How To Set Up In Ear Monitors For Band

Dampier Thersom · Tuesday, April 12, 2022

How to get started with in ear monitors for my band?

I'thou in a new 4 piece stone band and nosotros'd like to first using in ear monitors for alive shows, having heard groovy things virtually them.

What is the easiest way to become about this? I don't know much almost how to prepare them up, although I've done a bit of research online.

We consist of myself on lead song/guitar/keyboards, some other guitarist , a drummer who plays an electronic drum kit, and a bass player. All the other band members sing backing vocals. Ideally we'd like to use wireless in ear monitors, only not necessarily.

Would it be best for u.s. to buy a digital mixer (eg a Behringer X32 compact) and ability amps for our PA system, and then iv split personal monitor mixers (such equally a Behringer p16-M) and so each band member can have their own personal monitor mix? How would this work with wireless in ear monitors? I've also heard there are some apps for iPad/iPhone and Android which tin exist used to control personal monitor mixes too, and so would it be ameliorate for each band member to have an iPad instead so they tin can control their mix?

How would information technology work in practical terms at a live evidence - would each band fellow member have the personal mixer or iPad set up in front of them on a mic stand to adjust their monitor mix on the wing? Or would it exist set as a presets beforehand with the settings being controlled past a pedal and the personal mixers fix at the side of the stage out of audience view?

How much we want to spend is debatable too, but we're prepared to beat out a reasonable amount of money for a good setup. If anyone tin suggest some proficient wired or wireless in ears monitors and personal monitor mixers (or apps), that'd be great as well.

rent a desk with enough auxes and efx plus a multichannel headphone amp so you can give information technology a effort; you don't necessarily demand a remote control for each musician - wireless drives up costs massively.

Wireless IEM on the cheap:
XR18 mixer
2x stereo transmitters, 500-600MHz range
4x receivers
Telly splitter
TV amplifier
Log periodic antenna
BNC/RG6 cables/adapters
Locking 1RU drawer
4RU case
xvi channel XLR splitter

This provides iv split mono IEM channels. You don't demand stereo. No, you actually don't. Neither does the other band member who's whining about it. Any benefit from stereo is a detriment the 2nd you're not facing forwards.

You're at the mercy of what's available in your surface area inexpensively, either new or used, and so I'one thousand non going to bother mentioning brands etc. Just make sure it has good coverage in the 500-600MHz range, BNC antenna connectors, and the additional receivers are either included or available separately. With the amplifier y'all don't have to worry almost potent output, it's getting a 12dB heave from the amp and the directional antenna adds 8dB compared to the stock omni antennas. It's gonna cutting!

Y'all'll have to DIY cables to go from the BNC antenna jacks to the Television receiver splitter, which is used backwards to combine the antenna outputs into 1 cable and so you lot only need one amplifier and directional antenna. The antenna I mentioned is simply a PCB unit, might wanna cadet upward here for a more than durable metal ane like the Sennheiser A2003, but it'due south pretty disgusting how much they toll for what they are. The end product is probably besides powerful for some countries, but safe for North America.

If you normally run more 16 channels then you should delegate the 16 you need most, considering that 17th channel will cost you over a grand (X32 Rack + SD8 or SD16 i/o box instead of XR18). Y'all tin can nonetheless run over sixteen channels to the FOH mix, just don't dissever the ones you don't need.

The super cheap Xtuga systems on Amazon piece of work pretty well, simply questionable durability, and sentinel out for models that await stereo only are really mono.

i fully disagree on the notion that ane does not need stereo - rather, ane needs stereo PLUS a crossfeed matrix! or then a 3d-ish arrangement such as klang:fabrik or klang:vier in the op's case...

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2SPL ➡️

Wireless IEM on the cheap:
XR18 mixer
2x stereo transmitters, 500-600MHz range
4x receivers
Telly splitter
TV amplifier
Log periodic antenna
BNC/RG6 cables/adapters
Locking 1RU drawer
4RU case
16 aqueduct XLR splitter

This provides 4 split up mono IEM channels. You don't demand stereo. No, y'all actually don't. Neither does the other ring member who's whining well-nigh it. Whatsoever benefit from stereo is a detriment the 2d you lot're not facing forward.

Yous're at the mercy of what's available in your area inexpensively, either new or used, and then I'chiliad non going to bother mentioning brands etc. Just make sure it has skilful coverage in the 500-600MHz range, BNC antenna connectors, and the additional receivers are either included or bachelor separately. With the amplifier you don't have to worry about strong output, it's getting a 12dB boost from the amp and the directional antenna adds 8dB compared to the stock omni antennas. It's gonna cutting!

You'll accept to DIY cables to go from the BNC antenna jacks to the Television set splitter, which is used backwards to combine the antenna outputs into one cable so y'all only need ane amplifier and directional antenna. The antenna I mentioned is just a PCB unit of measurement, might wanna cadet up here for a more durable metal one like the Sennheiser A2003, but it's pretty disgusting how much they cost for what they are. The cease production is probably also powerful for some countries, merely prophylactic for N America.

If you normally run more than sixteen channels then you should delegate the 16 y'all demand most, because that 17th channel will cost y'all over a 1000 (X32 Rack + SD8 or SD16 i/o box instead of XR18). You can withal run over 16 channels to the FOH mix, just don't separate the ones you don't need.

The super cheap Xtuga systems on Amazon work pretty well, but questionable durability, and spotter out for models that look stereo but are actually mono.

Thanks for your reply, that is an interesting way of setting upwardly IEMs. Is the XR18 any good, I hateful how convenient is it to mix using an iPad or Android, and plus I assume the XR18 has no congenital in effects and then what do nosotros do for song furnishings like reverb, delay etc?

Virtually not needing stereo, isn't stereo better for getting the right separation between each instrument in the mix? I.eastward. you lot can pan instruments in the same frequency ranges left or right to be able to hear them better etc.

Finally, and so you don't recommend personal monitor mixers and a distribution hub such as the Behringer P16-D?

Lives for gear

What interests you almost IEM systems? How would it benefit how you play, audio, perform etc.?

Heres what i dont like nigh IEM and "artist mixes".

-unless you take a silent phase. Theres non really a bespeak, in using IEM.
-About 70% of the bands ive worked with that use and practice with IEM are hard of hearing/ accept some hearing loss.
-too much time spent at soundcheck when everyones trying to get their own version of a perfect mix.

What mixer practice you have right now?

Lives for gear

I e'er encourage bands (peculiarly rock outfits) to use in ears. One ring i work with almost always brings their own desk. Their monitor mixes are pretty much ready and forget. Merely small level adjustments if any. Anybody is happy. There'due south only so much you tin can feed into monitors. The drummer might desire some sub though for his bass drum. The not then cheap solution would be a kicker stool. Simply endeavor information technology out.

And equally far as the actual in ears themselves, I'd recommend looking at the kz zsx, zsn or zs10pro. They all sound so much better than what you go on the budget side of shure, at and others. Go foam tips so they fit well.

The rent a desk (and maybe an engineer) for a day to work with y'all is a great idea. information technology volition speed things up

Quote:

Originally Posted past nksoloproject ➡️

Thanks for your reply, that is an interesting way of setting up IEMs. Is the XR18 any good, I mean how convenient is it to mix using an iPad or Android, and plus I assume the XR18 has no built in effects so what do we exercise for vocal effects like reverb, delay etc?

Nigh not needing stereo, isn't stereo meliorate for getting the right separation betwixt each instrument in the mix? I.e. you can pan instruments in the same frequency ranges left or right to be able to hear them better etc.

Finally, so y'all don't recommend personal monitor mixers and a distribution hub such as the Behringer P16-D?

The XR18 has almost of what the X32 Rack has except:
- 16 XLR inputs and 2 aux inputs, 6 outputs
- iv furnishings slots instead of 8 (all the same effects), but each output has a parametric and graphic EQ
- no AES50 (tin't aggrandize i/o)
- different firmware and tablet software, just very similar

The XR18 is well suited to entry level IEM rigs, and will hold resale value well if yous decide to upgrade or expand. Migrating to an X32 rig volition be painless since they're then similar.

I've never used the personal monitoring arrangement on X32's or XR18's. I merely don't see the betoken in paying for a wired one-trick pony that does nothing a tablet tin can't. And the software for the XR series and X32/M32 for iPad or Android is the best, probably will never exist matched by other companies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneEng ➡️

What mixer do you have right at present?

We were using a powered PA mixer, just are about to buy a brand new mixer (we already have power amps and speakers). I'yard thinking nearly either of these Behringer analog mixers:

https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0AL3

https://www.dv247.com/en_GB/GBP/Behr...PAH0012813-000

Question is, can counterpart mixers work for IEMs, and if so how do nosotros connect them up? I've heard it's done via AUX sends, but it all seems and then complicated!

We are prepared to buy a digital mixer, though, if need be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nksoloproject ➡️

Nosotros were using a powered PA mixer, but are about to purchase a brand new mixer (we already take power amps and speakers). I'm thinking nigh this:

https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0AL3

Question is, can analogue mixers work for IEMs, and if so how exercise we connect them up? I've heard it's washed via AUX sends, but it all seems so complicated!

Ok, good to know.

I suspect that since y'all are looking at the Xenyx mixer (~ $350) you lot don't have a particularly big budget.

First, I would never recommend a Xenyx mixer to anyone (I liked). I had 2 of them. Both broke quickly and sounded bad. Now, this is non to say I dislike Behringer mixers. I quite like the XR and X32 mixers (and the M32'south) and in-fact own an X32 Rack myself.

Try an XR16 instead ($550): https://www.guitarcenter.com/Behring...mount-Mixer.gc

This gives you 4 aux outs (4 IEM mixes) and

Next you will demand a head-phone amp. This one is reliable and cheap: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0BKB

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneEng ➡️

Ok, good to know.

I suspect that since you are looking at the Xenyx mixer (~ $350) you lot don't have a particularly big budget.

Kickoff, I would never recommend a Xenyx mixer to anyone (I liked). I had 2 of them. Both bankrupt quickly and sounded bad. At present, this is not to say I dislike Behringer mixers. I quite like the XR and X32 mixers (and the M32's) and in-fact own an X32 Rack myself.

Endeavour an XR16 instead ($550): https://www.guitarcenter.com/Behring...mount-Mixer.gc

This gives you four aux outs (iv IEM mixes) and

Side by side y'all will demand a head-phone amp. This one is reliable and inexpensive: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0BKB

Skillful luck!

Ok thanks for your advice. Nosotros could stretch our upkeep a bit more, however I but thought that if it's possible to practice information technology cheaper so I'd requite that a get. The XR16 looks a practiced bet, nevertheless a few more than questions:

ane) With an XR16, what do nosotros do for effects like reverb, filibuster etc (for vocals especially) as presumably this will have no effects built in? (Edit: really I've but googled the product and information technology says information technology DOES accept built in effects...but tin they be controlled by a footswitch, or even a Bluetooth footswitch?)

ii) Doesn't the XR16 have any stereo channels, eg for a keyboard or electronic drum kit? We may demand these to be connected in stereo.

3) With the XR16, tin we connect the 4 aux outs to 4 Behringer P16 personal monitor mixers instead of the headphone amp you mention? Or maybe we'd demand to upgrade to an XR18 instead?

4) How do we connect wireless IEMs to the P16 personal monitor mixer?

Oh and does the XR16 come with its own app for mixing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nksoloproject ➡️

Ok thanks for your advice. We could stretch our budget a bit more than, however I just thought that if it's possible to practice it cheaper and so I'd requite that a become. The XR16 looks a skilful bet, nonetheless a few more than questions:

ane) With an XR16, what do we do for effects similar reverb, delay etc (for vocals especially) every bit presumably this will take no furnishings built in? (Edit: actually I've but googled the production and it says it DOES have congenital in effects...but tin can they be controlled by a footswitch, or fifty-fifty a Bluetooth footswitch?)

The XR16 has congenital in effects (any 4 of the multitude it has at in one case). In addition, each channel has the ability to put a compressor and/or a gate on it. You can also put a 31 band eq (or 6 ring PEQ) on the mains I believe (or really any channel insert y'all want to employ). In other words, it has many many times the efx ability of the Xenyx.

The MIDI implementation is extensive and you can control almost everything the mixer can do: https://behringerwiki.musictribe.com...?title=eight._MIDI

Quote:

2) Doesn't the XR16 have any stereo channels, eg for a keyboard or electronic drum kit? Nosotros may need these to exist connected in stereo.

For stereo inputs, you use 2 mono channels. In the mixing app, you configure the pair of channels as a stereo pair.

Quote:

3) With the XR16, can we connect the four aux outs to 4 Behringer P16 personal monitor mixers instead of the headphone amp you mention? Or maybe we'd need to upgrade to an XR18 instead?

The P16M is a seriously comprehensive personal mixer. Each member of the band would need one at $280 each and you would need to upgrade to the XR18 ($700). I would consider the P16M a Cadillac solution for personal monitoring, but it is WAY more complicated to employ for your band members (harder to setup as well).

Quote:

4) How do nosotros connect wireless IEMs to the P16 personal monitor mixer?

If you lot want to go wireless, you volition demand to spend much more coin (more money than the unabridged rig I have and so far outlined .... just for the IEM organisation).

Quote:

Oh and does the XR16 come with its own app for mixing?

Aye! The app is quite proficient as well and you can download it and see how you lot similar it for complimentary.

If you really desire to get to know this mixer, download the off-line editor "X-AIR Edit". Information technology is a very nice app and you can run information technology on your PC without whatever hardware.

I'd recommend against the XR16 in favour of the XR18. Yeah it's more expensive, simply XR16's will die in resale value fashion faster than XR18's. XR18'south tin human action as 18x18 multitrack interfaces over USB, XR16's tin simply record stereo over USB. That lone is worth the $150 price departure. Whatever a used XR18 sells for, the market place value of a used XR16 will e'er reflect the fact that you can't just plug a laptop in and record a multitrack demo at your rehearsal space or at a live gig with the gear y'all already own and know. You'll have to await until there's a lull in the XR18's available to sell an XR16, and I mean nationally because they're not hard to send.

Nigh all of today's digital mixers permit plenary control of aux outs for monitor mixes. I've used Soundcraft Ui for five years, first a Ui16 and now a Ui24R for three years. No proprietary app. The mixer basically acts every bit a local web site, accessed through a dedicated router with merely most any browser. You lot tin can have equally many every bit ten command devices (tablet, telephone, calculator) logged in simultaneously, so each fellow member can have complete control of his monitor mix. Overall mix command access can exist restricted, and so, say, your bass player can't mess up the front-of-house audition mix by turning up something in his iem mix. It allows extremely precise mixing of all active audio sources and has full eq for each aux channel. So if said bass player wants a really heavy bottom cease in his ears, so be information technology.

There'due south even a cute, useful characteristic chosen "More Me". You lot tag your own sources (e.k., singing guitarist's instrument and song mic) equally "Me", and a unproblematic slider screen lets you enhance or lower "Me" relative to everything else in your monitor mix.

Finally, another feature called "Soundcheck" lets the band play a vocal and record information technology to a USB stick, then get out front and play it dorsum with real-fourth dimension mixer control. In other words, you tin can fine-tune what the audience hears, and and then your mixer can stay set similar that for the evidence. Plain, y'all could as well fine-melody your iem mixes if you're wireless or apply an extension cable for wired earpieces. Or just run Soundcheck while you're in performing positions and piece of work your aux mixes.

I'm not certain whether the Behringers have similar features. I've had some time on X mixers and didn't care for the user interface, merely that may just exist my preferring what I know better.

In any event, the aux out is merely a variable line-level source that will require distension to drive speakers or iems. Usable headphone amps designed for monitoring use kickoff at virtually $60 usd and get up to a lot more than that, and in that location are several means to rig them. At the mixer with a long cablevision to your caput. On your belt or mic stand with an xlr cable from the mixer. Or something similar the Spring IXL, a body pack with a unmarried multiplex cable to conduct a guitar signal to the mixer and an iem signal back to the guitarist.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2SPL ➡️

I'd recommend against the XR16 in favour of the XR18. Yes it's more expensive, only XR16's volition dice in resale value way faster than XR18'south. XR18'due south can act as 18x18 multitrack interfaces over USB, XR16's tin only tape stereo over USB. That alone is worth the $150 price difference. Whatever a used XR18 sells for, the market value of a used XR16 will always reflect the fact that you tin can't just plug a laptop in and record a multitrack demo at your rehearsal infinite or at a live gig with the gear you already own and know. You'll have to look until there's a lull in the XR18's available to sell an XR16, and I mean nationally because they're not hard to ship.

While I concur, the OP's starting bid was a $350.00 Xenyx . I practice really concur with your assessment though. It is WELL worth the additional $150.00 for having multi-track recording and another 8 preamps.

Another option is the X18 (vs XR18) which can be had for $650.00 ... but yous do requite up the XLR Aux sends (it has TRS 1/4" sends instead).

Quote:

Originally Posted past coreyspencer ➡️

What interests you about IEM systems? How would it benefit how you play, sound, perform etc.?

They permit a musician to hear their mix in crystal clear clarity. Yous can hear all the instruments and the subtle nuances of each instrument conspicuously, and you lot will therefore perform better as a result. As a rock vocalist, I know that the worst possible thing for a vocalizer is not existence able to oneself onstage as information technology forces you to sing harder and puts strain on your voice etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreyspencer ➡️

-unless yous have a silent phase. Theres not really a point, in using IEM.

I thought IEMs cake out all outside audio (unless you buy ambient ones, which allow in a trivial amount of outside audio, so y'all tin hear the oversupply etc), so this wouldn't be an upshot?

Quote:

Originally Posted past coreyspencer ➡️

-Near 70% of the bands ive worked with that utilize and practice with IEM are difficult of hearing/ have some hearing loss.

Are you maxim they use IEMs considering they had hearing loss, or are you saying that IEMs caused their hearing loss? I think IEMs will actually help protect a musician's hearing because they will not have to be exposed to the sort of volume levels they otherwise would (i.due east. loud acoustic drum kits, big walls of guitar amps, etc).

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreyspencer ➡️

-too much fourth dimension spent at soundcheck when everyones trying to get their own version of a perfect mix.

This is hands solved by having preset IEM mixes saved. You sort out your 'perfect' IEM mix during rehearsals, then when yous turn up to a gig you just use the aforementioned preset IEM mix at every gig, thus giving you perfect sound all the time with no fourth dimension spent dialling it in at the gig.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneEng ➡️

If you actually desire to get to know this mixer, download the off-line editor "X-AIR Edit". It is a very dainty app and you can run information technology on your PC without whatever hardware.

I was wondering whether it'southward possible to control the X16, X18 or X32 rack with a windows PC instead of an iPad or Android? Does the software yous mention do that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneEng ➡️

While I agree, the OP's starting bid was a $350.00 Xenyx . I do actually agree with your assessment though. Information technology is WELL worth the additional $150.00 for having multi-track recording and another viii preamps.

Another option is the X18 (vs XR18) which tin be had for $650.00 ... simply you practise surrender the XLR Aux sends (it has TRS 1/4" sends instead).

Quote:

Originally Posted past OldChico ➡️

Virtually all of today's digital mixers permit plenary control of aux outs for monitor mixes. I've used Soundcraft Ui for five years, offset a Ui16 and now a Ui24R for 3 years. No proprietary app. The mixer basically acts every bit a local web site, accessed through a dedicated router with merely well-nigh any browser. You can have as many as ten control devices (tablet, phone, figurer) logged in simultaneously, then each member tin can have complete command of his monitor mix. Overall mix command access can exist restricted, and so, say, your bass player tin't mess upwardly the front-of-house audience mix by turning upward something in his iem mix. It allows extremely precise mixing of all agile audio sources and has full eq for each aux aqueduct. So if said bass player wants a really heavy lesser end in his ears, so be it.

There's even a cute, useful feature chosen "More than Me". You tag your ain sources (eastward.thou., singing guitarist's instrument and song mic) as "Me", and a simple slider screen lets you heighten or lower "Me" relative to everything else in your monitor mix.

Finally, some other characteristic called "Soundcheck" lets the band play a song and record it to a USB stick, then go out front and play it back with real-fourth dimension mixer control. In other words, yous tin fine-tune what the audience hears, and then your mixer can stay set like that for the evidence. Obviously, you could too fine-tune your iem mixes if yous're wireless or use an extension cable for wired earpieces. Or just run Soundcheck while yous're in performing positions and work your aux mixes.

I'm not sure whether the Behringers have similar features. I've had some time on Ten mixers and didn't treat the user interface, but that may but be my preferring what I know better.

In any consequence, the aux out is just a variable line-level source that will require amplification to bulldoze speakers or iems. Usable headphone amps designed for monitoring utilise start at about $60 usd and go upwardly to a lot more than than that, and there are several ways to rig them. At the mixer with a long cablevision to your head. On your belt or mic stand with an xlr cable from the mixer. Or something similar the Leap IXL, a torso pack with a single multiplex cable to carry a guitar signal to the mixer and an iem signal back to the guitarist.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2SPL ➡️

I'd recommend against the XR16 in favour of the XR18. Yep it's more expensive, but XR16'south will die in resale value way faster than XR18'south. XR18's can act as 18x18 multitrack interfaces over USB, XR16's can only tape stereo over USB. That solitary is worth the $150 price difference. Whatever a used XR18 sells for, the marketplace value of a used XR16 will always reflect the fact that y'all tin't just plug a laptop in and record a multitrack demo at your rehearsal space or at a live gig with the gear you already own and know. You'll have to await until there's a lull in the XR18's available to sell an XR16, and I mean nationally because they're non difficult to ship.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneEng ➡️

The P16M is a seriously comprehensive personal mixer. Each member of the band would need one at $280 each and you would demand to upgrade to the XR18 ($700). I would consider the P16M a Cadillac solution for personal monitoring, but it is Fashion more than complicated to use for your band members (harder to setup equally well).

So can I conclude from these replies that it's not necessary to take a personal monitor mixer, and instead you can merely apply the aux outs of a digital mixer to create private IEM for each band member? If so, why do manufacturers keep pushing the idea of buying separate personal monitor mixers then - is information technology to make them more money?

What are the pros and cons of using aux sends vs a personal monitor mixer to create IEM mixes? Tin can you basically get the aforementioned outcome and aforementioned quality with either method?

Lives for gear

Quote:

Originally Posted past nksoloproject ➡️

They allow a musician to hear their mix in crystal articulate clarity. You can hear all the instruments and the subtle nuances of each instrument clearly, and y'all will therefore perform improve every bit a consequence. As a rock singer, I know that the worst possible thing for a vocalizer is non existence able to oneself onstage every bit it forces you to sing harder and puts strain on your vocalization etc.
I idea IEMs block out all exterior sound (unless you buy ambient ones, which let in a little amount of exterior sound, and then you can hear the crowd etc), so this wouldn't be an event?
Are you maxim they use IEMs considering they had hearing loss, or are you maxim that IEMs caused their hearing loss? I call back IEMs will actually aid protect a musician's hearing considering they will not have to be exposed to the sort of volume levels they otherwise would (i.e. loud acoustic drum kits, big walls of guitar amps, etc).
This is hands solved past having preset IEM mixes saved. Y'all sort out your 'perfect' IEM mix during rehearsals, then when you turn up to a gig you lot only use the same preset IEM mix at every gig, thus giving yous perfect sound all the time with no time spent dialling information technology in at the gig.

-Stage monitors allow you to hear yourself and others more precisely i beleive. Another affair to consider is at some point youre going to be able to hear everything coming off the phase and whats pushed out front. Youll exist able to feel the bass/subs So those cues lonely should get you listening meliorate and ultimately playing better.
-i recollect thats exactly the event. You put yourself in your ain world. Book becomes irrelevant after prolonged usage. Fact. There is naught to gauge whats loud and whats not. The stage monitors dont take to be loud. Only equally loud every bit the loudest matter on the phase. If youve got IEM cranked it defeats the purpose of using IEM equally a way to protect your hearing from a loud stage. Irony at play.
-IEM probably doesnt help anyones hearing unless you have a silent stage. All feeds DI to FOH, except for acoustic drums, youll still hear those on the stage. Or so much stage realestate that each fellow member is nearly isolated from eachother. Or even, probably the worst case scenario; a precipitous blast of noise. You cant exactly ignore that on IEM.
- the set it and forget it method, needs preparation, and consistancy throught the whole point flow. So yep, i spose if its figured out its figured out.

Quote:

Originally Posted past nksoloproject ➡️

So can I conclude from these replies that it's not necessary to have a personal monitor mixer, and instead y'all tin can but use the aux outs of a digital mixer to create individual IEM for each band member? If so, why exercise manufacturers continue pushing the idea of buying dissever personal monitor mixers so - is information technology to make them more coin?

What are the pros and cons of using aux sends vs a personal monitor mixer to create IEM mixes? Can you basically get the aforementioned result and aforementioned quality with either method?

A personal monitor mixer is like a TV remote command with only a handful of huge buttons. They exist to assistance sell mixers to potential buyers that refuse to learn the production.

Meanwhile, the iOS and Android software for the XR18 and X32 line of mixers is past far the easiest to learn and nigh versatile on the market. Like it'south painful for us to rely upon tablet software for much more than expensive mixers from very established brands. I've mixed support acts on X32'due south in 1500 cap venues from an iPad without breaking a sweat. Running one'due south own monitor mix with this collection of software is child'south play. They can exist locked to a specific monitor mix too, no worry of anyone accessing anything they shouldn't.

Quote:

Originally Posted past AC2SPL ➡️

A personal monitor mixer is like a TV remote control with only a handful of huge buttons. They be to help sell mixers to potential buyers that refuse to learn the product.

Meanwhile, the iOS and Android software for the XR18 and X32 line of mixers is by far the easiest to acquire and most versatile on the market. Like it's painful for u.s.a. to rely upon tablet software for much more expensive mixers from very established brands. I've mixed support acts on X32's in 1500 cap venues from an iPad without breaking a sweat. Running i's own monitor mix with this collection of software is kid'south play. They can be locked to a specific monitor mix too, no worry of anyone accessing anything they shouldn't.

This.

Using the Aux ship in the XR mixer, you can make a comprehensive mix from all channels for each of the 4 aux sends. If each ring member has a smart telephone, an app exists for the phone that allows them to adjust this mix remotely while on stage.

Yous still need a headphone amp to amplify the Aux Transport betoken to power the IEM drivers though. That is why I linked to the wired belt pack. Note, the wired chugalug pack offers an independent concrete knob for volume which is nice.

Likewise, the thought that bands that use IEM'due south have hearing harm is BS IMO. I do recall that having one IEM out and the other in is a bad idea that may lead to hearing damage; however, my OWN hearing was damaged belatedly in loftier school in a ring due to cymbals crashing near my head. Had I been using IEM'south (although I don't think that was a thing in the early 80's), I would have much meliorate hearing in my right ear today.

Equally another person looking to convince his band onto IEMs, I am glad to see others are happy enough to use the XR18 on a real phase.

Just and then I can get articulate in my own caput -

Practice guitarists etc generally find they don't demand a stereo mix? I ask because I'm a singer, and I struggle with a mono mix even in the studio. I always want separation between me and the band so I can always hear my cues. 6 aux outs on an XR18 would practice ok, but only ane of us could accept a stereo mix, and that'd have to be me (since I'd be paying for it!).

Could those personal monitor mix boxes actually help with this? Since they run on network cable, if I needed to add together just 1 more stereo channel (for the drummer, say) and so could I add that extra box and use it to mix another stereo output?

Do most people running these systems have a divide pulsate mixer, or exercise they run the drum mics direct into the big mixer? Ideally I'd desire to mix the kit to my ain gustation (plough down cymbals) simply that'll use a lot of inputs.

No-one has talked about useful other mics, but for rehearsal it seems like it'd be useful to exist able to talk to each other without pulling our ears out, and at a gig information technology'd exist dainty to be able to hear some crowd noise. Do people do this sort of stuff? Is it actually useful/necessary?

How practise you normally hook upwards into the front of house (of variable quality and make) at a gig? Do you mix yourself inside your mixer, then send a master mix out to their mixer/PA? Are FoH people (of variable quality) by and large alright with yous saying "Jog on mate, we'll mix ourselves" ? Would you unremarkably let them play with the chief mix via laptop/tablet?

Finally, although less directly relevant, does anyone take ideas how to keep the cables associated with wired IEMs from getting defenseless/tangled up? Personally I'll exist on wireless anyway, but I doubt I can convince 5 others to buy wireless systems immediately and while they don't run around the stage they exercise still motility, and cables may present a problem.

Sorry for a avalanche of questions merely I was literally coming here today to start a thread nigh getting a rack mixer and then.... Yeah, lots of questions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostTheTone ➡️

Equally another person looking to convince his band onto IEMs, I am glad to come across others are happy plenty to use the XR18 on a real phase.

Just so I can become clear in my own caput -

Do guitarists etc mostly notice they don't need a stereo mix? I inquire considering I'm a singer, and I struggle with a mono mix even in the studio. I always desire separation between me and the ring so I can always hear my cues. six aux outs on an XR18 would practice ok, but only one of us could have a stereo mix, and that'd have to exist me (since I'd be paying for it!).

Guitarist are (IME) the almost difficult to get to employ IEM's. They generally don't intendance about stereo or non, in fact, my biggest issue is getting them to put both ear buds in instead of simply one (a situation that tin effect in hearing loss btw).

Quote:

Could those personal monitor mix boxes actually help with this? Since they run on network cable, if I needed to add just one more than stereo aqueduct (for the drummer, say) so could I add that extra box and apply it to mix another stereo output?

Using the P16m you lot have a full 16 channel stereo mixer for each band member. You however take to assign the 16 channels that will be used in the setup of the mixer.

Quote:

Practise most people running these systems have a divide drum mixer, or do they run the drum mics straight into the big mixer? Ideally I'd want to mix the kit to my own taste (pass up cymbals) simply that'll use a lot of inputs.

On the X32 (not X air) you lot tin can make a drum mix on a sub-groups. I would make groups for cymbals and toms, and then feed the kicking and snare in as an input to the IEM mix (taking up three of the 16 p16 mix inputs). On the x-air serial, everything would need to exist miced and mixed (I don't think it has sub-groups, just DCA's which aren't actually busses so they can't be sent via a transport)

Quote:

No-one has talked most useful other mics, just for rehearsal it seems similar it'd be useful to be able to talk to each other without pulling our ears out, and at a gig it'd be nice to be able to hear some crowd racket. Practise people exercise this sort of stuff? Is it actually useful/necessary?

I find that y'all tin can hear each other fine from the ambience pickup of the stage mics. The drummer may need a mic just for this purpose even if he doesn't sing though since he is so far from the mic .... even and so, you can make information technology work.

Quote:

How do yous normally hook up into the front of house (of variable quality and brand) at a gig? Practise you lot mix yourself within your mixer, then send a master mix out to their mixer/PA? Are FoH people (of variable quality) generally alright with you saying "Jog on mate, we'll mix ourselves" ? Would you normally let them play with the main mix via laptop/tablet?

We mix ourselves (using a tablet mounted on my mic stand) or have someone in the audience nosotros have picked to mix for us that is proficient at mixing.

Quote:

Finally, although less directly relevant, does anyone take ideas how to keep the cables associated with wired IEMs from getting caught/tangled upward? Personally I'll exist on wireless anyway, just I doubt I can convince 5 others to buy wireless systems immediately and while they don't run around the stage they do still motion, and cables may nowadays a problem.

Cables are always a trouble on phase. Wired IEM's make information technology worse for sure. Nosotros tape them down in the same cable runs going out for the microphones and get out enough cable in the expanse of each musician for them to movement effectually some.

Lots of good advice here, then permit me summarize? I own the PAs for any band I'm in. The XR-18 is a great choice, buy used if you tin can. It may be more than you need now, just it can be used for near any future production and will keep you happy for a long time. It is hard for me to imagine outgrowing it.

We don't always have a sound person, and so everyone self-mixes their monitor feed. We use a combination of IEMs and floor monitors. Not anybody is comfortable with IEMs yet. I have purchased P16-Ms for the IEM users, including the vocalists. I consider them function of the PA. The monitor users (e.g. drums, bass) tin either self-mix using an app, or perhaps ask the sound person if we accept one. Of form, information technology is as well possible to run a monitor off of a P16-M if someone wants to do that.

We run a vocal FX passenger vehicle (using the built-in ones) into 1 channel (16) for the P16-M users that vocalists tin can punch into their ears as they prefer. At that place's an inexpensive hub that connects 16 channels and supplier power over cat5 enet, and so a scrap less clutter on stage. Sound person (when we have one) can focus on FOH. The user learning curve is nifty, every bit it's simpler to deal with than a tablet for nearly.

Even if nosotros're part of a festival where there's already PA, we tin can utilize a splitter and nevertheless run our ain phase mix. It'due south a flake of a hack, but it works.

Cheers for those answers, I know it was a lot to wade through, just it does assistance me go it all clear.

Now I think nearly it, our bass thespian (and de facto manager) may be won over by the thought of being able to just mix ourselves, with a saved prepare-up, and so not be at the mercy of FoH. I guess nosotros shall see!

Quote:

Originally Posted past LostTheTone ➡️

Cheers for those answers, I know it was a lot to wade through, but it does help me get it all clear.

Now I call back about information technology, our bass role player (and de facto manager) may be won over by the idea of existence able to simply mix ourselves, with a saved set-upward, and and then not be at the mercy of FoH. I guess we shall see!

Small additional thought: Assuming you lot've got something like the X-Air eighteen, in that location are six auxes out. We got started with IEMs past simply running a monitor feed to a small, inexpensive bombardment-powered belt device, which then went to IEMs. You couldn't control the mix straight, simply could command volume.

Well, inconvenient for the vocalizer, as there were batteries and cables involved. Simply we were able to try IEMs without much additional investment.

Re: stereo and singers hearing themselves conspicuously. "Real" stereo is two separate paired signals. My keys puts out a Fifty and a R, and they are different. I employ ii of the 16 bachelor channels.

Vocals are a mono source, as is a guitar, etc. Drum mixes tin be panned nicely, then "real" stereo. Some effects (stereo chorus) brand a mono signal stereo. With a personal mixer, a vocalist tin set up residue for each channel, and so they get a really nice mix, including their own voice in expressionless center, with other vocalists on ane "side" or some other. Works corking.

Nonetheless, this sort of setup won't send effects on stage unless you so some clever routing, for which youtube will instruct you if needed.

Concluding edited by cphollis; 15th August 2022 at 05:54 PM.. Reason: typos

A couple of points:

- To those wondering almost not being able to hear the crowd or your bandmates talking while wearing IEMs, yous can become ambient IEMs from a company called acs, which allow in a piddling chip of outside sound. Hither is more info:

https://www.acscustom.com/uk/product...ambient-series

- As for stereo, information technology's especially useful if you have two guitarists in the band, or 1 guitar and i keyboard, equally you tin can pan each one to a unlike side thus giving a fleck of separation and allowing you lot to hear each i improve. This is important for instruments that occupy the same frequency range.

- If you're still not convinced about IEMs, here is an article from the Shure website chosen '10 Reasons Why In-Ear Monitors Are Meliorate Tha Wedges':

https://www.shure.com/en-US/performa...er-than-wedges

Lives for gear

Quote:

Originally Posted by nksoloproject ➡️

- As for stereo, it's specially useful if you have 2 guitarists in the ring, or 1 guitar and 1 keyboard, every bit you lot can pan each one to a different side thus giving a bit of separation and allowing you to hear each one ameliorate. This is of import for instruments that occupy the same frequency range.

- If yous still non convinced about IEMs, here is an article from the Shure website called '10 Reasons Why In-Ear Mon......

-by primary skilful mix shouldnt need stereo reproduction to achieve frequency equilibrium. For example, if both your guitars sound exactly the aforementioned you wont become practiced separation between them in mono. But, if youve already got a proficient complete guitar sound, good tone balance. It shouldnt matter.
- Shure makes and sells IEM. Of form they'll tell you x reasons why you need them.

Quote:

Originally Posted past cphollis ➡️

Modest additional thought: Assuming you've got something like the X-Air 18, there are 6 auxes out. We got started with IEMs by simply running a monitor feed to a small-scale, inexpensive battery-powered belt device, which then went to IEMs. Y'all couldn't control the mix directly, but could command book.

Well, inconvenient for the singer, as there were batteries and cables involved. Merely we were able to endeavour IEMs without much additional investment.

Re: stereo and singers hearing themselves clearly. "Existent" stereo is 2 separate paired signals. My keys puts out a Fifty and a R, and they are dissimilar. I use two of the 16 available channels.

Vocals are a mono source, as is a guitar, etc. Drum mixes can be panned nicely, so "real" stereo. Some effects (stereo chorus) brand a mono signal stereo. With a personal mixer, a vocalist can set balance for each aqueduct, so they get a really overnice mix, including their own voice in expressionless center, with other vocalists on one "side" or another. Works great.

Withal, this sort of setup won't send effects on stage unless you so some clever routing, for which youtube will instruct you if needed.

What's slightly frustrating (to me anyway) is that my band are used to working with wedges, or in rehearsal just with amps and cabs. I'm the simply one who feels the practical need for IEMs to do my job better.

It's a very screamy metal band, and in my experience the best way to get good performance is to brand certain that I can hear myself at just the right level, so I'm never trying to just use my phonation to sing over 100w stacks and a alive drum kit. The PA is there to give me volume, but I need to hear in my own caput that the volume is there and is balancing out. Otherwise I end up pushing as well difficult and my voice starts breaking up pretty quickly.

I presently use the onetime "one ear in" trick, and I know that's not ideal just it's a cheap and muddy answer. Equally I say, I am used to having my voice panned to one side anyway, and the other side being the band and a flake of phonation, so it gives me what I'm used to and I can at least perform alright. But it'southward a duct tape solution. I have it ready upward every bit the mic into a aqueduct strip, then into a cheap 1 aqueduct microphone monitor box, with the master signal feeding the mixer and I can jack in my IEMs there and accept a separate volume knob just for me. It'south fine. But man I would much rather take both my ears in and be able to be a bit more picky over what I hear.

Some other frustration here is that using a phase box to drive IEMs means anybody else has to mic up every fourth dimension (including exercise) or otherwise figure out a no-cab solution to spit out an XLR from their amps. So those fringe benefits like "Hey we can spend a week getting a perfect mix instead of FoH deciding!" weirdly are more than convincing.

Honestly, I couldn't actually care less if the others use IEMs or not, as long every bit they are running into a mixer that facilitates me using them. So saying "Hey we can tape a whole live show/practise" is again some other good thing that can help them run across it'southward worth the effort.