When I first got IEM's, I found the way everything blended together in my head very distracting, compared to what I heard with wedges because we were physically spread out across the stage.
Trying to get everything balanced out was a pain, and I ticked off a lot of sound guys, asking for small volume tweaks. Of course the minute the curtain dropped, the mix went to @#^! anyway, because everybody jumped in louder and harder than at sound check.
It wasn't until the first time that I played at a venue with a well set-up Aviom system, that I understood the value of pan pots and stereo IEM's. Stereo feeds isn't about getting an immersive, ambient mix- it's about being able to separate the sound of the other sources from your own voice and/or instrument.
Get the guitar and keys panned fairly hard left and right, and spread the lead and BGV's across the spectrum a bit. Leave my bass and the drums dead center, and everyone gets what they need, even if it isn't what they prefer:
- The drummer and I are forced to pay attention to locking in with each other.
- If the keys or guitar suddenly get drastically louder or softer, it's less distracting because they're way off to the sides.
- Ditto for the vocalists- even just a bit of separation left and right makes it easier for them to compare whether they're getting a bit pitchy. Plus, the extra separation makes it easier for them to get a more reliable pitch reference off the keys, bass and guitar.
In a situation where there's only 4 aux outs available for 4 or 5 people, I'm finding that I'd rather have two independent monitor mixes, with each one panned fairly wide for good separation. Then, just let me pick which one I prefer between the two...
For me, that's what makes the Xvive a non-starter. There's no possibility for a stereo mix with them.
