In Ear Monitors
In ear monitoring or IEM is the best method to hear what you are doing as a musician in a live circumstance (performance, rehearsal or recordings) and protect the ears at the same time.
An IEM is utilised as part of a system typically used with a wireless battery pack receiver that plugs into a transmitter at the front of house PA. In order for it to work it needs to be able to plug into the mix.
IEM’s often remove the need for foldback wedges as the sound is directed into the individual’s ears without distortion, and at soft levels. As a result IEM’s provide the same audio clarity as when in a recording studio without the excessive damage. It provides a consistency to the mix and high levels of protection. It is for these reasons that most major artists use them in their live performances.
The benefit extends beyond the live performance realm. For practice one can use in ear monitors with mp3 players and plug straight in, thus enabling one to play along with one’s favourite songs at a less harmful level and improved clarity whilst attenuating the extraneous noise.