Along with lead guitar duties I have been mixing FOH and all the wedges (no-one want IEMs) using an X-Air 18. My normal setup is to have an iPad for sorting the soundcheck and minor tweaks during the sets, but I have always found that I need my MacBook on the network due to the user interface being generally 'better'.
I have the chance (at a cost) of buying a QU16 and wondered if anyone could share their experiences. We have 3 vocal mics, kick drum, bass via DI, my Kemper Stage and DIs from a Trace Elliot Acoustic amp and a Fender Mustang.
Out front we have 2 DXR10s and a DXS12 whilst there are 3 wedges on stage.
FWIW, I never record or use MIDI although I am looking into the odd backing track for some piano 'needs'
First impressions are that the QU16 would simplify the on-stage duties and that i would use the iPad just for setting levels during soundcheck. As I said, no-one is interested in IEMs or controlling their own monitor mix (they just shout across at me!).
We've never had a sound engineer and don't make enough to pay for one. I quite fancy upgrading the DXR10s to some kind of RCFs or similar at some point but not for a year or two.
So, would I like the QU16? Is there anything I've missed?
Comments
Get your bandmates onto the X-Air Q app and insist they sort their own mixes out. I've done this and after a few weeks it all works. The other 4 can fiddle as much as they like with their mix and not go near the FOH sound.
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I love the ME1 personal monitor mixers too, pricey compared to the Behringer version but worth it IMO
The QU series is a cut above the Behringer and a lot easier to use but I don't know if you would get anything out of it if you aren't running a load of stereo IEM feeds or mixing properly out front. For what you are using it for a basic analog mixer like a Mix Wizard would be fine and a lot cheaper.
Secondhand values seem fairly stable so I suppose I could move it on if I don't think it's worth the investment. If anyone's looking to shift one - or would hire one (South Devon) for a few weeks by all means send me a pm.
Anyhow, last night was full band practice and to say I/we were blown away is an understatement. Despite all my other 'toys' I have to say this is undoubtedly the best money I've ever invested in the band. We just went on beyond our normal finish time to see how good some of our old songs could sound.
And someone already wants the X-Air - result
Thanks all for the advice.
Its worth getting to grips with Mixing Station, it’s very powerful and can be setup to give great access for particular tasks. My “Drumming” page just has the things I need access to then sat at the drum kit (drum mics, one vocal mic and the mp3 aux in channel) - so it works well on iPhone screen up to full pc.
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