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What’s next: In-ear monitoring system

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As we know it

An in-ear monitoring system is a device that allows sound engineers and musicians to listen to a piece of music, vocals and instrumentation during live performances or studio recording. You may have seen video clips of singers recording a track in a studio wearing special headphones. These devices are part of the monitoring system and block out a big percentage of outside noise that may interfere with their performance. The monitoring system sends a mix of the music or vocals to the earpiece using a monitoring system. The system consists of a receiver and a transmitter which is responsible for sending the required musical composition to the earpiece.

Need for change

While in-ear monitoring systems greatly help audio engineers and musicians with their work, there is always room for improvement. The bulky nature of monitoring systems as well as not being able to control sound quality properly mean that there is a need for a more highly tuned system. Floor wedge systems are big and take up a lot of space. Some also don’t give performers much leeway in movement and tend to capture other ambient sounds on stage. To address this problem, researchers and engineers have come up with systems that are smaller, produce better quality sound and give the user more control.

What’s Next?

Most earpieces now are custom-made to allow for greater comfort and better listening. If designed properly, they can reduce ambient noise by up to 25 and 34 decibels. As for aesthetics, makers of in-ear monitors can choose to place any design they wish to. However, most devices are transparent in color to match the user’s skin tone.

These new systems filter out more ambient noise including that on stage. This means that the music mix is sent more clearly to the earpiece of the user, allowing him to concentrate better in delivering a flawless performance. As for movement, performers are no longer restricted. No matter their position on stage, they will still be able to listen to a clear monitor mix. What is even better is that users can control their mix of music.

a. Altec Lansing ACS Custom Series in-ear monitors

Altec Lansing and ACS Custom have teamed up to produce a top-of-the-line series of in-ear monitors. Customers can choose from three models – single driver A1, dual driver A2 and triple driver A3. Users will need to go for a custom fit before getting their hands on these pieces.

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What’s new?

The in-ear monitors are made out of medical-grade silicone that give wearers a 27 decibel noise reduction. Hygiene has also been taken into account as the earpieces have been treated with SteriTouch antimicrobial agents. The frequency range is between 16Hz~20KHz while the monitors themselves have Kevlar-reinforced cables, a special sheath and gold plated 3.5mm plugs to offset noise transference.

What difference will it make?

This new line of wireless in-ear monitors guarantees a high level of clarity. Users can hear themselves clearly on stage which is vital if they’re looking to give a quality performance. The high frequency response range means that wearers are ensured of hi-fi sound whether it be for gaming, music or movies. Price for models are $500 for single driver A1, $750 for dual driver A2 and $1,000 for triple driver A3.

b. Custom-built in-ear devices

The next on the list of in-ear monitors are custom-made devices designed by rock band Van Halen’s sound engineer, Jerry Harvey. Following complaints by the band’s vocalist that he had difficulty hearing his band members on stage, Harvey decided to come up with an idea that would seek to solve this problem. He established an audio company called Ultimate Ears that began providing customers with custom-built in-ear monitors for a wide client base ranging from audiophiles and sound engineers to musicians.

What’s new?

Recently acquired by Logitech, the subsidiary company of Ultimate Ears continues to produce world-class monitors that are used by top artists and performers.

What difference will it make?

A six-speaker sound and a cable created for durability and reduced sound interference enable users to experience the best in sound quality. Using passive crossover technology, the earpieces separate frequencies so that vocals and instrumentation can be heard in the mid range. The technology also ensures that distortion is absent.

The devices are compatible with portable media devices and wireless transmission systems and provide a 26 decibel noise reduction and passive noise cancellation. The latest in Ultimate Ears’ line-up is the 18 Pro Custom device that comes with a cleaning tool and an engraved metallic case to put in the earpieces.

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