Great Sound? There’s an app for that!

It seems there’s an app for everything these days. Some are useful, some are entertaining, some are confusing, and some are nearly worthless!

When I set out to write the book, Great Church Sound, I wasn’t even considering getting into the mobile app development game. But that all changed one day when I was chatting with a friend and was saying how cool it would be to be able to practice mixing sound on a phone or tablet – safely away from the critique of a live audience.

And so, Great Church Sound, the mobile app was born. And I couldn’t be happier!

There are loads of tips and bonus material included in the app, as well as two utilities I’m especially excited about - including…

Multi-track digital practice mixer

This was one of the most rewarding parts of the app to develop and test. The virtual digital mixer includes three tracks of professionally recorded audio (graciously provided by the talented Mark Roach at MarkRoachMusic.com). This allows you to practice mixing a vocal track, guitar/piano track, and drums/percussion.

Not only that, but you can practice EQ-ing each instrument. This will greatly assist you in getting a feel for how different frequencies affect different instruments.

And there’s a compressor. And a reverb/effects channel.

We tried to include the basic elements that are part of every live mix so that the novice and aspiring audio engineer can get a feel for each component, practice, and then apply that new knowledge to a live mix on a physical console.

Frequency Analyzer & SPL Meter

One of the last components that was added to the app at the last minute was the real time frequency analyzer and SPL (sound pressure level) meter. This utility allows you to see, in real time, what frequencies may be peaking - helpful for finding frequency hotspots or training your ear with feedback frequencies. And of course, you can monitor the overall volume level at your location.

Download the app today!

So, give it a shot! It’s a great free app that could really help your church sound team get great sound!

Download it for Android or Apple iOS devices. And let me know what you think – this is for you!

-James