Stage monitors play a vital role in setting up a live sound system. It is the only way for singers and musicians to hear the mix and use it as a reference.
Due to echo and the basic acoustics of the room or auditorium, performers occasionally fail to listen to the genuine sound of the main audio speakers when on stage.
Stage monitors circumvent this issue by connecting to a particular sound mixer as the audience speakers, allowing the singer and other band members to monitor volume levels throughout the performance.
A musical performance considers successful if your crowd can hear you perfectly and if you and your bandmates can listen to each other appropriately. There are some setup variations depending on the devices used.
When sound delay, crowd noise, or different sounds interfere with the music flowing from the primary speaker banks, a performer must rely on stage monitors to hear his performance and other artists on stage.
Monitor mixers regulate stage monitors and enable the artist to tailor the combination and volume of music emanating from them.
What Exactly Is a Stage Monitor?
Stage monitors are the speakers mounted on the stage that enable performers to hear themselves and their band. They provide the performer with the ability to listen to themselves.
When amplified instruments use in conjunction with acoustic guitars and the musician’s voice, the monitor’s speakers come in handy.
Different venues and circumstances necessitate distinct monitoring configurations. Multiple sets of stage monitors, often one for each member, are frequent in larger venues.
Types of Stage Monitor
It is essential to know the kinds of stage monitors to understand How to Connect Stage Monitor to Mixer? Following are two types of stage monitors:
Active Speakers
Active speakers include an integrated amplifier and do not require an additional power amplifier. They frequently have balanced cable connectors, which simplifies the process. Connect active monitors to the mixer’s aux or bus outputs using an XLR or TRS wire.
Passive Speakers
To transmit signals, passive speakers require an external power amplifier. Additionally, a flat wire is necessary to link the mixer and power amp.
However, depending on the connectors on the power amp and speakers, you’ll need a SpeakON, TS, or speaker wire. Connect the mixer’s outputs to the amplifier’s inputs to create a passive monitor.
Connect the amp’s outputs to the inputs of the monitor. While a balanced signal receives at the power amp’s inputs, the amp’s outputs deliver an unbalanced signal.
How to Connect the Stage Monitor to the Mixer?
To connect stage monitor to mixer , follow the steps mentioned below:
The Critical Aspect of Placement
When it comes to placing monitors around the stage, the first consideration is where they should go. If set incorrectly or at a diagonal angle to the microphones, they will generate excessive feedback and make controlling the audio headache.
To determine the proper placement of the monitor on the stage, you must first choose the polar arrangement of the microphones that you will utilize and then adjust the monitor’s position accordingly.
Choose the Appropriate Stage Microphone
The Shure SM58 is the most widely used stage microphone in the world. It is a cardioid-polar pattern dynamic microphone. A cardioid polar pattern has the most significant sensitivity in the front and the minor sensitivity in the rear.
Knowing the mic enables you to make the best placement decision on stage. Because a cardioid mic has a lower sensitivity in the rear, position the monitor directly behind the microphone. Allow between three and five feet between the monitor and the microphone stand.
Which Monitors to Use: Active or Passive?
When it comes to connecting the stage monitors, there are two types: active and passive. As you are probably aware, an active monitor includes an amplifier and volume controls.
But on the other hand, a passive monitor lacks an amplifier, which means it must connect to one to function. It is inconvenient in comparison to active monitors. If feasible, use active monitors; they are simpler to configure and produce good results.
Configuring the Monitor to Mixer
Now that you’ve established the proper placement of the monitors on stage, it’s an opportunity to connect mixer and everything and provide them a signal from the mixing console.
Follow the steps outlined below to know How to Connect Stage Monitor to Mixer?
- Link the stage monitor speakers to the monitor mixer’s appropriate outputs. Depending on the situation, the number of stage monitors speakers might range from one to a dozen or more.
- Connect an AUX wire to the sound mixer’s AUX outputs. AUX connectors often require quarter-inch plugs. The AUX channels on the soundboard are independent of the central mix and allow you to blend the sounds to suit the band’s demands.
- The number of auxiliary channels required varies according to distinct mixes. Generally, you’ll need at least two, as vocalists will require a different mix than instrumentalists.
- Connect the cable’s other end to the amplifier. If you’re using powered speakers, you may skip this step. The majority of amplifiers feature two channels. The number of mixes determines the required number of channels.
- Connect the amplifiers to the speaker via a line. An XLR jack, a quarter-inch plug, or an easy-lock connector may be required based on the speaker. Maintain consistency with the amplifier’s or sound mixer’s output, and it should be a quarter-inch connector or an easy-lock connector.
- Conduct testing on the amplifier and speakers. Utilize the appropriate AUX dial for each input to combine the various channels. You’ll need to configure each AUX line for each input to configure the mix according to the vocalists’ and instrumentalists’ preferences. In contrast to the audience’s music, each performer may wish to hear only their performance blended with a restricted number of other artists.
- For instance, a bass guitarist may prefer his monitor mix to include his instrument, the snare drum, and the lead singer. A drummer may wish to hear the guitarists, bassists, and lead singers in his monitor mix. Assemble a meeting with each artist to ensure they are satisfied with the monitor mix.
- Reset the monitor mixer to its default configuration, commonly referred to as “zeroing out the board.” It is performed by setting all volumes and effect level settings to zero or off and equalizer controllers to neutral or “flat.” It assures that the mixer’s parameters alter when you begin them.
Excellent Features of a Stage Monitor
- A stage monitor’s objective is to produce a crisp, clear sound that does not distort at high volumes. Specific monitors feature independent amplifiers for the woofer and tweeter, ensuring that you get the entire range of sound even without the crackling distortion that frequently occurs when cranking it up.
- While the XLR output is reasonably uniform among speakers, some amps offer other connection choices such as USB or even Bluetooth. If you choose to go old-school, a few have a locking cable connector for a firm hold on speaker wire. Numerous displays include multiple ports, allowing you and a friend to connect and play simultaneously.
- The Root Mean Square (RMS) rating indicates the maximum continuous power output of the speaker. When your output and volume grow, so does the amount of distortion in the sound. The RMS value indicates the maximum quantity of sound that a speaker can tolerate simultaneously. If your objective becomes more audible, aim for a higher RMS.
Frequently Asked Question
How Do You Connect Speakers to a Mixer?
Connect the cords to the speakers at their speaker end. If you’re connecting the mixer’s two jacks directly to the speakers, connect the mixer straight to the speakers. Either of the speaker’s rear jacks will function properly.
How Do Monitors Work on Stage?
Each system comprises a mixing console, audio processing equipment, power amplifiers, and speakers. The monitor system reproduces the performance’s sounds and directs them toward the onstage artists to assist them in hearing the instruments and vocals.
What Is Monitor Out on Mixer?
Monitor out is the signal that sends to the monitor system. It enables you to fine-tune the audio sent to your monitors. Typically, monitor outputs find in audio equipment such as audio interfaces, AV receivers, and mixer boards.
Conclusion
Bear in mind that it is critical for all performers to be satisfied with the sound emanating from the monitors. It is the only method for them to obtain a standard for the music throughout the performance.
First, find the stage monitor in the optimal location, select the best stage microphone, and connect the monitor to the mixer. An AUX cable uses to join the mixer to the stage monitor.
Now that you’ve successfully installed stage monitors raise the volume to a reasonable level and check with the singers and performers to ensure they’re happy with the sound coming from the monitors.
