In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)

In-ear monitors (IEMs) are earpieces — custom-molded or universal — that deliver the monitor engineer's mix directly to each performer on stage. They've largely replaced floor wedges on professional tours, offering isolation from stage volume and consistency from room to room.

IEMs in practice

Some artists use in-ears exclusively. Others use them alongside wedges or side fills for a combination of isolated mix and physical feel from the speakers. The monitor engineer manages the IEM mix for each performer, sometimes running 12+ separate mixes on a large stage.

Hearing protection

IEMs are great for protecting hearing over time — an important consideration for career musicians who perform at high volume night after night. Custom-molded IEMs provide better isolation and fit than universal models. Popular IEM companies include JH Audio, Ultimate Ears, and 64 Audio.