IEM vs Wedge Monitoring
Definition
Stage monitoring sends a mix back to the performers, either through wedges or through in-ear monitors (IEM). Wedges are loudspeakers placed on the floor and angled towards the performer. They are simple and can be shared, but they add sound on stage and increase the risk of feedback. In-ear monitors deliver a personal mix through wired or wireless earpieces. They isolate the performer from the stage sound, reduce the stage level and remove monitor feedback, at the cost of more mixes to manage and, for wireless systems, radio-frequency coordination.
In the field
Moving a loud band from wedges to in-ear monitors usually lowers the stage level, which makes the FOH mix easier to control. Wireless in-ear systems need time for frequency coordination, because a dropout in a lead performer's monitor can interrupt the show.
Sources
- In-ear monitor (Wikipedia) : mix personnel, isolation, réduction du niveau de scène · en.wikipedia.org
- Stage monitor system (Wikipedia) : wedges, risque de larsen, retours intra-auriculaires · en.wikipedia.org
- Shure, « Digital Wireless Latency Explained » : contraintes des liaisons sans fil de retour · shure.com