In many African settings, especially in urban areas like Nairobi, sound systems have become symbols of power and prestige. You walk into a matatu, and the subwoofers are thumping so hard the windows shake. Step into some churches, and the bass hits you like a punch. Some people cheerfully dance through this intensity, others clutch their ears in discomfort. But here’s the question we rarely ask: Is this good sound?
The Misconception of Loudness = Quality
There’s a dangerous myth that louder means better. We’ve equated booming bass with professionalism. We assume that if the walls aren’t vibrating, the system isn’t "anointed." But real sound engineering doesn’t aim to impress your chest—it aims to deliver clear, undistorted, and balanced audio that enhances the message, not distracts from it.
When someone needs to shout through a mic just to be heard or when congregants leave with headaches or ringing ears, something is wrong. That’s not excellence—it’s noise pollution.
What is “Good Sound” in Church?
As someone working in sound and media, I’ve come to define good sound as this:
“Clear, comfortable, consistent, and unintrusive.”
A good church sound system should:
- Be audible but not overwhelming
- Maintain the natural tone of a speaker or singer’s voice
- Avoid feedback loops and echo (especially in untreated halls)
- Not cause discomfort or ear fatigue
- Complement—not compete with—the worship experience
Do We Really Need 10 Big Speakers in a 500 Sq Ft Room?
Short answer: No. What we need is clarity and coverage, not brute force. Overloading a small space with massive sound equipment leads to poor acoustics, bouncing echoes, and often, wasted investment. Churches should prioritize:
- Room acoustic treatment
- Proper speaker placement
- Right-sized systems for the space
- Involvement of qualified sound personnel
The Heart of the Problem: Home Culture Reflects in Church
The issue doesn’t start on Sunday—it starts at home. When families normalize extreme volume levels in their homes and neighborhoods, the same culture spills into our churches. That loud TV, subwoofer parties, and speaker-on-the-balcony mentality conditions us to think sound must shake the building to be felt.
But God is not found in the earthquake, fire, or wind alone—sometimes He’s in the still, small voice.
Cost vs Excellence: A False Dichotomy
Many institutions avoid sound experts thinking they’re too expensive. But poor sound choices often lead to higher long-term costs, both financially and spiritually. A wrongly set-up system means:
- You buy again
- You miss your message
- You harm people’s ears
- You lose credibility
Investing in the right equipment and knowledge is a form of good stewardship. We must reflect God’s standard of excellence even in sound.