low output from Mixwizard aux sends

[NickFromNY]

I have both a mixwizard 16x2 and a Zed12fx... I am using Aux sends 1 and 2 as monitor mixes. I have strong signals on all of the mic inputs that are being sent to the aux busses. Main outs are all fine. I have to crank the master aux sends to get a decent volume out of the monitor mixes. all of the channel aux sends are at or near unity. Master Aux send goes into either an EQ or directly into the monitor amps (Crown XLS1000, QSC PLX 3002).. Why am I not getting a strong monitor signal?

 

[thumbknuckle]

Are they set post-fader?

 

[guy n. cognito]

Aux 1 and 2 should be pre fader unless you've messed with the internal jumpers.

 

[thumbknuckle]

They are not switchable? I thought they were switchable in pairs on those things.

 

[NickFromNY]

Aux 1 and 2 are pre fader

 

[NickFromNY]

I am seeing the low output on both the mixwizard and the Zed12fx

 

[guy n. cognito]

They are not switchable? I thought they were switchable in pairs on those things.

3&4 are switchable pre or post.

 

[uhdinator]

Are you using TRS-XLR cables into amps.
If not balanced you're losing 6db there.

 

[modulusman]

Are you using TRS-XLR cables into amps.
If not balanced you're losing 6db there.

This. ^ If The EQS have a bypass you might try it. If the monitors are louder with the EQ bypassed then you need to boost the EQ level or not have as much cut in the frequencies.

 

[Passinwind]

Are you using TRS-XLR cables into amps.
If not balanced you're losing 6db there.

On the MixWiz the Aux outputs are impedance balanced, so that would not hold true. They are also at -2dBu nominal, which could be part of the OP's problem.

 

[Vinny D]

The AUX out sends need to be dialed up to 3oclock (that is there unity setting)

 

[uhdinator]

Also all the auxes are pre EQ/pre insert unless you open it up and set jumpers to be post EQ and insert for each channel.

I switched mine so in ear mixes for the drummer are getting the compressed and EQ'd same as FOH. Singers that need comp inserted also get a better even sound too in their mon mix.

 

[walterw]

I switched mine so in ear mixes for the drummer are getting the compressed and EQ'd same as FOH. Singers that need comp inserted also get a better even sound too in their mon mix.

Actually, compressed vocals in monitors is exactly what you don't want!

It's a recipe for over-singing and blown-out voices, and with wedges, the singer's demands for "more me" because the compression makes the voice seem quieter leads to feedback that comes up between passages as the compression releases.

It's standard procedure to go to great lengths to avoid this, things like splitting vocals into two channels each, one comp'ed for out front and the other uncomp'ed just for monitor sends.

The other trick is to feed all vocals through a subgroup and compress that.

 

[lowfreq33]

Actually, compressed vocals in monitors is exactly what you don't want!

It's a recipe for over-singing and blown-out voices, and with wedges, the singer's demands for "more me" because the compression makes the voice seem quieter leads to feedback that comes up between passages as the compression releases.

It's standard procedure to go to great lengths to avoid this, things like splitting vocals into two channels each, one comp'ed for out front and the other uncomp'ed just for monitor sends.

The other trick is to feed all vocals through a subgroup and compress that.

This is valid, but I'd say it depends on the singer.

 

[uhdinator]

Drive rack feedback filters take care of any feedback if there is any. Never had any problems there. I'll use parallel comp sometimes depending on singer(s).

 

[basspadawan]

On the MixWiz the Aux outputs are impedance balanced, so that would not hold true. They are also at -2dBu nominal, which could be part of the OP's problem.

I think this is the op's biggest issue here. I run into this anytime I run aux fed subs with the lower end Allen and Heath boards. Gain structure is really important when you run monitors off the aux on this board.

 

[walterw]

there's a mod for the older mixwiz boards to make the A-B outs and the auxes full-on +4 and truly balanced;

it involves cutting a little trace and soldering in a chip for each output (the chips are pricey, a good $15-$20 each.)

 

[KingRazor]

Actually, compressed vocals in monitors is exactly what you don't want!

It's a recipe for over-singing and blown-out voices, and with wedges, the singer's demands for "more me" because the compression makes the voice seem quieter leads to feedback that comes up between passages as the compression releases.

It's standard procedure to go to great lengths to avoid this, things like splitting vocals into two channels each, one comp'ed for out front and the other uncomp'ed just for monitor sends.

The other trick is to feed all vocals through a subgroup and compress that.

That's what output gain is for. Proper use of compression should only reduce the volume of the loudest peaks, and increase the level of everything else.

 

[walterw]

right; it reduces the loudest bits (so the singer belts harder and doesn't hear the sound get louder in the wedge, unconsciously leading to a blown-out voice) and the quiet bits get louder (raising the background level, including the feedback potential).

 

[KingRazor]

right; it reduces the loudest bits (so the singer belts harder and doesn't hear the sound get louder in the wedge, unconsciously leading to a blown-out voice) and the quiet bits get louder (raising the background level, including the feedback potential).

If you're using so much compression that they feel like they have to belt out then you're using way too much.

The board I mix on regularly doesn't allow you to set the AUX sends as pre-dynamics, so all of the singers hear their voices compressed. Haven't had any problems with singers straining their voices.