Equipment Care and Storage
Microphones
The pulpit mic and the chalice mic generally remain set up. All other microphones and mic stands, along with mic clips (which are stored in the mic box, not on the stands) and mic cables should be put away after use.
In the sound booth there is a container for our microphones. All three cardiod (the smaller ones with the wind socks) mics should be kept in this box in the foam cutouts. The three clips for these mics go in the three cutouts for the mic clips. This helps keep them separated from the other clips, which are larger.
The two dynamic (larger) mics can be kept in the box loose, but wrapped somewhat in plastic to keep from scratching. These mics are more durable than the others.
Mic Clips
It is important to remove the mic clips from the mic stands before storing the stands, as the clips are very breakable. We have one stand with a clip on it that seems permanently welded, but other than the one stand, all other stands should be stored sans clip.
Mic Stands
The chalice mic stays on the stand by the chalice to be ready for Sunday Service story time and as an additional mic for services. One stand can be kept behind the piano for convenience. There is one with a longer neck that is easiest for singers sitting at the piano to use – I suggest leaving this one set up. All other stands should be folded down and kept either to the side of the sound booth or downstairs in the hallway outside of the RE rooms.
Please do not tighten the clamps on the mic stands as far as they can go for storage. This quickly wears out the rubber inside and makes the stands old before their time.
Music Stands
There are generally one or two music stands in the sanctuary. There are more downstairs.
Great care must be taken when moving equipment around behind the piano that the piano is not scratched. Whenever possible please move this equipment while the piano cover is still on. Store any equipment that is not being used downstairs to keep the stage area clear and neat.
Cords/Cables
The most important things to remember when wrapping and storing cords/cables are:
- Make big loops in the cable, about as big as from your hand to your elbow (small loops put kinks in the cable); and
- Use a fastener, such as a velcro fastener or a twist tie, to secure the cable so it does not become knotted.
Do not use tape or make a knot in the cable to secure it!
Any cables not being used should be put away in the sound booth.
Monitor and Short Mic Stand
There is a monitor and a short mic stand that you can set up and use if you need them. The monitor and short mic stand are stored in the sound booth.
Short Mic Stand
The short mic stand can be used for drums, guitar, or piano.
Monitor
There are monitor inputs on the panels on the left and right side of the stage (they are marked “monitor”). Which mics get fed into the monitor is controlled on the board. Each channel has a monitor dial which controls what signal, and how much of each signal, get sent to the monitor. The monitor in a live situation should be used for vocals and/or speaking only, not instruments, and should face the stage.
Moving the Pulpit
The microphone cable should be disconnected from the pulpit before moving it. Press down on the button on the connector end and pull the cable straight out to remove it. We have had loosening of this cable due to it being wiggled and pulled on while the pulpit was being moved, and we have had it repaired several times, so let us be gentle with it.
Moving the Piano
Please use extreme care when moving the piano, and be especially mindful of the plug for the piano humidifier. Recently this was ripped right from the plug (it appears as though someone stood on the extension cord while moving the piano) and our caretaker had to rewire it. This humidifier is crucial to the health and tuning of the piano, especially during the winter when the air is heated and dry.
Do not roll the piano over cords on the floor, and be mindful of stands and other equipment.
As a general rule, please keep the area behind the piano as free of equipment and cords as possible.
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