First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, upgraded its audio production capabilities with Audix Wireless MicroBoom microphones to manage complex, fast-paced Sunday services. Technical Director Tim Weaver praised the Wireless MicroBooms for eliminating trip hazards and integrating seamlessly into their stage workflow.
The church serves 5,000 members across five dynamic services each Sunday. Weaver cited a critical need for high-quality, mobile audio capture for music ensembles. He upgraded the church’s audio production capabilities with the Audix Wireless MicroBoom MBW50B and MBW50BHC microphones.
The demanding schedule at First Baptist Church requires maximum efficiency from its production team. Weaver said changeovers are tight.
In just 20 minutes, we can transition from a full 100-member choir and 40-piece orchestra with a nine-foot grand piano to a full contemporary worship band, or special ensembles, Weaver said. Not having to limit our production configurations around fixed stage pockets and cabling provides us tremendous flexibility for these setups. The Wireless MicroBooms are a lifesaver. Ican just attach a wireless belt pack to the boom on a stand, place it exactly where we need it, and we are ready to go. It is incredibly fast and completely uncluttered.
The Wireless MicroBooms also resolved safety and aesthetic challenges. Weaver explained that special program music featuring instrumentalists or small vocal groups often occurs on the steps leading to the platform, requiring audio equipment to be placed in high-traffic areas.
The challenge has always been tripping hazards when we’d use gaffed cables and mics, especially when thousands of people enter the sanctuary, Weaver said. People will naturally step around a mic stand, but they will easily trip over a taped-down cable. So, without them, the Wireless MicroBooms eliminate the risks of tripping entirely. At the same time, their carbon fiber booms are so tiny that they’re not even noticeable by the congregation during service.
Beyond logistical advantages, Weaver said sonic performance remains paramount. He noted modern wireless systems allow users to hear pristine, studio-grade qualities of the microphone capsule. He said the Wireless MicroBooms sound fantastic, feature very low noise, and handle audio levels extremely well.
Because vocal groups are frequently positioned in front of the main PA system, Weaver relies on the hypercardioid Wireless MicroBoom model, the MBW50BHC. Utilizing the hypercardioid Wireless MicroBoom has been massive for us. It helps us reject unwanted noise and easily avoid feedback, giving us great gain before feedback even in tricky acoustic positions, Weaver said.
Weaver has been an Audix user for years and deploys Audix DP drum mics, the A231 large diaphragm condenser, and ADX51 pencil condensers across his productions at the church. He emphasizes that Audix microphones feel like they’re purpose-built.
In recommending the Wireless MicroBoom microphones to other houses of worship, Weaver highlighted their practicality and affordability. He said the price is competitive and the units are simple to deploy on stands.
Having the ability to deploy a completely wireless, high-quality microphone system for small groups or large ensembles in mere minutes is a huge operational advantage, Weaver said. They give you incredible mobility, a clean aesthetic, and excellent sound.
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