A step-by-step guide to setting up in-ear monitors for small bands from a gigging musician with 30 years of live experience. Covers the gear you need, how to build individual monitor mixes, wired vs wireless options, and the mistakes most bands make when switching from floor wedges to IEMs.
Learn how to stop feedback on stage using the Behringer XR18. This practical guide covers gain staging, monitor placement, EQ techniques, and real-world fixes for live vocal feedback.
A gig-tested guide to the best vocal microphones under $200, with real-world picks for loud stages, small venues, and reliable feedback control.
A practical breakdown of the best microphones for live bands, covering vocals, guitar amps, drums, and complete stage setups.
I’ve used all three. For most gigging bands the XR18 wins — but the right answer depends on your input count, IEM needs,
and budget. Here’s the full breakdown.
A practical explanation of why monitor mixing becomes difficult in live sound and how workflow, mixer choice, and control access make the difference.
A real-world guide to deciding when the Behringer X32 makes sense for live sound, focusing on workflow, venue size, and practical mixing needs rather than specs.
A real-world comparison of digital vs analog mixers for small venues from a gigging musician with 30 years on stage. Covers the XR18, X32, X32 Rack, Wing Rack, and Yamaha MG10XU with honest buying recommendations.
A practical guide to unlocking the full X32 effects engine inside the Behringer XR18, including what’s already available, how it compares to the X32, and how live bands can get better sound without upgrading mixers.
The XR18 records every channel of your live show over USB — no external recorder needed. Here’s the exact setup I use with my band, including the routing decision most people get wrong the first time.
I’ve gigged with the XR18 in my five-piece band for months. Honest take: the price is unbeatable for what you get — but there are real limitations worth knowing before you buy.
A real-world breakdown of dynamic versus condenser microphones for live vocals, explaining when each type works best on stage, how feedback and room acoustics factor in, and what most singers actually need.
I own both and gig with both. Which one goes in the bag depends on the room — the SM58 is old reliable, the Beta 58A is hotter and brighter. Here’s exactly when to use each one.
A hands-on review of the Hercules DG307B tablet holder for live performance. See how it performs on stage and with digital mixers like the XR18.
A practical guide to the best beginner microphones for home practice and live performance. Covers the Shure SM48, SM58, Rode PodMic, Audio-Technica AT2020, and more — with honest recommendations based on 30 years of gigging experience.