Low volume cymbals have become an increasingly popular topic of discussion among church worship leaders. While some may argue that teaching drummers to play softer is the best solution, it’s not always that simple! Low volume cymbals offer a unique approach to managing drum volume in a church setting, and they might just be the answer many worship teams have been searching for.
The Volume Struggle is Real
Many churches struggle with finding the right balance when it comes to drum volume. Loud drums can overpower the congregation and make it difficult for people to engage in worship. This is where low volume cymbals can make a significant difference. By reducing the overall volume of the cymbals, the entire drum kit becomes more manageable and less likely to dominate the sound mix.
Stainless Steel Surprise
Stainless steel low volume cymbals have proven to be a pleasant surprise for many worship leaders. While some may be hesitant to stray from traditional cymbals, these low volume options offer a clear and crisp tone that can work well in a church setting. They provide an extra level of control over the drum volume without sacrificing too much in terms of sound quality.
Teaching the Art of Subtlety
We’re not saying that low volume cymbals are a replacement for good drumming technique. It’s still incredibly important to teach drummers about dynamics and how to play in a way that serves the congregation and the worship team. Smaller drum sticks can also be a great tool for encouraging a lighter touch. But when you combine those techniques with the right tools, like low volume cymbals, you’ve got a winning combination.
Navigating the Acoustics
Of course, it’s not just about the drums themselves. We also need to be mindful of our acoustic environment. Things like plexiglass shields can be helpful for controlling volume, but they can also cause unwanted reflections if we’re not careful. It’s all about finding the right balance and being willing to experiment a little to get the best results.
Mixing It Up
Some churches have found success by combining low volume cymbals with electronic drums. The LowVolume and QuietTone lines, for example, have been used effectively with Roland’s 27VS kit. Hybrid setups that incorporate both low volume cymbals and electronic drums can offer the best of both worlds, providing the real feel of high hats and improved crash cymbal sounds without the excess volume.
Embracing the Change
Some of you might be skeptical. Maybe you’ve got a drummer who’s a total purist and can’t imagine playing anything other than their beloved high-end kit. But even the most stubborn drummers can come around when they experience the benefits of low volume cymbals in a church setting. It’s all about keeping an open mind and being willing to try new things for the sake of the congregation.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, low volume cymbals are just one tool in our arsenal as worship leaders. They’re not a magic solution, but they can be a real lifesaver when it comes to managing volume and creating a better worship experience for everyone involved. So don’t be afraid to experiment, to mix things up, and to find what works best for your church. And remember, whether you’re playing traditional cymbals or low volume ones, the most important thing is to play with passion, skill, and a heart for leading people into the presence of God.
P.S. The Sonicake Solution
For worship leaders looking for a budget-friendly option to help control drum volume, Sonicake cymbals offer an excellent solution. These stainless steel cymbals are designed to be up to 70-80% quieter than traditional cymbals, making them perfect for churches where noise levels need to be managed without compromising the quality of the worship experience.
One of the standout features of Sonicake cymbals is their construction. The numerous holes (ranging from 1500 to 2900+ depending on the size) help to reduce volume while still maintaining a bright, crisp, and authentic sound. The thickened stainless steel material also ensures durability and minimizes the risk of breakage, which is essential for churches with busy worship schedules.
The Sonicake Low Volume Cymbal Pack includes a pair of 14″ hi-hats, a 16″ crash, an 18″ crash, and a 20″ ride, providing a versatile range of sizes and sound profiles to suit different playing styles and musical arrangements. And at just $74.99 (plus shipping and import fees), the set is an affordable choice for churches on a tight budget.
So if you’re a worship leader looking for a simple, effective, and wallet-friendly way to manage drum volume without sacrificing sound quality, Sonicake cymbals are definitely worth considering. Your congregation (and your sound team) will thank you!
