In this review, we’re exploring how the Waves LV1 for church sound compares to other digital mixing consoles in church/worship environments.
When it comes to church mixing, having reliable, intuitive, and powerful equipment can make all the difference in creating an immersive worship experience. Recently, Waves introduced a game-changing product that’s already making waves (pun intended) across the live sound community—the eMotion LV1 Classic console. As someone who has spent years working with LV1 systems, I can confidently say this new console is a major leap forward, especially for churches looking to elevate their audio production without the headaches of complicated setups.
Introducing the eMotion LV1 Classic Console
Waves’ new eMotion LV1 Classic isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a full reimagining of what an LV1 system can be. The biggest shift is that it comes as a fully integrated console enclosure, much like the traditional mixing consoles many sound engineers are familiar with. This form factor alone removes so many barriers and frustrations that come with assembling a modular LV1 rig.
Over the years, LV1 has built a reputation for its software flexibility and outstanding sound quality, but it often required piecing together multiple components—switches, stage boxes, computers, and more—which could be intimidating and prone to errors. The LV1 Classic console simplifies all of this by packaging everything into one neat, ready-to-go unit, but still allows for plenty of expansion.
A Familiar but Enhanced Experience
For those already using LV1, the transition to the Classic console is seamless. The software interface remains the same, with the familiar touchscreen channel views and tabbed navigation. The essence of LV1’s powerful workflow is intact, but now paired with a hardware design that feels more natural and less “Frankenstein.” This means less time troubleshooting and more time focusing on mixing the worship service.
Why the LV1 Classic Console is a Game Changer for Church Mixing
One of the biggest challenges in church mixing is finding a system that balances high-end performance with ease of use and affordability. The LV1 Classic console hits this sweet spot perfectly.
Cost Efficiency Without Compromise
When I first set up an LV1 rig, it cost me over $12,000. The new LV1 Classic comes in under $10,000, which is remarkable considering the level of functionality and fidelity it offers out of the box. This price point makes it accessible for many churches that previously viewed LV1 as a premium-only option.
Built-In Ionic Interface: Superior I/O and Sound Quality
The console includes the Ionic interface, featuring 32-bit preamps and 16 inputs with 12 outputs, plus AES connectivity. The sound quality is outstanding—better than many consoles in the same price range. For church sound engineers, this means pristine audio capture and playback, which is essential for delivering clear vocals and instruments in a worship environment.
Massive Channel Capacity and Flexibility
The LV1 Classic supports 64 stereo channels and can handle up to 128 inputs. While most church setups won’t max out all stereo channels, having the capacity to manage 72 to 90 inputs comfortably covers the needs of even large worship bands and multi-mic setups.
Additionally, every channel can be configured as mono or stereo, and each has Waves processing available, including EQ, dynamics, and effects. This flexibility allows sound engineers to tailor the mix precisely to the acoustic environment and the preferences of the worship team.
Expanding the System: Modular Growth for Growing Churches
Even though the LV1 Classic comes fully equipped, it doesn’t limit expansion. Churches can still add more DSP power with additional servers, increase fader counts with standalone controllers, and integrate more stage boxes for extra I/O. This scalability ensures that the system can grow with the church’s needs without forcing a complete overhaul.
Versatile Stage Box Options
- Classic 16×12 Ionic: The built-in stage box included with the console.
- DSPro 4000: A larger stage box option for more inputs and outputs.
- Ionic 24: A mid-sized interface for additional I/O needs.
Moreover, the LV1 Classic supports SoundGrid-compatible devices, including MADI and Dante interfaces (with additional hardware), allowing integration with other audio networks or consoles.
Stability and Reliability: Eliminating Common Pitfalls
One of the biggest frustrations with digital mixing consoles is system instability. Many LV1 users have experienced occasional issues, but in my experience, most of these problems stem from operator error or incompatible third-party components like switches or cables.
The LV1 Classic addresses these concerns by providing a fully qualified, built-in system that eliminates the guesswork. Since all components are tested and integrated, the chances of failures due to hardware incompatibility are drastically reduced. This makes the console ideal for churches that need a dependable system for live worship services and installations.
Built for Tour and Install Environments
Whether your church is running a fixed installation or frequently moving gear for events, the LV1 Classic’s rugged, all-in-one design ensures it can handle the demands of touring or permanent setups. This versatility makes it a smart investment for churches of all sizes and types.
Enhanced Features That Elevate the Worship Experience
Expanded Plugin Bundle
LV1 originally shipped with just three plugins: the Emotion filter, parametric EQ, and dynamics channel. Waves has now expanded the default plugin package to include:
- F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ
- Waves Tune (a popular pitch correction tool)
- Renaissance Reverb
- H-Delay (a versatile delay effect)
- And several more included plugins (17 total)
This richer plugin set means churches get more creative and corrective tools right out of the box without needing to purchase additional licenses. The inclusion of Waves Tune, in particular, opens up new possibilities for live vocal tuning—a feature that’s becoming increasingly popular in live sound.
Immersive Monitor Mixing with 360° Panner
A standout new feature is the immersive monitor mixing capability. Each monitor mix now includes a 360-degree panner, allowing sound engineers to position individual inputs spatially around the listener. This creates a more natural and clear stage sound for musicians, who can isolate vocals, click tracks, or instruments in a way that suits their preferences.
What’s more, this 360-degree panning is accessible to individual monitor mix users through the MyMon app, giving musicians personal control over their monitor environment. This level of customization ensures everyone on stage hears exactly what they need, enhancing performance and reducing fatigue.
Intuitive Hardware Design: Simplicity Meets Functionality
The LV1 Classic console isn’t just about software and audio quality; it’s also about user experience. The physical interface features 16 (plus one master) faders, high-quality encoders, and clearly labeled buttons. The muted color scheme and logical layout reduce the risk of operator error and make it easier for both seasoned engineers and volunteers to navigate.
Unlike previous LV1 setups that require piecing together multiple devices, the LV1 Classic’s integration between physical controls and the touchscreen software is tight and intuitive. This synergy helps users stay focused on mixing rather than troubleshooting or hunting for controls.
Why the LV1 Classic Console is Perfect for Churches
Churches face unique challenges in live sound, balancing the need for high-quality audio with limited budgets and volunteer operators. The Waves eMotion LV1 Classic console addresses these challenges head-on:
- High-Quality Sound: The Ionic interface and Waves plugins deliver pristine audio fidelity.
- Ease of Use: Familiar console layout combined with intuitive software reduces learning curves.
- Scalable: Modular expansion options let churches grow their system over time.
- Reliable: Integrated design minimizes instability and hardware incompatibility.
- Affordable: Competitive pricing makes it accessible for many churches.
- Immersive Monitors: 360-degree panning enhances musicians’ onstage experience.
For churches looking to upgrade their church mixing setup, the LV1 Classic offers a compelling blend of power, flexibility, and user-friendliness that can transform the way worship services sound.
Training and Support: Getting the Most from Your LV1 Classic
Another important aspect of adopting new technology is training. We’re excited to offer comprehensive training resources specifically designed for the LV1 Classic console. From beginner tutorials to advanced mixing techniques, these courses help users get up to speed quickly and confidently.
For churches, this means volunteers and staff can learn at their own pace, reducing the stress of live mixing and increasing the overall quality of the worship experience. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, having access to expert guidance is invaluable.
A New Era for Church Mixing
The Waves eMotion LV1 Classic console is more than just a new product; it’s a new way of thinking about live sound for churches. By combining the power and flexibility of LV1 software with a sleek, integrated hardware design, Waves has created a console that’s accessible, scalable, and reliable.
Whether you’re managing a small church or a large worship venue, the LV1 Classic offers the tools and features needed to deliver professional-quality mixes with ease. From its built-in high-fidelity I/O and expanded plugin suite to immersive monitor mixing and intuitive controls, this console is poised to become a staple in church sound systems worldwide.
If you’re ready to take your church mixing to the next level, the LV1 Classic console is definitely worth exploring. With its competitive pricing, robust feature set, and strong support network, it’s an investment that can pay dividends in worship experience and team confidence for years to come.