New ask Hacker News story: Tell HN: What Performers Hear in Their In-Ear Monitors During Concerts

Tell HN: What Performers Hear in Their In-Ear Monitors During Concerts
3 by modinfo | 3 comments on Hacker News.
Hey HN, I wanted to share something fascinating about live concerts that not everyone might know. As a radio amateur and tech enthusiast, I recently delved into the world of in-ear monitors (IEMs) used by performers on stage. Here's what I've discovered, and I thought it might interest you too. In-ear monitors are specialized earbuds that performers wear during live shows. They play a crucial role in allowing artists to monitor the sound in real-time, which is essential for a precise performance. So, what exactly do they hear in those monitors? Here are some key points: Personalized Sound Mix: Each performer gets a customized mix of audio, which can include different levels of vocals, instruments, drums, and more. This helps them hear themselves and other band members accurately. Communication with Technicians: In-ear monitors also facilitate communication with backstage sound engineers. This can include cues, changes in settings, or other important information. Hearing Protection: IEMs help protect performers' hearing by blocking out ambient noise and allowing them to control the volume, which is especially important in loud concert environments. Diversity Technology: To ensure a stable connection without dropouts, many IEM systems use diversity technology, which employs two antennas to receive the signal, minimizing the risk of signal loss. If any of you are into sound technology, wireless systems, or have experience in this field, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Do you have favorite brands or models of IEMs? Or do you have questions about the tech used on stage? Looking forward to your comments!

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