Monitor desk Pre/Post Fader

trompetfreak · 23rd April 2010

Hi All,
I tried searching, but this didn't show up and it's been keeping me busy.
A while back, I spoke to a soundguy and he swore that it's the industries standard to mix monitors (from a seperate monitor desk, like larger venues and festivals provide) PRE fader. I myself prefer to mix POST fader because I can be a lot quicker with faders than with gains and it's more precise. When I mix monitors in concert halls or at big outdoor stages with provided PA's and desks, Even after 10 bands, the desk is still configured POST-fader...

So what was he about that it's a standard to mix monitors PRE-fader...? I have a lot of experience mixing both ways, just because sometimes (due to recordings or technical failure) it was not possible to mix post-fader. POST-fader allways workes best for me.

What do you think?

bishopthomas · 23rd April 2010

I wouldn't say that mixing pre fader is the standard. Some people do it, but I always wonder why when I see it. The only time I go pre fader is when I need to squeeze another mix or two out of the stereo outs. Otherwise it's post fade all the way. If something starts to take off I can pull down the fader faster than I can think about what mix it is and get to the appropriate knob. It's all whatever works for you, but the first thing I do when I walk in to a ME position is make sure all auxes are set to post fade.

jude · 23rd April 2010

another fan of the post fader mixes when using a dedicated monitor console. so much easier to control. i just set all faders to 0dB, still mix using the pots, faders just make the ruff balance easier for me

Enginearing · 23rd April 2010

though industry standard if using same console for FOH and FB, I concur with previous posters - Postfade is my workflow of choice for dedicated monitor mixing.

BFSound · 23rd April 2010

At our practice spot we use an old mc1608 mixer which has no faders other than the master busses. Once rough mixes are established and everyone hears what they need i mix with the faders for volume changes, but being i know the mixes and band i dont mind mixing with the knobs it goes rather quick for me

23rd April 2010	#3
jude Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 998	another fan of the post fader mixes when using a dedicated monitor console. so much easier to control. i just set all faders to 0dB, still mix using the pots, faders just make the ruff balance easier for me __________________ http://www.myspace.com/judemay

23rd April 2010	#5
BFSound Gear addict Joined: Nov 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 360	At our practice spot we use an old mc1608 mixer which has no faders other than the master busses. Once rough mixes are established and everyone hears what they need i mix with the faders for volume changes, but being i know the mixes and band i dont mind mixing with the knobs it goes rather quick for me __________________ REVIEW OF OUR SHOW WITH MARILYN MANSON http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?f...ogId=510716220

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23rd April 2010	#2
bishopthomas Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,565	I wouldn't say that mixing pre fader is the standard. Some people do it, but I always wonder why when I see it. The only time I go pre fader is when I need to squeeze another mix or two out of the stereo outs. Otherwise it's post fade all the way. If something starts to take off I can pull down the fader faster than I can think about what mix it is and get to the appropriate knob. It's all whatever works for you, but the first thing I do when I walk in to a ME position is make sure all auxes are set to post fade.