air. Unlike most reviews you’ll find online that focus on content creation, I wanted to approach this from a ministry perspective: how can these cameras help spread the gospel in your church?

The OBSbot Tail Air: Limited But Has Its Place

Let me start with the Tail Air. At around $500, this compact camera offers 4K recording and auto-tracking capabilities, but I have to be honest – I’m not overly excited about it for most church applications.

The image quality from its sensor and optics just doesn’t impress me enough to recommend it widely for church use. During testing at our youth group, the picture quality was disappointing, even in a modestly lit environment. When recording my son delivering a message, the image was noticeably soft, and I had to crank the gain considerably under the fluorescent lighting.

That said, it could still serve a purpose for:

Bible studies that need to be streamed via Zoom
Secondary classroom recordings
Basic webcam use for online meetings

One significant drawback I encountered was the painfully slow file transfer system. Moving a 20-minute video from the camera took between 30-50 minutes, which is simply impractical for quick turnaround content.

The Tail Air has no optical zoom – only digital zoom that crops into an already small sensor, explaining the reduced quality when zooming in. At approximately 20 feet from the subject, it struggled to deliver the image quality I’d want for church content.

The OBSbot Tail 2: A Game-Changer for Small to Mid-Size Churches

The Tail 2 is where things get interesting for churches. This camera could potentially disrupt the small to mid-size church streaming market with its impressive feature set and lower price point compared to competitors.

Key Features That Matter for Church Use:

4K/60fps recording capability
Built-in 3G SDI port
Built-in RJ45 port
HDMI output
RS232 control ports
Mic and line inputs
USB-C charging and webcam connectivity
Excellent auto-tracking that looks natural

I integrated the Tail 2 into my church’s livestream setup last Sunday, placing it about 55-60 feet from our stage. The results were impressive – it followed our pastor smoothly during his sermon without the robotic movement often seen with auto-tracking cameras. When I set the follow speed to the “super lazy” setting, the movement looked incredibly natural – viewers might easily mistake it for human camera operation.

Practical Church Application

Using a Stream Deck Plus, I configured both cameras for quick control during a service. I set up three presets on the Tail 2:

A tight shot on the right side of the stage
A wider establishing shot of the entire platform
A tight shot on the left side of the stage

The auto-tracking feature worked remarkably well, even with quick movement across the stage. The camera follows subjects reliably and maintains good focus, though it does have limitations with group tracking. When testing with multiple people on stage, it preferred to track a single subject rather than reframing for the group.

One standout feature is the ability to rotate the sensor for vertical video – perfect for creating social media content directly from your service without additional cropping or editing. You could set this up on a small tripod near your stage, and it will follow your pastor wirelessly with minimal oversight, recording vertical video natively for your social feeds.

Low Light Performance

In challenging lighting conditions, the Tail 2 performed reasonably well. When I dramatically reduced our stage lighting, the image became softer, and focusing was more difficult – but that’s to be expected with any PTZ camera in low light. The AI image processing helped compensate somewhat, though you’ll definitely want adequate stage lighting for the best results.

Is It Right for Your Church?

The decision largely depends on your space. At my church, I tested the Tail 2 from about 60 feet away from our platform, fully zoomed in for most shots. If your church is larger than this, the camera may not get tight enough for your needs. However, for smaller venues where you can position it within 40-60 feet of your stage, I believe this camera outperforms many competitors in its price range.

The Tail 2 doesn’t come with an NDI license (unlike some competitors), but you can add one for around $100 if needed. Even with this additional cost, its price point remains competitive while offering natural-looking auto-tracking and solid connection options.

Final Thoughts

While the Tail Air has limited applications for most churches, the Tail 2 represents a compelling option for smaller ministries looking to improve their live streaming capabilities without the cost of a dedicated camera operator. Its auto-tracking capability is among the most natural-looking I’ve tested, and the multiple output options make it flexible for various setups.

If you’re considering upgrading your church’s video capabilities and don’t have the volunteer base for manual camera operation, the OBSbot Tail 2 deserves serious consideration. Just make sure your sanctuary size is appropriate for its zoom capabilities before making the investment.

If you found this review helpful and need more assistance with your church tech setup, visit churchfront.com and consider joining our premium membership for group coaching calls and personalized consultations.

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Dante 101: Transform Your Church’s Audio Network

Matt Woltjer — Tue, 20 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Dante for Churches: Simplifying Your Audio Network

If you’ve been struggling with the complexity of audio routing in your church’s AV system, Dante might be the solution you’re looking for. In this guide, I’ll explain what Dante is, why your church should consider it, and how to set up a robust Dante network.

What is Dante?

Dante stands for Digital Audio Network through Ethernet. It’s a technology that allows you to send audio signals over standard network cables rather than traditional analog audio cables. This means you can route audio from various sources to multiple destinations without needing physical rewiring or dedicated point-to-point connections.

Why Your Church Should Use Dante

In a church environment, you have numerous audio sources and destinations:

Wireless microphones sending signals to your mixing console
Your mixing console sending audio to your speakers
Computers running presentation software like ProPresenter needing to send audio to your sound system
Recording or streaming computers needing to receive audio from your console

Dante creates a flexible network where all these devices can communicate with each other digitally, with lower noise, greater flexibility, and simplified setup compared to traditional analog methods.

Essential Components for a Dante Network

1. Dante-Compatible Hardware

Your key audio devices need to have Dante capability. For example, our Allen & Heath SQ7 mixing console has a Dante card installed that allows it to send and receive 64 channels of audio over the network. Many manufacturers offer Dante cards as optional add-ons for their equipment.

2. Dante Virtual Sound Card

For computers that need to send or receive audio on your Dante network, you’ll need Dante Virtual Sound Card (DVS) software. This transforms your computer’s network port into a virtual audio interface with up to 64 channels of Dante audio.

DVS is perfect for:

Sending audio from presentation software to your sound system
Recording multitrack audio to a DAW like Logic or Ableton
Running virtual soundchecks with pre-recorded audio

The software costs less than $100 (the Pro version is available but unnecessary for most churches).

3. Dante Controller

This free software is your command center for the entire Dante network. With Dante Controller, you can:

Route audio between devices with simple checkboxes
Monitor signal presence and status
Configure device settings
Set sample rates and synchronization
Name channels for better organization

4. Network Infrastructure

While Dante can work with basic unmanaged switches, I recommend a more robust setup for churches:

My Recommended Setup:

UniFi Dream Machine Pro router
UniFi Pro AV-compatible switches (layer 3)
Separate VLAN for Dante audio traffic
CAT6 cabling (minimum CAT5e required)

For our installations, we typically use:

VLAN 60 for Dante audio
Manual IP addresses (192.168.60.100+) for critical devices like consoles and receivers
DHCP for computers and less critical devices (192.168.60.6-99)
Pro AV settings enabled on Dante ports
Multicast routing enabled

Useful Dante Accessories

Dante Avio Adapters

These affordable adapters (around $160 each) extend Dante connectivity to non-Dante devices:

Bluetooth Avio: Perfect for wireless music playback from phones
USB-C Avio: Connect computers or mobile devices directly to your Dante network

Setting Up Your Dante Network

Configure your network with proper VLANs and settings
Install Dante cards in compatible equipment
Install Dante Virtual Sound Card on computers
Use Dante Controller to establish audio routes:
- Click the intersection between a transmitter and receiver
- Verify connections with signal indicators
- Label channels for clarity
Set consistent sample rates across all devices
Assign appropriate IP addresses (manual for critical equipment)

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues with your Dante setup:

Check for status indicators in Dante Controller
Verify network settings and IP addresses
Confirm all devices are on the same sample rate
Ensure switch settings are correctly configured for Dante
Look for proper clock synchronization between devices

Conclusion

Dante has transformed how we handle audio in church environments. The flexibility, reliability, and expandability make it worth the investment, especially for growing churches that want to future-proof their audio systems.

If you’d like help building a Dante system for your church, reach out to us at Churchfront. For more in-depth training, join Churchfront Premium, where I’ll be adding comprehensive Dante training later this year.

Happy routing!

Jake Gosselin Churchfront

The post Dante 101: Transform Your Church’s Audio Network appeared first on Churchfront.

Carson Bruce | The Worship Keys – Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast

Matt Woltjer — Fri, 16 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

This content is available on the Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

Piano Players in Worship: Insights from Carson Bruce of The Worship Keys

By Luke Jackson

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Carson Bruce, the founder of The Worship Keys platform, for an insightful conversation about piano playing in modern worship environments. As someone who has worked with countless church musicians, I was excited to dive into this niche but crucial area of worship ministry.

Introducing The Worship Keys

Carson has created a unique platform focused on equipping keys players specifically in the worship arena. The Worship Keys addresses four key areas: music theory, gear/software, ministry, and industry. Through his weekly podcast released every Wednesday, Carson interviews keys players from various backgrounds and shares valuable insights for church pianists.

With a background in piano since childhood and graduate studies at Middle Tennessee State University, Carson now lives in Nashville where he runs The Worship Keys full-time. His passion for helping worship pianists elevate their skills is evident in everything he does.

The Birth of a Platform

When I asked Carson about his motivation for starting The Worship Keys, his answer was simple yet profound: “I wish there was a platform like this when I was younger.” He noticed a gap in resources specifically tailored for worship keys players and wanted to create a dedicated channel where pianists could learn from experts in the field.

Carson explained that piano has always been special in his personal walk with God: “I remember as a kid just going through different things in life and always going to the piano and my prayer closet.” This deep connection between worship, prayer, and piano playing fuels his mission to help others develop their skills.

From Classical to Contemporary

One of the challenges many church pianists face is transitioning from classical training to contemporary worship styles. Carson addresses this gap by creating resources that help classically trained pianists adapt to modern worship contexts.

“From a piano perspective, a lot of us, when we go to lessons, we’re classically trained middle C, here’s the treble clef, here’s the bass cleft… Whereas with Guitar world or drums, sometimes you’re just copying what your teacher is doing,” Carson explained.

This insight resonated with me as someone who took 14 years of piano lessons before picking up a guitar. The learning approaches are fundamentally different, and many pianists struggle to bridge that gap when joining a worship team.

Essential Skills for Worship Pianists

When I asked Carson what skills young pianists should focus on developing, he emphasized that it starts with the heart: “If your heart is not in ministry for one, if you’re not for the church and for the people, you’re not going to stay on that stage satisfied.”

Beyond that, Carson recommends:

Learning to play by ear in a band context
Understanding the Nashville Number System
Training your ear by trying to play unfamiliar worship songs
Developing fundamental skills before worrying about gear

His practical advice: “Turn on a song that you don’t know, go on Spotify, they start suggesting other worship songs and then as you’re playing, just see if you can play it and match it. And then after that, pull up the chord chart. Did I play that correctly?”

The Value of Nashville Numbers for Pianists

One particularly interesting segment of our conversation addressed whether the Nashville Number System is actually helpful for piano players. Some argue it’s primarily beneficial for guitarists who use capos, but Carson made a compelling case for its importance to pianists as well:

It facilitates communication with the entire band
It makes modulating to different keys easier
Numbers are quicker to call out than complex chord names
It works internationally across language barriers
It promotes a collaborative atmosphere rather than a “pianist knows best” mentality

As Carson put it, “If you’re not using the number system as a pianist, maybe you’re not meaning to, but it’s like you’re trying to say one up almost.”

Common Mistakes Worship Keys Players Make

Carson shared several valuable insights about mistakes he sees worship pianists making:

1. Not understanding frequency spectrum

Many keys players overuse the low end, creating muddiness in the mix: “A lot of worship bands stack up on that mid-range low-end in an unhealthy way.” Carson recommends understanding your context and band—if you have a bass player, you likely don’t need to play those bottom two octaves.

2. Doing too much

“In a lot of context with especially the CCM avenue of things, the fifths are so important. Open cords, extensions, the Sus two and sus fours are so important,” Carson noted. Sometimes less is more, especially in a full band context.

3. Breaking up chord patterns

Instead of playing full triads in both hands, Carson suggests simplifying: “When you’re playing a D major, just play the D and A, just do a little D2 or a Dsus depending on what’s happening.” This creates space for other instruments.

Technology Enhancing Piano Playing

Our conversation took an interesting turn as we discussed how technology can help worship pianists do more with less. Carson highlighted several options:

Software Options

MainStage: Great for Mac users, easier learning curve
Ableton Live: Most powerful but has a steeper learning curve
Sunday Keys App: Affordable ($120), user-friendly iPad app with AI capabilities

Hardware

Carson introduced me to the Atmosphere pedal by Aerospace Audio—a physical pedal with high-quality atmospheric pads built in. This allows pianists to trigger beautiful pads without needing a computer or phone on stage.

Finding Your Setup

For churches trying to decide between software and hardware options, Carson offered this advice: “If you already have a good working keyboard in place… I say keep that keyboard. If you want to actually get better sounds, I would say don’t keep upgrading keyboards. Go the software route.”

He recommends the Sunday Keys app for those who want simplicity, MainStage for Mac users who want more control, and Ableton Live for those willing to invest time in learning a comprehensive system.

Inspiration for Today’s Worship Pianists

When asked about keyboard artists who inspire him, Carson mentioned:

Red Rocks Worship (particularly Spooky Scott)
Elevation Rhythm (especially their track “Goodbye Yesterday”)
The Ramp Worship from Hamilton, Alabama

Final Thoughts

My conversation with Carson reinforced how important specialized training is for church musicians. The Worship Keys is filling a crucial gap by providing resources specifically for pianists in worship settings.

For worship leaders and music directors, understanding these piano-specific concepts can help you better communicate with and develop your keys players. If you’ve ever felt that disconnect between your guitar-based leadership and your piano players, the insights Carson shared might help bridge that gap.

You can find The Worship Keys on YouTube and Instagram, or reach out directly to Carson at Carson@theworshipkeys.com.

The post Carson Bruce | The Worship Keys – Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast appeared first on Churchfront.

You’re Gonna Want These Lights in Your Church | Chauvet Moving Head Comparison

Matt Woltjer — Tue, 13 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Church Lighting Review: Chauvet’s Rogue R2X Wash, Rogue R1E Spot, and Maverick Force S Spot

Hey there! Matt from Church Front here. In our ongoing mission to help churches create better worship experiences through technology, I wanted to share my hands-on review of three lighting fixtures we’ve been installing in our newer builds. If you’re considering a lighting upgrade or complete systems overhaul, these fixtures deserve your attention.

The Fixtures Under Review

Today we’re looking at three distinct Chauvet fixtures:

Chauvet Rogue R2X Wash (~$2,000)
Chauvet Rogue R1E Spot (~$2,000)
Chauvet Maverick Force S Spot (~$3,800)

I’ve tested each of these lights in multiple configurations to show you exactly what you can expect in various lighting scenarios.

Modern Church Lighting Philosophy

Before diving into the specifics, I want to acknowledge that not every church uses haze or atmospheric effects in their worship space. That’s completely fine! Lighting choices are partly cultural, and churches have different comfort levels with various production elements.

I personally see modern lighting as our contemporary equivalent of stained glass windows – they’re tools for creating beautiful, creative spaces that can help draw people into worship. Whether you’re looking for subtle enhancement or more dynamic effects, these fixtures offer options for various worship styles.

Front/Key Lighting Performance

Maverick Force S Spot

My top pick for front lighting is the Maverick Force S Spot. While it’s the most expensive option, it offers exceptional versatility and quality.

Key features for front lighting:

Built-in “front lighting” color temperature setting (4,700K)
Works beautifully with LED video walls
Full color mixing plus a color wheel
Impressive zoom range (can light nearly 30 feet from 35 feet away)
Auto-focus capability that actually works well
Adjustable frost feature for softening edges
Iris control for pinpoint focusing

What makes the Maverick particularly valuable for churches with video walls is its cooler color temperature. Traditional incandescent lights run around 3,200K, which appears very warm when paired with LED walls. If you color balance your cameras for those warm lights, your video wall ends up looking unnaturally blue. The Maverick’s cooler front light setting solves this problem elegantly.

Rogue R2X Wash

The R2X performs well as a front wash with these notable characteristics:

Softer edge blending (great if you’re less experienced with spotlight alignment)
Full color mixing capabilities
Wide zoom range
Good brightness at 70% power

One consideration with the R2X is light spill. Because it’s a wash fixture rather than a spot, you’ll get more light spreading beyond your intended area. This could potentially affect projection screens if not carefully positioned.

Rogue R1E Spot

While this was my least favorite for front lighting, it still has compelling qualities:

Extraordinary brightness (only needed at 37% for comparable output)
3,200K color wheel option to match existing incandescent fixtures
Iris control for spot size adjustment

My primary concern with the R1E as front lighting is its very cool white light (approximately 5,500-6,000K), which appears quite stark without filtration.

Hairlight and Backlight Applications

All three fixtures excel in different ways when used as hairlights or backlighting.

Rogue R2X Wash

While the R2X lacks gobos and advanced effects, it creates beautiful washes of color behind your worship team. It works well as:

A soft hairlight with full color mixing
A brighter focused beam through haze
A color backdrop element

Rogue R1E Spot and Maverick Force S Spot

Both spot fixtures offer similar capabilities as backlight/hairlight options:

Multiple gobo wheels with various patterns
Spinning and shaking gobo effects
Prism features that split the beam for wider coverage
Full color control

The Maverick edges out the R1E with its more refined optics and additional features, but both create stunning aerial effects when used with haze.

Floor-Mounted Applications

When positioning these fixtures on the stage floor, each creates distinct effects:

Rogue R2X Wash

Works well as blinders (at reduced intensity)
Creates silhouette effects when positioned behind worship team members
Offers wide wash coverage for haze illumination
Works with movement effects for dynamic scenes

Rogue R1E Spot

Produces sharper, more defined beams through haze
Combines gobo and prism effects for interesting floor patterns
Creates dramatic congregation-facing effects

Maverick Force S Spot

Delivers the tightest, most focused beams
Offers the widest range of effects combinations
Creates the most professional-looking aerial effects
Shows the most defined gobo patterns

The Verdict

After extensively testing these fixtures, here’s my assessment:

Rogue R2X Wash – Perfect if you need versatile wash fixtures that blend easily. Ideal for churches transitioning from static to moving fixtures who want forgiveness in their front wash blending.

Rogue R1E Spot – A tremendous value for the brightness and effect capabilities. While not ideal as front light without filtration, it’s excellent for aerial effects, gobos, and backlighting.

Maverick Force S Spot – The clear winner for versatility. Despite the higher price point, it can effectively handle front lighting, backlighting, aerial effects, and floor-mounted applications. If your budget allows, this fixture delivers the most flexibility and quality.

For most churches, I’d recommend either getting the Maverick if it fits your budget, or combining the R2X Wash for front lighting with the R1E Spot for effects and backlighting if you’re working with tighter constraints.

Whatever your worship style or production approach, these fixtures offer solid options for enhancing your worship environment. Remember – lighting isn’t just about flash and effects, but about creating environments that help your congregation engage in worship.

What lighting fixtures are you currently using in your church? Let me know in the comments!

Matt Woltjer
Church Front

The post You’re Gonna Want These Lights in Your Church | Chauvet Moving Head Comparison appeared first on Churchfront.