Question
I am trying to understand the basics of how in monitors that are worn in the ear work. What is the musician hearing? Is it the entire band; is it only his/her vocals and/or instrument? How does the musician hear the crowd, or do they need to?
Answer
The musician is listening to a mix of the band and typically has their instrument or vocal a little louder than the rest of the band. This provides them the ability to hear themselves and the rest of the band clearly while performing.
Because of the amount of attenuation the monitors provide, hearing the audience isn't always possible. This can be a deterrent, to using these types monitors. However, the benefit gained by reducing the amount of volume they are exposed to and the ability to hear what they need clearly can out weigh the need to hear the audience.
If there is a need to hear the audience through the monitors worn in the ear, audience microphones are sometimes placed so that the sound of the crowd can be added to the mix.
About Westone:
Westone Music Products is a division of Westone Laboratories, Inc., (www.westone.com) a company that has over forty years of unparalleled knowledge and experience with the human ear. With over eight million custom products for the ear made, our experience and skill are unsurpassed.
In addition, Westone has been a leader in musicians monitoring devices that are worn in the ear since the early 1990's, having been behind the two most successful musicians monitor product lines in use by touring professionals the world over. Specializing in both custom-fit and universal-fit musicians monitors worn in the ear, with in-house hearing healthcare professionals and musicians on the design and production teams, Westone is the in-ear expert. More information can be found www.westone.com/music/
Dale Douglass is a Product Specialist and in charge of Artist Relations for Westone Music Products.