IEMs
In Ear Monitor Systems (IEMs) are something in music that many are having to adjust to. We live in an age of transition from loud amps on stage to now IEMs. Some love this change and others do not. Instead of blasting every person’s amp on stage, one gets to have a personal mix. This has some pros and cons. Each person gets to mix his personal in ear mix, IEMs. This allows for a lot of customization. It sounds more like putting on headphones and listening to music but you all are playing it live. However, one does not simply get some IEMs and put them in their ears like headphones, AirPods, or ear buds.
Not So Simple
There is much more involved than that. In the pro world, you need a transceiver. This is responsible for transmitting the sound of the music. The in ears allow musicians to hear what is being played. Room mics, these make the mix sound alive and allow you to hear the crowd. Some rigs are expensive and some are cheap. Some of these systems for IEMs can be used with some apps on cellphones.
Pro Rig
The truth is to do IEMs right can be quite expensive in the pro rig level. The in ear monitors can range from 1,000-3,000. The wireless in ear transmitter and receiver can be 500 to over 1,000. The room mics can be 500 to 1,000. There is more. Do you have the sound system already in place? Do you have speakers, the cables, the instrument snake to run the signal and the right sound board? If you do not want the sound engineer to set each persons in ear mix, you need a console on the stage for each musician. If you swap players out from week, like many churches do, the sound engineer will be setting each player mix from week to week.
Simpler Days
It seems to have been much more simple when musicians were just playing through amps but I bet the older musicians would say it was more simple when there was no amps or electronics haha. My point is the set ups are far more intricate than just grabbing some in ears. I highly recommend testing to see if you even enjoy in ears or find out if they are for you. Playing without amps, playing with amps and playing with in ears are all very different styles. They are needed in different scenarios. Many IEMs in the budget range normally do NOT work.
Beginner Entry Level
One of my personal favorites is PM-2S from Melonare. They make a wireless transmitter and receiver for in ears. I was sent a pair to try out by Melonare. I was not paid by them and am free to share my honest opinion. Anytime I get to try a product by a company I always get to be open and honest. I use the PM2S for small churches, acoustic and solo rigs, and studio (but never recording sessions because you want to be wired not wireless recording a song)
IEMs That Actually Work
I have been testing the Melonare PM-2S in-ear monitor system at gigs, church, and at home-and it has impressed me. It has a simple setup, reliable signal (within ~150ft), and up to 10 hours of battery life-huge for long services and back-to-back sets. If you are a solo/acoustic player or just getting started with IEMs, this is a great, budget-friendly option. One note: volume jumps a bit fast, so dial it in from your board. It even has STEREO. 😲 These were sent to me, but this is 100% my honest opinion. I am not paid. Check it out here: PM-2S by Melonare.
