Ringing It Out

Part One: Strategies and Standard Operating Procedures for Festival-Style Monitors

Introduction

After immersing myself in the fast-paced world of live sound from a young age, I’m taking a step back this winter to refine strategies and establish best practices for delivering consistent sonic success moving forward. This SOP is intended to streamline workflows and help achieve reliable, high-quality monitor mixes in festival-style settings. It condenses years of hard-earned experience into actionable steps to ensure artists have the monitor support they need to perform at their best.

Kiesza at Calgary’s Olympic Plaza on August 30th, 2023

The Non-Negotiables

Proven Equipment:

  • The Console: Must have sends on faders, enough aux buses and physical outputs for wedges and stereo IEM mixes, and the ability to adjust parametric and graphic equalizers on those aux outputs (parametric for general shaping, graphic for eliminating feedback).
  • Reliable Monitors: Field-tested monitors, preferably passive. If working with active monitors, ensure they are configured to match the monitor placement (floor, side fill) with EQ flattened and the mic preamp disengaged.
  • Matching Wedges: Keep the front-line vocalist and listen wedge consistent for tonal reference.
  • Two-Way Communication: A simple, effective FOH-to-Monitor World setup using powered monitors and switched microphones for instant, reliable communication.
  • RF Coordination: For events with multiple wireless systems (microphones, IEM, comms, touring groups’ wireless systems), an RF scanning device is needed to scan the electromagnetic environment to identify interference and avoid dropouts and interference.

Comprehensive Event Information

Venue and Stage Details:

  • Stage Dimensions: How large is the performance area?
  • Power Sources: Where is power coming from? Is there a dedicated circuit exclusively for audio?
  • Acoustic Influences: Are there video screens or structural elements that could impact stage acoustics?
  • Safety Protocols: Identify key safety measures, such as crew muster points, on-site emergency services, and the location of fire extinguishers.
  • Up-to-Date Performer Documentation: Artists’ stage plots, channel charts, and technical riders are absolutely essential and form the backbone of any successful setup.

Pre-Production Logistics

  • Input and Output Charts: Create a master input chart by gathering channel charts for every band, MC, and performer. Think about the signal flow, group similar sources, and create an output chart for clarity.
  • Cable Management: Designate consistent locations for signal cables, sub-snakes, and stage power. Establish accessible storage for multi-day events.
  • Labeling: Use BIG numbers that identify the stage monitors and their mix bus. Start with the wedge closest to the monitor engineer’s position; label it Mix 1, and work across the front line. Then, pick up with the upstage monitors, starting closest to the monitor console. For active monitors, label XLR connectors too.

Console Prep

Familiarize yourself with the desk ahead of time. Lay out buses, sends, and channel layouts for efficiency.

  • Console Setup –Build your ‘start scene’ using your master input chart by matching sources to their respective channels
  • Label Everything: Clearly label all input channels and mix sends for quick navigation.
  • Zeroed EQ: Start with flat EQ on both input and output channels. Engage the EQ and consider setting a High Pass Filter (HPF) at 25 Hz for each input channel.
  • Channel Organization: Arrange channels for ease of access. If possible, create a custom fader layer to minimize unnecessary layer switching.
  • Talkback Channels: Patch a talkback mic and set its HPF to 120–160 Hz. Send it to the primary listen wedge, ensuring it matches the front-line wedges.
  • Noise Generator: Set up a noise channel with a generator or assign a macro key to quickly validate each wedge mix.
  • Catch-All Channels: Reserve a few channels for unique sources, like theremin or spaced condenser microphones for choirs.
  • Mix Sends: Engage all mix sends on each channel and ensure they are zeroed out.
  • Effects: Reserve an aux mix or more for effects like reverb and delay.
  • If you have a digital console, save your initial “zeroed” scene to ensure a clean starting point to build from

Ringing Out Wedges

Setup and Workflow

  • Position the listen wedge out of the way, angled away from the house and performers.
  • If mixing monitors from FOH: Set monitor sends to pre-fader.
  • If using a dedicated monitor console: Set in-ear mixes to pre-fader and wedges to post-fader.

Identify Feedback Frequencies

  • If possible, work with a competent audio engineer to ring out wedges before the artists arrive.
  • Use your ears and an RTA (Real-Time Analyzer) to locate feedback frequencies.
  • Start with the parametric EQ on the output to tune the wedge so voices sound natural.
  • Switch to the graphic EQ to cut feedback frequencies on the output send as needed.

Feedback Management SOP

  1. Gradually increase the mix fader on Wedge One until feedback starts.
  2. Identify the ringing frequency using the RTA and your ears, then call it out.
  3. Apply a 3dB or more cut on the closest band of the graphic EQ.
  4. Repeat this process 2-3 times until multiple frequencies ring simultaneously, achieving an optimal balance.
  5. Save (or document if on analog gear) EQ settings in case adjustments need to be revisited during the performance.
  6. Be prepared to make aggressive EQ cuts for performers who cup the mic or move around frequently.
  7. Sometime you will have to prioritize a feedback-free environment over perfect tone, adjusting in real time as needed.

Optimizing for the Room

  • Walk out into the room with the main PA off to listen to how the monitors sound in the house.
  • Attenuate problematic frequencies to minimize room build-up and support FOH in maintaining a clean mix.

Save the Start Scene

Save a “ready-to-go” scene if you can that includes:

  • Rung-out wedges.
  • Unmuted sends.
  • Applied HPFs.

Conclusion

By focusing on preparation, communication, and precision, this SOP will help you deliver consistent, high-quality monitor mixes, even under festival-level pressure. Remember: your ears, clear communication, solid preparation, and a calm demeanour are the ultimate tools in your kit. Let’s make 2025 the year of flawless stage sound and sonic excellence!

Thanks

I would like to express my gratitude to Darrell Smith, Fred Boehli, Kiesza, UVS and SoundGirls.

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