the sense of being isolated or disconnected from the stage setup and interplay . To this point , deploying stereo ambiance mics would likely be the most powerful combo in switching people over from wedges and I consider them a mustdo for all IEM mixes . In an ideal situation , there would be two mics ( in stereo ) if being fed to a stereo IEM mix . It kinda makes sense since we were created with stereo hearing and it is how we experience the natural world , hence mono mixes feel very unnatural . performers in touch with the stage sound and lets them hear the rest of the band and communicate with each other without needing to pull out their earpieces . If the ‘ vibe ’ or energy that the musicians think may be lacking with an IEM rig really relates to the lack of hearing the hoots and hollers ( or reminders that it is a Bb minor chord ) from musicians right next to them that don ’ t have mics , an ME-1 ambient mic that they can control as needed might be just what the doctor ordered . mixing , I do tend to lean toward the IEM approach myself when it comes to most churches . Perhaps some hybrid approach is necessary if the musicians are really used to feeling the room move with 18 ” subs pounding in the drum monitor . But for churches that have the technical staff and the budget to make a complete IEM shift , it can save you a lot of monitoring headaches , help to protect hearing health and make for an all-around better musical experience for all .
Lastly , it may make sense to consider the addition of the ambient mic on personal monitor mixers like the Allen & Heath ME-1 into the mix . The onboard ME-1 ambient mic keeps
FINAL THOUGHTS
While there are few absolute right and wrong answers in sound system design and audio
Jeff Hawley A 20-year music industry veteran — equally at ease behind the console , playing bass guitar , leading marketing teams or designing award-winning audio products . He currently heads up the marketing for Allen & Heath in the US .
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