GRMC Christmas Concert 2025

Overview

Provided live sound engineering for Grace Resurrection Methodist Church's annual Christmas concert, a 90-minute production featuring a 40+ member choir accompanied by a chamber ensemble of strings, flute, and percussion.

The Setup

Input List (17 channels):

• 4× String mics (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) — condenser overheads
• 1× Flute — condenser on boom
• 3–4× Percussion ensemble — timpani, chimes, bongo, cymbal
• 4× Choir area mics — cardioid condensers in spaced pair configuration
• 2–3× Soloist/pastor handhelds
• 1× Piano

Console: Midas M32 LIVE

Technical Approach

The challenge with choir + chamber ensemble is balancing reinforcement against feedback in a reverberant sanctuary. Used careful gain staging with condensers, high-passed aggressively on choir mics (150–200Hz) to reduce room rumble, and applied gentle compression on the choir bus to even out dynamics between full ensemble and softer passages.

String and flute mics were mixed for subtle reinforcement rather than full amplification—just enough presence to cut through the choir without losing the acoustic character. Percussion required the most gain-before-feedback attention given its transient nature and proximity to choir mics.

Built scenes on the M32 for pre-service, concert start, instrumental features, and spoken word segments to handle rapid transitions without riding faders constantly.

Result

Clean, balanced mix that supported the ensemble without overpowering the room's natural acoustics. Congregation feedback highlighted clarity of soloists and choir diction—typically the first thing to suffer in under-mixed church audio.