Worth including a talkback channel from FoH in our IEM rack?

My band has our own IEM mixer/splitter rack. When I first put it together, I included a TB channel in case FoH wanted to connect to it. FoH never used it in the first year, so I reassigned the channel. Now I'm reconsidering.

For reference, we're playing local clubs in the 150-600 cap range. 600 cap usually means we're opening for a touring band.

Would you ever connect to the TB channel of a band's IEM mixer, or would you just talk through the wedges?

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u/RowanTree95 — 5 days ago

Cheapest way to provide phantom power during rehearsal?

My singer recently got a new mic that needs phantom power. This is fine for live shows, but in rehearsal (with no FoH mixer connected) our splitter blocks phantom from the IEM mixer. Any suggestions for cheap ways to get power to the mic?

This is the cheapest option I've found so far, but I can think of a lot of things I'd rather spend $90 on. My other idea is to turn on phantom to an unused channel on the IEM mixer, and connect it to the second leg of the splitter during rehearsals. Is there a better way?

u/RowanTree95 — 5 days ago

First fly date, is this a reasonable backline request?

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.

u/RowanTree95 — 25 days ago

What piano controller to request for backline?

Hi all, my band just booked our first fly date and I'm wondering what would be an easy piano midi controller to request for backline. I want to put a couple options in the rider to make the backline provider's job as easy as possible. So far I've put Nord Stage & SL73 (my home keyboard). Any other easy adds?

My only requirements are:
Must have 73-88 weighted or hammer action keys
Must have Midi out via 5 pin DIN, not USB
Sustain pedal

I'll be flying with my synth which includes all my primary controls, my laptop running GigPerformer, and my 3U rack with all the other gubbins needed.

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u/RowanTree95 — 26 days ago

PSA: Your band needs a stage plot.

Most sound techs are slightly neurodivergent, and don't like surprises. Communicate clearly so that we can help you sound good without being stressed by last minute changes.

Here's a Facebook group where you can submit your stage plot for review, and get tips on improving it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stageplotsandinputlists

Be warned, this group is powered by people on the internet. They have strong opinions, and are not always polite when sharing them. But they are very knowledgeable (for the most part) and they do give good advice (if occasionally conflicting advice). Just don't post on Sunday morning. Everyone is grumpy after Saturday night's rude band with an out-of-date plot 🤣

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u/RowanTree95 — 1 month ago

Advice for making something like this? Headphone extender + instrument cable combo, for bass and IEM via 1 cable.

Would I run into interference / crosstalk issues if I used star quad mic cable? One pair running stereo signal at headphone amp levels, and one pair carrying unbalanced instrument level signal. It would only be for 12-15 feet. I can think of half a million reasons why it's technically slightly sub-optimal, but how bad would it actually be in a live environment?

The other option is 4 pair snake cable, which would be individually shielded. (Only using 2 pairs)

Edit: to clarify, I own the Ernie Ball cable shown. I want to replace it with something lighter, since it's very heavy and slightly annoying to coil. A loom would be a downgrade IMO.

u/RowanTree95 — 2 months ago
▲ 8 r/livesoundadvice+2 crossposts

Custom mic stand prototype, input / ideas for improvement?

I'm working on a custom mic stand to attach to my keyboard stand (Hercules KS210B). I like where it's going currently. I'm planning on replacing the plastic clamps with something metal, probably similar to the last pic but ideally black.

I really like the sprung connection compared to a screw tighten alternative, for setup speed. We do a lot of 30m sets with 15m changeovers and we've got a full IEM rig to set up, so every saved second of setup time counts.

Any suggestions / ideas for improvements?

u/RowanTree95 — 3 months ago

Ideas for safely transporting USB cables?

I'm currently redoing my gig pack, and I've reached the cable section. I've got the usual XLRs, powercons, patch cables, some heavier looms, ...and a couple consumer grade USB cables. Throwing them in with the heavier cables will eventually break them. My current best idea is to put them in a spare mic pouch and find a pocket for them in another bag, but I'm curious what others are doing to protect their more fragile cables? Are tour grade USB cables a thing? If so, are they worth it?

Obviously I'm packing spares of every cable I need, but I'd rather protect than replace.

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u/RowanTree95 — 3 months ago
▲ 2 r/piano

I've currently got a Korg SV2 73 that I'm using as a midi controller. Needless to say, the built in tube doesn't do much to improve tone over midi 🤣. I'd like to sell it and buy something cheaper to replace it, and I'm looking for recommendations.

Here's my required feature list:
Midi out via 5 pin DIN, not just USB.
Weighted or hammer action.
Ideally 73-76 keys. I don't use all 88, and I like the compactness of 73.
Enough of a price difference that I can make a decent profit by selling my SV2.

I don't need any internal sounds, or any knobs or faders (I've got all those on my primary synth / midi controller). Just need a decent feeling keybed for piano parts.

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u/RowanTree95 — 4 months ago