How are IEM mixes done for a silent stage?

[s0c9]

I post this randomly on various IEM threads.......If you put together your own IEM splitter mixer rack system you need to know how the system works inside and out and how to trouble shoot it in a time crunch.......many do not.

+100%.. luckily some of the bands I play with have an experienced FOH guy who can dial in the IEM mixer inputs pretty quickly when needed!!!

 

[Mike Caldwell]

+100%.. luckily some of the bands I play with have an experienced FOH guy who can dial in the IEM mixer inputs pretty quickly when needed!!!

More than once I've heard someone in a band who is struggling to their IEM system working say something like "we're always having problems with that" .

Given there is time and their IEM rack/system is not just a rats nest of tangled cable I jump in and help, during a fast band turn over not so much.

 

[erayser]

I get scheduled to play at like 5+ churches all over San Diego, and all have adopted silent stage and digital mixers. Most provides IEM belt pack, P1/P2... and I would download a mobile app (depending on digital mixer) to control my personal mix. Nice thing about using the mobile apps, is that it automatically labels the channels so you know the instrument/singer levels you're changing in your personal mix (that's if they label the scribble strips for the faders used on the digital mixer).

The last church I played last weekend had P16 Powerplays... which is similar to what I used early on in my silent stage journey. After using the P16 Powerplay last weekend, I'm thinking of getting one for myself... since the other churches I play at are using X32 or Wing digital mixers, and only uses the mixbus outputs for personal mixes... The Ultranet port is usually unused. I used the stereo outputs on the P16 going into my personal wireless rack... and loved the P16 flexibility of allowing me to EQ and Pan each channel individually. The only way I could get a stereo mix at other churches is if they provide me 2 linked mixbus outputs... which is one less personal mix if needed. Downside, it would be an extra device to setup on stage. I'll probably get one since they're inexpensive.

I actually hated IEM's and silent stage in the beginning... but I've evolved to love it to where I bought an X32 rack digital mixer to use at home for silent practice, silent band rehearsals, or just a jam session at home with friends without bothering others in the house.

 

[s0c9]

More than once I've heard someone in a band who is struggling to their IEM system working say something like "we're always having problems with that" .

Given there is time and their IEM rack/system is not just a rats nest of tangled cable I jump in and help, during a fast band turn over not so much.

Yep, definitely need someone to set that up for them if they don’t have a “sound person” in the band.
My current cover band has 2..

I did do 5 sub gigs with a band (fully IEM trio) a couple of years ago who did not. My IEM mix on the first gig was horrendous.
During sound check I asked the BL if it was OK to mess with the mix a little. He said OK. I tweaked the EQ on drums, guitar, bass and vocals. Added some effects on vocals.
We started the next sound check song. 30 secs in, drummer waves at us to stop.
He yelled “WHAT DID YOU DO TO THE MIX”.. I’m thinking the worst.
He says “It sounds awesome now. Thanks!”. I saved the scene. Did the gig.

 

[s0c9]

I get scheduled to play at like 5+ churches all over San Diego, and all have adopted silent stage and digital mixers. Most provides IEM belt pack, P1/P2... and I would download a mobile app (depending on digital mixer) to control my personal mix. Nice thing about using the mobile apps, is that it automatically labels the channels so you know the instrument/singer levels you're changing in your personal mix (that's if they label the scribble strips for the faders used on the digital mixer).

The last church I played last weekend had P16 Powerplays... which is similar to what I used early on in my silent stage journey. After using the P16 Powerplay last weekend, I'm thinking of getting one for myself... since the other churches I play at are using X32 or Wing digital mixers, and only uses the mixbus outputs for personal mixes... The Ultranet port is usually unused. I used the stereo outputs on the P16 going into my personal wireless rack... and loved the P16 flexibility of allowing me to EQ and Pan each channel individually. The only way I could get a stereo mix at other churches is if they provide me 2 linked mixbus outputs... which is one less personal mix if needed. Downside, it would be an extra device to setup on stage. I'll probably get one since they're inexpensive.

I actually hated IEM's and silent stage in the beginning... but I've evolved to love it to where I bought an X32 rack digital mixer to use at home for silent practice, silent band rehearsals, or just a jam session at home with friends without bothering others in the house.

Make sure the church has a stage box (S32 or equivalent) and bring your own CAT5 to run to the P16M - if you go that route.

 

[erayser]

Make sure the church has a stage box (S32 or equivalent) and bring your own CAT5 to run to the P16M - if you go that route.

Yes... we have a S32 stage box, and I already have the CAT5 cable and P16 in the "save for later" cart if I pull the trigger. When it comes to equipment I use on stage, I'll only use my personal XLR or 1/4" cables. I even have a personal P2 IEM amp with fully charged batteries in my gear bag. Sounds extreme... haha... but I trust my stuff, and only use the shared cables/gear as backup.

 

[Baker69]

Been using “silent stage” for about 4 years now. Drummer has electronic drums and cymbals, so we are truly silent. No cabs at all on stage.

Rather than a hardware solution for each players mix choices we have a router in our rack that works with the X32 mixer and we all mix our own monitor feed ourselves. Using iPads, iPhones, Android pads, whatever.

So I have this infront of me on an iPad all night and I can adjust it on the fly.

View attachment 7466294

Gotta make sure inputs signals and gains arent too hot, or the distortion destroys the mix.But once sorted, you will hear your bass better than any amp. Another imperitive is the in ears you use. After 4 years Ive found Sennheiser CX400-II with sonic foam tips is fantastic at isolating your ear canal, and producing gratuitous amounts of BASS. And they’re under $49. Better than many higher cost IEM’s IMHO.

I use this same app as well, for some reason though it drains the battery in my IPad Pro really quickly (others have reported the same issue). At one gig I remember it didn’t last the whole night! I’m having to use a battery Power Bank now to make sure it doesn’t run out of power. Great app though.