In-Ear Monitors for Drummers: How to Choose the Best Ones

Nowadays, in-ear monitors are widely used by all musicians, and drummers are not an exception. These professional devices offer a number of benefits whether you use them in a studio while recording or during a live concert. They are designed to make your playing experience more comfortable while also protecting your ears. To find the best in-ear monitors for you, it’s important to know their peculiarities.

What Exactly Are In-Ear Monitors?

In-ear monitors are devices used by musicians and are similar to earbuds that you use to listen to music. One of their purposes is to make sure that musicians can clearly hear what they are playing on stage. Thebest in-ear monitors for drummers effectively minimize the volume on stage, as there is always sound coming from monitors and also the noise from the audience. You will be able to hear all the details, as you will get your mix right from the monitor and into your ears. Also, in-ear monitors allow musicians to move around without losing the sound.

Choosing the Right In-Ear Monitors

Sometimes, you may need to try a range of in-ear monitors from different manufacturers to find the ones that will be just right for you. The things to consider when choosing your pair include the following:

• Shape

Depending on your preferences, you can choose over-ear or straight in-ear monitors. The first ones have to be attached over the back of your ear while the second ones go in your ear along with cables. The majority of professional drummers choose the over-ear ones because they are both less visible and more secure.

Another thing to note is that many musicians, especially those who use in-ear monitors all the time, choose custom in-ear monitors that are designed specifically to fit your ear. Those who want such in-ear monitors have to make a mold of their ear canal, and the rest will be done by the specialists. While you can easily find universal-fit models that are comfortable and work well, it’s possible to get custom-molded devices that will feel like you don’t even wear them.

• Eartips

Besides the outside shape, there are also different options when it comes to the eartips. The most popular materials that are used for ear tips include silicone and foam. With this aspect of in-ear monitors, it also depends on what feels comfortable for you. There is a difference in how these materials work but they both do the job of reducing the noise. When we compare these materials, it’s obvious that foam is denser and thus works better when you need the highest level of isolation. However, its disadvantage is that it can put too much pressure on your ear canal. Silicone, on the other hand, allows you to move around freely as it accommodates the shape of your ear canal better and offers more stability.

• Removable cables

Another thing to consider is whether your in-ear monitors come with removable cables. The more expensive options usually come with this feature, as you can replace the cable at any moment if something happens to it. This saves you from buying a new pair of in-ear monitors, which is ideal when you paid quite a bit of money for them.

• Drivers

The number of drivers that are present in various in-ear monitors directly affects the quality of the sound that you will get when wearing them. To make sure that you get a decent sound, in most cases you need at least two drivers – one for lower and the other one for the higher frequencies. With a third driver available, you will also get middle frequencies and thus a clearer and more realistic listening experience. When you are a professional and want to hear every single nuance, you can go for a higher number of drivers as they will only make each sound rich and more pronounced.

Improve Your Performances With Modern Devices

In-ear monitors contributed to the progression of live performances, as it became possible for musicians to hear both each other and the music they play much better. If you are a drummer, choosing the right in-ear monitors should be your priority. Luckily, there are plenty of different options to choose from and you can find the ones that will meet your needs perfectly.

Do you use in-ear monitors when playing? Which ones are your favorite? Tell us what you think about these devices in the comments and share this article with others!

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Company Information: Forex TB Limited  (www.forextb.com/eu) is Cyprus Investment Firm, authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with CIF license number 272/15. Forex TB Limited is located at Lemesou Avenue 71, 2nd Floor 2121 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus.

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