QMix-UCPreSonus has overhauled its pioneering QMix app, adding new features while retaining the unique “Wheel of Me.”
One position rapidly disappearing from church tech teams is that of monitor mixer. It’s an often thankless task that demands the patience of Job (preferably with less griping) and the psychic skills of a mind reader. Indeed, here is an example of where a DIY—do it yourself—approach might be the best way to go.If DIY is now the preferred route for your church, you’ve never had more abundant options. And the cost of getting in the game has never been lower … starting with free.
With many of today’s new digital consoles, even those at entry-level prices, all the aux channels now can be remotely controlled by tablets or cell phones loaded with dedicated monitor mixing apps.
Level 1: The Virtual Aux Send
Back in the analog era, most small- to mid-sized churches did not have a dedicated monitor console. Instead, the monitor mixes—usually no more than two or three discrete ones—were generated using aux send channels on the FOH console. With many of today’s new digital consoles, even those at entry-level prices, all the aux channels now can be remotely controlled by tablets or cell phones loaded with dedicated monitor mixing apps. And the apps are free!If you’ve been mixing monitors from FOH with your old analog or a vintage digital rig—meaning you already have the requisite returns lines plus headphone amps and/or monitor speakers in place—then all you need is compatible control devices. And if all your musicians and singers can be convinced to “BYOP/P/P” (bring your own phone/pad/pod), then it’s a brand new day at zero added cost. (Okay, with the possible exception of a Wi-Fi router for the console.) So why not give it a shot?
CS DUO
The following dedicated monitor mix apps can be used with specific makes and models of digital consoles as noted.Allen & Heath has introduced a OneMix iPad app for its new DLive series of consoles. The app locks to a single aux send, and may be set by an administrator to give as much or little control as desired. Control of levels, mute, dynamics and equalizers all can be enabled for control. Similar OneMix iPad apps are offered for the GLD and iLive consoles, while the more basic Qu-You extends options to compatible iPhone, iPod Touch and Android devices.The X32-Q from Behringer pairs with the company’s popular X32 digital console to offer basic monitor mixing capabilities on iPhone, iPod Touch and Android phones. Any combination of inputs can be assigned to four Mix Control Association faders for simplicity of use.
A similar app, M32-Q, controls the X32’s upscale corporate cousin, the Midas M32.My Fader by Mackie, one of the originators of the trend and now in V4, supports snapshot recall for quick changes, channel naming with photo ID, access control, and channel/aux link for stereo sources. It controls Mackie’s DL Series mixers, and is designed for use on iPhone or iPod Touch.The other acknowledged pioneer of this trend, PreSonus, has totally updated the monitor app for its StudioLive mixers. Now available for Android as well as iPhone/ iPod Touch and dubbed QMix-UC, this version supports the new Series III mixers as well as Studio 192 interfaces. It retains the popular “Wheel of Me” feature which allows a user to turn up selected “me” channels while retaining the same relative balance with remaining channels.
E16IOMY
TouchMix Control is the remote control app (iOS and Android available) for QSC’s TouchMix mixers. When running on iPad, the app parallels most functions of the entire mixer, but on phones and iPod it runs a slimmed down feature set mostly suited for monitoring, although recording/playback features are enabled and programmable user buttons are offered.The ViSi Listen app enables limited, monitor-appropriate control of Soundcraft Si Series mixers. Users can create custom View Groups for quick navigation and tailoring of channel setups. Versions are available for iOS and Android devices.The MonitorMix app, also both iOS and Android ready, facilitates flexible remote control of Yamaha CL, QL and TF Series consoles. It accommodates up to 10 simultaneous devices with control of all MIX/AUX buses assigned to each, and personal Group setting may be individually set as well.
You could mix your monitors, but…
Several other console makers also offer more comprehensive Wi-Fi remote control apps that are principally designed for FOH mixing “out and around” the house. They could be used for monitor mixing but were not specifically designed as such. Ashly Audio’s app for its new digiMIX is among them, although the EZ-Mode could be used to restrict access and make it more amenable to monitor-only duties. The brand-new app for Digico’s S-Series is for iPad only and is very comprehensive, but likely could be configured for personal monitoring. The same is true of Roland’s remote iPad apps for its M-200i, M-489 and M-300 V-Mixer consoles, though Roland has a stronger argument for using its esteemed networked hardware solution.
M48
Level 2: Networked Hardware Solutions
As attractive as “free” may sound, remote control of main console aux sends may not be your best bet. Compared to hardware alternatives, it’s not really “free” since you still need analog return lines, monitor wedges or headphone amplifiers, and a Wi-Fi router. What if a band member forgets or loses his or her device, or it’s not compatible with the app (more likely with Android devices), or has insufficient memory? What if a battery goes dead during worship? Is your Wi-Fi 100% glitch-free? And if “BYOP/P/P” doesn’t apply to all, then you’ll have to buy—at a minimum—some iPod Touches. But before you make that buy, consider these networked hardware alternatives.Allen & Heath hedges its bets with the ME-1 system. It accepts up to a whopping 40 channels of audio directly from any A&H digital mixer, or you can connect to other consoles via Dante, EtherSound or MADI using the companion ME-U hub with connections for 10 ME-1s. The 16 backlit keys can be assigned to a single source or to a user-defined group. Other features include three-band EQ, a limiter and an onboard ambient microphone.
Aviom pioneered this technology and now stays competitive in a crowded field with two related offerings. The flagship A360 provides a 36-channel mix engine for 16 stereo or mono mix channels. The One-Touch Ambience Control aurally connects with surroundings and a proprietary pan-spread control tailors stereo placement to taste. The affordable A320 downsizes to a 32-channel mix but retains most other features.
ME-1
Distributor modules accept Aviom’s A-Net or Dante networks with up to 64 channels.The budget-friendly Behringer Powerplay P-16M covers the basics with level, pan and EQ controls. It connects directly to Behringer X-32 family consoles via the proprietary Ultranet network, or to other systems via a 16-channel rack interface with analog and ADAT optical inputs. The dbx PMC Personal Monitor System is based on Harman Professional’s proprietary BLU-LINK network, and it allows multiple units to be daisy chained together via CAT5e cable. Custom mixes can be created from the 16 channels of audio delivered via analog I/O unit. On-board processing includes stereo width control, pan, mute/solo, and (of course) dbx limiters.Digital Audio Labs’ initial offering, the LiveMix CS-DUO, offers solid value by coupling dual mixers in a single unit. Audio goes first to a 16- or 32-channel central mixer/distributor via analog or Dante and then via CAT-5 cable to the individual 24-channel modules equipped with DSP effects, EQ, compressor/limiter, and ambient mic. The new CS-SOLO offers the same features for a single user at a substantially lower price.
The Elite Core PM-16 system is dead serious on the hardware side, with rugged steel enclosures, Neutrik EtherCON connectors and dedicated level and pan knobs for all 16 channels. Compression, three-band master EQ and an ambient microphone are built in as well. Signal feed comes from the IM-16 analog input unit. Hear Technologies emphasizes intuitive mixing by also providing grab-it-now knobs for all 16 mixable channels. In addition to the 16 main channels, the mix also can include local AUX input (ambient mic, metronome or drum module) and intercom. Four mix presets can be stored and recalled. The input Hub unit provides signal and power for up to 32 mixers.
MonitorMix
Roland’s rugged, full-featured M48 has been a mainstay of high-end personal mixing for years. It accepts up to 40 input channels for assignment to 16 stereo groups. No touch screen here; everything is accessed on large knobs and switches, including reverb, EQ and limiting. It connects directly to Roland consoles via the REAC network, but also works with MADI-output consoles via an optional MADI-REAC bridge.
Three odd ducks
The eight systems above are roughly comparable. But our last three stake out their own unique territories. Out of Germany comes Klang:fabrik, an ultra-high-end system that employs state-of-the-art digital processing and sophisticated algorithms to create a 3D sound field using in-ear monitors. This is where virtual reality meets personal monitor mixing. It’s far too complex to detail here, but if you’re curious about the ultimate, check their website or Lorin Alldrin’s review on churchproduction.com. MyMix goes beyond a personal mixer into what might be called a customizable networked production module. Yes, it will mix your monitors but it also will record up to 18 tracks of 24-bit/48 kHz audio onto a local SD-type card. Also built in are reverb and delay, and four-band parametric EQ per channel. Local I/O includes balanced mic/line XLR with phantom powering, balanced ¼-inch out, and headphone out.
Finally, Pivitec’s E32 splits the difference. It’s a networked hardware module based on the AVB networking protocol, but you can connect to the console via a rack-mount interface (analog, MADI or ADAT) or, with Yamaha consoles, a MY output card. The module itself has a local line in, stereo line out, headphone out, and network connector. No controls. Everything is done on the iOS app, with a rich feature set including linking of stereo channel pairs, solo/mute, 16 mix presets, and a master section equipped with 3-band EQ and limiting.
QSC apps
Bundled with the console … or not?
If your church is looking at a new digital console, be sure to evaluate all your personal monitoring options well beforehand. Obviously a monitoring app will be exclusive to that console model or series, so make sure you like it if you’re going that route. If a networked hardware option is likely, either now or in the future, look for a system that will interface as cleanly and directly as possible.Those are your options, at least of this writing. I expect more are on the way soon … happy shopping!
