Are you debating whether or not to buy a set of in-ear monitors? There are several reasons why these devices have been highly requested lately. Let’s list some of their primary features to compare them properly with regular earbuds.
What Is An Ear Monitor?
With the rise of technology, having a good sound system has become very important. Today there are all kinds of options to enjoy the personalized sound, from walkmans to noise-canceling headphones to in-ear monitors, and each option outperforms the last. They are all different, and their prices vary widely, making it difficult to choose.
Lately, the most prominent option in any field is IEMs (in-ear monitors). In-ear systems have been used on live stages for several years, although they became popular not so long ago. They consist of a receiver to which the audio signal arrives, which can be by cable or radiofrequency waves, and one or two headphones that reproduce the mix sent to the user’s ear. A cable connects both components. They are high-tech devices made for music lovers.
But the big question is: Are in-ear monitors worthwhile for everyday use, or are they only valuable for music professionals?
What Are They Used For?
It is an excellent place to start. How are you supposed to know whether you want something or not if you don’t know what it is? Well, luckily, we have all the answers you need! An In-Ear Monitor (or IEM) is an audio listening device used chiefly by professional musicians. IEMs are similar to small earbuds, and their primary feature is they fit snugly in your ears.
The name ‘monitor’ comes from the fact that their intended purpose was to help performers’ monitor’ different audio sources coming from various places. These were essential for band members since they allowed their ears to make sense of multiple instruments playing simultaneously.
Almost all artists and music media personnel have a pair of IEMs fitted to help them make sense of the music they create. When artists record lead vocals, their IEMs are the ones that play a guiding instrumental track to help them keep track of what they’re singing.
Now, does this mean that IEM is meant only for professional purposes? Of course not! You can actually find them at any music store if you ask, and you can also buy them at a similar price that you would a pair of earbuds.
Some IEMs can cost a fortune, but luckily there are online communities dedicated to finding the best pairs at great prices, so you can look around and find the one that’s best suited for your budget!
What Makes Them So Special?
Alright, we have already covered the benefits of IEMs when used in the professional world, but what makes them so unique outside of it?
We should probably start with the most superficial aspect: the product look. IEMs look like earbuds from the future with their sleek, ear-shaped design. It makes them fit so snugly into the ear canals that users don’t even realize they are wearing them.
There’s also their remarkable ability to isolate noise. IEMs often have foam or silicone tips, allowing them to deliver high-quality sound while canceling ambient noise. This feature is elementary for professionals and benefits those who want to listen to music quietly and uninterrupted.
Another particular feature is that IEMs are highly adaptable. All its pieces (especially the wires) are compatible with other in-ear monitors, which makes them super versatile! For instance, you can change the wires you got for some roped ones, so they last long enough to be passed down to other users. If you’re a part of the music industry, you can get long ones, perfect for doing live performances.
In addition, the audio quality is incredibly customizable as well. What IEMs have that most average headphones don’t are transducers. These devices can turn electronic signals into audio waves, making the sound more profound and rich.
Modern IEMs even come with different types of transducers custom-made for different frequencies. Among other kinds, you can find special ones made for bass or others for high tones. This means that you can go in and adjust the transducers to get the most specific kind of sound out there, tailored to your needs.
Should Non-Professionals Use IEMs?
Why not? If you’re tired of the same old sound and you want to have an outstanding experience with your tunes, then an IEM is what you should choose. You don’t need to get the most expensive in the market, either. You can find IEMs for a reasonable price, which will most definitely suit your requirements and provide you with a significant amount of comfort.
If you’ve ever gone on a run and noticed your ears got all hot and sweaty, you should know there’s a reason for that. It’s because earbuds and even over-the-ear headphones prevent airflow, making your ear canal get way too hot. IEMs, on the other hand, are wonderfully light, which allows air to flow correctly and your ear canal to breathe while providing a better sound perception!
There’s also the noise cancellation feature. We’ve already talked about this excellent benefit. If you like to listen to music to relax, these devices will certainly make it possible.
A Worthy Investment
Sound quality is highly subjective, but most people agree that once you try IEM, there is no going back. The sound quality is high above any other earbud you can find on the market, and as for the price, they’re a good investment if you value the quality of your music.
So, if you’re looking for a way to treat yourself, going out and getting yourself a shiny, sleek pair of IEMs is not a bad idea at all! You will indeed get more comfort, noise cancellation, and better sound quality, all in one! In the end, what you end up going with is your choice. We hope that reading this has helped you in making an informed decision.