Technology has evolved rapidly in the 21st century. From CDs to floppy disks and more, we have come a long way in experiencing audio and monitoring performances. These days, IEMs and floor monitors are at the top of the trending list because both allow for maintaining pitch and cohesiveness while hearing the instruments, vocals, and bandmates during the performance. 

Plunge Audio, Canada’s reliable IEM maker, walks you through the guide below about comparing the benefits of in-ear monitors vs. floor monitors so that you can make an informed decision about choosing the right partner for your live setup. 

In-Ear Monitors vs. Floor Monitors – A Brief Overview

IEMs are small earpieces that offer a personalized audio experience. Available in universal and custom designs, they offer a snug fit that seals the ear, preventing any external noise from entering. With the snug fit IEMs offer, musicians can focus solely on their performance without being distracted by ambient noise. These come in wireless and wired transmitter options, each offering unique features to the listener. 

Overall, IEMs allow great audio controls and improved sound quality, allowing musicians to focus on their performance precisely and clearly.

On the other hand, floor monitors, also known as wedge monitors, are the speakers we often see on the stage. In performances, each performer or musician has a floor monitor that allows them to listen to themselves. These are mainly available in active and passive designs, and your choice depends on your budget, performance requirements, and other factors.

When it comes to live performances, monitors are vital components for performers to stay in sync with the mix of instruments and vocals and maintain their level of performance.

What Makes In-Ear Monitors So Popular? Unveiling the Benefits

• No volume wars:

Volume wars happen when the amplified and unamplified volume goes beyond the limits. In such instances, the performer often requests turning their volume up so they can listen to themselves. For IEMs, volume wars are not an issue because you can choose to hear what you want without competing for loudness. 

• Hearing protection:

When musicians cannot control the volume of their performance and the sound goes beyond a certain level, they often experience hearing issues like tinnitus, which occurs when the performer hears ringing sounds in their ears even after the performance has ended. Since stage performances are noisy and extremely loud for your ears, hearing protection is vital. 

You may damage your ears without ear protection, leading to permanent buzzing or ringing sounds. However, with IEMs, you can lower the volumes per your requirements. Plus, IEMs offer a snug fit, stopping you from hearing external noise.

• Portability:

The idea of carrying heavy wedges between venues often seems like a deal breaker. However, their small size makes IEMs easy to carry around without hassle. You don’t have to worry about the space, too.

• Greater sound quality:

Regarding sound quality and detailed listening experiences, IEMs stand out because their frequency can go as high as 40k Hz. Furthermore, whether it’s a slight guitar pick or a crack sound of the stick, IEMs allow you to enjoy the slight transients to the fullest.

• Mobility:

Using other monitoring solutions is always problematic because you must stand at a specific spot. If you don’t, you might hear the mix inaccurately. However, with IEMs and their user-friendly design, you can easily move around during the performance, enjoy to the fullest, and participate well since the sound will be the same no matter where you stand. 

• Avoids feedback:

Feedback occurs when audio noise gets trapped in the loop, leading to screeching sounds. With IEMs, the feedback is nearly impossible as the mix is isolated to your ears. 

Standout Features of Floor Monitors- The Pros

• Price tag:

Floor monitors can sometimes be the cost-effective option for monitoring your performance. Each performer gets their speaker and enjoys the individual mix at a lower cost. However, some variations of floor monitors come at a price tag higher than IEMs. 

• Durable:

Floor monitors are highly durable, heavy, and last a long time. They can withstand the test of time, and with the IP ratings, you can rest assured that they will survive extreme weather conditions.

• Natural Sense of Space:

Without the isolation of IEMs, you hear the room, the crowd, and the stage exactly as they are. Although you cannot get the same level of precision with exactly what you want to hear, floor monitors can quickly and easily deliver the most open and natural sense of sound. Be cautious, though, as the unencumbered room & stage volume can lead to hearing damage over time.

Don’t Settle for Less- Take Your Performances to a Whole New Level; Buy the Best IEMs at Plunge Audio

Both in-ear and floor monitors have pros, and deciding on the right one mainly depends on personal preferences. For some, floor monitors are the go-to choice because of their durability and shared monitoring experience. However, others highly prefer IEMs due to their extensive stand-out features. 

IEMs offer hearing protection with ease of mobility and portability, in addition to their high-quality sound. 

When looking for IEMs that offer the benefits above, it is essential to set your standard high and locate the IEMs that are worth your investment. At Plunge Audio, we take pride in meticulously crafting IEMs that elevate your listening and performing experiences to a new level. Although universally designed, these offer a snug fit much better than the custom ones. 

Here are a few specifications of our Unity IEMs;

Impedance: 36ohms @ 1kHz

Sensitivity: 94dBSPL @1kHz 250mVRmS

Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz

Isolation: -28dB

Drivers: 4x Sonion Balanced Armature (1x dual high mids/highs, 1 x dual bass/low mids)

Open Acoustic Mass Nozzle: 0.15cc volume

Tubes & Dampers: Acoustic tubeless, damper-less design with shell-integrated driver housings

Cable Conductor: Type 2 Litz, 5N Silver Plated Copper LC-OFC

Specification: 49*0.05mm, ~24.5AWG, PVC RoHs Jacket, four wire braided, 3.5mm TRS with MMCX

Cable Length: Approx. 1.3m / 51″ length

Made In: Canada