In-Ear Monitors
Popular in In-Ear Monitors
Shure SE215-CL Live In-Ear Monitors
Shure's SE series was originally designed as an in-ear monitoring system, but these in-ear headphones also serve other purposes. The SE215 earphones are the series' starter model, but still perform admirably.
Xvive U4 Set Wireless In-Ear System (2.4 GHz)
Xvive present the U4 wireless in-ear set for hassle-free and affordable mix monitoring. Since the transmitter is plugged directly into the AUX or line output of your mixer, you won't be needing any cables.
Sennheiser IE 100 PRO Black Live In-Ear Monitors
The Sennheiser IE 100 PRO in-ears offer tight on-stage monitoring backed up by dynamic audio, a consistent frequency response at both low and high volumes, and snug, secure comfort.
In-Ear Monitors information
If you want to block out distracting noise while you're performing live but you still want to hear what you and your band mates are playing, then in-ear monitors are exactly what you need.
In-Ear Monitors (IEM)
In-ear monitors are a fantastic alternative to floor monitors, which usually have to be turned up quite loud so you're actually able to hear the monitor mix at the cost of sound quality. Not only that, floor monitors aren't ideal for vocalists who need the freedom to move around on stage. Thankfully, a pair of personal in-ear monitors solves all of that, doing away with the need for floor monitors while allowing you to clearly hear what each musician - including yourself - is doing.
IEM Systems: From Complete Kits to Separate Transmitters and Receivers
In this department, you'll find various separate in-ear headphones, complete sets, separate transmitters and receivers, and personal mixers. Mix-and-match these bits of kit and compile the perfect IEM system for you.
Complete (Wireless) In-Ear Monitor Systems
A complete in-ear monitoring system includes a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver and a pair of in-ears, where the transmitter and receiver are tuned to one another so you can get started right away. A wireless transmitter is a small unit that you can set up or mount in a 19" rack so it can receive an audio signal from the mixer you're using to prepare your monitor mix. The wireless transmitter will then send the mix to a beltpack receiver worn by the musician, who has plugged the in-ear monitors into the receiver.
Separate Components Like Transmitters and Receivers
In some cases, you'll want to expand your set with additional transmitters and receivers, or maybe even build a custom system from scratch. If it's okay for every musician to receive the same monitor mix, then you can hook multiple receivers up to a single transmitter.
Combining In-Ears With a Personal Mixer
If you don't want to use a wireless system and want more options when it comes to creating your own personal mix, you can opt to get a personal mixer and plug your in-ears into it for the option to hook up one or more channels and the option to tweak the balance with dedicated volume controls.
Frequently Asked Questions About In-Ear Monitors
How does an in-ear system work?
After dialling in the monitor mix with a mixer, the mix can be sent out via, for instance, the AUX Send output. In the case of a wireless in-ear system, you then connect the AUX Send to a transmitter so it can send the signal to a beltpack receiver. The AUX Send can also be hooked up to a personal mixer with a compatible audio cable.
Why do vocalists often use in-ears during gigs?
Musicians need to be able to hear what they're doing so they can put on a good performance. This can be done using floor monitors, or using an in-ear monitoring system: in-ear headphones (usually wireless) that provide a personalised mix sent over from a mixing desk.
Which wireless in-ear monitor frequency band can I use?
Wireless in-ear monitors operate within a specified frequency band. Exactly which frequency bands are free to use by consumers differs per country, since some bands are reserved for mobile communication for instance. More information can be found on our Wireless Microphones & Frequencies info-page.