# The Other Side of the Console: A Musician's Guide to a Great Monitor Mix As a musician, you pour everything into your performance. But if you can't hear yourself on stage, it's like trying to paint in the dark. The person who controls your sonic world on stage is the Monitor Engineer, and building a great working relationship with them is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a fantastic show. Their job is to give you a personalized mix so you can perform your best. Your job is to tell them what you need, clearly and efficiently. This guide is about how to do just that. # Before the Gig: Preparation is Everything A great monitor mix starts long before you step on stage. The more prepared you are as a band, the smoother and more productive your soundcheck will be. # ✅ 1. Know Your Sound and Your Gear Make sure your instrument, pedals, and amps are working perfectly and sound how you want them to sound before you get to the venue. The monitor engineer can't fix a broken cable or a bad guitar tone; they can only make a working sound louder or quieter. # ✅ 2. Have an Input List and Stage Plot For the engineers, this is gold. An input list is a simple list of every instrument and vocal on stage that needs a microphone or DI box. A stage plot is a simple diagram showing where each member will be on stage and where they need power and their monitor. Providing this in advance allows the crew to set up the stage correctly before you even arrive. # ✅ 3. Think About What You Really Need to Hear Before soundcheck, think about the essential elements you need in your monitor to play your parts and stay in time. - Vocalists: You'll definitely need your own voice. What do you use for pitch? A guitar? A keyboard? - Drummers: You'll need the core of the rhythm: kick, snare, and bass guitar are common. A lead vocal helps with song structure. - Guitarists/Bassists: You'll need your own instrument, the kick and snare for timing, and the lead vocal. Starting with a "less is more" mindset will help you get a clear, useful mix much faster. # During Soundcheck: The Art of Communication Soundcheck can be chaotic. Clear, concise communication is your best tool. # ✅ 1. One Person at a Time When the engineer is working on the drum mix, let the drummer talk. When they move to vocals, let the singer take the lead. If everyone talks at once, the engineer can't help anyone. # ✅ 2. Be Specific and Use Simple Language Engineers aren't mind readers. Vague requests like "it sounds weird" or "make it punchier" are hard to interpret. Try to be specific: - Instead of "I can't hear my voice," say "Can I have more of my vocal in my wedge?" - Instead of "The guitar is too loud," say "Can you turn down the rhythm guitar in my monitor?" - Learn basic terms: "Highs" (treble, brightness), "Mids" (presence, body), "Lows" (bass, warmth). # ✅ 3. The "More Me" Problem The most common request is "more me." Sometimes, this is the right answer. But often, your monitor mix is already too loud and cluttered. Instead of just turning yourself up, consider asking for something else to be turned down. - Try This: "I'm having trouble hearing my vocal. Can we try turning the guitars down a little in my mix first?" This creates space for your voice without starting a volume war. # During the Show: Keep it Simple Needs change during a performance. Here's how to ask for adjustments without stopping the show. - Establish Hand Signals: Before the first song, confirm the basic signals with your engineer. The universal signal is: Point to yourself, then give a thumbs up (more) or thumbs down (less). If you need more of something else, point to that musician, and then give the signal. - Be Patient: The engineer is managing mixes for everyone on stage. Make your request clearly, then give them a moment to make the change. # It's a Partnership Your monitor engineer wants you to have a great show. They are on your team. When you treat them with respect, communicate clearly, and come prepared, you're not just making their job easier—you are investing in your own performance. A great on-stage mix leads to a confident band, and a confident band delivers an unforgettable show for the audience.