Solo a condenser mic in audience to mix from stage?

[joeguam]

I have the need to mix from the stage while playing guitar. Believe me, I'd much rather have a FOH sound man, but that isn't an option.

So I'm thinking of running a line out in front of the PA's and setting up a condenser mic (in a safe place like behind the bar counter), then soloing that mic to hear the mix as the audience hears it. I know this isn't the best solution but I figure it would be better than just sending the main LR-outs into my IEM's.

What do you guys think?
Will it work?
Has anyone done this?
Any suggestions or advice?

[GmanJeff]

I think this would be problematic. If not positioned where a typical listener would be (e.g., behind the bar counter, as you propose), it won't tell you what things sound like elsewhere in the room. The potential for feedback (not the good kind) may be high. It's one more input device to deal with (cable, mic, stand, EQ, gain structure).

As an alternative, perhaps use a wireless system and walk around while listening. The PRA WiC system is simple and effective.

Or, at no cost, after the first song just ask the staff/audience how the mix is - they'll tell you if you're too loud, not loud enough, or if your mix is unbalanced. It's their opinions which matter anyway.

[gfa]

I don't think a mic out in the room will necessarily give you just what the audience is hearing, particularly since the mic will not be where the audience is. Gman Jeff offers some good suggestions. I use my mixer (Touchmix) to record some sound check material, then play it back while out front using the tablet app.

[philjs]

Do you have a looper? Record something, loop it then go out into the house to see how it sounds...

Phil

Originally Posted by philjs

Do you have a looper? Record something, loop it then go out into the house to see how it sounds...

Phil

This is exactly what I do.

[joeguam]

Thanks guys, the looper suggestion is awesome. Any ideas how I can do the same with vocals? My looper is for instruments only....