[Pictures: 8. PSM400 – Components]
As with microphones there are two ways to get in-ear: wired and wireless. Both of these systems are made up of complementary components that enable you to hear the monitor mix in your ear. These include:
What are the ways to go in ear?
In-Ear Monitoring Components
- Earphones: Compact, high-fidelity stereo in-ear-monitors.
- Bodypack receiver: Sleek, wearable units that receive sound and give you control.
- Transmitter – modules that send sound for wirelesssystems.
- Mixer – modules that allow for advanced levels of control.
Wired In-Ear Personal Monitoring
If you’re in one place the majority of the time, like a drummer, keyboardist or backup singer, wired systems are an easy choice. They are the lower-cost alternative and also save RF frequencies.
A wired in-ear-monitoring system includes a lightweight and small bodypack and a pair of earphones. The bodypack is connected to the mixer directly with a cable. The performer hears the monitor mix through the earphones.
Wireless In-Ear Personal Monitoring
Wireless in-ear-monitoring systems offer the performer full freedom of movement on stage. As with wired systems the musicians wear a bodypack receiver clipped to a belt, guitar strap or pocket. The monitor mix is not received by a cable but through radio frequencies and therefore a transmitter is needed to send the signal. This unit is connected to the mixer with a cable.
Hybrid In-Ear Personal Monitoring
A few bodypacks (like the Shure P2R) are hybrid units. This means the receivers are capable of working either with wired or wireless systems. So you can start out wired and purchase a wireless transmitter later to upgrade to wireless when your budget permits.
Or use in either configuration, depending on your setting. There are also variations beyond that to combine wired and wireless usage. A drummer for instance can receive the in-ear-monitoring mix wireless and add a click track wired directly in the bodypack.
- Next Article: How to find the right In-Ear Personal Monitoring System
- Previous Article: What is In-Ear Personal Monitoring?
In-Ear Personal Monitoring Systems
PSM 200
PSM 700 Discontinued
PSM 400 Discontinued
Professional Monitoring Earphones
SCL2 Discontinued
SCL3 Discontinued
SCL4 Discontinued