Understanding In-Ear Monitors
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2024
- This tutorial aims to de-mystify the concepts of in-ear monitoring and to break it down to basics for those who are completely new to the IEM game.
Damien walks step-by-step through the main types of in-ear monitoring options available today - From basic 'open' systems to fully 'closed' in-ear touring rigs, capable of wifi networking and even live multi-channel recording.
Please consider liking and subscribing for more content:
-- Chapters --
0:00 Introduction
2:01 Understanding Signal Flow, Inputs & Outputs
7:08 The Open IEM Systems
13:03 Semi-Open IEM System
18:25 The Closed IEM System
27:07 Wireless In-Ear Monitoring
30:29 Incorporating a Network
32:23 Multi-channel recording
34:03 Summary
-- Links to products covered in this tutorial --
Behringer P1 - amzn.to/390LwNy
Behringer X32 Rack - amzn.to/38jvHkW
Art S8 Splitter - amzn.to/3vVAJgE
Shure SE215 Earphones - amzn.to/3LZZMol
Behringer XENYX 502 Mixer - amzn.to/3wbq8gx
Sennheiser EW IEM G4 In-Ear Monitor System - amzn.to/3kPR5RA
This is what I call a perfect video lesson. Not only you know what you're talking about, but you are just a very gifted teacher. You explain everything in a very focused and effective way from the beginner level all the way to the advanced stuff. You answer most of my questions right about the time they pop up in my head. Also the editing is very helpful. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the kind comments, Petr!
Agree brilliant
Pro sound engineer here from the Chicago area. Great job explaining things so thoroughly and thoughtfully. It's often very difficult to convey highly technical information to folks who may not have the same level of technical knowledge. You did so in a very clear, concise, and non-condescending way. Nicely done. The only thing that I might have added is the use of ambient mics added to the mix to combat that in-ear isolation you explained so well. As an engineer who has done countless shows from pro-touring acts to garage bands, with every monitor solution/set-up imaginable, I can say that I always appreciate a well-prepared band rolling in with their own closed wireless IEM gear. Makes life SO much better for everyone involved. I can also say from experience that those are almost always the bands that sound the best at FOH. Getting rid of all that stage volume makes the FOH mix so much better. That far superior FOH mix means the audience experience is vastly improved. That then equals more, and better future bookings for the band. Something that all bands should seriously think about.
Thank you for the kind words, and also for illustrating the advantages from the perspective of the sound engineer - Something musicians dont think enough about!
You are absolutely correct about ambient mics. They are a must-have for my in-ear mixes, and in fact I BEGIN an in-ear mix with them, as its the crucial element that puts the musician back into the 'room'. Without them (and this is particularly true for newcomers to the in-ear ecosystem) one can feel 'cut-off' from the gig.
It's not that I need this for anything, but passionate about music, instruments and curious as I am, I loved gaining this knowledge and I'm sure it will be useful to a lot of people. Thank you very much for this sharing.
Welcome!
Best explanation I've seen. Felt like I was in a lecture
Given some of the lectures Ive been in over the years, I'm not sure whether your comment was meant as a compliment or a criticism :D j/k
I have no words to describe how much this video was properly made it and how much it helped me. Damien, congrats to explain each detail very slow, simple and straight. The bad thing about internet sometimes is that people who create video content speak fast and as if we all know what he already knows.
Thanks for the kind words, Gabriel. Yes, I too have noticed that the pace can be a little quick on some videos.
Then there's my video, at 35 minutes :D
Ideally I'll be able to find an ideal somewhere in-between :)
Amazing! I came here for more information on what type of IEM system to purchase, but got SO much more. I already have purchased the Behringer X32 Rack so this video doubled as a future forecast for how we are going to get to a closed system with the X32. Thank you so much!
Very welcome!
This video is EXCELLENT! It explains all of the questions that I had about these different in - ear configurations that I felt others didn't know how to explain or have the patience to explain. This leveled me up, I feel armed with knowledge and more confident in how to move forward for my various band setups, whether for tour or smaller shows. Thank you!
Thanks for watching, and so happy you now feel empowered with knowledge. Go get ‘em! :)
As a sound tech and drummer myself, I greatly applaud this very well explained video! Selfishly, I must admit I enjoyed your comments about the sound tech perspective when deal with bands!
With the few groups I've done sound for that had their own IEMs, it was a sheer pleasure to mix them, and such a treat not to have so much monitor bleed. Also their live recording sounded even better because of this.
For the most part, good bands will play properly to the room, and don't succumb to the stage volume wars (especially after a few drinks and who knows what else), but its usually the less experienced bands that I have the most trouble with in this regard.
Absolutely! I wish more bands understood that a BIG room sound starts with LESS volume on stage, NOT more!
Thanks for you kind words!
I love the way Damien says "I hope that makes sense", probably the most eloquent explanation of IEM ever. Thanks so much D :)
this is a lecture
i have never seen a video like this
it even made me understand sound better.
Thanks so much for this sir.
I will like this video over and over again.
You're very welcome!
Thank you for recommending this video, sir Olusegun Olaleye.
Wow!! Just wow.. The moment I finished this video, I fully understand the IEM system.. Thanks a lot.. It is a great help.
You're welcome, and thanks for the kind words!
Thank you so much for doing an overview, balanced and at the right depth for making one’s own decisions. Great stuff!
Thanks for watching!
I have watched... hundreds of IEM videos the last few months, and I have to say that you are the best at explaining the concept of IEMs. Sending this video to my bandmates now as they don't really understand why we should upgrade lol.
Thanks man!
Anytime Kevin… and thanks for the kind words!
Perfect, just perfect. Without doubt the most clear explanation of what drummers need to set up in ears according to your budget. Thank you!
Thankls for watching, and for the kind words!
Love that i just cut on youtube to listen and learn a little as background noise. And miraculously it goes to you alllll the time!! LOVE IT
Geeaaa!
Sounds like I'd better get some more content up, then!
Thanks for watching :)
When the time spent in UA-cam is so satisfactory. Wonderful explanation!!!
Thanks for the feedback! Appreciate the kind words
This was a crazily informative video. Came here for a quick explanation of one thing but ended up learning far, far more. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind feedback. It definitely took me a while to put together, so its great to hear that you got more out of it than just an answer to your one thing.
Man this is one of the best educational videos I’ve ever seen in UA-cam if not the best one.
I also watched the IEM rig setup explanation video and that is another perfect one. I was thinking that it will take too much time to learn that but it took only one video. Now I am a life time follower.
Thanks man! Very nice job!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I finally understand what the smarter people in my band are talking about. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video
:D You're welcome... Although at the end of the day Im a drummer, so be careful what info of mine you take on :D
@@Damo_Drummer our drummer is the one who’s the most experienced in the professional music world so he’s turning the wheel of the ship right now haha
I am just getting into in-ear monitors and your video really helped me understand how it all works. Thanks!
You're welcome!
Thank you so much Damien , I just started singing in two bands at 66 years old (better late than never..lol) they are small bands with occasional gig’s and I want to start doing sound so I do not have to rely on anyone else. Your videos and the way you lay them out are fantastic, laymen's terms to the max. God bless you sir.
You're never too old, and thanks for the kind words :)
I come from a teaching background, so Im familiar with how to deliver concepts in a palatable way.
That said, creating the actual animations and content are where all the time gets spent!
What a fantastic breakdown that was. So informative and so well and clearly explained. Thank you
Thanks for the kind words, Kris!
Amazing video. Everything I ever wondered about in ear monitoring got answered, and you even got me pointers to where I can dig deeper, massive respect for the effort you put into this video, and that even started before you decided to shoot it. You have done extensive research , your video was to the point, well illustrated and proper explained. Huge thanks.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Tian.
I'm not a 'UA-camr' per se, but as a drummer who has been around musicians for so long, and promoted/marketed/mixed my own bands albums, I felt this was content that people in my circles needed to learn about. Im glad you found it informative, and Im always open to making more videos!
I am in awe of how useful this whole video was
Thanks Robert… I appreciate the kind words!
Just a quick tip: to your point of "still have no control over your mix" (in the chiron), if your sound engineer is using a behringer digital x32 mixer, they now offer a sub-user app to control your own iem mix via iPad. Works flawlessly
Thanks James - and yes you are correct. The only drawback there is that the sound engineer would need to have a desk like the X32 which accommodates this, as you point out.
Not many tutorials I watch from beginning to end. Excellent. Truly excellent. Many thanks.
Appreciate the kind words, George. Thank you!
Great video! I've had all scenarios described here for the same reasons. The P16m system is also effective for non-moving musicians
Thanks nungu60a! The P16M is absolutely a valid option here, and I did plan to discuss it in this video. However, for the sake of time - and the fact that most musicians have smartphones anyway - I felt it best to cover that stuff instead :)
This has been the most helpful resource that I’ve found on IEM. I’d like again if I could
Thanks for the kind words, and Im glad you found it useful!
This is such a well organized and comprehensive introduction to IEM system solutions. Using different gig/setup situation’s to help explain ways in which you can control what you need to hear is Perhaps the best I’ve seen on UA-cam. Well done, well done indeed. Rock on
Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you for breaking this down, with the illustrations. Very helpful.
You're welcome, Rob!
Very nicely done. Clean and pointed presentation with a good use of visuals and real-world gear. Kudos.
Thankyou!
This is a lecture which has broadened my knowledge about in-ear monitors, sir.
It is just one video and I feel after watching this video a newbie can go on to explain in-ear monitoring to other people.
Thank you for the effort put into this, sir.
You’re very welcome. Glad you found it useful!
Very useful thank you! For smaller bands, usually without sound angineers, the smaller 16 channels Behringer XR18 could be used, either as front of the house mixer and monitoring using its 6 AUX channels directly. Furthermore cheaper wireless IEM systems arrived on the scene (capable to work in small venues), this would decrease costs dramatically. Ciao
Fantastic advice, thanks for your input!
Yes, the XR18 is great for what it is, and my vocalist runs his XR18 for FOH and IEM on our smaller (trio) shows.
Re the cheaper systems; There are now several wifi (2.4Ghz) based units like the x-vive that may be a good option where connectivity is solid and there are only 2-3 people running IEMs in total. Beyond that, they start to get somewhat unreliable.
@@Damo_Drummer Our band is doing small gigs and is evaluating to move to IEM (well I'm trying to convince them) thus I'm exploring what's in the market. Technology is going really fast as well as prizes (lowering), the secret is to get something "good for you" without underestimating, to pay less, but also exagerating with pro products. x-vive is intrigating, a friend of mine is using for vocals and she's really happy but all other bandmates are on wired. I think the next step ahead will be wifi IEM (AudioFusion, Stagewave) maybe still not fully reliable but definetely the way forward.
This is a fabulous tutorial!! You did an excellent job of explaining how these systems work. I’m so glad that I found your You Tube channel!!
Thanks for watching!
Drummers out there watching, build your in-ear mixes starting with the overheads, and then blend in the close-mics to supplement, then click tracks and other instruments in order of importance. If you do it the other way around, starting with the close mics, you can wind up with a mess. Also that will massively cut down on that disconnected isolation feeling IEMs can sometimes give you.
Absolutely this!
Great advice! Our regular sound guy didn't understand this when I first started working with him, as he was just getting into live sound engineering. When I explained it, he actually started applying it to his sound check/foh mix process and his skills improved massively.
@@jnorriect Good on him for listening to you and actually considering it. I do sound as a side-gig. I am a performer musician first but we do our own sound and deploy our own PA at every gig. I do all the soundchecks and get gains EQ and compressor settings and all the "pre-work" (as we call it) done, and then my mom actually mixes the show. But when I do sound on the side with other bands, all the musicians tell me I am the best sound guy ever especially with monitors. And I attribute that to being a performer first, soundguy second. I know what they want and need to feel comfortable and when they're comfortable it's so much easier to sing well especially, but play well too. It seems like at the sort of production level for 50-500+ people the soundguys around here are all sound men first and at most hobbyist guitar players or something but they're mostly interested in the gear, not the playing. But I'm rambling now lol.
@@djjazzyjeff1232 yeah, he's a humble dude and I've been doing sound work for 25 years (here and there, only as a hobby mostly but over the past 10 I've been Tech Director for a local Theater Company so that's more pro-level stuff a couple weeks a year). Now, he's one of the best sound engineers in the area and is constantly booked with great bands. Really made a name for himself.
Thank you, I can finally now understand how this whole thing works
You're welcome!
Im a guitarist and this was a great video. Thank you!
Thanks for watching, Scott!
I still remember the sound from my first IEMs. Very clear and rich details!
Thanks a lot for sharing. I play multiple projects from solo gigs to duos/bands and this video pretty much answered all my questions I had about setting up an IEM system for myself or others. Really appreciate this!
You're most welcome!
I’m a drummer in a busy local club and event band. I’m ready to give in ear monitors a try to save precious floor space. I also sing so a microphone stand plus a tripod for my small powered Behringer Eurolive F1220D wedge monitor means that a large percentage of the often very limited real estate on the stage area is used up by those two items right off the bat. To add a healthy dose of anxiety there’s also the half dozen microphone, speaker and instrument cables that my band mates love to toss behind me. It’s enough to give me chest pains after thirty plus years of drumming in a live setting. This tutorial is saving my bacon. 👍
Glad you've found it helpful! IEM setups can be quite involved or very simplistic, depending on your needs and how much time you allow for setup. The good news is that not only does that mean they can be compact in their footprint, but it also means you could potentially get those monitors off the stage, saving you a bunch of stage space.
@@Damo_Drummer thank you for your insight. Creating space is definitely a top priority. Also, my hearing is getting to where my monitor sounds a bit fuzzy, and fatigue is setting in fairly quickly. Can you recommend a pair of earpieces that will tolerate low end without distorting when volume is set to a reasonable level? Money is a factor. I’m considering the Shure SE215, but I’m finding mixed reviews. The music I play is essentially classic rock, nothing too heavy.
Who is here in 2023💕💕💕💕✌️✌️✌️ ur really great
Still here!
This was informative and explained very well. Thanks for taking the time.
This is amazing explaination of all the available setup. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
@@Damo_Drummer BTW any way we can add a talk back mic so the musician can communicate?
Absolutely excellent and thorough overview. Thank you!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words!
This is fantastic ... can't tell you how much this has helped me understand so much of sound routing and IEM ... SUPER SUPER SUPER ... thank you again!!
You are very welcome. Glad to hear it was helpful!
Excellent. I knew most of this having worked with it passively, but now I feel I could set it up from scratch myself. Awesome job!
Awesome! Often its those little tidbits of info that make the difference between being absolutely scared of the tech, and having the confidence to dive in :)
Nice work Damo, so detailed - a lot of work into this too, very informative! 👏🏼
Cheers, Con!
Best breakdown on UA-cam period. Great video.
Thanks for the kind words!
Extremely useful and timely information. Thanks immensely.
You’re welcome!
Thank you for this! you really helped me understand a lot of things that weren't clear for me. Now I can improve my band's monitoring at my church! greetings from Mexico!
You’re most welcome! Thanks for watching and let me know if you have any additional questions!
Great vid, thanks Damien! I started using IEM (the Shure 215's that Damien mentioned) for my restaurant and pub gigs (solo vocals and acoustic guitar) along with my Soundcraft UI12 about 18 months ago and I wouldn't perform without IEM's again. They REALLY help your performance. Well worth the investment if you're gigging regularly.
HI Damien. Thanks for this very informative video.
You're welcome, and thanks for watching!
Just wanted to echo the other comments that this is a great video. Really thorough and well organized. Liked and Subscribed after watching.
Thanks, Barry!
Best and most complete explanation I've seen! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome!
Very informative and answered many questions concerning individual mixes for each performer
Glad you found it useful!
I started to get interested in the subject recently and this video is amazing ! Thank you so much !
Thanks for the kind words!
This video is best explanation I've ever heard. Helpful, and informative! Thank you good sir!
Thankyou!
Awesome vid mate - a lot of work went into this one and a heap of great tips!
I appreciate the kind words - Thanks!
Informative, well-made, pleasant. Absolutely perfect video on this topic.
Thank you!
THIS is the IEM video I’ve been searching for. Thank you so damned much.
You're welcome, Mitchell!
You've answered all my questions & things that confuse me as a Graduate Sound Engineer. Thank You 😌⚡
Glad I could help!
The Best IEM video I've watched. Thank you!
I appreciate the kind words. Thanks!
Fantastic content Damien, you put a heck of a lot of effort into that video. A great watch 👏🏼🤙🏼
Thanks, Steve!
Great video! I'm just considering getting into IEM - so this was great! Thanks.
Thanks Alan!
Thanx Damien, for the first I hear a real good explanation of what in ear monitoring is all about. Very helpful ! 👍
Welcome!
This was 1 of the most impressively clear lesson on in ears that I've ever watched!!🤘🤘🤘Made me a subscriber for sure!! Thank you!!!🙏🙏🙏
Thank you!
Excellent tutorial vid with fabulous, easy to understand explanations of all of the possibilities for iem's. Cracking video.....
Thankyou, kits1000!
Great stuff Damien, very well presented too.
Thanks, Ian.
btw, are you the same great Ian Stuart who has been responsible for some of my best front-of-house stage mixes over the years? :)
Thanks for this. By far the clearest explanation i have come across. I'm a bass player and really help me make some decisons on what to use.
Glad you found it helpful!
Really nice explanation for all of the stuff. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
hi Sir i beginner from Ghana and hoping to become one of the best sound engineer some day, your explanation is very deep for me and i say you're a good teacher.
Thank you for your kind comment, Abednego - and all the best to you!
Best video about in ear systems, period. Great job
Thanks Filippo!
Very detailed and well explained content! Thank you!
Thanks for watching, Michael!
Superb tutorial. Thank you!
Thanks Scott!
if you don't need more than 16 lines, the XR18 is hard to beat. Very good investment for multiple uses including an interface for your DAW and fairly affordable. Great video, very helpful! Thanks!
I’d agree! One of my bands actually uses the XR18 for live shows and it packs a lot of features for its price point.
Looking to get into IEMs - best video ive seen by far. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Excellent explanation! Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome, and thanks for the kind words!
My band uses lined to FOH digital guitar preamps like Kempers, AXE FXs...
That means our closed IEM mixing is 95% the same in every gig!
The only difference being the acoustics for drums, but generally there's NO need to tweak the mix at all before a gig :)
We played 4 gigs in a row with the same mix, and it worked 100% every time with no tweaks!
So that’s a big thumbs up for IEMs then? 😀
What was the biggest challenge for your band in transitioning over from stage monitors?
@@Damo_Drummer Nothing really, everyone loved it =)
Brilliant, this ties everything together. Thanks, very helpful!
You're welcome!
This is highly informative. Thank you for your efforts mate!
You're welcome!
Great video. So much fantastic info. Thanks
Glad you found it useful. Thanks for the kind words!
the best Video out there about in ear monitoring. Thanks for explaining so detailed!
Much appreciated, Melinda. Thanks for watching!
Great video. Very useful! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Best video I came across today. Cleared all my doubts. thanks a lot man👍
You’re welcome!
Wow - what a great explanation- thanks. The mystery has been uncloaked.
You're welcome. Thanks!
What a great video! I'm didn't know a single thing about the topic now I feel I'm ready to mix for the Rolling Stones.
Thank you very much
Haha! fantastic comment - Thanks for watching, and for the kind words!
Very good video, Damien. I was wondering about going in-ear with my band and this video made it very clear what choices could we have!! Thanks :)
You’re welcome, and glad you found it useful!
Fantastic video, thanks Damien!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the kind words
EXTREMELY well done video! Thank you! : )
Thank you very much! Hope you found it useful!
Very well articulated thank you for your knowledge and passion
Thanks for the kind words, Chad!
Wow! Thank you for an outstanding class!
You’re welcome!
Very informative. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
Great video mate. I'm currently running a semi open system but love the idea of a closed system.
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah the closed systems are great. Definitely overkill for the weekend warrior musician, but the level of control you get with a closed system really can add benefit if you see yourself using it.
Best video on UA-cam for this subject
Thanks Dyl!
Great and very informative video. Thanks!
Thanks Luis!
Thank you for this!! Very well said and explained!!
Welcome!
Great presentation.
Thanks Michael!
Crystal clear, thank you so much!
You’re welcome!
Excellent video.
Great explanation. 👍🏽
Thanks for the kind words!
Wow I just learnt so much! Fantastic explanation of how it all works, thanks 👌
You’re welcome!