Galaxy Audio Setting up PA and Monitors - Manual (Page 2)

Figure 1-5 shows a monitor speaker on stage, in very close proximity to the microphone. If we were to
power this monitor speaker with the same amplifier used to power the main speakers, we would experience
major feedback problems. Given our knowledge of speaker/microphone relationships and their effect on
gain, what do you suppose would happen if the volume were turned up? The monitor speakers, being closer
to the microphone than the main speakers, and pointed towards the microphone, will go into feedback first,
causing the main speakers to feedback, and so limiting the gain of our entire system to that of the stage
monitors.
In order to eliminate this problem, the monitor speaker should have its own volume control, or, ideally, it
should be connected to a separate amplifier. With this setup, we can adjust the volume of one speaker
system without affecting the other. Thus, the gain of the monitors does not affect that of the main system.
Today's mixers give great flexibility in controlling separate monitor and main levels. Because you put only
what each musician needs to hear into his respective monitor mix, the monitors are clearer and easier to
listen to.
FIGURE 1-4
FIGURE 1-5