#How to set up a separate monitor mixer series

Always tack down your cable runs using gaffers tape wherever possible! Wired monitoring can have its drawbacks''the additional cables on the stage can be stepped on, pulled, tripped over, etc. You should buy good quality headphone extension cables''don't cheap out here! Having your in-ear monitor mix cut out because of a bad cable is no fun. With wired units, you're going to need a headphone mixer to convert the line level outputs of the monitor console to headphone level for your in-ear monitors. With wireless units, you'll connect the output of your monitor console to the input on the wireless transmitter. Whether you choose wired or wireless to get the mix to your in-ears is a matter of preference''the configuration is very similar. If you prefer to have each band member have control over their own monitor mix, these types of mixers are a great option. On a related note, many newer digital mixers allow you to use hardwired connections, typically over ethernet, so that you can attach remote control devices for controlling monitor mixes. We may cover this topic in a further tutorial. These require a bit more configuration as a wireless network is needed.

#How to set up a separate monitor mixer series

Some, more recent, consoles have the ability to use iOS devices to control your mixes, such as the Mackie DL806, PreSonus StudioLive series and many others. Built-in limiter for each Aux bux and Main output (or a compressor with a 20:1 or higher compression ratio and hard-knee capability).Enough inputs for every mic and instrument you'll want to be able to monitor.If they are only post-fader, any adjustments to the channel faders will alter the Aux mixes as well. Aux Sends MUST be pre-fader''unless you don't plan on using the main output as an in-ear mix.You can use the main output mix as well, since you aren't using it for anything else. It must have enough Aux outputs''1 stereo aux output for each different monitor mix, keeping in mind that some band members may be fine with sharing a monitor mix.When choosing a digital mixer, you'll need to keep in mind these requirements: At the time we were using a Yamaha 02R, but there are plenty to choose from, both new and used.

To get consistent in-ear mixes every time, you will need a digital mixer with recall capabilities. I'm going to describe for you an in-ear configuration that we used when on tour with Artemis, as it was one we tweaked to perfection over the course of a few shows, then break it down with examples of alternate configurations you can use depending on your particular stage setup.

Less chance of hearing damage from loud on-stage volumes''assuming you keep your in-ear monitor levels reasonable.

A better looking stage''again, no stage monitors getting in the way.

Cleaner FOH mixes as there's no more mic bleed from the stage monitors.

Better FOH mixes as the engineer can focus on the band mix and not the monitors.

Consistent mixes for each band member''no more having to tell the FOH engineer to turn someone up or down in the stage monitors.

Lower on-stage volume which reduces chances of mic feedback.

How would you like to have to never worry about your stage monitors again? How about cutting your setup time in half (or even more)? In-Ear monitoring has many other benefits including: