What Are In Ear Monitors & Do You Need Them?

In-ear monitors are a type of personal monitoring system that allows musicians to hear themselves and the rest of the band more clearly on stage. Unlike traditional stage monitors, which can be loud, inconsistent, and prone to feedback, in-ear monitors provide a more accurate and consistent monitoring experience. In-ear monitors consist of earpieces that fit snugly in the ear and a small cable that connects to a wireless or wired system. They can be customized to provide a specific mix for each musician, allowing drummers to hear the elements they need in order to perform their best. In-ear monitors can also provide hearing protection by reducing the need for loud stage monitors. Overall, in-ear monitors can improve sound quality, provide a customized mix, and help protect hearing, making them a popular choice for many drummers.

Pros:

1. Better sound quality: In-ear monitors provide a more accurate and consistent monitoring experience compared to traditional stage monitors, allowing drummers to hear themselves and the rest of the band more clearly.
2. Improved hearing protection: In-ear monitors can help protect drummers' hearing by reducing the need for loud stage monitors.
3. Customizable mix: In-ear monitors can provide a customized mix, allowing drummers to hear the elements they need in order to perform their best.
4. Better communication: In-ear monitors can help with stage communication, allowing drummers to hear cues from other band members or communicate with the sound engineer.
5. Less stage clutter: In-ear monitors can help reduce the amount of equipment on stage, allowing drummers to have more space and less clutter to worry about.
6. Backing Tracks: for bands that run tracks, the drummer is typically the one running them. IEM's give you a great option for hearing the tracks clearly without having to run the tracks too loudly.
7. Aesthetics. If the option is IEM's or Headphones from a visual standpoint, most people these days will choose IEM's from a looks point of view. They are discreet and you can barely tell they are there. Bulky headphones however..

Cons:

1. Expense: In-ear monitors can be more expensive than traditional stage monitors, and may require additional equipment such as a wireless system or a personal mixer.
2. Learning curve: Drummers who are used to traditional stage monitors may need some time to adjust to in-ear monitors and get used to the sound and feel.
3. Fit and comfort: In-ear monitors need to fit well and be comfortable in order to be effective, and finding the right fit can be a challenge.
4. Isolation: In-ear monitors can provide too much isolation, which may make it difficult to hear the audience or other external factors.
5. Reliance on technology: In-ear monitors rely on technology, which can be prone to malfunctions or technical issues.
6. Removal: IEM's are more difficult to remove quickly if needed, whereas traditional headphones are easy to take off. It's a good idea to run some sort of compressor into your IEM mixer to make sure you never get a volume spike coming from the sound engineer.

Let's take a look at some good options depending on your budget available today.

Here are 5 of the best cheapest in-ear monitoring systems available on Amazon.com today:

1. KZ ZST in-Ear Monitors ($19.99) - This system has a single dynamic driver and a detachable cable. It also comes with a carrying case and ear tips in multiple sizes.

2. Linsoul Tin Audio T2 HiFi In-Ear Earbuds ($49.99) - This system has dual drivers (one dynamic driver and one balanced armature driver) and a detachable cable. It also comes with a carrying case and ear tips in multiple sizes.

3. MEE audio M6 PRO Musicians’ In-Ear Monitors ($49.99) - This system has a single dynamic driver and detachable cables. It also comes with a carrying case and ear tips in multiple sizes.

4. TRN V80 in Ear Headphones ($59.99) - This system has four drivers (two balanced armature drivers and two dynamic drivers) and detachable cables. It also comes with a carrying case and ear tips in multiple sizes.

5. BASN Bmaster in Ear Monitor Headphones ($69.99) - This system has a single dynamic driver and detachable cables. It also comes with a carrying case and ear tips in multiple sizes, as well as a cleaning brush.

Here are 5 of the best mid price IEM's on Amazon today:

1. KZ ZS10 Pro: This in-ear monitor system has five drivers (four balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver) and is priced at around $50. It has received many positive reviews for its sound quality and value for money. Jack's pick! I have multiple sets of these and every muso in Melbourne is using them. Why? The 4 drivers sound incredible, thy are dirt cheap, and durability is high.

2. Tin Audio T4: The T4 has a single 10mm dynamic driver and is priced at around $100. It has received high praise from reviewers for its neutral and detailed sound signature.

3. TRN V90: The V90 has four balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver, and is priced at around $50. It has received many positive reviews for its clear and balanced sound, comfortable fit, and durable build quality.

4. CCA C10 Pro: The C10 Pro has five drivers (four balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver) and is priced at around $50. It has received many positive reviews for its detailed and balanced sound, comfortable fit, and solid build quality.

5. Moondrop Aria: The Aria has a single 8mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver and is priced at around $80. It has received high praise for its natural and detailed sound signature, comfortable fit, and stylish design.

Finally, here are 5 of the best and most expensive IEM's on Amazon today:

1. 64 Audio U18t: The U18t is a high-end in-ear monitor system with 18 drivers (eight balanced armature drivers for the lows, eight for the mids, and two for the highs). It is priced at around $2,999 and has received many positive reviews for its detailed and accurate sound, comfortable fit, and premium build quality.

2. Campfire Audio Andromeda: The Andromeda is a popular high-end in-ear monitor system with five balanced armature drivers and a single 10mm dynamic driver. It is priced at around $1,099 and has received high praise from reviewers for its spacious and detailed sound signature, comfortable fit, and stylish design.

3. Westone W80: The W80 is a high-end in-ear monitor system with eight balanced armature drivers and a dual bass driver. It is priced at around $1,499 and has received many positive reviews for its clear and detailed sound, comfortable fit, and durable build quality.

4. Shure KSE1500: The KSE1500 is a unique in-ear monitor system that uses electrostatic drivers for high-fidelity sound reproduction. It is priced at around $2,999 and has received high praise from reviewers for its transparent and detailed sound, comfortable fit, and premium build quality.

5. Ultimate Ears UE 18+ Pro: The UE 18+ Pro is a high-end in-ear monitor system with six balanced armature drivers and a single True Tone Plus driver for enhanced high-frequency performance. It is priced at around $1,499 and has received many positive reviews for its clear and balanced sound, comfortable fit, and durable build quality.
   
   As you can see there is quite a jump in price when you go up to the expensive models. Is it worth it? Of course 8 drivers per side are going to sound better than 4, but is the sound difference really $1,000-$3,000 better? Only you can answer that. 

EDITORS CHOICE: KZ ZS10 PRO. These little beauties sound incredible across the full frequency range, have 4 drivers per side (anything less doesn't really sound good TBH..), are durable, you can swap out the cable if you prefer a different one, and are unbelievably cheap for the quality. My first IEM's were Sure 425's (3 drivers) and the difference is night and day. Sure also make great IEM's BTW! I'm just comparing to that particular model. ~ Jack