Live Sound Bootcamp, Episode 9: Building A Monitor Mix Part 1 | How To Build The Mix

Now it's time to hit on how to actually put together the mix. In addition to covering many different approaches, they jump into how in-ear monitoring may be different than that of wedges, sidefills, or even drum subs.

Live Sound Bootcamp is intended to be a basic primer in live sound. It is expected that listeners have a base knowledge of audio or concert production, but from there, this series may provide some insight into how productions work. Each host brings an individual style, workflow, and experience to the podcast.

They have gone through how it’s all wired up, and wringing out wedges — now it’s time to hit on how to actually put together the mix. Of course, there are many different approaches, but in addition to covering those, they jump into how the approach for in-ear monitoring may be different than that of wedges, sidefills, or even drum subs.

***

Ryan O John is a musician turned engineer, turned product designer, turned podcast host. He was playing instruments by 5 years old, with his first shows at age 12, recording his own albums by 13, and touring by 16 — he leans heavily toward the geeky side of sound. From small local clubs to international stadiums, metal to pop, Ryan’s career in live sound mixing has covered a lot of ground traveling the world with a ton of artists including Jessie J, Andy Grammer, Tove Lo, Banks, Liam Payne, Capital Cities and many more. Beyond just touring with pop and rock acts, he also designs audio consoles and software, mix records, and race cars.

After Brendan Dreaper picked up the drums in middle school, live music became an important part of his life. With a number of diversions under his belt, which included studying economics and working as a professional glassblower, he returned to music and found his footing behind the mixing console. Working from bar gigs to local festivals and eventually to touring with Magic! and Snoh Aalegra, Brendan has had the pleasure of making live music happen. Outside of geeking out about live sound on a podcast, he likes to play drums with the band vverevvolf, produce music and get real nerdy about anything Lord of the Rings related.

The third member of the trio, Joe Santarpia, is a live sound and recording/mixing engineer of 15 years, Tour Manager, Musician and Producer. His touring resume includes Mac Demarco, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Connan Mockasin, Best Coast, Surfer Blood, Inner Circle and others. Joe was a former staff engineer at Circle House Studios in Miami, FL and Faultline Studios (RIP) in San Francisco. during his free time he is an electronics hobbyist and recreational ice hockey player.


Live Sound Bootcamp Top Stories