In-Ear Monitor Mixing
Gilly
I start work on a cruise ship tomorrow as an A2 sound tech. The head
audio guy for the entire cruise line informed me that they started in-
ear monitor mixing. Don't quote me on this, but I think from the sound
of it I'll be mixing at FoH as well as wearing an in-ear monitor.
(Everything on the board is double-patched.)
What I'm asking is, does anyone have tips and tricks that they can
recommend? I realize that with EVERY adjustment I make I need to
listen to the FoH sound AND check the monitors as well. No matter how
small an adjustment I make. So constant checking is a must. But I
would love to hear tips and tricks from some audio guys out there.
Gilly
Dave Stevens
back. It's archived at
http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/the_craft_of_iem_mixing/
To do it right it is a craft. Reader's Digest version.... Take care
with your adjustments. A little goes a long way when your muso has
molds in their head. About 70% of monitor mixing is 90% confidence with
your artist. You can be the best mixer on the planet and if they don't
trust you, it won't work. Trust is everything. Remember that you are
merely a "sound waiter".. You bring them what they want to hear.
Unsolicited advice might not be taken well until you gain that trust.
They need to hear a mix that helps them play to benefit the show. It's
all about giving them what they need, or in some cases what they think
they need. Use stero mixes if you can. The best mixes use panning and
effects to simulate a personal space for the artist. A big thing,
particularly with new artists is the feeling of isolation of with
vocalists the occluded feeling from being sealed from the outside world.
It may take some time to work through.
I could write a book, and have thought about it but it would cut into
the important things in my life these days like organic gardening with
my lovely bride (is it still gardening if most of the plants die?) and
building and racing my cars. In fact the Snap On truck will be by in a
few minutes with my weekly fix of tools.
Keep at it, slow and steady wins the race. Post back to the list if you
have anymore questions. There are others here that can contribute as
well.
Dave