The Tech Arts Podcast

What separates a good mix from a great mix? And what does it take to deliver a consistent front-of-house experience night after night on one of Christian music's biggest tours? In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, we go behind the scenes with Daniel Ellis, Front of House Engineer for We The Kingdom, as we step into his world at a live tour stop. Daniel shares his approach to mixing FOH, why vocals remain the most important element in the mix, how he balances simplicity with technology, and the practical techniques he uses to keep a show sounding great whether he's mixing in a church, theater, arena, or stadium. You'll hear Daniel discuss: His philosophy on building impactful mixes Why he prefers a minimalist approach to plugins How he approaches vocal processing and clarity The tools he uses to tune a room quickly Virtual soundcheck workflows that save valuable time Why listening to artists can make you a better engineer But that's only part of the story... We'll also take you backstage to explore how We The Kingdom team handles monitor world, talkback communication, wireless systems, and the behind-the-scenes workflows that keep a major tour running smoothly. Plus, don't miss our special segments: Shure Wireless Workshop – Learn what churches and production teams need to know as wireless spectrum continues to shrink and government frequency changes create new challenges for audio teams. Resi Tech Spotlight – Practical insights that can help your church improve reliability, streaming, and production workflows. The Paragon Angle – Our exclusive segment from Paragon 360 featuring leadership, design, and production insights you can apply to your ministry immediately. Whether you're mixing for a local church, a touring artist, or simply looking to improve your craft, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from an engineer who has spent more than two decades mixing at the highest level. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at the art, science, and leadership of live audio with Daniel Ellis. See all resources, youtube videos and more at techartspodcast.com #TechArtsPodcast #DanielEllis #WeTheKingdom #FOHEngineer #LiveSound #ChurchProduction #AudioEngineer #YamahaAudio #Digico #FrontOfHouse #LiveAudio #ChurchTech #ProductionMinistry #ShureWireless #Resi #Paragon360 #TheParagonAngle #AudioMixing #TouringEngineer #WorshipProduction

When it comes to church projects, bids and quotes often feel like the same thing—but they’re not. And if you don’t know the difference, it could cost you more than you think. In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, David Leuschner sits down with Ryan Cowen, President of Paragon 360, to unpack The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Bids. Ryan brings over 17 years of AVL experience to the table, sharing how churches can avoid costly mistakes, navigate confusing bid processes, and instead focus on building strong, trustworthy relationships with integrators. From understanding why not all bids lower the price, to learning what questions you should be asking potential partners, Ryan helps demystify a process that so many churches struggle with. You’ll also hear practical strategies on how to spot gaps in proposals, when bids make sense (and when they don’t), and why stewardship isn’t just about chasing the lowest number—it’s about finding long-term value. If your church is required to get multiple bids, or you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right AVL partner, this conversation is packed with insights that will save you headaches, dollars, and time. 👉 Tune in now for a candid discussion on bids, quotes, and what really leads to successful projects in today’s church world. techartspodcast.com

Have you ever wondered why tech ministry can feel so confusing—or if there’s a better way to unlock the full power of ProPresenter? In this episode, David Leuschner welcomes Paul Clifford from Trinity Digital Media, a leading voice in helping churches reach their redemptive potential through technology. Paul unpacks the features and integrations that make ProPresenter more than just presentation software—covering essentials like Planning Center, SongSelect, and Multitracks, plus game-changing tools like the Reflow Editor and Arrangements that save hours of Saturday prep. He also shares practical advice on finding and training the right ProPresenter operators, why they’re truly part of the worship team, and how to balance simplicity, automation, and creativity in your services. And that’s not all—stick around for bonus segments with insights on leadership, audio, video, and lighting that will help take your ministry’s production to the next level. If you’re a church leader, tech director, or volunteer looking for real-world tips to strengthen both your team and your tools, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss. techartspodcast.com

In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, host David Leuschner sits down with Nick D’Angelo, Brand Manager at ProLights, for a deep dive into lighting that every tech should hear. From front light and key light to cyc lights and house lights, Nick unpacks the essentials—and reveals how ProLights has taken house lighting to the next level by transforming it into a Wi-Fi extender. You’ll hear how it works, why it’s a game-changer, and how it can streamline your venue’s tech infrastructure. Along the way, David also brings you a bonus segment with media expert Phil Cooke discussing his latest books and his upcoming appearance at the CFX Conference, plus fresh insights on microphones from Earthworks Audio and the newest installment of The Paragon Angle. This episode is packed with tech tips, insider know-how, and innovative solutions, this episode is a must-listen for every church tech and AVL pro. techartspodcast.com

In this episode of The Tech Arts Podcast, we dive into the world of AVL networking with special guests Anthony Stofflet, Brand Manager for Luminex, and Greg Persinger of Vivid Illumination. Together, they unpack the differences between IT and AVL networks, explain why reliability matters more than ever, and explore how Luminex is making network setup and management easier for churches and production teams of all sizes. From VLANs to contact closures, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world stories that make networking less intimidating and more accessible. INFOCOMM CLASSESEventbrite Classes VIP CODE FOR INFOCOMM ACL110 techartspodcast.com

At Paragon 360®, we design and build award-winning sight, sound, and scenic solutions for places of worship, auditoriums, sports complexes, amusement parks, corporate spaces, and other venues of all sizes across many market segments. Our ability to make just about any space look, feel and sound exceptional - all with unbeatable customer service and serious attention to detail – has earned us a first-in-class reputation we’re honored to uphold. paragon360.com

In this episode, Willow Hodge from Hope Fellowship Church dives into the vital role that technology plays in modern worship environments. From sound engineering to lighting, video, and behind-the-scenes tech workflows, Willow shares insights from her experience serving in church tech ministry. She discusses how these "technical instruments" support and enhance the worship experience without becoming a distraction, and emphasizes the heart behind the tech—serving the message and the people. A thoughtful conversation for anyone passionate about blending faith with technical artistry. BONUS SEGMENTS: Drum Mic Techniques with Earthworks Audio and The Paragon Angle gives advice you don't want to miss. techartspodcast.com

In this bonus segment, Mic Techniques with Earthworks Audio, we explore the SR117 Vocal Microphone by Earthworks Audio, a supercardioid condenser vocal microphone designed for exceptional live performance. Combining the clarity of a condenser with the reliability of a dynamic mic, the SR117 offers transcendent sound quality that's easy to mix without extensive adjustments. Its superior pattern control ensures maximum feedback rejection, making it ideal for both large venues and intimate home studios. The SR117's balanced frequency response and exceptional plosive protection make it a versatile choice for any setting. Join us as we delve into the features that make the Earthworks SR117 a standout microphone for vocalists seeking unparalleled performance. earthworksaudio.com