Live Sound Survival Guide: IEM Mixes, Dante, and Virtual Soundcheck

Going on tour and need a rider that actually delivers? In this solo episode, Lu breaks down how to plan, pack, and execute reliable live sound on a world tour. Learn why your tech rider is a blueprint, not a wishlist, how to prioritize monitors and IEMs so the artist always hears a clear mix, and how to design sensible substitutions and backups for real-world venues. We cover FOH and monitor workflows, Dante-based recording to Nuendo Live for virtual soundchecks, adding crowd ambience mics to in-ears, carrying your own talkback, RTA mic, DI boxes, and the checklists that keep a team on time. We also get into mindset: punctuality, preparation, and owning mistakes. If you want fewer surprises and better shows, this is your playbook.

What you’ll learn

• How to write a rider that venues can actually fulfill
• FOH and monitor roles when the artist runs IEMs
• Sensible substitutions for consoles and wireless systems
• Why UPS power and gear redundancy save shows
• Using Dante Virtual Soundcard and Nuendo Live for multitrack recording
• Virtual soundcheck to build mixes before the band arrives
• Ambience mic placement for more natural in-ears
• Packing the essentials: talkback, RTA, DI, cables, backups, show files
• Why organization and accountability beat “more gear” every time

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The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

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