Question

Hi,

we recently bought a Studiolive 16.0.2 to obtain an individual (mono) monitoring mix. Therefore, I connected the aux via 1m cables to an additional headphoneamp (not a cheap one) and we either use ~10m long extension cables, or an IEM system to reach our headphones. The problem is now, that the sound quality is horrible (somehow similar to a highpass) in comparison to the main out which sounds perfect on the headphone out (the GEQ is not activated!). The internal effects are not really usable that way as it just creates an annoying mess. Is that just a consequence of the mono signal chain, maybe in combination with the length of the extension cables, but that should rather generate a low pass, right? (And it's the same via the IEM)

Right now, the 3 band EQ does not affect the aux and the main equaly, which makes it a little hard to achieve a useful mix. Is that the normal behaviour, or am I missing something? I hope that I described the problem detailed enough and would really appreciate your help!

Best regards,

Sven

Answer 1

The SL 16.0.2 has four aux outputs, which are symmetrical/balanced (¼” TRS Female) and mono. So your headphone amplifier needs a mono input to work correctly, or - if it has a stereo input (stereo or left/right) - an appropiate cable or adaptor. If you get the cables between mixer and headphone amp right, it should sound ok already. The length of the cables is not that critical.

Aux mixes should be set to prefade to make them independent from the main mix, additionally you can chose if you want to include or exclude the mixer's processing. It's true that for InEar monitoring not everything is helpful what is/might be needed in the FOH mix. You also need much less FX, but there should be a way to control the amount. And yes, FX in mono InEar is not really "nice"... Better leave it away.

Generally - remember the KISS principle: Keep It Stupid Simple! Take any processing out of your signal chain and listen to the pure sound coming in. Work on the input side of things rather than twisting knobs. Try to get a good sound by just optimizing the signal flow (microphone/line in - gain - level). Don't use the fat channel of your inputs, but on your output(s) or in your headphone amp. InEar does need some "shaping" of sound, which typically means some "fulness" and some "transparency".

A good way to start new is to use the "zero out" scene in the systems menu. Start your InEar mix from there.