Mixer for 2 IEMs?

[Vmusic]

Hi,
I am an instrumentalist (violin) that always plays with a PA system, and we use IEMs and something like a Berhinger Powerplay P-16 M. Each user can adjust their own mix.

My Rig: I run my violins into a Zoom U-44 audio interface, and then into my iPad where I put lots of fx on my signal, then back out to the Zoom and to the PA system.

I keep finding it next to impossible to get my instrument right in the mix. It always seems too far in the back, or drowning out the rest of the mix. It's very frustrating.

I had an IDEA: Since my Zoom has direct headphone out..... what I tried to use TWO IEMs. One ear would come from my Zoom direct out, and the other ear would come from the house PA through the Powerplay.
Is this just crazy???

Feedback Appreciated!

[Music Wolf]

This does sound like a very strange way to approach the problem.

Is your sound varying between numbers? i.e. Do you have different effects on different pieces?

I play guitar > Helix modeller > PA (XR-18) and, if I use IEMs, I have a personal mix using a P-16M. The other guitarist also uses a Helix direct to PA and we have live vocals plus backing tracks. We have different patches set up for each song and, when we started, I found that our levels varied quite a bit. Over time I have refined my patches so that there is minimal need for fader adjustment on the mixer (FoH mix), but I do find that my own level in my In Ears varies quite a bit (much as you describe). I'm using Shure SE535 IEMs with Snuggs custom moulded tips - so the sound quality is pretty good.

My solution - I just get the balance as best that I can, then I get on with it.

[Drew Stephenson]

I had an IDEA: Since my Zoom has direct headphone out..... what I tried to use TWO IEMs. One ear would come from my Zoom direct out, and the other ear would come from the house PA through the Powerplay.
Is this just crazy???

This sounds to me like trying to work around the problem rather than actually solving it.
When you talk about getting your instrument right in the mix, are you talking about in your foldback mix or in the front of house?

[Vmusic]

@Music Wolf - Thanks for the reply. I have had that issue, where the different presets have different levels. I also have Helix Floor. I "think" my presets on the iPad in Loopy Pro are pretty even. I will definitely check on that.

[Vmusic]

Drew,
This is just in my IEMs, not in front the house. I let the sound guy worry about the FOH.
I can't seem to "hear myself" cleanly, or loud enough, or in context to everything else.
So..... I thought perhaps having "only me" in one ear, and the rest of the band in the other ear might help.

Thanks
AJ

I had an IDEA: Since my Zoom has direct headphone out..... what I tried to use TWO IEMs. One ear would come from my Zoom direct out, and the other ear would come from the house PA through the Powerplay.
Is this just crazy???

This sounds to me like trying to work around the problem rather than actually solving it.
When you talk about getting your instrument right in the mix, are you talking about in your foldback mix or in the front of house?

[Drew Stephenson]

Drew,
This is just in my IEMs, not in front the house. I let the sound guy worry about the FOH.
I can't seem to "hear myself" cleanly, or loud enough, or in context to everything else.
So..... I thought perhaps having "only me" in one ear, and the rest of the band in the other ear might help.

Thanks
AJ

Ah, right, I see. That makes more sense. I do wonder if a bit more compression on your signal might be an easier option?

[Music Wolf]

I can't seem to "hear myself" cleanly, or loud enough, or in context to everything else.
So..... I thought perhaps having "only me" in one ear, and the rest of the band in the other ear might help.

You could make use of the pan feature on the P-16M to move the various sources around. I find that this helps.

Rather than trying to have a balanced mix, as you would the FoH, I drop the volume of anything that I don't need to hear in order to perform. You can also EQ out competing frequencies.

[ef37a]

Just a thought? If one ear has lot of laptop generated effects on it and the other not so much there is bound to be a tiny delay. On its own you maybe don't notice it but "between the ears" it could drive you mad?
Ooops! Ok, iPad not laptop. Still a 'puter.

Dave.