Understanding In-Ear Monitors

[@petrmaresu]

This is what I call a perfect video lesson. Not only you know what you're talking about, but you are just a very gifted teacher. You explain everything in a very focused and effective way from the beginner level all the way to the advanced stuff. You answer most of my questions right about the time they pop up in my head. Also the editing is very helpful. Thank you.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thank you so much for the kind comments, Petr!

[@bluegreenmantour0910]

Agree brilliant

[@hamdo_6428]

It's not that I need this for anything, but passionate about music, instruments and curious as I am, I loved gaining this knowledge and I'm sure it will be useful to a lot of people. Thank you very much for this sharing.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Welcome!

[@Raziel1990nerd]

Now that is the most comprehensive video for drummers and musicians in general on running in-ear tech. Thanks, man, you helped me decide on my way of monitoring. Cheers!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks @Raziel1990nerd for the kind comments!

[@andrewovens3544]

I love the way Damien says "I hope that makes sense", probably the most eloquent explanation of IEM ever. Thanks so much D :)

[@gabritravassos]

I have no words to describe how much this video was properly made it and how much it helped me. Damien, congrats to explain each detail very slow, simple and straight. The bad thing about internet sometimes is that people who create video content speak fast and as if we all know what he already knows.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words, Gabriel. Yes, I too have noticed that the pace can be a little quick on some videos. Then there's my video, at 35 minutes :D Ideally I'll be able to find an ideal somewhere in-between :)

[@bassplayerdirk]

Pro sound engineer here from the Chicago area. Great job explaining things so thoroughly and thoughtfully. It's often very difficult to convey highly technical information to folks who may not have the same level of technical knowledge. You did so in a very clear, concise, and non-condescending way. Nicely done. The only thing that I might have added is the use of ambient mics added to the mix to combat that in-ear isolation you explained so well. As an engineer who has done countless shows from pro-touring acts to garage bands, with every monitor solution/set-up imaginable, I can say that I always appreciate a well-prepared band rolling in with their own closed wireless IEM gear. Makes life SO much better for everyone involved. I can also say from experience that those are almost always the bands that sound the best at FOH. Getting rid of all that stage volume makes the FOH mix so much better. That far superior FOH mix means the audience experience is vastly improved. That then equals more, and better future bookings for the band. Something that all bands should seriously think about.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thank you for the kind words, and also for illustrating the advantages from the perspective of the sound engineer - Something musicians dont think enough about! You are absolutely correct about ambient mics. They are a must-have for my in-ear mixes, and in fact I BEGIN an in-ear mix with them, as its the crucial element that puts the musician back into the 'room'. Without them (and this is particularly true for newcomers to the in-ear ecosystem) one can feel 'cut-off' from the gig.

[@GenesisValentineMusic]

This video is EXCELLENT! It explains all of the questions that I had about these different in - ear configurations that I felt others didn't know how to explain or have the patience to explain. This leveled me up, I feel armed with knowledge and more confident in how to move forward for my various band setups, whether for tour or smaller shows. Thank you!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for watching, and so happy you now feel empowered with knowledge. Go get ‘em! :)

[@StereoAnthony]

As a sound tech and drummer myself, I greatly applaud this very well explained video! Selfishly, I must admit I enjoyed your comments about the sound tech perspective when deal with bands! With the few groups I've done sound for that had their own IEMs, it was a sheer pleasure to mix them, and such a treat not to have so much monitor bleed. Also their live recording sounded even better because of this. For the most part, good bands will play properly to the room, and don't succumb to the stage volume wars (especially after a few drinks and who knows what else), but its usually the less experienced bands that I have the most trouble with in this regard.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Absolutely! I wish more bands understood that a BIG room sound starts with LESS volume on stage, NOT more! Thanks for you kind words!

[@pntman1]

Perfect, just perfect. Without doubt the most clear explanation of what drummers need to set up in ears according to your budget. Thank you!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thankls for watching, and for the kind words!

[@billsalloum8504]

Fantastic video. I appreciate how you provided a wealth of basic information in such a clear, articulate, respectful manner. It is exactly what i needed.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MH-mi6mk]

Thank you so much for doing an overview, balanced and at the right depth for making one’s own decisions. Great stuff!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for watching!

[@ehihayble9584]

Best explanation I've seen. Felt like I was in a lecture

[@Damo_Drummer]

Given some of the lectures Ive been in over the years, I'm not sure whether your comment was meant as a compliment or a criticism :D j/k

[@tuned4u]

When the time spent in KZbin is so satisfactory. Wonderful explanation!!!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the feedback! Appreciate the kind words

[@robertpoptart430]

I am in awe of how useful this whole video was

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks Robert… I appreciate the kind words!

[@tehjimzor1987]

This was a crazily informative video. Came here for a quick explanation of one thing but ended up learning far, far more. Thank you.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thank you for the kind feedback. It definitely took me a while to put together, so its great to hear that you got more out of it than just an answer to your one thing.

[@kevinmeli]

I have watched... hundreds of IEM videos the last few months, and I have to say that you are the best at explaining the concept of IEMs. Sending this video to my bandmates now as they don't really understand why we should upgrade lol. Thanks man!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Anytime Kevin… and thanks for the kind words!

[@tianjohan4633]

Amazing video. Everything I ever wondered about in ear monitoring got answered, and you even got me pointers to where I can dig deeper, massive respect for the effort you put into this video, and that even started before you decided to shoot it. You have done extensive research , your video was to the point, well illustrated and proper explained. Huge thanks.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Tian. I'm not a 'KZbinr' per se, but as a drummer who has been around musicians for so long, and promoted/marketed/mixed my own bands albums, I felt this was content that people in my circles needed to learn about. Im glad you found it informative, and Im always open to making more videos!

[@enginogus6702]

Man this is one of the best educational videos I’ve ever seen in KZbin if not the best one. I also watched the IEM rig setup explanation video and that is another perfect one. I was thinking that it will take too much time to learn that but it took only one video. Now I am a life time follower. Thanks man! Very nice job!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@JayDawG533]

Great video. Really enjoyed learning . It took bloody long to find an actual video that broke down each of the components and explained them really well. Thanks !

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for watching!

[@Pucker-it-up]

This is such a well organized and comprehensive introduction to IEM system solutions. Using different gig/setup situation’s to help explain ways in which you can control what you need to hear is Perhaps the best I’ve seen on KZbin. Well done, well done indeed. Rock on

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@TheBoilervolt]

Thank you so much Damien , I just started singing in two bands at 66 years old (better late than never..lol) they are small bands with occasional gig’s and I want to start doing sound so I do not have to rely on anyone else. Your videos and the way you lay them out are fantastic, laymen's terms to the max. God bless you sir.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're never too old, and thanks for the kind words :) I come from a teaching background, so Im familiar with how to deliver concepts in a palatable way. That said, creating the actual animations and content are where all the time gets spent!

[@blackmetalbreadstick]

I finally understand what the smarter people in my band are talking about. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video

[@Damo_Drummer]

:D You're welcome... Although at the end of the day Im a drummer, so be careful what info of mine you take on :D

[@blackmetalbreadstick]

@@Damo_Drummer our drummer is the one who’s the most experienced in the professional music world so he’s turning the wheel of the ship right now haha

[@joshbrenneman]

This has been the most helpful resource that I’ve found on IEM. I’d like again if I could

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words, and Im glad you found it useful!

[@jamesdhardy]

Amazing! I came here for more information on what type of IEM system to purchase, but got SO much more. I already have purchased the Behringer X32 Rack so this video doubled as a future forecast for how we are going to get to a closed system with the X32. Thank you so much!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Very welcome!

[@ManCaveStudio]

I am just getting into in-ear monitors and your video really helped me understand how it all works. Thanks!

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome!

[@totolaw2654]

Wow!! Just wow.. The moment I finished this video, I fully understand the IEM system.. Thanks a lot.. It is a great help.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome, and thanks for the kind words!

[@olusegunolaleye3911]

this is a lecture i have never seen a video like this it even made me understand sound better. Thanks so much for this sir. I will like this video over and over again.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're very welcome!

[@oluwatobilobapopoola6065]

Thank you for recommending this video, sir Olusegun Olaleye.

[@georgerobb1546]

Not many tutorials I watch from beginning to end. Excellent. Truly excellent. Many thanks.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Appreciate the kind words, George. Thank you!

[@CrappyProducts]

Thank you, I can finally now understand how this whole thing works

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome!

[@BackRhodesDrumming]

Love that i just cut on youtube to listen and learn a little as background noise. And miraculously it goes to you alllll the time!! LOVE IT

[@Damo_Drummer]

Geeaaa! Sounds like I'd better get some more content up, then! Thanks for watching :)

[@MrKiwiKris]

What a fantastic breakdown that was. So informative and so well and clearly explained. Thank you

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words, Kris!

[@oluwatobilobapopoola6065]

This is a lecture which has broadened my knowledge about in-ear monitors, sir. It is just one video and I feel after watching this video a newbie can go on to explain in-ear monitoring to other people. Thank you for the effort put into this, sir.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You’re very welcome. Glad you found it useful!

[@robjennings39]

Thank you for breaking this down, with the illustrations. Very helpful.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome, Rob!

[@BoHunter2010]

Very nicely done. Clean and pointed presentation with a good use of visuals and real-world gear. Kudos.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thankyou!

[@florencemiller3967]

I still remember the sound from my first IEMs. Very clear and rich details!

[@nungu60a]

Great video! I've had all scenarios described here for the same reasons. The P16m system is also effective for non-moving musicians

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks nungu60a! The P16M is absolutely a valid option here, and I did plan to discuss it in this video. However, for the sake of time - and the fact that most musicians have smartphones anyway - I felt it best to cover that stuff instead :)

[@jnorriect]

Just a quick tip: to your point of "still have no control over your mix" (in the chiron), if your sound engineer is using a behringer digital x32 mixer, they now offer a sub-user app to control your own iem mix via iPad. Works flawlessly

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks James - and yes you are correct. The only drawback there is that the sound engineer would need to have a desk like the X32 which accommodates this, as you point out.

[@dandurbala8154]

Thanks a lot for sharing. I play multiple projects from solo gigs to duos/bands and this video pretty much answered all my questions I had about setting up an IEM system for myself or others. Really appreciate this!

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're most welcome!

[@camstirling]

Great vid, thanks Damien! I started using IEM (the Shure 215's that Damien mentioned) for my restaurant and pub gigs (solo vocals and acoustic guitar) along with my Soundcraft UI12 about 18 months ago and I wouldn't perform without IEM's again. They REALLY help your performance. Well worth the investment if you're gigging regularly.

[@abednegoaryee194]

hi Sir i beginner from Ghana and hoping to become one of the best sound engineer some day, your explanation is very deep for me and i say you're a good teacher.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thank you for your kind comment, Abednego - and all the best to you!

[@clergywm]

This is a fabulous tutorial!! You did an excellent job of explaining how these systems work. I’m so glad that I found your You Tube channel!!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for watching!

[@aixpert291]

Im a guitarist and this was a great video. Thank you!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for watching, Scott!

[@robertgonzalez4646]

Very informative and answered many questions concerning individual mixes for each performer

[@Damo_Drummer]

Glad you found it useful!

[@DKWAYN3]

You've answered all my questions & things that confuse me as a Graduate Sound Engineer. Thank You 😌⚡

[@Damo_Drummer]

Glad I could help!

[@retiredusmc9090]

Your information put it all together for me pretty concisely, on what goes to where and who. I'm not in a band and more than likely never will be. Just an old guy who likes to play along with the radio or my music and wants to continue playing without anymore hearing loss from previous loud noise exposure. I hate the muffling from ear plugs and don't want to just turn it all up to be comparable in volume. So I figured the best route to do that is with IEM's, a few mics into a 4-8 channel interface with my laptop or phone should allow me to play along with a track at the same volume level, and protect my hearing from having to crank up a stereo overtop of the drums volume. At least that's my plan and will be worth it, to spend a few hundred bucks on equipment, play and have fun while keeping whats left of my diminishing hearing.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Beautifully done! Yes, I guess one of the things I forgot to mention in the clip is that using IEMs isn’t just restricted to stage use.

[@hollismedley3216]

This is exactly what I’ve done lol. Bought a presonus board 90% just to mix my practice kit at home. It honestly helps play better when you have complete control over your drum sounds

[@robertoferrarini7153]

Very useful thank you! For smaller bands, usually without sound angineers, the smaller 16 channels Behringer XR18 could be used, either as front of the house mixer and monitoring using its 6 AUX channels directly. Furthermore cheaper wireless IEM systems arrived on the scene (capable to work in small venues), this would decrease costs dramatically. Ciao

[@Damo_Drummer]

Fantastic advice, thanks for your input! Yes, the XR18 is great for what it is, and my vocalist runs his XR18 for FOH and IEM on our smaller (trio) shows. Re the cheaper systems; There are now several wifi (2.4Ghz) based units like the x-vive that may be a good option where connectivity is solid and there are only 2-3 people running IEMs in total. Beyond that, they start to get somewhat unreliable.

[@robertoferrarini7153]

@@Damo_Drummer Our band is doing small gigs and is evaluating to move to IEM (well I'm trying to convince them) thus I'm exploring what's in the market. Technology is going really fast as well as prizes (lowering), the secret is to get something "good for you" without underestimating, to pay less, but also exagerating with pro products. x-vive is intrigating, a friend of mine is using for vocals and she's really happy but all other bandmates are on wired. I think the next step ahead will be wifi IEM (AudioFusion, Stagewave) maybe still not fully reliable but definetely the way forward.

[@davidholley890]

Thanks for this. By far the clearest explanation i have come across. I'm a bass player and really help me make some decisons on what to use.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@ianturnermusic2739]

Excellent. I knew most of this having worked with it passively, but now I feel I could set it up from scratch myself. Awesome job!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Awesome! Often its those little tidbits of info that make the difference between being absolutely scared of the tech, and having the confidence to dive in :)

[@HarryAdee]

This is amazing explaination of all the available setup. Thank you.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for watching!

[@HarryAdee]

@@Damo_Drummer BTW any way we can add a talk back mic so the musician can communicate?

[@MrPercussionPete]

Thanx Damien, for the first I hear a real good explanation of what in ear monitoring is all about. Very helpful ! 👍

[@Damo_Drummer]

Welcome!

[@maxpower975]

What a great video! I'm didn't know a single thing about the topic now I feel I'm ready to mix for the Rolling Stones. Thank you very much

[@Damo_Drummer]

Haha! fantastic comment - Thanks for watching, and for the kind words!

[@jockeysacato8284]

Am a prodcuer and love sound engennering, thanks for this video i really learned

[@alanpinn2266]

Great video! I'm just considering getting into IEM - so this was great! Thanks.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks Alan!

[@nonesovile8812]

Best breakdown on KZbin period. Great video.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Capt-Cran]

This is fantastic ... can't tell you how much this has helped me understand so much of sound routing and IEM ... SUPER SUPER SUPER ... thank you again!!

[@Damo_Drummer]

You are very welcome. Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@MelsanchezMusic]

Thank you for this! you really helped me understand a lot of things that weren't clear for me. Now I can improve my band's monitoring at my church! greetings from Mexico!

[@Damo_Drummer]

You’re most welcome! Thanks for watching and let me know if you have any additional questions!

[@futureproof80]

Excellent video! A really good breakdown of all content. I’ve used IEMs for many years, but now looking at putting together a ‘closed sound’ for my band. (Too many gigs with poor sound that’s out of my control!). Cheers 👍

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks, Jona!

[@rogeralleyne9257]

This was 1 of the most impressively clear lesson on in ears that I've ever watched!!🤘🤘🤘Made me a subscriber for sure!! Thank you!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thank you!

[@dylanjastle]

Best video on KZbin for this subject

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks Dyl!

[@terrystowers6085]

I’m a drummer in a busy local club and event band. I’m ready to give in ear monitors a try to save precious floor space. I also sing so a microphone stand plus a tripod for my small powered Behringer Eurolive F1220D wedge monitor means that a large percentage of the often very limited real estate on the stage area is used up by those two items right off the bat. To add a healthy dose of anxiety there’s also the half dozen microphone, speaker and instrument cables that my band mates love to toss behind me. It’s enough to give me chest pains after thirty plus years of drumming in a live setting. This tutorial is saving my bacon. 👍

[@Damo_Drummer]

Glad you've found it helpful! IEM setups can be quite involved or very simplistic, depending on your needs and how much time you allow for setup. The good news is that not only does that mean they can be compact in their footprint, but it also means you could potentially get those monitors off the stage, saving you a bunch of stage space.

[@terrystowers6085]

@@Damo_Drummer thank you for your insight. Creating space is definitely a top priority. Also, my hearing is getting to where my monitor sounds a bit fuzzy, and fatigue is setting in fairly quickly. Can you recommend a pair of earpieces that will tolerate low end without distorting when volume is set to a reasonable level? Money is a factor. I’m considering the Shure SE215, but I’m finding mixed reviews. The music I play is essentially classic rock, nothing too heavy.

[@HyperBlueZYZ]

Extremely useful and timely information. Thanks immensely.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You’re welcome!

[@barrytaller5999]

Just wanted to echo the other comments that this is a great video. Really thorough and well organized. Liked and Subscribed after watching.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks, Barry!

[@cederickforsberg5840]

My band uses lined to FOH digital guitar preamps like Kempers, AXE FXs... That means our closed IEM mixing is 95% the same in every gig! The only difference being the acoustics for drums, but generally there's NO need to tweak the mix at all before a gig :) We played 4 gigs in a row with the same mix, and it worked 100% every time with no tweaks!

[@Damo_Drummer]

So that’s a big thumbs up for IEMs then? 😀 What was the biggest challenge for your band in transitioning over from stage monitors?

[@cederickforsberg5840]

​@@Damo_Drummer Nothing really, everyone loved it =)

[@MattLunser]

if you don't need more than 16 lines, the XR18 is hard to beat. Very good investment for multiple uses including an interface for your DAW and fairly affordable. Great video, very helpful! Thanks!

[@Damo_Drummer]

I’d agree! One of my bands actually uses the XR18 for live shows and it packs a lot of features for its price point.

[@droidfan]

The Best IEM video I've watched. Thank you!

[@Damo_Drummer]

I appreciate the kind words. Thanks!

[@Mina_fr]

the best Video out there about in ear monitoring. Thanks for explaining so detailed!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Much appreciated, Melinda. Thanks for watching!

[@filippomargheritini3753]

Best video about in ear systems, period. Great job

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks Filippo!

[@MrAndrewpederson]

Nice video. I have a similar setup. I run an X32\S32 setup with a mixture of Sennheiser G3 and G4 wireless ears. I run my full closed system for 3 of my bands and a hybrid setup for a few others. Here are a few things that may also help people that I have found over my years of being the drummer and the IEM sound engineer for gigs. 1. You said it already but make sure you get with the sound engineer at the venue before you arrive to explain what’s going on and how everything works on their end. Leave out anything “special” on your end because things can get confusing fast. 2. I generally have three sets of XLR snakes. One is 3ft to patch between my S8’s and S32 on the rack itself, one is a 50ft XLR to take back to the FOH snake and the third is a 50ft stage snake to run to the FOH snake. Both snakes are labelled by instrument not numbers or names of band members and they are standard through my split. This makes things very easy for the sound engineer. I hand them XLR inputs with Kick, Sn, Bass, GTR1, GTR2, etc. labelled and a second snake with outputs with the same label names; they simply match things up with their setup. Note: Make sure to test the entire loop frequently. 3. All splitters only have one active channel for 48V phantom (to prevent mics from being overloaded). All other channels on a splitter (2 way or 3 way) are isolated transformer. This means they do not allow phantom power through so if there is a condenser being used or a special DI that needs phantom that will need to be sent from the IEM mixer not FOH. 4. If you use multiple wireless IEM’s you can network them to save time. I network my Sennheiser’s on the same network as my X32 with a $30 net gear switch I mounted in the rack. I use the Wireless Systems Manager from Sennheiser to pull in all 6 of my wireless transmitters, sweep available channels once, sync it into the WSM and auto assign open channels to all 6 wireless units simultaneously. Note: You cannot do this if you mix and match frequency bands so buy all your units on the same band. 5. Ambient or Crowd mics! The number one pushback I have gotten from band members not wanting to run IEM’s is feeling closed off from the rest of the band and the audience. I have some cheapo AKG P220’s that work great at the front of the stage pointing out at the crowd. I do not split these to FOH, they go straight into the mixer for IEM’s only. Turn them up a bit to open your ear mix up to the room sound.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Beautifully done. Thanks for this valuable input!

[@lnxguit]

Absolutely excellent and thorough overview. Thank you!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@ultraye]

This video is best explanation I've ever heard. Helpful, and informative! Thank you good sir!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thankyou!

[@leopastias7653]

HI Damien. Thanks for this very informative video.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@rajnaidu5521]

Great bro. Always had issues with stage monitors management. Bcoz ,the musicians usually want more feeds of their instrument/ the mix. Tq so much.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words, and I’m glad you found it useful 👍

[@iamtobler]

Best and most complete explanation I've seen! Thank you so much!

[@Damo_Drummer]

You’re welcome!

[@mitchellturnbull3988]

THIS is the IEM video I’ve been searching for. Thank you so damned much.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome, Mitchell!

[@alaminmolla265]

Thank you very much, boss, I did not know these things before, after seeing them from you, I learned everything very easily

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome!

[@Stibsyt]

Excellently done, a model of clarity and concise information. I've been playing in bands pro and semi since the 70s and have tinnitus as a result and my oldest mate from those days - a drummer - now has hearing loss in one ear too. So I do wonder how things would have been! My other job since the 80s has been in broadcast TV and something we always had fitted - certainly in the BBC - were inline Canford 90dB limiters on all cans. And with digital pops they are worth their weight in gold, trust me. I'm curious as to how that serious problem is addressed in the IEM environment. I guess a simple solution would be to insert one in the signal path of the IEM lead itself. But a brilliant video and thank you so much for producing it.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks, Stephen! To answer your question, most decent IEM units include a built-in limiter to stop your head exploding should there be any unexpected pops and feedback. As you point out it is very, VERY important that this sort of protection is in place - for your gear and of course for your own health.

[@Stibsyt]

@@Damo_DrummerCheers for that Damien, it's a subject that's been interesting me for ages and your set up - you pays yer money - is very flexible, elegant and must make for a far more musical environment in many ways once people have adjusted. I saw The Stranglers recently and they had no backline at all, floor monitors for the two front guys maybe as backup but nothing else visible even in the wings. Very clean stage!

[@Damo_Drummer]

@@Stibsyt ... And we could always use a little more room on stage!

[@tuesday2680]

Awesome vid mate - a lot of work went into this one and a heap of great tips!

[@Damo_Drummer]

I appreciate the kind words - Thanks!

[@davehill5539]

Wow - what a great explanation- thanks. The mystery has been uncloaked.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome. Thanks!

[@Kiah76]

Great video mate. I'm currently running a semi open system but love the idea of a closed system.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words! Yeah the closed systems are great. Definitely overkill for the weekend warrior musician, but the level of control you get with a closed system really can add benefit if you see yourself using it.

[@robbieq2000]

Looking to get into IEMs - best video ive seen by far. Thanks

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for watching!

[@dadyjoe9721]

Iam subscribe this chanel because this man is so good at what he saying,professionals and helps me to understand more about iem for drum

[@Damo_Drummer]

Much appreciated!

[@ChrisCollinsGuitar]

Perfectly explained. Many have tried.. you have succeeded! Thanks for a great video

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks, Chris!

[@beatsbyzii3763]

Who is here in 2023💕💕💕💕✌️✌️✌️ ur really great

[@Damo_Drummer]

Still here!

[@ConstantineO]

Nice work Damo, so detailed - a lot of work into this too, very informative! 👏🏼

[@Damo_Drummer]

Cheers, Con!

[@MrTwister3356]

I've tried IEM's however could not find any that fit properly so I use Sony MDR-7506 headphones with a Rolls PM55-P monitor amplifier. All I need is to plug in the same line that would normally go to the monitor wedge and I have control over the input volume and headphone volume. The engineer simply adjusts instrument levels same as he normally would. Minimal gear and works a treat. Plenty of pro drummers use cans on stage and I don't find they look silly at all plus they are quick to put on and remove. Works for me.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the feedback! Thats a key point... its about finding that balance between whats necessary and whats overkill.

[@DolkkarToyznstuff]

This was informative and explained very well. Thanks for taking the time.

[@plsmodium]

Brilliant, this ties everything together. Thanks, very helpful!

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome!

[@kits1000]

Excellent tutorial vid with fabulous, easy to understand explanations of all of the possibilities for iem's. Cracking video.....

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thankyou, kits1000!

[@sarhtaq]

A third option with the wireless is to use the "focus" mode on the receiver. kinda dual mono, where the artist can have 2 different signals, say the main monitor mix and on the second their own mic/instrument. Then on the receiver they are able to get "more me" without having to get to the phone/tablet and change the mix.

[@gaminos]

I started to get interested in the subject recently and this video is amazing ! Thank you so much !

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@inglaterracaipira4357]

Very good video, Damien. I was wondering about going in-ear with my band and this video made it very clear what choices could we have!! Thanks :)

[@Damo_Drummer]

You’re welcome, and glad you found it useful!

[@jundrix3675]

Informative, well-made, pleasant. Absolutely perfect video on this topic.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thank you!

[@basscliff55]

Thank you Damien for a most complete explanation of IEM Systems. The best yet. I'm 67 , I play Bass and plan to get into this, I like the idea of having vocal and bass sound direct to my ears. Love the Amp sound but I can't do that heavy lifting any more. Can you post some ideas or advice for old forts just like myself in your next show? Just simple enough to hear my bass / my vocals. Thanks

[@Damo_Drummer]

Hi Cliff! Theres a few options here, but if it were me, and I wasnt looking to spend too much, I'd be looking into the Behringer P1 (the same model I show in the video) Its a stereo belt pack, but the channels can actually be set up as two separate mono inputs. You could have an overall band mix sent to one channel, and your bass/vox sent to the other channel. You would then use the 'balance' fader to set the level of one channel vs the other. With this setup of course, you wont be able to adjust bass and vocal levels individually, but you will be able to adjust the two relative to a main mix. If you preferred to go a wireless solution, an affordable choice is the Xvive U4 - xvive.com/audio/product/u4-in-ear-monitor-wireless-system/ - But youd lose the ability to adjust yourself, so you'd need to get your mix set right before you begin. Hope this helps!

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I would recommend trying it, absolutely. You will not regret it. What type of band? Do you play with anyone else who already uses in-ears? Or will you be the pioneer of the group? If you know someone else in your life who uses it, ask them to help you.

[@vangelis.gavalakis]

This is the best video I have seen on the subject, thorough and clear. Thank you!

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're welcome, @vangelis.gavalakis! Glad you found it useful.

[@A_T_O_M_I_C_Rooster]

Super interesting, thanks for the info. I was wondering why a lot of performers are using IEM's.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks Patrick. Now that these setups are becoming more affordable, musicians are choosing to save their ears, clear speakers from the stage, and potentially having a much better overall venue sound by switching to IEMs. Theres a learning curve, for sure - But hopefully this video and others like it can help players to get the basics down. Once you're up and running, very few people revert back!

[@MrConjuror]

Fantastic content Damien, you put a heck of a lot of effort into that video. A great watch 👏🏼🤙🏼

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks, Steve!

[@willydeangelis699]

Best video I've seen on the subject!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks Willy! ❤️

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

Hey mate! You missed one thing that might be helpful. For guys who want to try out in-ear systems without buying loads of gear right out the gate, the App can be paired to the FOH console, effectively creating a "User-controlled Open IEM System." This all hinges on the Sound Engineer using a digital console though, but pretty much everyone does now. But, then you don't need the splitters, small auxiliary mixer, any of that, and you can still have control over your own mix. I cannot recommend this highly enough for people wanting to give in-ears a try, because all you need is some SE215s, a headphone amp, and a smartphone (which everyone already has). Also, I'm sure you're aware, but you can use AES50 to split the signals between an X32R and the FOH console assuming they're both in the X/M32 ecosystem. You just run your XLRs into the back of the X32R and then out the AES50A port via Cat5, and to the FOH desk. This eliminates the need for splitters altogether and eliminates the need for the massive swage of analog stage snakes. Still might be wise to have the splitters incase the FOH guy is using Presonus or SSL or any other system, but in many scenarios it's a much more elegant solution. Also, I've found that if you want to make the full plunge, getting your own microphones, mic cords, taking care of literally everything except the actual FOH mixing and PA system, you can have literally the same in-ear mix in every venue from a coffee shop to Madison Square Garden, and have it be the same every time.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks dj! Yes, youve provided some fantastic supplementary information, and all is 100% valid. I was indeed aware of these options, but chose not to include them because of the reliance it places on FoH engineers and their equipment. Digital desks are becoming far more popular, and will continue to do so, but in the circles that I (and I presume many others) travel, we just cant know what is going to be available to play through each night. Having our own rig - while perhaps a little more bulky - Makes us not have to rely on any external factors.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

@@Damo_Drummer Thanks for responding! I subsequently checked your channel hoping to find other live sound info videos but I was sad to not find any. You are REALLY good at this type of thing mate. I encourage you make other videos, I subscribed just incase you do one day! 😎

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

Drummers out there watching, build your in-ear mixes starting with the overheads, and then blend in the close-mics to supplement, then click tracks and other instruments in order of importance. If you do it the other way around, starting with the close mics, you can wind up with a mess. Also that will massively cut down on that disconnected isolation feeling IEMs can sometimes give you.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Absolutely this!

[@jnorriect]

Great advice! Our regular sound guy didn't understand this when I first started working with him, as he was just getting into live sound engineering. When I explained it, he actually started applying it to his sound check/foh mix process and his skills improved massively.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

@@jnorriect Good on him for listening to you and actually considering it. I do sound as a side-gig. I am a performer musician first but we do our own sound and deploy our own PA at every gig. I do all the soundchecks and get gains EQ and compressor settings and all the "pre-work" (as we call it) done, and then my mom actually mixes the show. But when I do sound on the side with other bands, all the musicians tell me I am the best sound guy ever especially with monitors. And I attribute that to being a performer first, soundguy second. I know what they want and need to feel comfortable and when they're comfortable it's so much easier to sing well especially, but play well too. It seems like at the sort of production level for 50-500+ people the soundguys around here are all sound men first and at most hobbyist guitar players or something but they're mostly interested in the gear, not the playing. But I'm rambling now lol.

[@jnorriect]

@@djjazzyjeff1232 yeah, he's a humble dude and I've been doing sound work for 25 years (here and there, only as a hobby mostly but over the past 10 I've been Tech Director for a local Theater Company so that's more pro-level stuff a couple weeks a year). Now, he's one of the best sound engineers in the area and is constantly booked with great bands. Really made a name for himself.

[@localppcartist]

ELOQENTLY PUT!! I have been trying to get our ensemble in on this...i get nothing but push back from them. I have been researching and investigating the most CHEAPEST way to self monitoring. And this is a very well spoken video. I have pitched to them the very same points as you, but not nearly as eloquently as you. I see the value of this and the growth that can come from this. But where we 5, are at....are not on the same page. It's an investment...and a worthy one in my opinion.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words! It can certainly be tough convincing people to come on board with it, especially since it’s such a massive change to how the musician experiences the gig. For my band, the selling point was obvious once we realised we could all have our own mixes and take them with us night after night. Also, having a ‘room’ mic to capture ambience is IMO vital in reconnecting the musician to the gig when you move to in ears. Without it, the sound can feel stale and detached… it misses that live feel. I will usually begin my in ear mix by bringing up the level of the room mic till it feels about right, then I’ll mix in the other instruments as needed. Hope this helps!