Stage Monitor Placement

Monitor placement is one of those things that always seems to be neglected when setting up for live performances. Sometimes you can throw monitors on stage in front of the microphones, and all is well, but sometimes this strategy causes feedback. Monitor placement should be “Standard Practice.”   

1. Keep the microphone as close to the singer or musician as possible.
2. Avoid Feedback – Keep the microphone pointed away from the stage monitors and well behind the Main PA Loudspeakers.
3. You must be aware of the stage monitor placement in relation to the technical specifications of the microphone you are using in order to get the best sound “rejection” possible (see diagram below).            

Place the microphone so that unwanted sound sources, such as stage monitors and loudspeakers, are directly behind the rear of the mic (connector side). Always test microphone placement before performances to minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound.

Feedback will occur when amplified sound from any stage monitor or loudspeaker re-enters the sound system through an open microphone and is amplified again.

Important Monitor Placement Note:

A Supercardioid microphone has the greatest sound rejection at points 120° toward the rear of the microphone. Place the stage monitors at these angles (see diagram) and not directly behind the microphone (as you would for a Cardioid microphone).

To minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, check the manufacturer’s specifications to locate the microphone’s sound rejection point(s).