Configuring my live rig - Help required

Meriphew · 7th April 2007

I need to facilitate running a Mackie MDR HD recorder ( 8 balanced outs - consisiting of keys/drum machine parts ) that will be providing pre-recorded backing tracks for a live show. It will be onstage, and needs to connect to the FOH. I was originally thinking of a Radial D8 ( 8 DI's in one rack ), but someone suggested using a line mixer instead. Perhaps a line mixer would be a simpler way to go. If a line mixer has 2 balanced 1/4" outs, how would this connect to the snake feeding the FOH? Would I need a stereo direct box to convert the signal/terminations?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. When it comes to configuring rigs for live setups, I'm lost.

Jim vanBergen · 8th April 2007

Line out? Two TRS to XLR M connectors, straight to FOH. Piece o' cake.

bishopthomas · 8th April 2007

You just need to decide if you want control over the mix or if you want to give the FOH engineer the freedom. From there, it's just a matter of using cables. You have balanced outs, send them down your balanced snake.

Meriphew · 9th April 2007

Thx for the info guys. Any other advice/opinions?

bishopthomas · 10th April 2007

What else do you want to know? Jim and I both told you how to do it. Now go cable up and rock and roll.

Jim vanBergen · 10th April 2007

well, to be honest, what would woork better is TWO mixes.

A stereo pair of keys mix and a stereo mix of drums will work better IF you use a wide stereo field. But a good mix of both is good, IF the blend works well everywhere. If your shows are often in mono, then a split signal (drums-L; Keys-R) would work well too. I've done this (used backing tracks) for so many artists it's really insane...and have done it every way, from 80 channels of individual tracks to an entire mix on a single, lonely mono channel. Give it a shot, bro...and come back with more questions.

Meriphew · 10th April 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishopthomas

What else do you want to know? Jim and I both told you how to do it. Now go cable up and rock and roll.

I'm not doubting any of the info you guys have given me (it's greatly appreciated), but I'm always open to hearing more.

Thebassist · 18th April 2007

Unless you really need control over the mix, an Ipod would likely work fine. There's a bunch of simple solutions to your issue, depending on what your demands are for the project. Example- feed the drummer cans with mix L and click R, send L to foh. I see dozens of guys doing this with cheap dependable gear.

Can you provide more info?

7th April 2007	#1
Meriphew Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle USA Posts: 2,876 Thread Starter	Configuring my live rig - Help required I need to facilitate running a Mackie MDR HD recorder ( 8 balanced outs - consisiting of keys/drum machine parts ) that will be providing pre-recorded backing tracks for a live show. It will be onstage, and needs to connect to the FOH. I was originally thinking of a Radial D8 ( 8 DI's in one rack ), but someone suggested using a line mixer instead. Perhaps a line mixer would be a simpler way to go. If a line mixer has 2 balanced 1/4" outs, how would this connect to the snake feeding the FOH? Would I need a stereo direct box to convert the signal/terminations? Any info would be greatly appreciated. When it comes to configuring rigs for live setups, I'm lost. __________________ My iTunes

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8th April 2007	#2
Jim vanBergen Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2005 Location: New York Friggin' City Posts: 2,562	Line out? Two TRS to XLR M connectors, straight to FOH. Piece o' cake.

8th April 2007	#3
bishopthomas Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,565	You just need to decide if you want control over the mix or if you want to give the FOH engineer the freedom. From there, it's just a matter of using cables. You have balanced outs, send them down your balanced snake.

9th April 2007	#4
Meriphew Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle USA Posts: 2,876 Thread Starter	Thx for the info guys. Any other advice/opinions?

10th April 2007	#5
bishopthomas Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,565	What else do you want to know? Jim and I both told you how to do it. Now go cable up and rock and roll.

18th April 2007	#8
Thebassist Gear addict Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Chicago, Chicago Posts: 382	Unless you really need control over the mix, an Ipod would likely work fine. There's a bunch of simple solutions to your issue, depending on what your demands are for the project. Example- feed the drummer cans with mix L and click R, send L to foh. I see dozens of guys doing this with cheap dependable gear. Can you provide more info?