From bgvocals@yahoo.com Tue Jun 12 13:58:38 2012
Subject:Re: IEMs

Gary,

As far as "the show [being] lost to the musician" and "the interaction between other band members and the audience [being] lost", that can be corrected with a good stereo mix of all instruments PLUS a house mic.  What a difference that made with our setup!  It was pretty good just hearing the other instruments in a proper mix, but when the house was added in, it really gave the feeling we weren't wearing any IEMs at all.  It adds some room acoustics (which actually could be a bad thing in some venues) giving the feeling that you have open ears.

A good mix and proper fit is critical for IEMs to work properly.  When you have that, everything can be heard at the level it should be.  Contrast that with having your right ear just inches away from the crash cymbal, your left ear a few feet from a guitar amp, and trying to listen to a floor monitor that has your electronic keys, vocals (your and others), and a flute and acoustic guitar across the stage - no fun.  IEMs are one of the few things you absolutely MUST try before you buy, and one of the few things where that usually cannot happen.

Lou

>________________________________
> From: Gary Brumm
>To: "CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com"
>Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 4:25 PM
>Subject: RE: [CWSG] Re: IEMs
>
>One thing to consider is that IEMs have their pros and cons.  Not everyone is comfortable wearing them and a lot
>of the feel of the show is lost to the musician.  I personally don't like them as the interaction between other band members
>and the audience is lost to some degree.  As a FOH engineer I love them for obvious reasons and vocalists seem to hold their tune
>better with IEMs.  In a concert situation I would not use them (personally) however in a casino or small cabaret gig I would probably
>put up with them as a musician.  It's a personal preference and if you can get used to them they do have many benefits.
>
>Gary
>

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