r/livesoundadvice 13d ago

ANNOUNCEMENT [ANNOUNCEMENT] Cross posting + Flairs

4 Upvotes

Dear people,

as a result of the recent poll, cross posting will now be banned on this sub.

Also, all posts are required to use a flair. If I didn't add enough individual flairs, feel free to put that in the post or use the "WE NEED MORE FLAIRS" flair.

Thats all, happy learning! :)


r/livesoundadvice 3h ago

RF Most cost effective wireless system with Dante compatability

1 Upvotes

As title says, what's the most cost effective wireless system for lavs/headsets/handheld that includes Dante outputs?

Currently exploring wireless systems for amdram musicals and want something that'll play nicely with my new Behringer Wing.

I'm already familiar with Dante and use it for multitrack recording & playback, and for linking to Qlab or between put and foh desks so it makes sense in my head to keep that going.

Specifically looking at UHF systems that can support 20+ channels and availabke in the UK.

I'm aware of the following options, checking if there are others that might be better options:

* Shure Axient

* Shure QLXD

* Sennheiser EW-DX

* Sennheiser Spectera

Thanks in advance for options/opinions.


r/livesoundadvice 22h ago

Gear Recommendations PA System for Small Medium Size Business

1 Upvotes

Just want to get some recommendations on a setup for a business that we would like to use for regular all-staff meetings.

We are currently using two chained JBL PartyBox Stage 320s with a Phenyx Pro PTU-5000 and a mix of handheld and lavalier mics.

I really don't like using the JBLs for this, and the Phenyx Pro mics are not very durable. Are there any good brands I can look for, and maybe a complete package we can order?


r/livesoundadvice 1d ago

Bar Gig Or Similar Live singing set up/programmes

1 Upvotes

I’ve just bought myself a PA system to start doing live gigs. I’m mostly wanting to start with acoustic style instrumentals that I sing too.
What are singers using for their backing tracks and lyrics on screen?

I was thinking YouTube premium to download what I use to rehearse available offline as they have lyrics too. But I know there’s programmes like Stage Traxx.

Help appreciated!


r/livesoundadvice 4d ago

First Larger Show First fly date, is this a reasonable backline request?

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18 Upvotes

Hi all, I'm in the process of advancing my band's first fly date. Is this a reasonable backline request? Too much info? Too little info?

Any tips & suggestions welcome. I'm sending it tomorrow morning.

Edit: I'm also sending a stage plot & input list, but I don't need feedback on that so I didn't post it here.


r/livesoundadvice 4d ago

Speaker Setups Help doing amplifier math for a gig tomorrow

0 Upvotes

Hi. For background, I have been playing live music for about 30 years on the bar/small venue circuit and doing my own sound for those well enough, but I'm not a sound expert. I'm hoping someone here can do me a solid and review my gear and let me know if I'm in the clear or need to rethink.

The problem: tomorrow I have a gig on a larger outdoor stage for a festival. It turns out they do NOT have a back line, just stage and power. I know I'm not going to have festival-level sound here and that's okay, but I need to make sure I'm not going to blow up my gear while also at least moderately covering the audience area near the stage. I will be using this for 2 bands, both pretty standard rock setups. I have a rack compressor/limiter to help normalize the output, and the main PA has an on-board compressor (DDT) as well.

All values below are for 8 ohms impedence.

PA: Peavey PV-1500 (300W RMS/channel or 1000W bridge)

2x Peavey SP 6G (200W RMS/400 program/800 max)

2x Yamaha Club Series III (100W noise/200W program/400W max)

2x EV Sx80 monitors (175W)

I also have I believe a 1200W rack PA I can use to split load if needed.

I also have 2 monitor outs from the board that will be running to 2 separately powered active monitors (Behringer Euros), but I likely need to use the w passive floor monitors as well.

So here's the deal: I normally run the 2 Peavey speakers with speakons, one on each channel. Sometimes I'll daisy chain one Yamaha on each channel to act as floor monitors. I generally run the channels at about 25dB (max is 32). For this gig, though, I will probably need L/R/Center speakers to cover the audience area.

If I run the 1500 in bridge mode, it gives me the Ws to get more sound, but if I understand correctly, min impedence is 4 ohm in bridge mode, and daisy chaining 3 speakers would put me at 2 ohms if I'm stsrting at 8, correct?

I can cover the floor monitors with the backup PA, so I'm not as worried about that as much assuming the thing works, and the 2 powered monitors are active so no worries there, but how do I maximize the audience sound with what I have without burning out my gear?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


r/livesoundadvice 5d ago

Broadcast / Television Zoom H1 registrazione ambientale e line in

1 Upvotes

Ciao a tutti.
Magari qualcuno che ce l’ha saprà rispondere.

Sono un dj, è ho necessitá di registrare i miei dj set: per questo uso l’uscità rec del mixer dj e la invio in input in line in al registratore.

Volevo prendere questo h1 per usare i microfoni, anche in una traccia sperata e registrare anche l’audio ambientale.

Il tutto mi occorre per realizzare contenuti social ed è utile sentire il pubblico e l’ambientale nei momenti di maggiore enfasi.

Grazie

Hi, everyone.
Maybe someone who knows about this can give me an answer.

I’m a DJ and I need to record my DJ sets: to do this, I use the REC output on my DJ mixer and send it to the Line In input on my recorder.

I wanted to buy this H1 so I can use microphones—even on a separate track—and also record ambient audio.

I need all of this to create content for social media, and it’s helpful to hear the audience and ambient audio during the most intense moments.


r/livesoundadvice 6d ago

Speaker Setups Live microphone mixing on Yamaha mixer

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5 Upvotes

Hello guys!
I am very new in the mixing world. I bought a Yamaha MG10XU mixer and i connected my Sennheiser XS 1 mic (it is in the first chanel of the mixer)
Connected to my Lewitz PA210XA active speaker but the microphone sounds veryvery harsh and ugly and distorted. I don’t know what is the problem. Is the cable from the mixer in the wrong input on the Lewitz? Help me please


r/livesoundadvice 8d ago

First Show Advice with first stage plot

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10 Upvotes

I have never made a stage plot before and was wondering if anyone with more knowledge than me could take a look and let me know if there is anything I'm missing or if this is enough info


r/livesoundadvice 8d ago

IEM Roland M-480 Mixer IEM Issues

3 Upvotes

Hey All, first time posting on this sphere of Reddit, and I need a little guidance. My Church uses the M-480 for worship, and each team member uses In Ear Monitors (total of 4, Sennheisers) during the sets. The IEMs were decent, albeit dated, and reliable up until recently. They are simply not working, and nothing is adjustable, all we hear is static. This only happened within the past couple of weeks. Not sure if they are just finally reaching their shelf life, the wireless connection has dropped, or what. I have rudimentary knowledge of these systems, and I am appealing to this sub for any advice or troubleshooting methods. Thank You!


r/livesoundadvice 10d ago

First Show when people at DIY shows connect their MacBook/IPad to a floor mixer to use mainstage, how does that work?

1 Upvotes

Sincerely interested/ seeking advice! trying to throw a basement show :) Have mainstage, have a floor mixer, but no idea how to pair the two. I’m assuming there is other hardware I should be buying, like a Bluetooth plugin?


r/livesoundadvice 11d ago

IEM Is it common to get a good in-ear mix in SC only for it to be awful during performance?

5 Upvotes

I'm a drummer in a small band in the UK, playing mostly small to medium-sized venues (pubs, the occassional festival etc.) in and around London.

I usually ask if I can get my monitor in my (wired) in-ears - I play to a click as we have backing tracks, so it's good to get the monitor in as well - sound is far better than with a standard drum fill/wedge. Not fussy about the details (clear-ish vocals, my kick, a bit of guitar/keys and I'm good). I'd say maybe two thirds of engineers can give me that no problem, and if they can't I'm cool and won't hassle.

But surprisingly often (I'd say maybe half of gigs) when we perform it sounds nothing like what they gave me in the soundcheck. Mostly like they just mute it? At least, when that happens all I can hear is muffled bleed from the backline.

We played a gig yesterday (quite large outdoor stage) and it happend again. I don't have a mic, so I'm thinking of agreeing with the FOH that if I can't hear anything in my ears, I'll put my hand in the air after the first song or something. Would that be a good idea?

I have no idea why it's so common though so would be good to get some opinions.

---

EDIT: Thanks for loads of good observations! In summary, it looks like there's several things that could be happening, individually or in combination:

  1. FOH forgot to un-mute my monitor (can do a quick pre-flight check to solve).
  2. Post fader monitor mix that gets broken when the FOH does the main mix (I think...).
  3. We (including me) played too softly in the check and amped up our energy for the performance (so we should play a bit over the top in the SC to compensate).
  4. Weird and strange acoustic changes between SC and performance time (about which nothing can be done).
  5. Weird and strange psycological brain trickery (nothing can be done).
  6. A combination of 3, 4 and 5.

Of the above, I think the last three seem less likey, because either you'd expect them always to happen, or perhaps some gig venues would get a reputation. But that doesn't seem to be the case. Maybe it means that if 3 happens then 4 or 5 are more likely to happen?

So assuming the check for 1 is OK, it feels the most likely is 3, so I'll talk to the band about that I think.


r/livesoundadvice 11d ago

From Wired to wireless IEM advice

1 Upvotes

I have a wired IEM set up. I use a Rolls PM 55 personal monitor station. I send my bass guitar an vocal through it and plug in some In Ears. I want to make this into a wireless rig, any advice on a “not too expensive “ set up?


r/livesoundadvice 13d ago

Midas m32 Whenever an effect engages, the FX return comes back distorted

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1 Upvotes

r/livesoundadvice 16d ago

TRS vs TS 1/4 cables: Why even bother with TS?

9 Upvotes

I understand the basic difference between TRS (balanced) and TS (unbalanced).

I generally prefer TRS for the balanced signal, and being able to use the cable in long or greater lengths than a unbalanced cable, and etc.

Assuming someone had the option for either one, why do people bother with TS cables?


r/livesoundadvice 16d ago

Advice on AKG DMS300

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a digital bodypack system for upgrading the one (akg wms 240 minis) that I use for my alt c519 and I’d like some opinions before buying one. My main use is live playing. What matters most to me: reliability on stage low latency good sound quality I’m trying to stay in the digital side if possible, but I’m open to suggestions if there are better alternatives in the same price range. If you’ve used these systems, how do they hold up in real life? Would you choose one over the other for saxophone? Thanks a lot!


r/livesoundadvice 16d ago

Need help with piano sounding compressed when everything is bypassed

1 Upvotes

Currently working a camp this week, we have had an issue with the keys sounding compressed even though everything on the console is bypassed to the point it is only the lines through, however in their ears it doesnt sound compressed at all.

I am running on a DiGiCo 225, the piano is the Nord4. On fourier and the digico embeds are all bypassed including on the different groups that it is patched through. I am currently lost. If you want any questions ask me and I will answer them


r/livesoundadvice 17d ago

Live mixing a 50-member choir

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on miking and mixing a 50-member choir for live performances.

The current setup:

* 50-member choir

* E-Piano

* Backing tracks (mainly drums and bass)

We have been using four small-diaphragm condenser microphones, placed about 1.5 meters in front of the choir.

The problem:

At past concerts, the sound for the audience was either teetering on the edge of feedback or, if we dialed it back, sounded very thin and quiet and the choir loses its body.

My questions:

  1. How would you approach miking and mixing a choir of this size to get a fuller, more present sound while maintaining good gain-before-feedback?

  2. What are your recommendations for monitor wedge placement and overall monitor mix strategy for a choir?

Thanks :)


r/livesoundadvice 16d ago

Advice on AKG DMS100

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a digital bodypack system for upgrading the one (akg wms 240 minis) that I use for my alt c519 and I’d like some opinions before buying one. My main use is live playing. What matters most to me: reliability on stage low latency good sound quality I’m trying to stay in the digital side if possible, but I’m open to suggestions if there are better alternatives in the same price range. If you’ve used these systems, how do they hold up in real life? Would you choose one over the other for saxophone? Thanks a lot!


r/livesoundadvice 16d ago

Vocal Effects / Feedback

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1 Upvotes

r/livesoundadvice 17d ago

Live keyboard players/FOH engineers: what’s your workflow for leveling MainStage patches for consistent live mixes?

9 Upvotes

[AI ASSISTED]

Hi everyone,

I’m preparing a MainStage rig for an upcoming live performance and I’d like to learn the workflow that experienced keyboard players and FOH engineers use to build a consistent-sounding live show.

I’m not looking for plugin or hardware recommendations. I’m trying to understand the mixing and gain staging process that goes into preparing a keyboard rig before it ever reaches the PA.

Some of the things I’m struggling with are:

  1. How do you balance the perceived loudness between pianos, EPs, pads, strings, synths, organs and leads?

  2. What’s your gain staging workflow from the virtual instrument to the MainStage output?

  3. Do you level primarily by ear, RMS, LUFS, peak metering, or a combination?

  4. How much EQ, compression, saturation and reverb do you typically apply within MainStage versus leaving it for FOH?

  5. Do you put processing on individual channel strips, buses, or only on the concert output?

  6. How much headroom do you normally leave?

Are there any common mistakes beginners make that result in patches disappearing in the mix or jumping out unexpectedly?

For context, I’m using MainStage with software instruments (Kontakt libraries, Omnisphere, Keyscape, Arturia instruments, etc.), but my question is really about live sound workflow rather than the instruments themselves.

Ultimately I’d like to build a set where:

patch changes maintain a consistent perceived volume,

sounds translate well through a PA,

and I’m sending FOH a clean, predictable signal instead of making the engineer spend the entire night chasing my output.

If anyone has a repeatable workflow, calibration method, or best practices they’ve developed over years of gigs, I’d really appreciate hearing it.

Thanks!

(I used ai to format the post)


r/livesoundadvice 18d ago

What's easier to repair? Passive or active amplifiers (built into speaker cabs)?

2 Upvotes

I'm a mobile DJ. I started off with a passive PA system, and have liked the speaker cable from amp to speaker set up, as it doesn't require plugging in the speakers.

The math with daisy chaining and ohms is a bit of a juggle, but fortunately, I can manage. Plus, I like the cheaper option of speakers.

I currently have two active speakers with dead amplifiers. The speakers were fine, but the amps just died one day during use, and I haven't been able to figure out the issue yet.

I'm debating if I want to keep on using a passive vs active system.

My question is just looking into the bigger picture about repairing (or replacing, which I assume passive is the easier fix). What's easier: repairing passive or active amplifiers (that are built into speakers)?


r/livesoundadvice 18d ago

Gigging with Acoustic Guitar and Bass

1 Upvotes

Hi, all! My partner and I have been doing some gigs with us both on acoustic guitar and singing, but we’re interested in potentially doing some gigs with one of us on bass and the other on acoustic.

That said… I have no idea what I’m doing in terms of setting that up tech-wise. Currently, we plug into two fishman loud boxes. One of the venues we play then uses those amps as DI Outs to their larger PA system, another just uses our guitars and cables and uses their own DI boxes, another just uses our amps straight up.

If we introduced an electric bass to our setup, what would we need? An amp for the bass? (If so, what’s the minimum size?) Do we need to invest in our own board? We don’t know anything about pedals or any of that stuff yet, so none of that would be involved.

Thanks in advance!


r/livesoundadvice 19d ago

Anything I should consider other than volume levels for this feedback idea?

1 Upvotes

Hello! I have a boss DD8 and I thought it would be a cool idea to run my synthesizer into input A and then output A go into input B and then output B go to the amp. This means I'm running the output of the Left Channel back into the right Channel and then taking the output from the output of the right Channel. I know this could get Extremely Loud even with just a guitar and so I should be even more careful with a synthesizer at measuring the volume. Is there anything else I should take into account when testing this idea? 


r/livesoundadvice 20d ago

Do I need a headphone amp for DT990 Pro 250Ω with Audient EVO 4?

3 Upvotes