Mixing Monitors (In-Ears & Wedges)

6. Mixing Monitors (In-Ears & Wedges)

We have two primary methods for adjusting monitor mixes for musicians and vocalists:

Using the Klang App

The Klang system offers immersive 3D in-ear mixing via the touchscreen PC next to the console.

1. Open Klang App: Ensure the Klang software is running on the PC.
2. Select the Correct Mix: This is CRITICAL. Tap the name/icon at the top of the Klang interface to select the specific musician or vocalist requesting the change. Failure to do this will result in changing someone else’s mix.
3. Mixing Modes:
   • Faders View: Adjust the individual levels of each input channel sent to the selected mix. Channels are color-coded by type (mics, drums, guitars, keys, etc.).
   • Stage View (3D Mixing): This is Klang’s unique feature. Drag instrument/vocal icons around the 3D representation of the listener’s head.
     • Panning: Left/Right placement.
     • Elevation: Up/Down placement (simulated).
     • Distance: Forward/Backward placement. Klang uses EQ and timing adjustments to create this spatial effect, helping to improve clarity by separating sources within the mix.
   • Group View: Adjust the overall level of predefined groups (e.g., Drums, Vocals, Band) within the selected mix.
4. Master Volume: There’s a master volume control for the overall level of the selected IEM mix within the Klang app.

Using Console Aux Sends

Monitor mixes can also be adjusted directly on the Quantum 338.

1. Method 1: Aux Node Encoders

   • Select the input channel you want to adjust (e.g., Lead Vocal).
   • Press the Aux button on the console (usually near the channel strip controls).
   • The rotary encoders above the faders will now control the send levels for that selected channel to each Aux bus (IEM mix, wedge mix, effects send). The screen will show which Aux corresponds to which encoder.
   • Identify the correct Aux send (e.g., IEM 1, Wedge 2) and turn the corresponding encoder to adjust the level.

2. Method 2: Flip to Fader

   • Navigate to the Center Section, Layer 2, Bank 1 (Klang IEMs / Wedge). This layer displays the master output faders for each Aux send.
   • Identify the Aux send (monitor mix) you need to adjust (e.g., IEM 1, Bass Wedge).
   • Press the Solo button on that Aux send fader.
   • The entire Input Section (left side of the console) will now “flip” so that the faders represent the send level from each input channel to the soloed Aux send. The scribble strips will turn purple to indicate you are in “Sends on Faders” mode.
   • Adjust the input faders as needed for the monitor mix.
   • IMPORTANT: When finished, clear the Solo on the Aux send fader to return the console to normal FOH mixing mode. The purple outlines will disappear.

3. Monitoring the Mix:

   • Plug headphones into the console’s headphone jack.
   • Press the Solo button for the Aux send you wish to listen to (on Layer 2, Bank 1). This allows you to hear exactly what the musician is hearing, which is invaluable for troubleshooting. Remember to clear the solo when done.