When you're gigging, it's absolutely vital that you're able to hear what you're actually doing, which is exactly where in-ear monitors come in. Here at Bax Music, you'll find a wide range of in-ears made by various brands, including big names.
The Advantages of a Live In-Ear Monitoring System (IEM)
While floor monitors are great, they usually defeat the very purpose they're set up on stage for, because if everyone on stage is turning their monitor up to eleven, you not only risk feedback but risk not being able to hear anything clearly. The solution: live in-ear monitors. After preparing the mix with a personal mixer or, better yet, a digital mixer, live in-ear monitors deliver a personalised mix and can even be combined with a wireless in-ear system, giving performers the ultimate freedom to use every inch of the stage.
In-Ears: Available in Various Sizes
Live in-ear headphones are available in various shapes and sizes.
Wired In-Ears
With some wired in-ears, you're able to detach the cable so you can easily replace it should it break. In some cases, you can even get a cable with built-in Bluetooth functionality to turn your wired in-ears into wireless in-ears of sorts. For live performances, however, these cables aren't recommended due to the latency (signal delay) they tend to come with. With wired in-ears, you're also going to want to pay attention to the fit: higher-end models feature a more reliable over-ear cable instead of a standard straight cable that dangles from your ears.
Drivers
The built-in driver (internal speaker) largely decides what a set of in-ears will sound like. There are various types available, the most common being dynamic drivers and balanced armature drivers. Here, dynamic drivers are cheaper and boast a more powerful bass reproduction when compared to balanced armatures. The downside to dynamic drivers is that they will more easily distort at higher volume settings in comparison to other drivers. Balanced armature drivers are more efficient as well as smaller than dynamic drivers, resulting in a better defined treble response and higher overall sound quality - even if low frequencies aren't their forte.
Eartips
In-ear monitors typically come including various different eartips (e.g. silicone eartips, foam-rubber eartips and a hybrid variant). Which eartips work best for you depends on your preferences and the shape of your ears. For what it's worth, silicone eartips are the most popular, while foam-rubber eartips offer the best passive isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions About In-Ear Monitors
What are the best in-ear monitors?
If you're on a budget and you don't mind losing out on the slightly boosted lows, go for in-ears equipped with dynamic drivers. If you prefer a more detailed sound at higher volumes, particularly in the higher frequency ranges, then grab of pair of in-ears loaded with balanced armature drivers.
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