Conventional monitoring is solely used mono. With in-ear-monitoring a stereo mix is also possible. In mono, both earphones reproduce the same audio, and stereo means you’re listening to the fullest, most accurate monitor sound possible.
However, not for all performers a stereo image is useful and some even prefer mono as the stereo signal does not “turn” with the movements on stage. Whereas stereo is a big advantage for a pianist that is used to hear his signal as natural as possible. There are mono and stereo systems available. Mono systems can only be used mono and stereo systems can be used mono as well as stereo.
Shure stereo systems offer a proprietary feature called MixMode. This is a dual channel mode, enabling you to control relative levels of two separate signals (a vocal and band mix, for example) while hearing both signals in both ears at the same time.
Wireless or wired In-Ear Personal Monitoring: Are you a stationary or mobile performer?
- Stationary: If you are in one place the majority of time, like a drummer, keyboardist or backup singer, wired systems are an easy choice and a lower cost alternative.
- Mobile: If you need to move when you perform, go wireless and leave the cables behind. You’ll hear a great mix no matter where you are on stage. Wireless systems are more complex than wired, but offer greater flexibility.
Monitoring Mix: Can you share a monitor mix with others or do you require a personal monitor mix?
- Shared Mix: With a shared wireless mix, everyone in your group with a wireless bodypack can hear the same monitor mix from a single transmitter. It’s a cost-effective way for a band to monitor in-ear.
- Personal Mix: In a band or ensemble situation, performers often want to receive a monitor mix tailored to their preferences. Typically, a musician wants to hear himself at louder volume than the rest of the band. Wired systems offer this in any way. With wireless systems, every musician needs his own wireless receiver and transmitter. If the musicians prefer a mono mix, the amount of transmitters can be halved. An example would be a signal sent from one stereo transmitter for a singer and a guitarist. On the left side is the mix for the singer and on the right side the mix for the guitarist. In MixMode the singer can turn the balance knob to receive only the left signal and therefore has its own mix – the same counts for the guitarist who turns the balance knob to receive the right side and so his own monitor mix.
Wireless In-Ear Personal Monitoring: How many channels need to operate simultaneously?
RF frequencies – no matter if wireless microphones or in-ear-monitoring systems – need to be chosen carefully. For an easy setup all Shure in-ear-monitoring systems feature pre-selected frequencies which are compatible.
This means they can be operated simultaneously without interference from each other. All systems have a maximum amount of compatible channels, and the number of channels needed in your setup defines the right system for you. But you also need to consider the amount of wireless microphone systems that are used at the same time.
