 I get quite a few calls from churches that need me to come in and figure out what is going wrong with their sound system. It is usually one of two issues: 1. Operator Error - volunteers with no training; making poor decisions (like gain structure, making neat designs with graphic EQ controls, using the wrong cabling, etc). Kind of Like this:  It would appear as if a 3 year old had some fun... 2. The Other Issue I Get a Call the Most About Are Band-Aids, Yup That's Right, Band-Aids - What I am referring to, are quick "fixes." A.K.A. Redneck Engineering. This is usually caused by a well-meaning volunteer not having the right cable at the time of a need, or perhaps they were trying to fix something at the last minute, and they just "made it work." There are times when every one of us will find ourselves in a pickle; where you just don't have what you need at the time. The problem is when we are satisfied with just making it work, but not making it right later. If you have to rig something up at the last minute, then fine, but go back and fix it as soon as you can. This will save you a headache later. Other band-aids include homemade speaker rigging (which can kill someone), projector mounts (the most common diy hack I have seen), multiple adapters connected together for signal cable patching, the wrong type of cabling used (like speaker cables for signal cables and signal cables used for speaker cables), etc... With that said, I now present to you, the wall of shame:
Photo Credits: The members of the AV Install Nightmares Facebook Group So, what is the solution? It's two fold. A. The most important advice I can give first, is about rigging. If you are not experienced and licensed at speaker rigging, don't do it! That's a good way for someone to get killed. I know of a church that did a DIY job on hanging speakers in the air, and a large speaker came down in the middle of a service, and killed an old lady by the stage. Not a good day. B. Learn how to solder if you don't know how to already. Have some bulk microphone, speaker, and instrument cable available with a plethora of different types of connectors ready to go. I would get at least 500 feet of microphone cable. It'll go allot quicker than what you think. My church keeps bulk cable available for use, and we went through almost 1000 ft. of it within 2 years. Here is a legit place that you can buy whatever you need: http://www.parts-express.com/cat/audio-connectors/59 I would purchase at least 6 of the following connectors (Neutrik makes a great connector, and would be the best brand to get - yes switchcraft is good, but the cable clutch system that Neutrik connectors offer, is superior in my opinion): XLR - Both male and female connectors 1/4" TRS Male - Yes, just male. This will force you to make the right cable, and not just an extension! 1/4" TS Male RCA Male 1/8" TRS Speakons - If you bi-amp, you'll need the 4 pin, and if you run full-range, you'll need 2 pin While you are at it, it's good to purchase some heatshrink. Then, once you get the materials you need, I would print this chart. It shows the wiring diagrams of different types of cables. You match the 2 connectors shown in the chart for the number given, and then scroll down to the corresponding number's wiring diagram. Super useful.
This page has some cool articles that might help as well!
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