2. PRE-FADER AUX
Depending on a couple variables, such as
whether your mixer is analog or digital, there
might be a case made that a pre-fader aux
would work better than a post-fader aux
because the mix would be completely separate
from the FOH. Changes in the house mix fader
levels might not be the same as what’s best for
the streamed mix.
Just beware that pre-fader aux sends are often
also pre-EQ and pre-compression, so none of
the FOH EQ and compression settings would
be heard by the stream. Some digital boards
provided two options for pre-fader sends: one
that’s pre-EQ and pre-compression and on
that’s post-EQ and post-compression. Choose
the latter for a more polished sound. (Fig. 1)
3. MATRIX
The mixer’s matrix outputs are fed by the mixer’s
subgroups and main outputs, and sometimes
by the mains, subgroups, and auxes. When
the mix is divided into separate subgroups for
drums, guitars, keys, vocals, and so on, the
matrix feature provides a great way to rebalance
the mix for broadcast, streaming, recording,
overflow, and zones. Since the drums don’t
need much reinforcement in the house, and
since the vocals and direct instruments depend
solely on the house system, just adjust the
relative levels in the matrix outputs to achieve a
great mix for the stream. (Fig. 2) (Fig. 3)
4. IN-EAR MONITOR MIXER
Using an in-ear system such as the newest
Aviom Personal Mixer, the Allen & Heath ME
system, the PreSonus EarMix system, or other
modern and flexible in-ear mixers, can be a
good solution. Most newer systems have a
wide range of features and access to all, or
virtually all, of the mix ingredients. Just send the
output of the in-ear mixer to the stream and you
can get by.
This is a simple and relatively inexpensive way
to provide a mix for the stream, especially for
a smaller group of musicians using simple
instrumentation. The fact that the in-ear system
is already functioning, and that providing a
custom mix for the stream involves little more
than adding one more personal mixing station
to the chain, makes this a very appealing option
for many.
These devices aren’t really designed to be
used as a primary mixer—they don’t have great
(Fig. 1)
(Fig. 2)
Try using a pre-or post-fader aux on your existing mixer to feed the stream.
The matrix on an analog board is very simple but effective.
(Fig. 3)
Modern digital mixers provide access to all auxes, subgroups, and main outputs for rebalancing in the matrix.
July 2020
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