In-ear monitoring was originally developed as a way to overcome the problems artists were experiencing in big performance environments. As the venues were getting bigger so were the stages, crowds and the speaker stacks. The stage was a noisy performance environment.
Today many artists consider in-ear monitoring a more "accurate" monitoring method and it is no longer limited to stadium rock. There are systems available at different price points and now, it is even possible to go in-ear from an early stage in your career.
Why go in-ear?
In-ear systems allow you to: • Control the sound levels of your own monitor mix. This will improve hearing conservation. • Each performer on stage can also select the monitor mix that works best for them (e.g. the bass player may want more drums than the other members of the band etc). • For singers it also means you tend to sing at levels that are most comfortable for you, protecting your vocal chords as well. • With a floor wedge, the amplifier projects the same sound level toward everyone, which may be too loud for some performers and too soft for others. With in-ear systems you have the ability to move around a stage whilst getting a consistent monitor mix. • Also, since the earphones sound isolate you from the stage noise, you can hear the subtle instruments, notes and voices better. • There are no stage monitors, decreasing the risk of feedback and giving you more space for the performance.
TIP: Many performers believe that singing with a cardioid microphone is better when using in-ear monitors. Cardioid mics pick up a more a consistent level of stage ambience. Tighter polar patterns may create a “wave” effect of ambient sound as you (and the microphone) move around the stage.
Whether you're practicing or performing, it's impossible to sound your best if you can't hear what's going on around you. For years, Shure Personal Monitor Systems and Sound Isolating Earphones have given professional musicians an edge over the wedge.
Last Updated
February 2008
