https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:46:26 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215847 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:31:46 +0000 Live Sound leear https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215847 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215795 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 06:53:05 +0000
I have a powered Gemini monitor that I have used in the past, but I prefer not to lug it around - very heavy. I would run it out one of the main outs on the front of the mixer. It seemed to cause feedback as well. In addition to the monitors, I have started using my guitar amp as a monitor and mic-ing my guitar. It is much easier to hear my guitar stuff now.

You are probably right that it is not the best set up, but since we are just doing this for fun, and not making much money at it, I'd prefer not to have to buy an expensive mixer. If we can work with what I have, that would be best!]]> Live Sound MoGal https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215795 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215793 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 06:40:15 +0000
1. Guitar
2. Guitar
3. Guitar
4. Guitar
5. Keys
6. Bass
7. Mandolin
8. Dobro
9. Flute
10, Vocal
11. Vocal
12. Vocal

Then if you mic the drums, I'll guess at these

13. kick
14. snare
15. Hat
16 Tom
17. Tom
18. Tom


Yes, you have 20 channels but 8 of those channels come from being L or R on 1 channel. This can pose other problems once you have them all hooked up. It really looks like you have the stuff to rig it to get it done but this is really not the optimal way to do it. You could most likely be able to put out a much better sonic product with some changes.

what do you use as far as speakers & monitors are concerned?]]> Live Sound AdRock https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215793 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215784 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 05:50:29 +0000
To answer your last question, here is what we have:

Our two main guitarists play 2 guitars each, so each of those requires a channel. (Sometimes one or both of us uses a switchbox though to save channels. That is fine unless one of the other band members doesn't need to use one of our guitars, like for Landslide, when we have three guitars going). Okay, so let's just suppose that the two of us need 4 channels for our 4 guitars. Then, we have a keyboard player - that is 5 channels. Then, we have the bass going from the bass amp through the PA - that is 6 channels. Then, we have our "instrumentalist" who sometimes plays bass, but other times she may play the mandolin, dobro, or flute. That is 7 channels. Then, we have 3 of us who sing. So, there are 4 microphones on stage.

The powered mixer we originally bought has 8 channels. Since we already are needing 10 channels, and that does not include mic-ing drums, then we had to get more from somewhere. I saw these cheap Behringer ones in the Sam Ash catalog and went ahead and got one at Guitar Center for about $95.00.

We typically don't mic the drums for live performances, because people complain enough that they can't hear the voices above the instruments. However, for recording purposes, we will need to mic the drums.

Also, I forgot that there have been two local moms that have expressed interest in the last couple weeks in joining up with us. There could be occasions where we bring in more singers/musicians! So, it looks like we should have at least 12 channels, and with my new mixer, we have 20!

Now, I guess I need to re-read all the responses again and see if they apply to us! Not now though - too tired!

Thanks for all the help guys.]]> Live Sound MoGal https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215784 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215774 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 05:05:59 +0000
So, MoGal, what is included on your input list?]]> Live Sound AdRock https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215774 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215762 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:39:44 +0000
I just remembered that you gals are an all-acoustic quartet - what are you doing with 20 channels?

Not that more isn't better 8)]]> Live Sound Dan Lasley https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215762 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215745 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 02:15:37 +0000 Live Sound AdRock https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215745 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215700 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:49:27 +0000 Live Sound leear https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215700 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215698 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:42:55 +0000 Live Sound Misanthrope https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215698 https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215696 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:36:22 +0000
1st. the gain where each mic is plugged in
2nd. the output of the little mixer
3rd. the input gain knob of the powered mixer

The trick is to get the 1st gain setup right without feedback then adjust the output of the mixer and the gain on the input so that nothing is running super hot but you have the gain you need.

Personally, my opinion would be to sell those 2 mixers and put that money towards one that has all the inputs you need. I agree with everything except the last. A 24-channel board is more than twice as expensive as two 12-channel boards, because not as many people use the big ones. Also, larger boards are less likely to be powered. Plus you don't have to carry the extra one for smaller gigs.

As Bish notes, using one mixer for the drums is a clever solution. At least grouping the channels sanely so that your sound person doesn't go crazy is good.

Last, the more mic channels you have, the more chance for feedback, no matter what arrangement of equipment. So it may not be due to the mixers. Gain distribution is important for noise and distortion, but feedback is based on the total gain, and the number of mics that are active.]]> Live Sound Dan Lasley https://guitarnoise.forum/live-sound/connecting-two-mixers/#post-215696