Monitor World: Measuring Wedge Response for Touring

TL;DR

Stage monitors are the artist's connection to their performance. A poorly tuned wedge leads to pitch problems, vocal strain, and the dreaded "turn me up" cycle that ends in feedback. This guide covers measurement-based wedge optimization: per-mix frequency response, systematic ring-out, and building venue-specific monitor presets.

Pre-Show Wedge Measurement

Individual wedge response. Open SonaVyx RTA mode. Play pink noise through each wedge individually. Place the mic at the performer's head position (standing or seated as appropriate). Capture and store the frequency response trace for each wedge.
Identify response anomalies. Wedges on a hard stage floor show a strong floor bounce comb filter (typically 3-5 ms delay). Wedges near drum risers show low-frequency buildup. Note these for EQ compensation.
Match wedge pairs. Overlay traces from matching wedges (e.g., both vocal wedges). They should be within ±2 dB across the vocal range (200 Hz - 8 kHz). Significant differences indicate driver problems or positioning issues.

Systematic Ring-Out Procedure

Open the Feedback Elimination workflow. Set the monitor mix to the performer's typical channel configuration (vocal mic, guitar DI, etc.).
Slowly raise gain until the first feedback frequency appears. SonaVyx's spectrum display shows the feedback peak in real-time.
Apply a narrow notch filter (Q = 8-16) at the feedback frequency. Cut just enough to stop the ring (typically 3-6 dB).
Continue raising gain and notching subsequent feedback frequencies. Stop when you reach the desired operating level plus 6 dB of headroom.
Document the notch filters. SonaVyx logs each identified feedback frequency. Export the filter list for the console's parametric EQ.

Per-Mix Optimization

Each performer's wedge mix has different channel content and levels. After the general ring-out, fine-tune each mix during soundcheck by measuring the transfer function at the performer's position with their specific monitor mix active.

Building Venue Presets

Save wedge EQ settings per venue in SonaVyx's Venue system. When you return to a venue on a tour, recall the previous settings as a starting point. This saves 15-30 minutes of ring-out time at familiar venues.

Common Mistakes

Ring-out with all monitors on. Ring out each mix individually. Multiple monitors create cross-coupling that changes the feedback frequencies.
Too many notch filters. More than 8-10 notch filters means the wedge placement or type is wrong. Reposition or upgrade the wedge before adding more filters.
Measuring at the wrong height. Wedges are directional. Measure at the performer's actual ear height and angle, not at a convenient stand height.

Tool Bridge

Use RTA mode for wedge response measurement and the Feedback Elimination workflow for systematic ring-out. Store venue-specific results in Venues.