Getting a good IEM mix from FOH

See @Wasnex reply above.
It's a crap shoot...
IEM mixes can change from when the band does a sound check to when they start playing.. adrenaline and all that !
Ask the FOH guy HOW he wants you to communicate what you need once you start playing.
During soundcheck it may just be talking into someone's mic (if you don't sing) to tell them what you need.
Still, being handed a pack works great. If they have those, then hopefully they also have a means to let you control your mix, or give you access to do so.

However, it often [usually?] doesn't work well, and if you plan to do this on a regular basis, be prepared to be frustrated.
Which takes me back to this being the reason bands have their own system.
This.

Simply showing up and attempting to implement an IEM system on the fly is a sure way to guarantee that it will fail and everyone comes away hating IEMs.

I'm often asked, we'd like to start using IEMs, how do we go about it? My answer has become, unless you are willing to invest in good IEMs, (not 40$ buds, in spite of some that swear by those things), good RF, and 2-3 rehearsals to set them up and make adjustments there, just don't bother wasting your time and money. NAd if you show on a gig and are handed a belt pack and generic earbuds, you are being done a grave injustice and you'll hate that very quickly.

The amount of close-mindedness with IEMs is overwhelming. I've grown to simply keeping my mouth shut when the subject of IEMs comes up. I love mine and have a few ways to implement them in various situations. And that's all that matters.
 
Get a digital rack mixer and passive split. And a mic package. Dial in a mix. Ear mixes will be the same every time. Otherwise, ride the lightning. Having up to half a dozen devices per band accessing the FOH mixer isn't something I'd expect as a musician, or be comfortable with as a mix engineer.
Ten and twelve-piece bands do this regularly. As a player and a pro audio engineer, I'm fine with it and encourage it. BUT....

Again, some rehearsal time is important and having understanding with the players about controlling their mix. Mostly, being careful that they are controlling their mix and not someone else's or FOH.

It's simply a matter of, does the group want to take advantage off IEMs or not? There's ways to go about it and manage it.

If the group isn't willing to take the time to set it up, please don't bother and then bad-mouth IEMs over it.
 
This.

Simply showing up and attempting to implement an IEM system on the fly is a sure way to guarantee that it will fail and everyone comes away hating IEMs.

I'm often asked, we'd like to start using IEMs, how do we go about it? My answer has become, unless you are willing to invest in good IEMs, (not 40$ buds, in spite of some that swear by those things), good RF, and 2-3 rehearsals to set them up and make adjustments there, just don't bother wasting your time and money. NAd if you show on a gig and are handed a belt pack and generic earbuds, you are being done a grave injustice and you'll hate that very quickly.

The amount of close-mindedness with IEMs is overwhelming. I've grown to simply keeping my mouth shut when the subject of IEMs comes up. I love mine and have a few ways to implement them in various situations. And that's all that matters.
To be fair, I have played/subbed with bands that have their own IEM systems and want to give you a pack. I have my own rig. Tell mw where to hook up my XLR - even if it means disconnecting your wireless feed for bass.

For folks who use IEM's on a regular basis - as all of my bands do - it's not really a big deal as long as you can control your own mix.
Your advice is 1000% sound on NOT showing up to a gig never having used IEM's and expect it to go well.
It's a disaster waiting to happen.

@Geri O - I was browsing a FB pro-audio group this am where someone posted about wanting to move to digital from analog on a budget. Suggestions were XR12, XR18 and maybe X32R. Yes, there are other choices, but one guy suggested a Wing or wait for the Wing Rack ($1599) due out in Feb. Twice the price of an X32R and 3x+ the price of an XR18. So much for budget.
I have run the Wing (among many other boards) last time at a freelance church gig 2 days ago, and it is FAR too deep a console for ANY beginner. Moving from analog to digital is tough enough. I pointed out it was yet another accident waiting to happen. It's like giving someone a CL5 when they've only EVER run an XR12. Disaster!
 
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The last few post save ma lots of typing!!

I will add that when you do put together a self contained IEW rack split system, have at one person who knows that system and ALL aspects of operating it and troubling shooting it.

If your on my stage having issues with your IEM system and time allows I jump in and help, if it's a fast band turn over and I have everything I need coming to FOH and it's showtime it's go time.
 
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have at [least] one person who knows that system and ALL aspects of operating it and troubling shooting it.
IMHO the level of success is largely related to the interest level of whoever fills this role. If you don't have a least one person in the band who is fascinated by audio and understands how it works, results may be catastrophic. A good audio tech makes it appear easy. Problems occur frequently but most are resolved before anyone even notices. Many of these problems could seriously degrade or even stop the show if left unresolved.
 
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In the original question, I asked for tips for when the FOH controls the IEM mix. Something I didn't think of was asking for Wi-Fi access to the mix and controlling it myself. There was a lot of valuable feedback provided, but some responses were not relevant to the original question. Thank you to those who shared their experiences and knowledge.
 
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What venues make this a requirement? This is some new territory for me. House of worship or casinos maybe?
There is a local franchise here in Southern California that hosts 80s-themed bars and requires in-ear monitors (IEM). A DJ plays 80s hits from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by live cover bands from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. The pay is good, but we need to sound-check around 6:30 p.m.
 
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This.

Simply showing up and attempting to implement an IEM system on the fly is a sure way to guarantee that it will fail and everyone comes away hating IEMs.

I'm often asked, we'd like to start using IEMs, how do we go about it? My answer has become, unless you are willing to invest in good IEMs, (not 40$ buds, in spite of some that swear by those things), good RF, and 2-3 rehearsals to set them up and make adjustments there, just don't bother wasting your time and money. NAd if you show on a gig and are handed a belt pack and generic earbuds, you are being done a grave injustice and you'll hate that very quickly.

The amount of close-mindedness with IEMs is overwhelming. I've grown to simply keeping my mouth shut when the subject of IEMs comes up. I love mine and have a few ways to implement them in various situations. And that's all that matters.
I completely agree that if a band is going to invest in in-ear monitors (IEM), they should purchase high-quality gear, rehearse, and fine-tune their mix well before performing live. My original question was about how to achieve a good mix when given a wireless receiver and the sound engineer controls the mix. I own a pair of in-ear monitors with 4 balanced armature drivers and 1 dynamic driver, which I use for practice and live performances when necessary.
 
I completely agree that if a band is going to invest in in-ear monitors (IEM), they should purchase high-quality gear, rehearse, and fine-tune their mix well before performing live. My original question was about how to achieve a good mix when given a wireless receiver and the sound engineer controls the mix. I own a pair of in-ear monitors with 4 balanced armature drivers and 1 dynamic driver, which I use for practice and live performances when necessary.
And my post was directed at those engineers and band leaders that that jump up and on a whim, decide “next gig, we’re going IEMs!”

Nonetheless, sorry for the intrusion.

I’ll learn one day…..😔