Five Tools for Every Church Tech

We've put together a list of 5 tools that every church tech should have at their disposal.

1. CABLE TESTER/TONE GENERATOR

This is a must have and is probably one of the most important tools to have in your tech tool box.  Some of the biggest points of failure in an audio system comes from issues with interconnection (i.e., cables that plug-in between devices).  When you have a cable tester, you won't wonder if there is an issue with your cables.

We recommend the dbx CT3:
The dbx CT3 is an advanced cable testing unit allowing you to evaluate a large variety of cables with ease. The CT3 offers many common connectors such as RJ45, RJ11, MIDI, Speaker Twist, XLR, RCA Phono, BNC, DIN, TRS, TS, DMX, & Banana. It can be split into two parts, a SENDER and RECEIVER, so preinstalled and long cables can be tested.

The CT3 also has a test tone generator built-in to help identify where cables are plugged into.

You can purchase the dbx CT3 from Lumenos at a discounted price.  Please let us know if you're interested in purchasing one for your church tech booth.

2. POCKET MULTI TOOL

This might not be a must-have, but it's definitely good insurance. You never know when you'll need any number of the tools that come on a mulit-tool,  but it will come in handy when you do.

We recommend the Leatherman Wave+:
The Leatherman Wave+ has 18 essential tools including replaceable, durable wire cutters. All 18 tools can be opened and locked quickly, conveniently to tackle any task. Many of these tools are outside-accessible, so you can use them when the multi-tool is folded and closed.

Side note: Speaking of those wire cutters, make sure to cut the ends off of any bad cables that you find using your cable tester.  Whether you plan to place new ends on the cable or just recycle it altogether, cutting the ends of a cable will keep it from being placed back into you active inventory.  If you have cables that need repaired, we'd love to help!

3. FLASHLIGHT

If you ever need to take a peek behind the audio rack or even under the stage, you'll want to have a small flashlight nearby.  Sure, you've got a light on your phone but a phone can be cumbersome in small spaces.

We recommend the Milwakee Penlight:
The Milwaukee Penlight delivers 100 lumens of output for Brighter, Clearer, Easier Inspections. The innovative protective rubber bite zone at the end of the light allows you to safely direct light while performing two-handed tasks. The penlight’s metal clip easily attaches to your chest or pant pockets for quick access and everyday use.

4. GAFFERS TAPE / CONSOLE TAPE

Tape is more of an expendable item than it is a tool.  Nonetheless, it's a good idea to have both gaff tape (a.k.a. gaffers tape) and console tape in stock.

Gaffers tape is great for taping cables to the floor and, if used properly, will help you provide a clean-looking and clutter-free performance area.  This is especially useful in places where cables pose a trip hazard.  Gaffers tape is much different from  duct tape in that it should not leave a residue on the surface that it is being adhered to.

Console tape can be used to make temporary labels on your sound console, cable ends, or any place where temporary labeling might be useful.

We recommend Pro Tapes brand tapes:
Pro Console Tape is a premium flatback paper tape that is printable and removes cleanly. Pro Console Tape is used for color coding, labeling and is printable with flexo inks, markers, pens and pencils. Clean and safe removal makes Pro Console Tape ideal for use on sound and lighting boards.

Pro Gaff Tape is cloth with an adhesive that removes clean from most surfaces. Duct tape has become known as the all-purpose tape, except by anyone who has used gaffers tape. Gaffers tape tears easily by hand, removes from most surfaces and doesn’t leave that notoriously sticky residue synonymous with duct tape. 

5. FINE POINT PERMANENT MARKER

Here's another expendable item to keep in your pocket: a permanent marker.  This goes hand-in-hand with the console tape and is great for making temporary labels or even taking notes on your weekly service rundown.

We recommend Sharpie:
You can’t go wrong with a standard Sharpie permanent marker.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Here are just a few more items that will be very useful to have:

3.5mm/1/8" to
1/4" Stereo Headphone Adapters

One of the great mysteries of life:  How do these things keep disappearing?
It's not a bad idea to keep a handful of headphone adapters stashed away somewhere safe.

DYMO LetraTag 100H Handheld Label Maker

If you decide to label something a bit more permanent then make sure to grab a label maker such as the LettraTag 100H.
Pro Tip: Use plastic or vinyl labels as they will last much longer than paper labels.

Cruzer Glide USB Flash Drive

It's just generally a good idea to have a flash drive in your bag.  They can be useful for saving scenes from your audio console, lighting console, or for saving various other files that you wish to make portable.