Have you ever noticed musicians and singers wear equipment connected to their ears? That’s an In-Ear monitor system, used by singers mostly to hear themselves while performing live with a band. Sound engineers also use the In-Ear monitor system to work with various sounds.
Imagine for a second: a singer is performing live in an open-air concert. Is there any way he/she can hear his/her voice and adjust the voice range with the band? If we exclude the In-Ear monitor for singers from the equation, there’s no way it can be done.
So what’s an In-Ear monitor system?
An In-Ear monitor system is a headphone that has a microphone attached, which sends the voice to the mixing console. The sound engineer mixes the voice from various instruments to get a balanced result and broadcasts them through speakers placed in front of the musicians.
In other words, it’s a hearing aid for musicians to hear their own voices during performances!
These earpieces are essential equipment not only for singers but also for sound engineers. It allows each person to hear every sound with perfect clarity and balance. This means everyone can work more effectively during live performances or recordings.
There are many types of In-Ear monitor systems from top companies on the market today that suit every purpose. Let’s take a look at some of the best In-Ear monitor headphones for musicians!
Shure PSM 900
One of the most expensive In-Ear monitor systems of all time, but in terms of features and range, the Shure PSM 900 has no competition. Used by most rockstars, the PSM 900 comes with an ‘automatic gain control’ built-in feature as well. This ensures the sound is always clean and balanced, making it an unbeatable product.
Xvive Audio U4R4
Xvive is a much more affordable In-Ear monitor system (or IEM for short) as compared to the PSM 900. The Xvive U4 supports four receivers simultaneously with rechargeable batteries that can last up to 5 hours of heavy operation time. For a receiver this compact, the operation frequency is around 2.4 GHz, which can be well maintained even for 90 feet. It is a highly recommended In-Ear monitor system with a very reasonable price.
Sennheiser EW IEM G4
Sennheiser is the only wireless In-Ear monitor system with a rating index of 96 out of 100. The EW IEM G4 is built to cover an extensive range of channel frequencies that can go a maximum of up to 61 channels. The bandwidth range can also go all the way up to 42MHz. It is like the dream IEMs for every up-and-coming singer. This is because the EW IEM G4 is compatible with other Sennheiser wireless products.
Xvive U4 In-ear monitor
U4 is another Xvive making its way to the list of In-Ear monitor systems of all times. Just like the previous Xvive models, U4 is known for its compactness. Operating on a frequency range of 2.4 GHz at a capacity of over 90 feet, the U4 is quite impressive in its features compared to the price tag. It is even compatible with other wireless products in the market. Xvive U4 is one of the most popular In-Ear monitor systems in use by musicians all over the world.
Sennheiser EW IEM G4-TWIN
Sennheiser is known for manufacturing high-end In-Ear monitor systems but at a high price. The EW IEM G4 - Twin is the same as the EW IEM G4 In-Ear monitor system regarding frequency and working range. The only there is after the price tag is the pair of receivers included in the EW IEM G4 - Twin. Dual receivers for this twin-pack are two times more expensive than the price of a single receiver. However, with the EW IEM G4 - Twin, you can operate two mics at the same time. This is one of the most sought-after In-Ear monitor systems in the market today.
Shure PSM 300 (P3TRA215CL)
One thing in which no one can beat Shure is the quality. Shure is a renowned brand because of its In-Ear monitor systems that perform exceptionally well on every occasion. The PSM 300 hosts like IR scan and one-touch frequency scan are rare even for the Shure models. Other features of this In-Ear monitor system include a mini-XLR connector, easy access to volume and mute controls, etc. It is a good product to look for if you want a microphone that is fairly comfortable and easy to use.
Shure PSM 300 (P3TR112GR)
Yes, it is the same model as the Shure PSM 300, but this one has some additional changes compared to the P3TRA215CL. The bodypack design and the loop-out transmitter dynamics are some significant changes that are visible in the P3TR112GR. But features like IR scans and one-touch frequency are still intact. If you are a pro, this is the In-Ear monitor system for you. But if budget is an issue, then it is wiser to go for the P3TRA215CL.
Xvive Audio U4R2
To this very day, the U4R2 is the highest ever rated dual receiver wireless In-Ear monitor system worldwide with a 96 rating out of 100. Like the U4 model, the U4R2 can operate on 2.4 GHz frequency even at a range of 90 feet. Plus, you can use the U4R2 for around 5 hours with a continuous and heavy working load. But unlike the U4, the U4R2 comes with a dual receiver system. More than the range, the dual receiver system is the highlight of this In-Ear monitor system.
To sum up, these are some of the best In-Ear monitor systems that can be widely used for small performances and recording sessions. All the features in every product are state of the art and will give you a run for your money. Use them wisely, and you will get the most out of every session.