Some of our readers are full time musicians, some are picking up shows, others are playing regular open mic nights.
Those of you who do will have recognised that different environments can affect your performance due to general room ambience. This article highlights the merits of using in ear monitors (IEMs) and why they are such a game changer!
What are IEMs?
In Ear Monitors are specialised headphones that allow you to take the audio straight from your audio mixer into your ears. They are designed to protect your hearing and provide you with a clear signal to optimise your performance.
Why are IEMs so useful?
During open mic nights or other regular gigs you attend that already have a PA system, you may get a ‘listen wedge’ (small speaker directed at you on the floor), or nothing at all.
The issue with a listen wedge is that once the sound is set up in a room, it is difficult to adjust. As rooms become busier, you may need to increase the volume to hear yourself properly. This can be a challenge in these environments as it may interfere with your current set up and even cause feedback. You don’t want to be stopping the set to re-mix the wedge, and this can all be avoided by using IEMs. They’re also a lot clearer!
If you have nothing at all, it can be difficult to hear yourself in loud environments and that can really impact your performance!
What other uses are there?
There are several reasons why IEMs are much more useful than listen wedges:
- You can hear yourself clearly in busy environments and they take up less space than a listen wedge
- You can plug in to in-house systems; some venues have in-house audio systems where you can directly plug in your mixer. If you do this, you don’t need to bring speakers at all and the sound will be well balanced throughout the venue.
- You can mix the sound silently; sometimes you may need to set up in an area where the audience is already sat. With IEMS, you can set up and balance your mix silently before you turn on the rest of the PA.
Example: While the clients are talking to their audience, you can make subtle adjustments to your mix.
- You can use them in recording environments: In most recording studios you’ll be given headphones, however their size can be awkward and uncomfortable. IEMs are less cumbersome and will provide a familiar feeling to your live performances, likely improving your performance!
How do they connect to your mixer?
IEMs are usually a small pair of headphones, that join in a single cord that reaches waist height. There are the two main ways to connect to your mixer:
- An additional amplifier which attaches to your waistline, where you can remotely and independently control noise level. This can connect either wirelessly or with a cord.
- A single cord. This is a cheaper option however you are at the mercy of your mixer and may have to use the master output. Not being able to control the levels independently can make it difficult to balance your master and in-ear outputs properly.
How much do IEMs cost?
As with most audio gear, IEMs are an investment that get a return. Whilst not as integral as a mixer or your speakers, these little guys are a seriously underestimated bit of equipment that greatly improve your performance.
You can get customised in ear monitors, fitted perfectly to your ear, often with a generous warranty, or you can go basic and cheap. However we should stress you get what you pay for and IEMs are one of those things really worth investing in.
You can to spend between £60-£100 on IEMs, with a further £60-£200 on an amplifier. Remember, everything you buy to aid your performance can be written off in tax!
If you’re a gigging musician and are tired of using a listen wedge, or having no audio feed at all, then IEMs are for you. They are a complete game-changer and a great investment!
For more useful information on working musician, sign up to our newsletter.
I’ve just been thinking of buying in ears! Well useful