Stereo IEM Mixing Guide

A stereo (two input) in-ear monitor mix means that you can pan (move the audio for) instruments and voices between your ears. For example, you can adjust your mix so that you’re hearing one instrument in your left ear only, and another in your right, while still hearing others in the “center” of your mix (straight in front of you).

Why is this useful?

In a mono (one input) in-ear monitor mix, everything sounds like it’s right in front of you. This works, but it makes it hard to distinguish instruments and voices from each other, as they’re all overlapping and fighting for the same sonic space. In a stereo mix, you have the option of panning instruments and voices to the left and right, opening up your mix and letting you hear things more distinctly. This effect becomes even more pronounced when you have a pair of stereo mics, such as crowd mics. By hard panning the left crowd mic to your left ear and the right crowd mic to your right ear, it will start sounding more like you’re hearing what’s going on in the actual room, and less like you’re isolated in a separate space.

Ultimately, this results in clearer mixes that let you better hear what each instrument and voice is doing. This helps band members play better together, and act as a whole unit instead of separate parts. When stereo crowd mics are available, you are then able to feel more like you’re in the room you’re playing in, and less like you’re in a separate space. All of these things together result in a more accurate, engaging, and musical in-ear mix that helps the band play better, and in the context of church, connect with and lead the congregation in worship.

Quick Start

1. Before starting, download the appropriate app for your device
   1. iOS: Mixing Station, MX-Q - I’ve had the best experience with Mixing Station, but it does cost about $5. MX-Q is free.
   2. Android: Mixing Station
2. Make sure your device wifi is connected to antiochAV network
   1. Credentials are not stored here; ask for the password
   2. This network does not provide internet connection
3. Open the app, connect to the X32.
   1. If using M32Q you’ll need the board’s IP address -- ask the sound tech
4. Select the appropriate mix bus.
   1. The scribble strips are clearly labeled, but if you’re not sure, ASK before making adjustments!
5. Begin mixing!

How to do this in the MX-Q app

There is a pan control located above each channel in the app. You can tap and drag this control to pan things from left to right:

You can also tap on this control to adjust panning with greater accuracy:

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How to mix in stereo

The general rule of thumb is, if you want it to be clearer, pan it. There are exceptions, however. Some guidelines:

• Leave the kick drum, snare drum, bass guitar, and lead vocal in the center. Anything bassy doesn’t lend itself well to panning, and is more impactful front and center. The lead vocal is an important element to base the rest of your mix off of, so it usually also sounds best in the center of your mix.