Can't deal with IEM's

[Ekulati]

Ok, maybe separate thread but as long as we’re on the topic of IEM pros and cons, how about opinions as to why not everyone, even big names, use them? I just got back from seeing Ringo. Smallish theater, in the round. I was maybe 20 feet away, so could see lots, especially with the rotating stage. There were amps and wedges all over the stage. Only IEMs for sure were drummer Greg Bissonette. Bassist Richard Page had one mold literally dangling from the wire onto his chest, couldn’t see a bud in his other ear, nor did I notice any buds in anyone else’s ears.

Anyway, ides, comments on big name bands using or not using IEMs?

 

[elgecko]

Ok, maybe separate thread but as long as we’re on the topic of IEM pros and cons, how about opinions as to why not everyone, even big names, use them? I just got back from seeing Ringo. Smallish theater, in the round. I was maybe 20 feet away, so could see lots, especially with the rotating stage. There were amps and wedges all over the stage. Only IEMs for sure were drummer Greg Bissonette. Bassist Richard Page had one mold literally dangling from the wire onto his chest, couldn’t see a bud in his other ear, nor did I notice any buds in anyone else’s ears.

Anyway, ides, comments on big name bands using or not using IEMs?

Old and set in his ways.

 

[mrufino1]

They're definitely not for everyone, and that's ok. My only point was that using non custom headphones will result in less performance and often leading people to think that they hate IEM'S. If someone prefers traditional monitors that's cool. I get bothered by loud noise sometimes, so IEM'S have been helpful and ive gotten used to using them. It's an adjustment at first without a doubt but for me it was worth it. YMMV

 

[walterw]

Old and set in his ways.

and in the case of the genius with one earbud hanging down, doing very much the wrong thing.

probably already deaf the lot of them.

 

[walterw]

Your response makes me wonder how common it is for an entire band to use a single IEM mix.

never (if they have any clue what they're doing).

IEMs and multi-band bills where you're not the headliner and there's no time for soundcheck are pretty much out.

 

[+6dB Dan]

never (if they have any clue what they're doing).

IEMs and multi-band bills where you're not the headliner and there's no time for soundcheck are pretty much out.

Well, we typically have (quick) sound checks when using IEMs. It's just that the bass level tends to drop dramatically from sound check to the performance, and I've been unsuccessful in getting engineers to change things afterwards.

What's interesting is that the rest of the band is composed of solid musicians and performers with lots of gigging experience, and they have never once complained about their IEM experience. Listening to the IEM mixes, I get why: they can hear their vocals and guitars crystal clear. Our drummer plays very loudly, so everyone can hear him regardless of the monitoring situation. So it seems that I'm the only one with a real problem.

 

[freedomryder]

This might have already been brought up but, I found that having a stereo mix made a world of difference. Felt like I was finally playing with everyone when I could "spread them out" so to speak.

 

[s0c9]

Well, we typically have (quick) sound checks when using IEMs. It's just that the bass level tends to drop dramatically from sound check to the performance, and I've been unsuccessful in getting engineers to change things afterwards.

What's interesting is that the rest of the band is composed of solid musicians and performers with lots of gigging experience, and they have never once complained about their IEM experience. Listening to the IEM mixes, I get why: they can hear their vocals and guitars crystal clear. Our drummer plays very loudly, so everyone can hear him regardless of the monitoring situation. So it seems that I'm the only one with a real problem.

It MIGHT be ear fatigue due to distorted audio (imperceptible to you) where you lose lows and highs... over time.