One of the biggest gripes you’ll hear from a gigging vocalist is the ongoing struggle of getting a solid monitor mix. This can often lead to a continual tug-and-pull relationship between the vocalist and the monitor engineer.
The struggle is real and can often lead to over-singing, early vocal fatigue and even hoarseness if not handled correctly. This article will share some useful tips on how to work together with your monitor engineer to ensure you have a great sounding gig.
Personalize It
These individuals are the most important people at your gig. Let go of any bad experiences you’ve had and start every show with a clean slate."
You have the ability to set the tone from the moment you walk into the venue. Personalize it by making a point to introduce yourself to the Front of House Engineer (FOH), Lighting Director (LD) and Monitor Engineer (ME) before setting up. In some instances, the FOH is also the LD and ME. Trust me… these individuals are the most important people at your gig. Let go of any bad experiences you’ve had and start every show with a clean slate. You and your band rely heavily on their contributions to your show, so taking a moment to learn their names and what they do will go a long way.
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Provide a Roadmap
Do you have certain songs or moments in your set that have special requirements? If so, it doesn’t hurt to provide your team with a set list with those items listed. This allows them to plan ahead and make sure you get what you need.
Cover Your Bases
Before you begin soundcheck, square away a few things on your own first. If you’re using floor monitors, be sure the placement of your wedge is within proper distance of you and angled to your desired position. If you are too close or way off-axis, you may not get the maximum output you desire.
Be mindful of your mouth-to-mic proximity when sound checking. Professional singers naturally know how to do this already. Depending on what genre or style of music you are singing, it may vary. But for most contemporary music, it’s best to stay away from soundchecking with your mouth right up on the mic. Having a bit of distance, even just a couple inches between you and the microphone when checking softer inflections is your best bet. This gives you a little extra room during the performance for getting up super close to articulate softer phrases. Be cautious, however. If you aren’t careful, belting in full chest voice with your mouth directly up against the mic could cause feedback and level issues both for the monitor engineer and FOH.
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Have the Volume Conversation
I tread this next point lightly and with love. The amount of volume on stage directly dictates what the singer needs in their monitor. Most instruments on stage have a volume knob or ability to make their impact stronger and louder throughout a show. A singer’s voice is their sole instrument and without a microphone, a voice cannot be properly amplified and heard over other instruments.
This is where things get tricky, and why so many singers prefer in-ears. If your band is using floor monitors, maintaining a healthy on-stage volume level is important. This can be hard to maintain as volume levels get adjusted throughout the set based on several factors. If levels get too loud, the singer could now be in a position where they can’t hear themselves properly. We all know what this leads to. So, be sure you and your band have a conversation about stage levels before the show starts.
Ask For What You Want & Know How To Say It
Your sound and line check is your time to express exactly what it is you need."
Many vocalists aren’t “vocal enough” as to what they need in their monitors. Novice singers often get intimidated by the process and don’t know how to articulate what they need. Others assume the ME already knows what they need, which only leads to frustration on both ends. Your sound and line check is your time to express exactly what it is you need.
Just ask Jeff Worrell, FOH Sound Engineer for over 25 years, having toured with the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benatar and currently, America. He states, “Every musician, singer, or entertainer should make a concerted effort to learn some basics about sound. Learn simple hand signals and how to describe what you hear. For example, ‘It’s muddy, can you clear up the bottom end?’ or ‘It’s not quite right, I can’t feel it.’” He goes on to say, “Be patient and understanding with your monitor engineer. Avoid the chaos of everyone shouting out mix requests at the same time. Know what you want and how to explain it with diplomacy.”
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Show Your Appreciation
Take a moment to genuinely express your appreciation to your ME, FOH and LD for their contributions to the gig. Gratitude goes a long way and I can promise you that they will feel more invested in giving you what you need because you took the time to personalize the relationship.
About the Author:
Molly Lindman, a.k.a. Molly Rocklind, is a singer-songwriter, session vocalist and an internationally acclaimed vocal and artist-development coach. She's worked with artists from all over the world both independently and at the world renowned Musicians Institute in Hollywood. She currently resides in Nashville.