Audio Overview¶
This section explains the sound system at Highfield Road Uniting Church — what the parts are, what each microphone is for, and how sound travels from a microphone to the people listening.
If you only read one thing
All sound passes through one device: the Allen & Heath QU-5D mixer. Microphones go into it; the church speakers, foyer speakers and livestream audio come out of it.
The three places sound goes¶
The QU-5D sends sound to three separate destinations, each with its own mix (its own balance of microphones):
| Destination | What it feeds | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Main auditorium | The JBL SRX812P speakers in the church | This page |
| Foyer | The foyer amplifier and foyer speakers (a dedicated matrix mix) | Foyer Mix |
| Livestream | The RodeCaster Video, which streams to YouTube (a dedicated matrix mix) | Livestream Mix |
Why three separate mixes?
The people in the room, the people in the foyer, and the people watching online all need slightly different sound. A "matrix mix" is just a separate copy of the sound that we can balance on its own. For example, the livestream needs the microphones but not the room's own speakers.
Signal flow (simple version)¶
flowchart LR
M1[Ch1 Lectern Mic] --> QU[QU-5D Mixer]
M2[Ch2 Handheld Mic] --> QU
M3[Ch3 Handheld Mic] --> QU
M4[Ch4 Headset Mic] --> QU
M5[Ch5 Pulpit Mic] --> QU
M6[Rode M5 Choir/Organ Pair] --> QU
QU --> MAIN[Main: JBL SRX812P Speakers]
QU --> FOY[Foyer Matrix Mix -> Foyer Amp -> Foyer Speakers]
QU --> LS[Livestream Matrix Mix -> RodeCaster Video -> YouTube]➡️ A fuller diagram of the whole system is on the Signal Flow page.
The equipment¶
| Item | What it is |
|---|---|
| Allen & Heath QU-5D | The mixing desk. The heart of the sound system. |
| JBL SRX812P | The powered main speakers in the auditorium. "Powered" means each speaker has its own amplifier built in. |
| Foyer amplifier + speakers | Plays a dedicated foyer mix in the foyer. |
| RodeCaster Video | Receives the livestream audio mix and combines it with the cameras for YouTube. |
The microphones (quick reference)¶
| Channel | Microphone | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lectern Sennheiser condenser | Person at the lectern |
| 2 | Handheld radio mic | Roving / guest speaker |
| 3 | Handheld radio mic | Roving / guest speaker |
| 4 | Headset radio mic | Service leader (hands-free) |
| 5 | Pulpit Sennheiser condenser | Person at the pulpit |
| — | Stereo pair of Rode M5 | Choir and organ |
➡️ Full detail on each microphone: Microphone Guide.
Common questions¶
Why can't I hear a microphone? Its fader may be down, it may be muted, or (for radio mics) its battery may be flat or it may be switched off. See No Sound.
Why is there sound in the room but not on the livestream? The livestream uses a separate mix. A microphone can be turned up for the room but not added to the livestream mix. See No Livestream Audio.
Why is there no sound in the foyer? The foyer uses its own mix and amplifier. Check the foyer amplifier is on. See Foyer Mix.