Reverb
Reverb plays an important role in a singer’s monitors. Algorithms with dense Early Reflections (ER), as well as a 4-way crossover are preferred. Turning down the reverb and listening to the ER for a natural sound helps audition reverb presets.
The 4-way crossover allows the reverb to be tailored to complement a venue’s natural acoustics. Shortening lower frequencies that already dominate the stage helps. Leaving high mids the longest helps brighten the room for the singer.
Next, EQ the reverb to sound natural, cutting each region that sounds metallic or artificial. Finally, pre-delay is the critical adjustment; it must vary from 20 to 30 milliseconds, depending on the room. Like any special sauce, a little bit goes a long way – don’t overdo it.
Wedge Layout
There are many designs and approaches to wedge-based monitoring for different types of performers, but for singers, it’s about their mic and their reverb.
But first, carpeting the stage is recommended. Inexpensive indoor-outdoor carpet comes in 6-foot rolls and, not only makes the stage sound better, it feels good. Even one piece across the downstage edge can help.
Stereo wedges should be a dozen feet apart and facing each other so the sound comes from each side, maximizing the reverb’s stereo effect. With the back of the wedges propped up with a two-by-four, their horns are on-axis when standing downstage center.
She travels to the sides of the stage so a second wedge, similarly angled, is needed about 12 feet past the first. This second pair can be a mono mix, as she’ll only hear one at a time. This mix can be high-passed more than the others, as lots of low-frequency energy is coming off the mains at side-stage. The so-called upstage “butt-fill” is a fourth mix that helps when she steps towards the band.
The main thing that goes in the singers’ mix is her vocal and its reverb. In reverberant halls, a small amount of piano for pitch and maybe kick or hi-hat for time may be needed.
See you in catering.
Mark Frink is an independent engineer who has mixed monitors for a few singers and is available this coming summer.
