Model I and Model II Comparison / Stage Monitoring Experience

This article is an editorial and expresses the opinion and experience of the author. Please post comments in the discussion page. Thank you.

Objective: To find out if I should approach stage layouts differently with the Model II (compared to the Model I). Specifically - would I set up things differently for the performers at the outer edges of the stage.


First: If you are in front of them, playing through the T1® through the Model I and Model II sound very similar to me. Similar enough that I would not significantly change the way I set up a stage as a solo performer. Nor would I feel it absolutely necessary to stop using my Classic for rehearsal, if using my Model II for performance.

I'll leave the differences for a different discussion.

Assumptions:

• Ensemble - up to four performers. The stage is 20 feet wide.
  
• Shallow stage (only room to get 5 feet in front of the L1™).
  

Gear setup:

• Microphone to T1®
  
• T1 ToneMatch® connection to Model II
  
• T1® Aux connection to Classic
  
• No effects
  
• On axis volume is the same at 15 feet (Classic and Model II)
  
• I listened to only one L1® at a time by alternately muting the Aux and turning the Master volume off.
  

Here's a picture of what I tested.


Initially I had both the Classic and the Model II aimed straight out.

I went to position and listened to what I heard coming from the Model II.

I went to position and listened to what I heard coming from the Classic.

I rotated the Classic to the point that I found the sound at to be similar to


Part II.

Instead of rotating the Classic, I moved it toward the middle of the stage until what I heard was similar at both points 1 and 2.

This is where I ended up.



A couple of important things to consider.

I was trying to simulate

• a shallow stage
  
• vocal only
  
• performer's perspective (can I hear myself well enough to perform comfortably)
  

With the Classic, on a shallow stage I have sometimes

• Rotated the outermost Systems in toward the middle to help with monitoring.
  - = or = -
  
• Moved the outermost Systems in toward the middle to help with monitoring.
  
• Negotiated to get more stage depth.

This is *not* new.

What *is* new is that I felt no need to do that with the Model II.

I see this as a by-product of the extremely smooth distribution of the sound delivered by the Model II. It is not a detractor from the Classic (or Model I) but something to be considered when thinking about shallow stages and especially if playing into wide rooms.

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