How to ring out mains and monitors - A&H QU series WARNING High Volume

Using the QU16 I walk thru the process of ringing out mains. The same process can be used for monitors. Note that my mic+speaker is quite exaggerated (about 12-14 in) for this demo. The results are also specific to this mic beta58 and EV ZXA1 speaker. You will of course use your own combinations. WARNING - HIGH SOUND LEVELS I’m intentionally pushing the mic into feedback for this exercise. BE AWARE BEFORE YOU START WATCHING. Also I mention that this demo is a starting reference point and every process will generate diff results. Finally, with any EQ changes,the best practice is to make as minimal a change as possible. Too much reduction can result in unusable bad sound... Use you ears.
Allen & Heath qu16 amzn.to/2QfQt8q
Shure beta58 mic amzn.to/3j3G5NB
K&M mic stand amzn.to/3j0QKZe
XLR mic cable. amzn.to/3hyha4c

[@nickevansaudio]

I learnt a neat trick recently on another YT vid. Delay your output channel to c 100ms before ringing out and then the feedback frequencies appear more slowly so you have less sudden take-offs. Just remember to remove the delay afterwards though. 😊

[@2dr3am]

Thank you! This is my first year teaching this to students and this was a very clear guide for me and then!

[@3121cKOne]

We love your Channel Rob! Two things... If you're cutting more than 6-8 Frequencies, you've cut too much. Also, Microphone placement is everything when EQ'ing a room or a venue. Place each microphone exactly where it will remain during the show, then use your EQ method. You'll never get rid of every single problem frequency no matter how many cut, you'll just end up killing your entire EQ mix and starting back at square one. Any additional problem frequencies can be contoured using the PEQ on each channel after "Ringing Out The Room". I've been "The Sound Guy" now for over 20 years and get comments often from both crew and attendees on how great the venue sounds. Hopefully this tip is very helpful for others... Thanks so Much!

[@frank3067]

Hey, a novice here, my brother and I have volunteered at various small churches separately and together for 20+ years. We now both volunteer at the same place with a qu5. He is under the impression that ringing out needs to be done with a “dbx RTA-M Real-Time Audio Analyzing Reference Mic” and by this vid seems to imply you use the mic you’ll be using for service. Obviously the quality of mic and speakers (and board) affects the quality and balance of the sound.

[@3121cKOne]

Also, Using any type of RTA Analysis Reference Microphone is another more advanced tool to precisely analyze problem frequencies in that room or venue and to help pinpoint those unwanted frequencies which is a better, more detailed way and with greater accuracy.

[@frank3067]

@@3121cKOne gotcha thanks.

[@elmerhernandez5116]

Rob, this was extremely helpful. Keep the videos coming, God bless!

[@MrJlau88]

Hi Rob. Thanks for your quick response and it is very valuable for me.

[@MrKavaske]

THE BEST EQ'ING VIDEO I'VE EVER SEEN FOR THE QU 16!!!! THANKS😅FOR POSTING

[@jimkovacs7]

In my days of ringing out live monitors I found that exciting the air with a LITTLE pink noise while ringing out made my creepy frequencies appear earlier and be less destructive to my speakers. Just a note here... GREAT stuff otherwise, dear Rob !

[@jeffyoungeff9380]

does the weather pattern changed, cause feedback??

[@21josuediaz]

genius

[@dextermabuyo]

Thank you for all the tutorials Mr Rob.

[@mmvv8124]

Thanks for putting this video together---great walkthrough!

[@leogutti3353]

❤❤❤ love this way to fix the feedback problem. Im going to try it w my band.

[@senseinichols]

Great Job On this- people also can save the settings in their user Library-Name it for the speaker- and load it back in- I'm the NY Allen & Heath rep !

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx very much. Yes user libraries is also on my list for next sessions

[@seanmcgeeney4570]

Absolutely brilliant video Rob, as are all your other videos I might add. Our band have just took delivery of a QU 16. We've been using old school up to now, and wanted to move into the digital domain 😃. We're also doing away with wedges and goung in ears, and guitar packs. Your videos are in valuable for the likes of ourselves who are delving in for the first time, with only having knowledge of analog set ups. You've just enrolled 4 Irish fans. 😃 Sending you best wishes from Ireland ☘️❤️☘️

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx for the kinds words and welcome to digital mixing!

[@GeniusStudios_ZA]

Time to subscribe, Thank you Maneer . Much Love from South Africa

[@goshenindustries9130]

Hi Rob! THANK YOU for this video! I'm an audio / video technician for live corporate events, and I get sent to many different venues and I often don't know what switcher or mixer I'll be working with until I show up. I set up the QU-16 yesterday, and watched your video when I got home. Your instruction was PRECISE! Even how we can just notate the 3 or 4 main offending freqs in the output, and how to do the rest in the input, that was ON POINT. I made it sound good yesterday, but re-tweeking it this morning for the show made it TIGHT! I also commend how gracefully you respond to your critics, some who can be rather rude. You helped me level up my delivery...MANY THANKS!

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx for the kind words. Glad you found it helpful and glad to hear you show went well

[@goshenindustries9130]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Absolutely...yes it went very well thank you, it sounded very natural and the client was very pleased. I worked with the QL 32 channel before, and did well with it but now I'll make it even better with your instructions. Continued success and blessings to you!

[@Roberorozco2003]

taking away how annoying was to listening the adjustment of the frequencies, (like it always is, specially during a live show) this is a very constructive video, with a lot helpful information. thank you! good job!

[@passionformusic4291]

Thanks for this video. Very detailed. Will try this.

[@scarecrow2618]

This is gold, period! thank you sir.

[@Kodanist]

Hello Rob, It is another awesome product you have made; very detail from step to steps Thank you for continue working on QU 16, can't wait to see your next video

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Daniel Haryasyah Thx. Glad to help. Let me know if you have a question you’d like me to cover.

[@Kodanist]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Hi Rob, how to use QU 16 for Live sound and Live streaming; my church require to do both from one only mixer, thank you

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

I suggest you use a Mix for the live stream feed, so you can mix it completely independently

[@Kodanist]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Thank you for your advice, Do you have a video tutorial to do it?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Daniel - not yet...maybe soon

[@Nagif.Salvah]

Really good video! Never realised how easy it was to check !

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad it was helpful

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

I never thought of doing it that way! I tend to EQ for tone first, then back track and EQ for feedback!

[@talmus8779]

excellent tut Rob! thank you.

[@timyefremenkov6950]

Rob, it is very helpful!!! Thank you so much!

[@MELACreativeTeam]

Hi Rob Its really appreciate for Shared it. Its very good resource for me.. as we facing similar issue.

[@mypetdrgn]

great vids for the Qu series... I'm curious too about just using the signal generator on board

[@sholehizhouel517]

so touching for an excellent video

[@mcarthurchorus4902]

This was awesome. Thank you for this.

[@LarryOohLaLa]

❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😊Thank you so much Rod 💓 I am really happy with your setup 😍 😊 😄 😀

[@williamcorgile9823]

Awesome Ring Out Demo !

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thanks!

[@mitchevans9611]

Lufferov, He's just introducing us to that particular function, not giving us a tutorial on how to mix a band.... 🙄 Very informative. I have one on order. 👍

[@elbiso2004]

Awesome demo! Wish there was something like this for a QSC Touch Mix 16.

[@michaeldavisian]

it's much easier on the touch mix

[@TimLoveguitar]

This was so helpful. Thanks

[@Npamstrings]

Thank you very much this was really helpful

[@JohannesBraunias]

That was very cool and helpful, thanks a lot!

[@Big253Time]

Awesome video. Thanks.

[@alexandros1985]

Nice vids !!! Thanks

[@mackbazile]

Effen Excellent!!! So Awesome. Thank You so Much.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad you found it helpful

[@arundj9620]

Jest love this video sir ❤️ Expecting more video like this plzzz do more Thank sir from India 🇮🇳

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. More to come. :)

[@ronvargas9621]

Wow! Great tutorial. We have a QU16 that we are using for our outdoor service. I just rung out a presider wireless mic by sweeping the PEQ while worn and walking near the FOH speakers. I will re-do it using your method. Thanks. Maybe a video on gate and compression next time?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Ron Vargas thx Ron. Yes I plan to get to gates and comes soon. :)

[@ronvargas9621]

Rob, what was the volume level of your active speak? 10 o' clock or 12 o'clock? Will it matter?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

The speaker was set at 12 but honestly it wouldnt matter. You simply adjust the output from the board

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

Great tips....hadn't thought about going about it quite this way... granted, I am new to audio, and just researching some gear as I will likely be getting a mixing desk soon. I have been debating between a 12ch analog for now, or something like the Qu-SB or XR18. Not sure I really want to have ONLY iPad/Tablet or PC controls, so may get the small analog desk for doing what I need at the moment, and save up to later get a Qu-16 or X32 Compact. Gonna watch some.more videos and do some pondering....

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Isaiah. Hope you found it helpful. One of the reasons I like the QU series so much is that it’s the best of both worlds. The convenience of iPad control when I need it but also a full desk of physical faders. I often have my hand on the faders and eyes on the stage. Not so easy with an iPad.

[@sloopeymusic]

My 2p worth...I've used my Qu-Pac with iPads ( I carry a cheap SH spare iPad) doing live sound for 2 different 8-piece bands over the last 6 years, 20+ gigs a year. For pubs and clubs I wouldn't go back to having a physical desk out front, I leave all the gear on stage and I've got pretty nifty tweaking things on the iPad and it works fine.

[@majorgiroux]

Doing that in this way takes only into account frequency curve of the SM58, When you add other mics to the mix, they will not sound as good as they should as some freq qill be cut way to much for their optimal response.

[@roberthaley1]

In the event you have other playback sources, say video rolls for corporate, graph eqing on the mains is less than ideal. All the frequency content you are pulling out will hinder any other sources. Unfortunately, the qu 16 is limited in terms of the mix routing. One work around I have used for EQung a bunch of Lavs for instance, is send them to a mix. Make sure all Lavs are deselected from the mains routing. If it’s mix 1, connect a female XLR to 1/4 cable out of mix 1 and input it line level to channel 16. Leave channel 16 routed to main mix. Now you have access to Mix 1 graph eq, leaving the master graph eq for shaping the overall system. Do make sure you set Mix 1 to Post fader. I realize this takes up an input channel but it seems to be the best work around.

[@Doug_Diego_Cazadores_Cassidy]

Wouldnt it be better to have all your vox going to a sub and that sub to the main mix? And then you could eq that sub. Or does QU not have the ability to assign a sub to the LR?

[@jungacayan7805]

Awesome

[@TL-wu4id]

This method of adjusting many frequencies will not work because it would affect other channels. This is only ideal for a certain monitor that amplifies the vocal microphones. I would also account for the sound waves that bounce against the objects in their directions. The problem is that the mic can be moved around during the show a lot. Some people never learn how to stay put in one place 😅. When musicians play too loud, singers also tend to cover the microphone head, which can cause feedback. For a small area, it would require everyone to be onstage to test out before the show and be aware of their own volume at all times unless they use IEM.

[@dearcechristerjayr8281]

I've learned a lot

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad to hear it was helpful

[@mdcoker]

Thank you so much for this video. this is really helpful. i have seen different videos of ringing out FOH. yours is simple and straight forward. to do this process, what is a good distance between the mic and the FOH speakers?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad you found it helpful. Usually within a few feet will do. Mine was probably a bit close due to space to setup for that video. Imagine someone walking in front of the speaker with a mic. If they did that 40ft in front, it wouldn’t have much affect. You’re just trying to simulate the problem.

[@PioPeterDsouza]

Brilliant Rob. Was wondering if it accepts predefined calibration profiles, like sonarworks reference does... That would make things a lot less tedious.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad you found it helpful. The qu does not use calibration profile, but honestly each room and configuration has its own unique characteristics.

[@beatlebrunch2199]

HI Rob, thanks for your excellent videos. for some reason, my QU16 cuts off the sound to my speakers...when i play a pro tools mix i hear it through the headphone jack and the speaker volume to my speakers, but about 10 seconds later it cuts off my speakers - I can still see the levels on the mixer and i can still hear it through the headphones..but this is a brand new issue that just started this week. the speakers are JBL studio monitors that have to be powered by an amp. any thoughts?

[@10secondgemspodcast57]

awesome!

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx very much. Glad you found it helpful

[@williama4767]

Hi Rob! I love this video, thank you so much for making it. I have a question; should this same process work the same way on my aux channels? I ask because when I try to do this on the aux channels I'm not getting the peak signal light that shows me which frequency I need to cut. I'm using the Qu-16C. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Yes the process works the same on Aux outputs. Make sure you have both e the sel and pafl selected for the mix you are working with

[@sert7]

thanks

[@BrianJaggers642]

Great videos Rob. I’m fairly new to the QU32 and having issues with the drummers monitor(mix 4). He doesn’t have electronic drums and I know that is the main issue but I’m looking for a band aid until he can afford them. He needs to hear more fiddle (mix 1) but it’s maxed out on his mix. Is there anyway to increase his volume within channel 1 without interfering with everyone else’s?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Brian. I’d start by making sure the fiddle channel has the gain set correctly. When it is, there should be lots of headroom to provide the needed level. Second make sure that all other signals in Mix4 are not so hot that they have made it necessary to turn down the Mix4 Master. This would limit what you can get from the fiddle. Last, most often when I player wants “more” of just one thing in the monitor I find its best to bring everything else down just a bit and the perception will be that the fiddle got louder. Hope that helps

[@Chris3460]

This is fantastic! Question though... I occasionally do sound for a theater group that uses a QU-32 and a few different types of microphones. Would I only need to do this with a single mic, or would I try all the different kinds just to make sure? I'm new to sound, so trying to soak it all in.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Chris. I also do a fair bit of theatre work. EQ for that situation is going to be a “ballpark” effort. Try with one of their most common mic’s. Definitely don’t try repeating for every mic. Also less is more so I wouldn’t go beyond about 6-7 freq cuts on the fOH system. After that week the peq on an individual mic and again only if it’s a particular problem

[@wjmonge3129]

Is this theory is also good for wireless mics shure glxd4? Great Video by the way keep those videos going thank you GB

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Certainly

[@LIXOSonidoyDiscos]

Hi, Rob. Fantastic tutorial. I want to know your experience with feedback using condenser mic. Is better with a metering mic per exemple a Beyerdynamic MM1? Thanks for your reply. Grretings from Medellín, Colombia.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

LIXO Sonido y Discos Thx very much. Using a condenser mic would be a very similar process. Each mic responds diff regardless of being dynamic or condenser. If I had a metering mic like the MM1 I would certainly use it. Since most users have more common mics like the sm58/beta58 it does provide very usable results.

[@lufferov]

I mean the theory is great, but you've cut so many frequencies that at that point you may as well just reduce the overall gain on the channel and then reduce your cuts. Also, I would always avoid using parametric EQs to ring out where possible. For me, the graphic is for tuning the overall sound to the room, including eliminating feedback. The Parametric is for shaping the sound of the source. By doing what you've done there, if that was your lead vocalist, you've only got one PEQ band left to EQ for the singer.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx for watching and for the feedback.

[@dcgreen1987]

@lufferov in that case I am confused. Because Rob quite obviously used the Graphic EQ in this video and not the Parametric?

[@RobertHallIV]

Tune the graphic middle slope for the room for and music being played by the band. The other tunings like drums guitars and mics accordingly. As far as guitars and other instruments where the player has gain control, well....you know how to keep them in line with a little compressor. If you're crafty with it, they'll never know if you do it post instead of pre. I'd avoid harsh cuts of gain, as the front end of the amp will suffer from the low input, introducing white noise into the chain out the the speaker arrays.

[@BjorgenEatinger]

Not a problem using a PEQ when tuning a bus, where the monitors live.

[@nickloss2377]

@@dcgreen1987 he is using the graphic EQ for most of the video but then at 12:00 he starts using a parametric EQ to cut out even more frequencies out. He used three out of the four bands available on the parametric EQ for that channel. so only one band would remain for tuning the actual user of that channel. Unfortunately he is committing the cardinal sin when ringing out a room. you never ever need to cut that many frequencies out. the main fault and the reason why we're hearing so much feedback is cuz he keeps pushing the level well well beyond the normal playback volume that he would be using for a show. he even says that a few times..So he is aware that the volume he is pushing in order to induce feedback is an unrealistic level, so its a little perplexing that he keeps cutting more frequencies...i mean, if the frequencies aren't feeding back at the normal volume for the show, there is no need to cut more. any and all frequencies will eventually feedback if the volume is loud enough..

[@aa1bb2cc3dd4]

Holy crap this is an insanely awesome way to EQ and ring out!! I wish my analog board had the same effect... Is there a product tat can hook up to a board that does this? I would assume theres an app or something on your phone that can replicate this? Also, setting the EQ via faders is a super awesome idea. I am upset my board doesnt have that capability. Maybe the Army can splurge for me and get me a REALLY nice board! We have an analog digital combo and but it doesn't include this feature. Im jealous, but Im glad I know this exists!

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

The closest I know about an external unit would be the behringer feedback destroyer. Never used one myself

[@timoheinrich8123]

Look for a Yamaha Q2031A for instance. Classic analog outboard stuff you can insert into your main bus (or route thru). analog outboard stuff (look for mint condition) is cheaper than years ago. There are outboard rta's as well. Newer behringer ultracurve for instance.

[@hafibeat834]

@@timoheinrich8123 The Yamaha Q2031 is a very bad examply, nowadays you get Klarks or BSS (with long faders!) for little money. But better get a decent digital board with 4 or 6 band parametrics on the master (like the X/M32) and you won't need any "graphics" at all.

[@1bdcoach]

Hi Rob! Great video!!!! So my question is do you have to do this for each speaker? I Am pretty sure the answer is yes. I think that's what you meant by copy and paste if they are the same type speaker. Also thanks again for the video. There are not many videos that are very informative. Could you do a video on using the USB on the back of the qu16 to record live practices for each channel live to DAW. I know it's possible but I am a rookie and slowly learning. I want to be able to capture great practice and be able to mix it afterwards for each musician for a demo cd/ect. Thanks, Brian

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Brian. It’s not required for “each speaker” but should be done for each Mix. Just to clarify terminology because you could have multiple speakers running off the same mix. The copy and paste works if the speaker configuration is the same or similar. Yes, USB recording is on my list. Stay tuned....

[@ianrutherford6424]

Very informative video, a couple of questions, should one try and set the gain to the zero light for each channel at the select button? Can all the channels be rung out at the same time or is it better to do each channel individually? and finally how best to save the settings? Am very amateur operator in a church setting. Thanks

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Ian Rutherford Thx Ian. Yes, gain is best set so that the incoming channel signal is peaking at or about the zero dB mark. The ring out process is not done for each channel...it is done for each output (L&R, Mix1, Mix2 etc). To save the setting, select the output (eg LR) then with GEQ selected, choose the Function key then store new and enter a name.

[@indierockweddingband]

Here's another quicker solution for mains 1) Set your PA and mics up properly on stage (Speakers always in front of mics) 2) Ring out the mains by bringing up the main vocal mic. You'll find you only have to remove one or two lower frequencies. Done.

[@MandyFlame]

Rob, I’m new to QU series, having just picked up a QU24 to replace an all analog desk. Your videos are getting me started very quickly and I thank you. Any suggestions for a mixer desk for the QU24? It’s going to be in my rehearsal studio and it will also support live gigs.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad you found it helpful. If you are simply looking for a stand, I link the folding T-style stands like this quikloc ... www.amazon.ca/Quik-Lok-WS-650-Large-Multi-Function/dp/B00D3MKNPY/ref=sr_1_57?crid=1Q4R7S21LYLLX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.crrOPRy2rh9wwdX45QHlIHmdGAh1e4DlmWASx9dJ43ffGZ3RaTC1DW2DgnSpHCcKfotuL946zkeVzpy0ry8SH-VurUz4TZR1gv2OC9MsHLCUjhESNpAKht4XpxZtOIeq4YGjRRI7hjX2CHWc-C1MZPfrFQkPNKJQCyk9hUPPLglvteL9UQu9ltMhyP2nrK-6-l7_k_j2362xTRZV4fOLQ5i4i3lJ2Bww56GLh0g_V_SrBSyA9heGee7oBE_cu67l-bv-Ak1L_vlCLpbqkoSFJEFaVN2dPNBEHCWxKpsUg-E.KHZOBhnc7nQXjrxvq2ABfpncH_TFx7CrxPlFKbPLdYU&dib_tag=se&keywords=quiklok+stand&qid=1709528994&sprefix=quikloc+stand%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-57

[@MandyFlame]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Thanks!

[@jsanti1000]

Fantastic video. Two questions: 1. would the settings be the same (similar) for same manufacturer/model microphones, or does each microphone have its own freq issues? 2. Can this be done without disconnecting everything from the back and simply muting all other speakers except the one you are trying to ring out? 2b. does one need to ring out both L/R individually or will the setting be similar for copy and paste? Thank you so much for the video series.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx John. Glad it was helpful. 1. Settings should be the same for same make and model mics. 2. Sure. I only setup the basics I needed for my demo. Just mute everything else as you deal with each output. 2b. LR would be the same..

[@cdubb9781]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 just Wow

[@gelbrientomarong6167]

This is really helpful video! Is this gonna be done in different type or brand of mic? Im Newby here.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad you found it helpful. I used a fairly common sm58 mic in this test. You can simply use whatever type of mic you are using most often

[@gelbrientomarong6167]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 thanks so much. I definitely have to try this

[@jahvin4951]

Can you do faders like this also an have your master level at 0db an adjust the fader up an ringout the mains

[@donsteve1740]

Hi Rob, thanks for this video. Coming from a QSC Touchmix, where the process is automated, knowing how to do this on the Qu-16 is a godsend. Just a question : what are you playing through your speaker? Pink noise?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Don. In this case I’m not playing anything thru the speakers. Ive simply placed a mic in the hot zone with a decent amount of gain and then start running up the master fader til it begins to feedback.

[@donsteve1740]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 thanks, Rob.

[@mathematicalmegatron]

Great video it will be helpful. Does ringing out bad frequencies generally give you a good EQ do you then need to boost good frequencies with the parametric?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Jonathan, glad it was helpful. Yes once the system is rung out, it’s a great place to start.

[@trademarkdjentertainment8135]

Hello, thank you for this video! Quick question, will this GEQ applies to LR effect all 16 channels or individual selected channels?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

@@trademarkdjentertainment8135 The GEQ only affects the output as a single signal (eg LR if that’s what’s selected). Individual input channels are only affected the PEQ as each channel is selected

[@jerrydaminato743]

Thanks Rob. Now I now how to use that GEQ on our QU24. You had the mic only 2 feet away from the speaker. If I wanted to ring out the room however, wouldn't it be better to have the mic in a central "average" location. Say middle center of the room?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

I should probably post a disclaimer to that video because you are certainly not the first person to assume I intended it to be “literal” LOL. I was really only trying to demonstrate the concept of notching the eq to address feedback. Yes placing the mic right in front of the speaker was a) meant to create feedback quickly and b) I was working on a small space when I shot that footage. Personally I find that 99% of feedback comes from stage monitors and very seldom from FOH (although it does happen). Standing on stage I ring out monitors by literally pointing a mic into the wedge to force feedback, so the 2ft distance is fairly accurate. Take it all with a grain of salt and you’ll find a way to apply the concept to your own situation. Thanks

[@jerrydaminato743]

ok got it. You do talk about that in the initial paragraph that I didn't read. Thanks Rob.@@soundadvicewithrob3083

[@tonyhaliburton6838]

Great video. What mixer case are you using?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Tony Haliburton Thx Tony. The case is the new R100 SKB. www.skbcases.com/music/news.php?article=190

[@MrJlau88]

Awesome tutorial video. I wonder if I could do it for keyboard, guitar, Bass and drum ? Appreciated if you would answer for me.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Jason. Glad you enjoyed it. Not sure what you’re asking for. Typically keyboard guitar and bass are connected via DI boxes so theres no mics involved and therefore no feedback. Maybe the guitar cab has a mic? Drums would prob be mic’d but once you’ve rung out the system for vocal mic’s you will have covered anything you might get from drum mic’s. Let me know if I’m reading you wrong

[@shaunpreston893]

Great Tutorial, thanks Rob. I have a question ( and sorry if you've answered this in the comments already, I did search for it but couldn't see the same question ). My question is....now that you've pulled away those frequencies causing feedback with the SM58....and because this is on the LR master fader...wouldn't this also effect the other things going to the main LR? for example, if I had some backing tracks on another channel going to the main LR...wouldn't the backing tracks sound change also due to what you've done for the mic? or any other inout for that matter...keyboards, guitars ( hope that makes sense? ). Thanks!

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Shaun. Yes you’re right. Global changes to LR affects all inputs routed there. Any processing such as EQ is a trade off. You simply need to decide how each change affects everything else and which is a priority. Is it more important or preferable to lose a little freq from a backing track, or eliminate feedback from a mic? Which will your audience notice more? Its why mixing is often more art than science. Its not always hard and fast, or black and white rules.

[@shaunpreston893]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 thanks Rob. Really appreciate your responses as I work my way through the QU-16. All the best from New Zealand !

[@sanjugeorge]

Rob, Thank you and it’s a very helpful video. I have few questions. 1) I am using different microphones like SM58, SM57 and behringer c-2, does this process have to repeated for all mics in different channels. 2) Do I have to repeat this process as I am in different stage programs every time. Thanks

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad you found it helpful. No you don’t need to repeat the process. A generic mic like an sm58 will give you sufficient results. 2). No you will prob find that one time will give a good starting place for other stages

[@sanjugeorge]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Thank you

[@hafibeat834]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 "an sm58 will give you sufficient results" I wonder how this can be "sufficient" in a standard-stage situation. You fit this actual mike to one actual speaker in one actual position at one actual volume. Your result will be random, even with a very flat pressure transducer (like an omni mike for meassurement).

[@user-pu9il4nm5q]

Thank you. Did you explain to me how to connect a stereo cable, such as a DJ keyboard? Thank you very much

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Connecting stereo is quite easy but depends on your wiring. If you have 2 separate cables (either 1/4 or XLR) you simply connect each to adjacent channels. eg 1&2. Then use the PAN control to move one channel to Left and the other to Right. Finally for convenience you can link the two channels so they are controlled as one. if you are using a single stereo jack, the QU series mixers have 3 jacks just for for that stereo connection (ST1 ST2 and ST3)

[@user-pu9il4nm5q]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Thank you very much. This was very important for me and your excellent explanation made it very easy

[@thelonelyhearts9660]

Fantastic tutorial Rob thanks for taking the time to share. However, I have tried this using my QU16 and while I can produce feedback and notch the frequencies by ear I am unable to get any visual indication via the peak lights of each fader. Any idea what I might be doing wrong?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad you found it helpful. As far as I know the peak lights should be automatic. But let me look around.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

I think your issue may be that you have not selected the LR output before using the GEQ. Make sure you actually press SEL above the LR master fader (or any other output if that’s what you are ringing out)

[@thelonelyhearts9660]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 I've done that. Others have suggested that I have to have the PAFL selected on the fader I'm ringing out but I see that you don't

[@f00kwhiteblackracismwarsh07]

thanks Bob. We use 6 microphone for worship leaders in a mid (just slightly bigger than a small size) church and one of the worship leader (female) voice is so soft/quiet that i have to increase the gain really high before feedback but since all 6 mic are use during worship including other music instruments like acoustic and electric guitar, drums and keyboard, Feedback can easily occur. Another problem is that the female worship leaders voice are generally high pitch and thin so from EQ, adding more bass or adding lower frequency only increase that loud hummm sound which just keep looping nonstop. What i want to achieve is get a loud mix through FOH so people at the mid-back can hear the vocalist the loudest without causing feedback and also that humming. We use QU 32 Mixer, Sennheiser wireless 2 Mic with windscreen. Please help

[@sunflowerstudios5870]

Have you tried not adding bass to the female mics, and rather reducing high frequencies? 😊

[@AfricanRenaissancetv.]

I have a similar situation. About six worshippers . Acoustic guitar,keyboard and a drum set and I also use A and H QU 32 and I keep having a problem with Feedback.

[@emmanueluno3657]

Thank you Rob for the video it is very helpful, but I have a question. Why didn't you use the parametric Eq for the LR to cut the extra 400hz, 4khz, and 5khz because that means if I have six microphones I will need to cut down the hot frequencies on each microphone channel?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx. Glad you found it helpful. In my example i was already quite aggressive with eq cuts to LR. Any more and it would affect the overall FOH sound too much. EQ is like salt and pepper…a little is good but it becomes too much very quickly. In this case there would be nothing wrong with making that same change to six mics. Yiu could even store it as a template on the first mic and apply it to each of the others (much faster)

[@emmanueluno3657]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Thank you do much. It's very clear to me now. Thank you for this video. Emmanuel from Lagos, Nigeria.

[@LakeWinnipesaukeeNH]

Hi Rob - what effect does your PEQ 'hi shelf' have on the GEQ that you are ringing out? In other words for the LR Mains, do PEQ and GEQ interact?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Yes the GEQ and PEQ work in tandam with each other

[@1bdcoach]

Another question for you. I use my laptop to play music such as youtube during some practices. I used to be able to use any of the ST1, ST2, or 3. My laptop reconizes the qu16. but when I pick any of the 3 I am not getting any sound. Any ideas why. Like I sad I once was able to do that. I tried different USB cables with no luck doing that.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Brian Larson The most likely issue is that the source for ST1/2/3 is not set correctly. It must USB Streaming. Select ST1, then select processing screen, select the function key to assign the source. Make sure ST1/2/3 are set to USB Streaming. This will allow the laptop to send output into either of those 3. Channels

[@niveshsaxena]

Brother let me know one thing When we do EQ setting in LR with mic, then while doing EQ, we look at the peak indication and down the frequency, but this same indication is not present in the mix output . What should we do while doing EQ?

[@user-uc6vh9yn5i]

If you are doing a panel with multiple microphones lavaliers (omni) would have all mics placed and open at unity and ring out mains ? Thank you

[@jameswatson5576]

Is this level of eq cut pretty extreme because the mic is right in front of the speaker? I would think this much master eq manipulation would negatively affect the overall sound, especially if you have lots of mics. Thanks for the video!

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx James. It’s not really that extreme. As always eq cuts are like salt. A little to taste goes a long way. I did exaggerate the effect with a very close mic since you would hope that no one puts a mic that close to a cab in real life. Unfortunately I’ve seen far too many singers drop their mic to their side and essentially point almost that close to a monitor wedge. The number of mic’s wouldn’t have any bearing.

[@karlfanega3275]

I use the same mixer. Thank you for all the great content. The thing is though.. When I have 4 different set of speakers for LR, Mix1, Mix2, Mix3.. It means I would have to use the same mics per speaker to ring out bad frequencies right? Now what if... I have 3 different brands of microphones? Do I then do it to each mic per speaker? And yes, it's one of those mics getting too near the speakers/monitors that becomes the culprit so better prepare for it. I did see someone comment on the number of mics and you say it won't affect overall sound.. so my dumb question would be: what if they are from different brands?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx Karl. Yes, you are creating an eq setting for each set of speakers (unless they are identical speakers. Eg, if mix2 and 3 are the same boxes then simply copy the eq after setting it for mix2). You can use the same mic because you are determining how that same mic is reproduced in each of the diff speakers. If you have diff mics, you just need to pick the one that either you use the most, or the one that has the most even tone.

[@karlfanega3275]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Thank you for the reply. Currently using the mixer at an event now. Sadly speakers are all different, but I have managed to ring out the bad frequencies. But I did it only with one type of mic. We use Shure and Sennheiser mics and I only used a Shure mic for this process. Now we have boom mics too. And I didn't get to do this process. Big regrets.

[@kcpant3943]

Nice

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx

[@robertstewart828]

Quick question as a new user of this board, is no automatic software to auto frequency detect and notch feedback? I use a Soundcraft UI 18&24 and that board has a great AFS system that eliminates feedback instantly as it occurs.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Sorry no. Not on A&H

[@kpogbanogaga3589]

thanks for sharing is there a pc replical software to the mair ieq

[@jeroentuitd]

This is a great tutorial! Very helpful. However when I do it on my QU32 I end up cutting almost all frequencies from 400hz up, before touching the -10dB on the master fader. I have all processing turned of in the mic channel I'm using. Am I missing something?

[@samgonza1975]

Hello. It sounds like your amps might be turned up a little too high. Try just playing music at unity. If you have the input gain set correctly, and that channels fader at unity, then your main fader at unity, is it too loud? If so, then your amps(speakers) are turned up too high.

[@terrytamanauskas852]

Another question to add to last question we set-up in a room that about 100 ft wide by 150 ft deep using 2 turbo sound inspire 1000 speakers. Do you have both speakers on or just the one with the microphone?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

You can have both on

[@OwlStudio73]

Hi Rob When i follow the change GEQ is applied to all the channels…can you target each individual channel?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Sure. Each channel has its own EQ

[@rayjohnson7234]

Rob, we have a Qu-32 at our church. It was set up (pre-COVID) and it sounds fine live in the sanctuary, but I think that's because of the pre-amps in a not-easy-to-access location above the chancel area. We hardly get any lights on the Qu-32 ... *sometimes* one green. We're not getting much oomph to our livestream (Mix 9-10) even with all the levels pushed to the max. Do I need to adjust the pre-amps to a lower level and bring the gains up to help with this? I'm kind of grasping at straws...

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx for the question Ray. First question is Mix 9-10 set as prefade or post fader. I’d suggest prefade so that the mix gets signal before the main LR faders

[@rayjohnson7234]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 All of the lights are green for Mix 9-10, so prefade.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Be careful about changing gains at this point if the FOH already sounds good. Of course thats assuming that gain staging for all channels was done correctly, initially. I have another posted video specifically on gain staging. If youre not getting sufficient signal in a Mix output and have confirmed that that mix is prefade, then channel gain may indeed be the issue. I suggest you save a scene before starting any major changes so you have a place to come back to if needed

[@keithholmes2326]

Why not use the PEQ on the main LR to augment the GEQ?

[@andrestrydom3065]

Im very new to this... Does doing this not potentially damage your speakers.

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Certainly at any sustained level it wouldn’t be best for speakers however you notice that with my finger on the trigger it’s very minimal and doesn’t damage speakers

[@DjXCITE]

How do I do this process for a band where there maybe 4 vox and 10 instrument mics !

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Great question. Since 90% of feedback comes from monitors I wouldn’t be concerned about the instrument Mics. Focus on the vocal mics

[@jdlfpr]

So I am thinking about getting this board. I am coming from the QSC touch mix, and it will do it for you automatically when you press the feedback wizard. Does this have the same option, or do you have to do it one by one?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

No, the A&H boards do NOT have the builtin feedback wizard found on the QSC

[@jdlfpr]

@@soundadvicewithrob3083 Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@lesweldon2847]

hello my mixer is allen & heat qu 32 blank, the screen is off, where do you think the problem is?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Sounds like a hardware problem. Return the mixer for servicing.

[@jorgeguevara9860]

But wouldn’t this mess with your FOH tuning ?

[@snoopyjc]

I think you’re better off doing this on your monitors because you just cut many frequencies for your mains that will cut not just the mics but all the instruments on those frequencies

[@andrewchilders6320]

What case are you using for the QU 16?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

That’s an SKB R100

[@terrytamanauskas852]

question if you are trying to do this with tower speakers do you use 2 mics 1 high in tweet section and 1 low in bass section???? Or just what??? Thanks

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

A single mic will work but pull it back far enough to catch the full audio range

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

A single mic will work but pull it back far enough to catch the full audio range

[@MrHooskerdu1]

Boost Wide, Cut narrow..

[@bigxrecords7375]

Does this mixer work with pc now or is it still only mac

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

Thx for the question. There are quite a few PC-based software daw that will work with the QU series. You simply need to download and install the A&H driver

[@arsondaylee]

Is there a reason that you don’t EQ the mic before you start EQ the monitors ?

[@soundadvicewithrob3083]

I think its prob better to use a source with a flat eq. The Eq changes are then based on “any” SM58 in my case rather than an input with a custom setting.