Blog


Notes available for ValleyWAC 2017 sessions

Here are the notes and resources for my sessions:

ValleyWAC 2017 Keyboard session notes

TJ’s Korg Kronos keyboard setup walkthrough

ValleyWAC 2017 Audio Mixing 101 session notes

Valley Worship Arts Conference

Bethel Evangelical Free Church of Fargo, ND is hosting a two day Worship Arts conference on all things musical and technical February 17-18, 2017 featuring Vertical Church Band. TJ will be leading two seminars - Keyboards for Modern Worship and Audio Mixing 101: Sound Reinforcement for Musicians and Beginning Sound Operators.

Hope to see you there!

Valley Worship Arts Conference


Stage Monitoring for Musicians

I published a new article on monitor mixes for musicians - Stage to Sound Communication. This article discusses what a mix should and should not contain, and how to work with your sound person to get what you need.

Test your power!

I recently had an event at a venue I had not been to before, and while advancing the show was told that there would be lots of good power. Upon arriving, I found a branch-circuit distro that at first glance had a couple red flags. I pulled out my tester and found that the branch circuit distro was wired with a 3 wire cord instead of 4 wires, which are required for safe operation. The person who assembled this had wired the three wires to the two hot wires and neutral, leaving the ground unconnected.  

It was clear this device had been this way for a long time, and apparently no one had ever tested the power to see if it was safe - or if they did, they never informed the venue management. Thankfully the venue had other power I was able to use, and the show went on successfully.

Always test your power!


Does “Underpowering” damage loudspeakers?

I keep hearing this idea that using an amplifier that is “too small” actually causes loudspeaker damage. Is there any truth to this? Check it out:

Does “Underpowering” Damage Loudspeakers?

Example Portable Sound System

Shopping for a new system? I’ve put together an example turn-key portable system suitable for an audience of 200 - 500 in a portable church situation, or as a secondary portable system. This isn’t a sales pitch (I’m not in the business of equipment sales), but is an attempt at helping wade through a large market of equipment of varying value.

Example Portable Sound System

Stage Volume

Here’s a quick article on managing stage volume - the first in hopefully a series on the basics of sound reinforcement.

Improving Sound Quality By Reducing Stage Volume

Power Distribution Part 3 - Branch Circuit Distros

Here is part 3 of the Power Distribution series covering branch circuit distros, also known as “dryer plug distros” or “range plug distros”. This article covers using high-capacity receptacles that some venues have to safely access more power.

Power Distribution Part 3 - Branch Circuit Distros

Power Distribution Part 2 - The Poor Man’s Distro

The next article in my series on power distribution is up. This article covers the basics of ground loop noise and how to help mitigate it using a device with a very strange name.


Power Distribution Part 2 - The Poor Man’s Distro

Power Distribution Part 1 - Finding Multiple Circuits

The next article in my series on power distribution is up. Check it out:

Power Distribution Part 1 - Introduction And Multiple Circuits


© TJ Cornish 2017