In Ear Monitors for an L1 User: Difference between revisions

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~~{{Editorial ST~~

~~|Author = [[User:ST|ST]]~~

|discussion page = to [https://twitter.com/ST_Muso/status/1400664447228784642 Twitter @ST_Muso] or [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stpro_in-ear-monitors-for-an-l1-user-bose-portable-activity-6806430137706524672-LvW- LinkedIn @STPro]

}}

{{DivToc

|RightHead = In-Ear Monitors for an L1 User?

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===So why get In-Ear Monitors?===

;The L1 Pro16 (118 dB SPL) and the L1 Pro32 (122 dB SPL) are both louder than the {{Model II}} (115 dB SPL).

;The L1 Pro16 (118 dB SPL) and the L1 Pro32 (122 dB SPL) are both louder than the {{Model II}} (115 dB SPL).<br>Even the L1 Pro8 (112 dB SPL) can be loud at close range

:I rarely played the {{Model II}} at the maximum volume, but when I did, I wore ear protection. On those occasions, I thought about in-ear monitors. It's going to be tempting to go all out with the L1 Pro systems from time to time and I don't want to be standing in front of them when I do. I'll set them up at the front of the stage and use the in-ear monitors to hear myself. I'll be able to do this at a lower volume and avoid damaging my hearing.

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* L1 Compact (1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve)

* ToneMatch mixers (all have analog Main or Master Outputs in addition to the ToneMatch Port)

* The T4S/T8S have headphone jacks ~~the~~ can ~~be used~~ for IEMs

* The T4S/T8S have headphone jacks you can use for IEMs

The L1 Classic, L1 Model 1, L1 Model II, and L1 Model 1S do not have Line Out connections

You may need some adapters depending on the input connection(s) to your IEM system.

;The L1 Classic, L1 Model 1, L1 Model II, and L1 Model 1S do not have Line Out connections

~~You may need some adapters depending on the input connection(s) to your IEM system.~~

===Disadvantages of the Main Mix for IEMs===

* This is not as flexible or adaptable as using a separate monitor mix. If you adjust the sound for the room, the sound in the IEMs changes too.

* This is not as flexible or adaptable as using a separate monitor mix. If you adjust the sound for the room, the sound in the IEMs changes, too.

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* Setting up a monitor mix is more complex and may require some additional cables and adapters

==Specific Example ==

;The rest of the article will deal with specific equipment listed at the top of the page

=== First Time Setup ===

== First Time Setup ==

The Sennheiser system worked out of the box. I connected the headphone output of my [[T4S/T8S_ToneMatch®_Mixer|T8S ToneMatch Mixer]] to the inputs of the transmitter to try things out quickly. I took time to get to learn the details after several hours of spontaneous fun.

== First Impressions ==

=== First Impressions ===

;The Gear

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I'll need to rehearse with the in-ear-monitors to get used to hearing myself that way. Don't get in-ear monitors and experience them for the first time at a gig. Get to know them first.

== Later Impressions ==

=== Later Impressions ===

Several hours later.

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I have lots of wireless gear but this stands out from the rest. The belt-pack receiver has a clear, easy-to-read display. The construction feels solid (all metal) compared to all my other plastic belt packs.

== Why UHF instead of 2.4 ~~Mhz~~ Digital? ==

=== Why UHF instead of 2.4 GHz Digital? ===

If you're wondering why I went with a UHF system instead of one of the less expensive 2.4 ~~MHz~~ systems - it's because the 2.4 ~~MHz~~ range is crowded. I don't want to get to a gig and find that ~~all the available channels are occupied by~~ the ubiquitous wireless guitar and microphone systems. I may be wrong, but I predict there will problems when all those players who got 2.4 ~~Mhz~~ wireless systems while we were locked down, show up on stage together for the first time.

If you're wondering why I went with a UHF system instead of one of the less expensive 2.4 GHz systems, it's because the 2.4 GHz range is crowded. I don't want to get to a gig and find that the ubiquitous wireless guitar and microphone systems occupy all the available channels. I may be wrong, but I predict there will be problems when all those players who got 2.4 GHz wireless systems while we were locked down show up on stage together for the first time.

== Why the Twin System ==

=== Why the Twin System ===

I got the package deal with two receivers for two reasons.

* The system is stereo, but you can split the signals and have two monitor mixes - one for each receiver. If necessary, I can use the system for two people.

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[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLTuue44xhM Mixing Live Sound - IEMS & Monitors]

== The In-Ear Monitors ==

=== The In-Ear Monitors ===

The [https://sennheiser.com/earphones-headphone-stereo-passive-noise-reduction-ie-4 IE 4 Earphones] that came with the [https://en-us.sennheiser.com/double-wireless-in-ear-monitor-system-live-sound-ew-iem-g4-twin Sennheiser IEM G4 Twin transmitter/receiver] are perfectly functional, but I was curious about higher-end products to put in my ears.

I got three:

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All three models in the Pro series share the same shape, fit, silicon and foam earpieces, and connectors to cables and the Bluetooth accessory. I found I could get a good seal for passive isolation, and they were comfortable for hours.

=== Differences ===

==== Differences ====

Initially, I got the IE 400 Pro and IE 500 Pro, intending to keep just one. It turns out, I liked them both immensely for different reasons. I'm more inclined to use the IE 500 Pro on stage and the IE 400 Pro when I'm working on my tone or mixing. Mixing with in-ears? That's the subject of another article about [https://www.dear-reality.com/products/dearvr-mix dearVR Mix].

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[https://www.soundguys.com/sennheiser-ie-100-pro-wireless-review-58526/ IE 100 Pro Bluetooth soundguys.com]

== More Information About IEMs==

=== Never Wear Just One IEM ===

:Whether on stage or listening to your music or films, you should never wear only one in-ear monitor. Also called earphones, in-ear monitors sit within the ear canal and provide the highest caliber isolation of personal audio equipment. Wearing a single earphone increases the risk of ear fatigue and potentially poses a risk to your hearing. This is largely due to a phenomenon called Binaural Loudness Summation, which is a result of how your brain processes sound. When wearing a single in-ear monitor, you’re going to have to turn up your volume to account for the loss of apparent volume and the increase in sound pressure levels can result in unhealthy exposure.

====Binaural Loudness Summation====

:Binaural Loudness Summation (BLS) is a psycho-physical effect where your brain perceives sounds heard by both ears to be louder. This effect is greater with louder sounds, resulting in up to 9dB of apparent loudness at around 90dB of source volume. Anything over 85dB carries the risk of hearing loss if sustained for long enough, so the difference in apparent volume can take you from a safe listening environment to a dangerous one -- especially if you use your in-ear monitors for multiple hours a day. Musicians on stage, engineers and audiophiles alike need to be aware of the potential dangers of taking out an earphone.

:Musicians are probably at the greatest risk from wearing a single in-ear monitor. In-ear monitors were designed to prevent hearing loss and give performers a higher quality reference while on stage. Used correctly, our monitors excel at this, but used incorrectly, the benefits can all but disappear. However, with all the isolation that in-ear monitors deliver many musicians feel the urge to remove one of their in-ear monitors because they feel disconnected from the audience. This is understandable; performing music is an emotionally driven experience and without the connection to the audience you can find yourself missing half of the feedback necessary to achieve a truly great performance. However, this sensation of being disconnected can be easily circumvented. Place a mic on the audience and add the feed to your mix; not only do you now have control over the volume of the audience, but you’re not going to be disconnected from them. To avoid feeling isolated from your fellow bandmates, your mix is stereo and that you’re panning your bandmates to their relative positions on stage. This will deliver the spacial awareness necessary for the sense of realism, making the band members feel like they’re performing on an amplified stage instead of a silent one. Using these tricks, you can deliver all the information needed for a band to excel while also providing unrivaled control and sound quality.

:For audiophiles and music enthusiasts the solution to this problem is to simply be aware that, if wearing a single in-ear monitor, you mustn’t adjust your volume to dangerous levels. If you want the perceived boost from BLS, wear both of your earphones, but otherwise you need to exercise awareness that with a single in-ear monitor in you will not be getting those bonus dBs. The extra loudness from BLS exists only in the mind, but to compensate for not experiencing it, you would need to run your source material louder which can pose a risk to your hearing health.

[https://empireears.com/blogs/news/why-you-should-never-wear-only-one-in-ear-monitor Source: Why You Should Never Wear Only One In Ear Monitor]

=== EQ Settings for IEMs ===

Thinking about mixing for In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)? I found this video interesting.

Pondering how to create a separate EQ for an IEM mix with the T8S, I'm thinking of creating the vocal mix in Aux1 and sending Aux1 to a separate channel (e.g., channel 8) to use ParaEQ to apply the curve shown in the video below. Then, sending channel 8 to Aux2 to the IEMs (one channel), and a full band mix without the EQ curve to the IEMs (second channel) with Aux3.

<HTML>

<br>

</html>

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== Articles and Discussions ==

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{{Editorial ST

|Author = [[User:ST|ST]]

|discussion page = to [https://twitter.com/ST_Muso/status/1400664447228784642 Twitter @ST_Muso] or [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stpro_in-ear-monitors-for-an-l1-user-bose-portable-activity-6806430137706524672-LvW- LinkedIn @STPro]

}}

----

[[Category:IEM]]

[[Category:Sennheiser]]

[[Category:ST]]

[[Category:Editorial ST]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Editorial ST
-|Author = [[User:ST|ST]]
-|discussion page = to [https://twitter.com/ST_Muso/status/1400664447228784642 Twitter @ST_Muso] or [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stpro_in-ear-monitors-for-an-l1-user-bose-portable-activity-6806430137706524672-LvW- LinkedIn @STPro]
-}}
 {{DivToc
 |RightHead = In-Ear Monitors for an L1 User?
@@ Line 36: / Line 33: @@
 ===So why get In-Ear Monitors?===
-;The L1 Pro16 (118 dB SPL) and the L1 Pro32 (122 dB SPL) are both louder than the {{Model II}} (115 dB SPL).
+;The L1 Pro16 (118 dB SPL) and the L1 Pro32 (122 dB SPL) are both louder than the {{Model II}} (115 dB SPL).<br>Even the L1 Pro8 (112 dB SPL) can be loud at close range
 :I rarely played the {{Model II}} at the maximum volume, but when I did, I wore ear protection. On those occasions, I thought about in-ear monitors. It's going to be tempting to go all out with the L1 Pro systems from time to time and I don't want to be standing in front of them when I do. I'll set them up at the front of the stage and use the in-ear monitors to hear myself. I'll be able to do this at a lower volume and avoid damaging my hearing.
@@ Line 62: / Line 59: @@
 * L1 Compact (1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve)
 * ToneMatch mixers (all have analog Main or Master Outputs in addition to the ToneMatch Port)
-* The T4S/T8S have headphone jacks the can be used for IEMs
+* The T4S/T8S have headphone jacks you can use for IEMs
-The L1 Classic, L1 Model 1, L1 Model II, and L1 Model 1S do not have Line Out connections
+You may need some adapters depending on the input connection(s) to your IEM system.
+;The L1 Classic, L1 Model 1, L1 Model II, and L1 Model 1S do not have Line Out connections
-You may need some adapters depending on the input connection(s) to your IEM system.
 ===Disadvantages of the Main Mix for IEMs===
-* This is not as flexible or adaptable as using a separate monitor mix. If you adjust the sound for the room, the sound in the IEMs changes too.
+* This is not as flexible or adaptable as using a separate monitor mix. If you adjust the sound for the room, the sound in the IEMs changes, too.
@@ Line 90: / Line 88: @@
 * Setting up a monitor mix is more complex and may require some additional cables and adapters
+==Specific Example ==
 ;The rest of the article will deal with specific equipment listed at the top of the page
+=== First Time Setup ===
-== First Time Setup ==
 The Sennheiser system worked out of the box. I connected the headphone output of my [[T4S/T8S_ToneMatch®_Mixer|T8S ToneMatch Mixer]] to the inputs of the transmitter to try things out quickly. I took time to get to learn the details after several hours of spontaneous fun.
-== First Impressions ==
+=== First Impressions ===
 ;The Gear
@@ Line 110: / Line 109: @@
 I'll need to rehearse with the in-ear-monitors to get used to hearing myself that way. Don't get in-ear monitors and experience them for the first time at a gig. Get to know them first.
-== Later Impressions ==
+=== Later Impressions ===
 Several hours later.
@@ Line 125: / Line 124: @@
 I have lots of wireless gear but this stands out from the rest. The belt-pack receiver has a clear, easy-to-read display. The construction feels solid (all metal) compared to all my other plastic belt packs.
-== Why UHF instead of 2.4 Mhz Digital? ==
+=== Why UHF instead of 2.4 GHz Digital? ===
-If you're wondering why I went with a UHF system instead of one of the less expensive 2.4 MHz systems - it's because the 2.4 MHz range is crowded. I don't want to get to a gig and find that all the available channels are occupied by the ubiquitous wireless guitar and microphone systems. I may be wrong, but I predict there will problems when all those players who got 2.4 Mhz wireless systems while we were locked down, show up on stage together for the first time.
+If you're wondering why I went with a UHF system instead of one of the less expensive 2.4 GHz systems, it's because the 2.4 GHz range is crowded. I don't want to get to a gig and find that the ubiquitous wireless guitar and microphone systems occupy all the available channels. I may be wrong, but I predict there will be problems when all those players who got 2.4 GHz wireless systems while we were locked down show up on stage together for the first time.
-== Why the Twin System ==
+=== Why the Twin System ===
 I got the package deal with two receivers for two reasons.
 * The system is stereo, but you can split the signals and have two monitor mixes - one for each receiver. If necessary, I can use the system for two people.
@@ Line 136: / Line 135: @@
 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLTuue44xhM Mixing Live Sound - IEMS & Monitors]
-== The In-Ear Monitors ==
+=== The In-Ear Monitors ===
 The [https://sennheiser.com/earphones-headphone-stereo-passive-noise-reduction-ie-4 IE 4 Earphones] that came with the [https://en-us.sennheiser.com/double-wireless-in-ear-monitor-system-live-sound-ew-iem-g4-twin Sennheiser IEM G4 Twin transmitter/receiver] are perfectly functional, but I was curious about higher-end products to put in my ears.
 I got three:
@@ Line 146: / Line 145: @@
 All three models in the Pro series share the same shape, fit, silicon and foam earpieces, and connectors to cables and the Bluetooth accessory. I found I could get a good seal for passive isolation, and they were comfortable for hours.
-=== Differences ===
+==== Differences ====
 Initially, I got the IE 400 Pro and IE 500 Pro, intending to keep just one. It turns out, I liked them both immensely for different reasons. I'm more inclined to use the IE 500 Pro on stage and the IE 400 Pro when I'm working on my tone or mixing. Mixing with in-ears? That's the subject of another article about [https://www.dear-reality.com/products/dearvr-mix dearVR Mix].
@@ Line 165: / Line 164: @@
 [https://www.soundguys.com/sennheiser-ie-100-pro-wireless-review-58526/ IE 100 Pro Bluetooth soundguys.com]
+== More Information About IEMs==
+=== Never Wear Just One IEM ===
+:Whether on stage or listening to your music or films, you should never wear only one in-ear monitor. Also called earphones, in-ear monitors sit within the ear canal and provide the highest caliber isolation of personal audio equipment. Wearing a single earphone increases the risk of ear fatigue and potentially poses a risk to your hearing. This is largely due to a phenomenon called Binaural Loudness Summation, which is a result of how your brain processes sound. When wearing a single in-ear monitor, you’re going to have to turn up your volume to account for the loss of apparent volume and the increase in sound pressure levels can result in unhealthy exposure.
+====Binaural Loudness Summation====
+:Binaural Loudness Summation (BLS) is a psycho-physical effect where your brain perceives sounds heard by both ears to be louder. This effect is greater with louder sounds, resulting in up to 9dB of apparent loudness at around 90dB of source volume. Anything over 85dB carries the risk of hearing loss if sustained for long enough, so the difference in apparent volume can take you from a safe listening environment to a dangerous one -- especially if you use your in-ear monitors for multiple hours a day. Musicians on stage, engineers and audiophiles alike need to be aware of the potential dangers of taking out an earphone.
+:Musicians are probably at the greatest risk from wearing a single in-ear monitor. In-ear monitors were designed to prevent hearing loss and give performers a higher quality reference while on stage. Used correctly, our monitors excel at this, but used incorrectly, the benefits can all but disappear. However, with all the isolation that in-ear monitors deliver many musicians feel the urge to remove one of their in-ear monitors because they feel disconnected from the audience. This is understandable; performing music is an emotionally driven experience and without the connection to the audience you can find yourself missing half of the feedback necessary to achieve a truly great performance. However, this sensation of being disconnected can be easily circumvented. Place a mic on the audience and add the feed to your mix; not only do you now have control over the volume of the audience, but you’re not going to be disconnected from them. To avoid feeling isolated from your fellow bandmates, your mix is stereo and that you’re panning your bandmates to their relative positions on stage. This will deliver the spacial awareness necessary for the sense of realism, making the band members feel like they’re performing on an amplified stage instead of a silent one. Using these tricks, you can deliver all the information needed for a band to excel while also providing unrivaled control and sound quality.
+:For audiophiles and music enthusiasts the solution to this problem is to simply be aware that, if wearing a single in-ear monitor, you mustn’t adjust your volume to dangerous levels. If you want the perceived boost from BLS, wear both of your earphones, but otherwise you need to exercise awareness that with a single in-ear monitor in you will not be getting those bonus dBs. The extra loudness from BLS exists only in the mind, but to compensate for not experiencing it, you would need to run your source material louder which can pose a risk to your hearing health.
+[https://empireears.com/blogs/news/why-you-should-never-wear-only-one-in-ear-monitor Source: Why You Should Never Wear Only One In Ear Monitor]
+=== EQ Settings for IEMs ===
+Thinking about mixing for In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)? I found this video interesting.
+Pondering how to create a separate EQ for an IEM mix with the T8S, I'm thinking of creating the vocal mix in Aux1 and sending Aux1 to a separate channel (e.g., channel 8) to use ParaEQ to apply the curve shown in the video below. Then, sending channel 8 to Aux2 to the IEMs (one channel), and a full band mix without the EQ curve to the IEMs (second channel) with Aux3.
+<HTML>
+<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HxKp5Jn-EaA?si=kzW-ezG5RCvvS6Cr" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
+<br>
+<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qlLw5Hf2Vlg?si=D7EaIFglCqUDZaQC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
+</html>
 <!--
 == Articles and Discussions ==
@@ Line 170: / Line 207: @@
 -->
+{{Editorial ST
+|Author = [[User:ST|ST]]
+|discussion page = to [https://twitter.com/ST_Muso/status/1400664447228784642 Twitter @ST_Muso] or [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stpro_in-ear-monitors-for-an-l1-user-bose-portable-activity-6806430137706524672-LvW- LinkedIn @STPro]
+}}
+----
+[[Category:IEM]]
+[[Category:Sennheiser]]
+[[Category:ST]]
+[[Category:Editorial ST]]