Whenever you play live on stage, you need some way to hear what youâÂÂre playing.
Many venues use traditional monitor wedges, but thereâÂÂs another option.
IâÂÂm talking about in-ear monitors. These are dedicated personal monitoring devices that go directly in your ears.
Plenty of major touring artists use in-ear monitors, and many consider them the best option for hearing yourself onstage. These days, in-ears are becoming more and more common even in smaller venues.
But what exactly are in-ears monitors? Are they just headphones? What are the specific benefits to using them and which models are best?
In this article IâÂÂll break down everything you need to know to get started with in-ear monitoring.
What are in-ear monitors?
In ear monitors are personal monitoring devices in a headphone format. TheyâÂÂre designed to go directly in a musician’s ears to provide the clearest, most direct monitor mix possible.
A set of in-ear monitors is made up of a pair of headphones connected to a portable device that includes the amplifier circuitry, wireless receiver and battery pack.
In-ear monitors are typically wireless devices that allow for greater mobility and less bulky wiring, but hard-wired versions also exist.
Wireless in-ear systems use a transmitter device to send the signal to the performers on stage. They’re sometimes custom-molded for a personalized fit, but universal models work well for many artists.
The snug fit provides extra sound isolation that greatly reduces the external noise a musician hears while wearing them.
In-ear monitors are essentially headphones, but theyâÂÂre built specifically to work in a live performance environment.
In-ear monitors are essentially headphones, but theyâÂÂre built specifically to work in a live performance environment.
Why use in-ear monitors?
There are several challenges in modern concert production that in-ears help solve.
First off, in-ear monitoring is often used on large stages where the musicians move a considerable distance during their performance.
ItâÂÂs not practical to use monitor wedges in these situations since there would have to be multiple setups for wherever players are located.
Not only that, in-ear monitoring provides much greater accuracy than traditional wedges. The increased sound quality and superior isolation can make it easier for musicians to deliver the best performance.
ItâÂÂs important to note that any loudspeaker monitoring setup has the potential to create runaway feedback. This happens when a performerâÂÂs microphone accidentally points in the direction of the monitor speaker. The signal from the microphone creates a feedback loop.
These loud, harsh squeals are distracting for performers and audience members alike. In-ears eliminate them completely by removing the monitor wedge that creates the feedback loop.
Transmitters and receivers
As I mentioned above, any wireless in-ear system consists of several pieces:
- A transmitter unit that connects to the sound source and broadcasts the signal
- A receiver unit that clips to a performerâÂÂs clothing that connects to their headset
- The earphone speakers that amplify the sound for the musicians to hear
One transmitter may be capable of broadcasting a signal to several receivers, allowing an entire band to receive a monitor mix from a single unit.
In general, in-ear systems are sold in sets, so your best bet is to choose one with the right number of receivers for your needs. That said, itâÂÂs possible to add receivers individually with some units, so look for this possibility if you think you will eventually expand your system.
ItâÂÂs also important to note that sending multiple monitor signals so each musician can hear a custom mix may not be possible with a single transmitter. ThereâÂÂs a lot of variation when it comes to in-ears, so make sure you research them carefully!
The 7 best In-ears for musicians
While most transmitter/receiver pairs come with a set of earphones, many musicians prefer to buy their own for the best sound and fit.
In this list, IâÂÂll be focusing mainly on the earphone component of an in-ear system since it has a significant effect on the sound quality.
1. Shure SE846
IâÂÂll kick this list off with the premium choice for in-ear headphones.
Despite looking similar to other pairs in this guide, The Shure SE846 retail for $899 USD!
While it may seem like an insane price to pay for earphones, the incredible sound quality makes them a top choice for big tour productions.
If you need no-compromise sound, these could be the in-ears for you.
2. Sennheiser IE 40 Pro
On the other end of the budget spectrum youâÂÂll find the Sennheiser IE 40 Pro.
While most transmitter/receiver pairs come with a set of earphones, many musicians prefer to buy their own for the best sound and fit.
These affordable IEM earphones deliver solid sound and comfort that wonâÂÂt break the bank.
If youâÂÂre just looking to try out in-ear monitors without spending too much, the IE 40 Pros are great choice.
3. Audio Technica ATH-E70
The Audio Technica ATH-E70 is a great option for those who need top quality at a mid-tier price.
The design features a multi-driver configuration that delivers clear sound with plenty of bass. That puts them in the realm of other professional budget earphones, but still accessible with quality that rivals the top contenders.
4. Sony IER-M7
Sony offers its own line of excellent IEM earphones.
The IER-M7 is a solid choice that competes with many of the best on this list.
While still firmly in the professional budget tier, youâÂÂll get all the high performance design philosophy of the pricier IER-M9 with few compromises.
So much of finding the right IEMs is about fit and comfort.
5. Shure SE215 Pro
Shure is a huge name when it comes to IEM systems.
Their respected SE series contains accessible models for all budgets, including the affordable SE215. At under $200 USD, the SE215 is a single driver design, but don’t let that stop you from considering them if cost is a concern.
6. Mackie MP-220
Live sound giant Mackie several sets of respected in-ear monitors. The MP-220 are a budget conscious pair with a step-up in sound quality thanks to their dual-driver design.
7. Westone Audio UM Pro 20
So much of finding the right IEMs is about fit and comfort.
If youâÂÂre having issues with IEM options from traditional headphone manufactures you might consider a pair from Westone Audio.
Like many of the IEM earphones on this list, the UM series offers a broad range of offers at different price points.
The UM Pro 20 sits in a comfortable price range between professional and budget options.
In-ears to hear
It’s easy to see why many top touring artists use in-ears.
Their superior sound quality and noise isolation solve longstanding issues with traditional stage monitors.
If you’ve made through this article you’ll have the background you need to get start with IEMs.
The post In-ear Monitors: The 7 Best Earphones to Hear Yourself On Stage appeared first on LANDR Blog.
