#1684278 - 06/22/06 09:00 AM
live sound monitor issues
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Sonicshaman
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Registered: 06/22/06
Posts: 3
Loc: NY
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I am trying to better my live sound skills. I have recently read about gain structure being important in getting a feedback free (or less) environment. Also read about inverting phase to monitors. Can anyone elaborate or point me to some more info. I am running a fairly simple setup-16 channel desk/powered mains with two floor wedges out front.
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#1684279 - 06/22/06 07:00 PM
Re: live sound monitor issues
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audiofreek
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Registered: 05/09/01
Posts: 507
Loc: Prince George,,CANADA
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There is a technique known as "ringing out the monitors".This is used to avoid feedback,and get the maximum,or desired level for the performer.
Here's the signal chain;
Aux out/pre EQ.Then-Compressor-1/3 octave Graph,or 5 band parametric.
If you are doing front of house and monitors on the same mixer; A)Set up the front end,and pre gains. B)Get a basic level for the monitors with EQ and compressor in bypass mode,so that your channel Aux output gains are basically set up.
C)Then engage the compressor with a threshold of of about -30dB or more. D)set the ratio to 10:1,or if you are using a soft knee compressor that doesn't have a ratio adjustment just turn the output gain down,and crank the input gain until you are limiting. E)Increase the ouput gain on the compressor until you hear ringing(it should be a sustained tone,not an out of control squeal),then back it off till the ringing stops.
F)with the eq set flat,engage the EQ.Now pull up the sliders one at a time.the ones that start ringing with 2 or 3 dB boost should be cut 3 or 4dB.The more sensitive the frequency is to feedback,the more gain reduction it should receive.If the frequency is not too sensitive to feedback ,don't cut it. G) Now turn the AUX send for monitors master down,then bypass the compressor.
You have just rung out your monitors  .You can turn the aux master back up,and do another monitor check.You will have tons of gain before feedback  .
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#1684280 - 06/24/06 06:46 AM
Re: live sound monitor issues
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audiofreek
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Registered: 05/09/01
Posts: 507
Loc: Prince George,,CANADA
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One other thing to keep in mind is;Performers often ask for very loud monitor mixes but,the louder your monitors are,the louder the band will play,the louder your Front end has to be to overcome the indirect/reverberated sound of the monitors themselves.
I think the idea of running the monitors out of phase with the front of house will help this.I haven't got the the chance to try it,since reading the Bob Heil interveiw.It sounds like a no brainer,but it may not work as well with spotty monitor coverage.
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