Small Church Live Stream Audio Tips

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Find practical advice you can use as soon as your next small church service to help improve the quality of your live-stream audio. Whether you use a system or not, keep reading to get how-tos for your situation.

Before March 2019, live streaming was for larger churches and teen influencers. But as we all tried to figure out how to operate a church without meeting, live streaming quickly became the new normal. We had to dive head-first into something that most of us knew nothing about. As I look back on how our little church in Sparks, Nevada, got started, I grin just a little. Looking at where we started to where we are now is night and day. I’m sure many of you can say the same.

I have only been associated with The Small Church Network for a short time. In this time, I was not surprised to see many small churches are still struggling with live streaming. 

One of the areas of concern I see across the country and throughout North America is the live stream audio. If you are unfamiliar with professional audio and/or web-based audio, you’re in for a bit of a rough ride. Things you think should work don’t. Because you lack time, energy, and money, your audio continues to suffer. If this is you, you are not alone. 

This post gives practical advice you can use as soon as your next service to help improve the quality of your live-stream audio. I recommend going through your sound system. If that’s not an option, I give how-to’s further down, so keep reading.

Let’s Talk About The Interface

An audio interface is a piece of equipment that takes an analog audio signal from a microphone or soundboard and turns it into a digital signal your computer can now use. 

Most PCs and iMacs do not come with audio interfaces installed on them. I know there are inputs labeled “mic” or “microphone.” And yes, that’s what that is for. 

However, the “mic” input is not designed to be used with a standard professional microphone that has an XLR connection. If you have a mic that maybe has a ¼” or TRS connection, you may have experienced that when you adapt down to a micro or 3.5mm, it still did not work. And if you did get a signal, it was not what you thought it would be. 

That’s because this computer input is designed for a certain type of microphone specifically made for use with a computer. Maybe you tried connecting an output from your soundboard to this input and realized it was no good. So, now what? Instead of computers, some churches just went to using a cell phone to live stream. Sure, that’ll work. But still, it’s only cell phone quality, after all.

So, how can you fix this issue? First, you’ll need to purchase an audio interface. Believe it or not, these little lifesavers are quite affordable.

Choosing An Audio Interface for Small Churches

Consider two things when looking to buy your interface: 

1. Needs

2. Budget

I can’t think of many situations where your small church would need more than a one or two-channel audio interface. In most cases, you use a mono signal from a soundboard.

And, of course, budget is important to keep in mind. 

The good news is even a high-end audio interface is easily less than $200. And for under $50, you can get something that will work very well. Once your interface is chosen and purchased, you’re ready to rock and roll!

We use the PreSonus Studio 24c. It is a 2-channel unit about 2” tall, 6” deep, and 6” wide. Not very big at all. At the time this blog post is published, this particular unit costs around $150. The reason I chose this interface is because of the LED signal indicator. 

However, there are a lot of others that cost around $30-$40 and can be found on Amazon. The Behringer U-Phoria is a great unit, and it runs about $40. M-Audio- M-Track Duo is also a good choice costing about $70. 

Steps To Connect The Audio Interface 

These interfaces are plug-and-play (for the most part). I strongly recommend reading the instructions before you get started. That means you too, men! The interface will come with a USB cable to connect to the computer. 

Once you get it and have read the instructions, plug it in. Then, go ahead and turn your computer on. The interface should also come on with it as it is usually powered by the same USB cable that connects the interface to the computer.

Now that your computer is on and the interface is connected, there should be an indicator light letting you know the interface has power. For example, you can see in this PreSonus Studio 24c, there is a blue light at the top of the led light display area. The blue light is the power indicator.

Once you have verified there is power, you’ll need to go into the software you use for live streaming. We use ManyCam. (It’s versatile and inexpensive.) There will be an area where you can set the video and audio inputs. For us, I’ll look for our interface, “Studio 24c” and select it.

Once selected, you’re ready to connect your analog signal.

Top Hints To Connect Analog Signal

Before connecting your analog signal, consider the following. Avoid these three things if at all possible.

1. Do Not Use The Main House Master Sound

(You’ll thank me later … )

It may seem like a great idea. But the sound in your building is vastly different than what someone will hear over their phone or TV at home. Just because the sound in your sanctuary is dialed in and sounds good, doesn’t mean it’ll translate well to online listeners. Soundboards have “AUX” outputs, or “MONITOR” outputs, Sub Groups, VCA’s, etc. This is to say, each brand of soundboard is different. 

It’s best to have a dedicated signal that can be mixed by the stream operator if possible. Most church sound techs need to focus on the house sound. Live audio is not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. Live sound needs to be monitored. Even a subtle key change from one song to another can cause the mix to change. 

In my opinion, having a direct signal from the soundboard is the best option instead of using your microphone. You get a good, strong signal with no room noise, and it’s 100% controllable. Keep in mind, when you do this, anyone who speaks, sings, or whatever, will need to be on a mic so the folks watching the stream can hear. 

If you have a digital soundboard, this is the ideal way to go. You should be able to control the live stream mix using an interface, such as an iPad, computer, or pretty much anything that can connect to a network and has an internet browser, e.g., Chrome or Safari. However, Windows Edge doesn’t seem to work or play well with applications like this. 

I understand there are still a lot of churches using analog soundboards. And if that’s the case, then you’ll need to depend on your sound guy for the live stream mix.

2. Again, Do Not Use The Main House Master Sound

I know, I know, redundant. (This is the same as point number 1.) That’s because this is very important. Sometimes, a sound team feels it’s compromising their abilities to give a dedicated output for live streaming. Soundboards have a great capacity and often can do more than we know. You can get great sound in the room and online by not using the main house master sound for your live stream.

3. Do Not Connect One Mic And Hope To Get A Good Signal

(Unless you have no other option.)

For simplicity’s sake, you may consider just using one microphone placed somewhere in your sanctuary. If you do this, odds are you will get much more room noise than anything else. If this is your only option, place the mic near the stage or front of the room. Make sure to use a good condenser mic, as they do a better job of picking up larger areas.

The Connection To The Interface 

1. Choose A Signal Path

(What output from the soundboard do you want to use?)

Once you do this, test it. To test it, talk into a mic connected to the soundboard and routed to the live stream mix.

2. Set The Input Level On The Interface

Your interface will have some kind of level indicator; for us, it’s an LED meter. Often, it’s nothing more than a blinking light that is either green, yellow, or red. You’ll want the input level to be in the yellow and just barely tickling the red. If the indicator is red, you’ll need to reduce the input level. You can do this by using the controls on the interface or from the soundboard by reducing the level being sent. 

3. Set The Input Level In The Software

Using the same principle as above, adjust the level until the indicator in the software is also tickling the red. If it is solid red, reduce the input level.

4. Listening

Audio interfaces always have a place to connect headphones. Connect your headphones and listen. A feature on most interfaces allows you to adjust how much input signal vs computer signal you hear. I like to crank it all the way over to the computer sound.

5. Mixing And Equalizing 

You’ll want to mix whatever is coming from the stage so that when someone is watching the stream, they hear a nice balanced mix of everything going on. As far as using any EQ, or “equalizer,” you should be able to run the EQ from the soundboard flat. This means there is no frequency boost or cut.

How To Use An Audio Interface WITHOUT A Soundboard

With the vast differences in churches, there’s a good chance you need to live stream, but you do not have the option of using a signal from a soundboard. That’s ok. Using a soundboard is the easiest way to get the best signal. 

However, there is more than one way to skin a cat, as they say. In a situation like this, where using an output from the board isn’t an option, I recommend getting a two-channel interface. In one of the channels, run a room mic, preferably a good condenser mic. They do a better job of picking up larger areas. If you do not have a condenser mic, and can’t get one, use what you have. 

If you just can’t get a good strong signal that way, consider getting a pre-amp. A pre-amp will help you boost the signal. I use the ART TUBE MP Studio when I’m in video calls or making content because I like having more control over the audio signal. Anyhow, you’ll need to experiment with mic placement to find the location with the best sound. 

In that second channel, if possible, you’ll want to connect your pastor’s or teacher’s mic there. This will give you a good strong signal for the meat of the service.

Be Patient And Take Your Time

I understand this may seem like a new language and perhaps reads like stereo instructions from the 90s. Remember, be patient, take your time, and try not to rush. If you get frustrated, step away for a little while. If you are still having issues or you have a situation you just can’t figure out, I am happy to help. Feel free to contact me through one of the links below. 

I hope this helps you and your church better accomplish the mission our Great God has us all on. 

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