[ibis99]

I often wonder why musicians wear IEM's while performing. What are they listening to?

May seem like a dumb question but I'm new to this.

 

[Calexico]

I *think* they're listening to themselves???? Making sure they're doing alright?

 

[thechungster]

I always thought they listen to the music playing with them: Such as guitars, drums etc in a band so they know when to come in etc...

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Well, they sure aren't listening to the crowd to build up their ego.

 

[Punnisher]

I think that answers your question.

When you are standing on a stage in front of huge speakers or sitting behind a drum set, you can't hear a thing. This enables them to hear the other instruments and tone down the volume of their own (or whatever monitor they are close to).

 

[Pete7]

The musicians are not only listening to the mix, so they can hear what the rest of the band sounds like, they are also protecting their hearing from the excessive noise of the sound system.

 

[jsmithepa]

Playing the same set after same set can be boring. Sum listen to Limbaugh.

 

[shigzeo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsmithepa /img/forum/go_quote.gif Playing the same set after same set can be boring. Sum listen to Limbaugh.

spot on but i was sure it was gervais.

 

[Keithpgdrb]

one of the hardest things to do is set stage monitors the way everyone likes them. the vocalist needs to hear himself, as well as a chordal instrument to keep him in tune, and some drums for time. guitar needs different things, as does the drummer. IEM's allow every member of the band to get as much or as little of the monitor cue as they need. eliminates the need for on stage monitors, which are large, and loud, and often irritating. AND, it helps remedy a lot of feedback problems in the system. lets see, what else... oh yeah, saves your hearing, because you can set your own level. um.... lots more advantages. there are a few drawbacks depending on the system, but they are usually outweighed by the benefits. hope thats a little helpful.

 

[swanlee]

Alot of them listen to a click track to help them keep time while playing.

 

[Dobber65]

x2 on Keith's reply, nicely stated.

 

[EFN]

The reason IEM are called IEM because that's what they are originally intended to do. In Ear Monitoring.

In the older days, using speakers as the monitor was not as accurate and flexible. The IEM will allow them to hear better of what they are doing and gives them imaging of what the crowd heard

 

[rosskoss]

They're listening to whatever they want to hear - each band member may choose a different mix from what the crowd hears. So the bass player may choose to focus on the drummer to lock in the groove and get in the pocket, the singer may choose more of the bass player and accompaniment for a strong fundamental etc.

 

[fromthelane]

On stage monitoring for bands is how Ultimate Ears got started I believe, especially their custom models.

 

[jsmithepa]

Name Stevie's IEM.