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In audio, monitors are speakers or in-ear systems that allow performers and crew to hear what’s going on during a live event. Monitors help them stay in sync with the music, dialogue, or action. Let’s break it down further, including placement on stage and how volume control works.
What Are Monitors?
Monitors are speakers used on stage so that musicians, actors, or crew members can hear themselves and others during a live performance
Unlike the main speakers that face the audience, monitors are positioned facing the stage and provide sound to performers
Monitors typically receive their own mix catered to the stage member or specific use
Types of Monitors:
Floor Monitors: These are speakers placed on the floor, angled towards the performer
In-Ear Monitors: These are small earpieces worn by the performer and can be wired or wireless depending on the system
Overhead Monitors: These are speakers mounted on an overhead stage batten
Powered Monitors: Powered monitors have a built-in amplifier and receive an individual mix from a mixing console. These are a great option for flexibility because each speaker receives a unique mix
Passive Monitors: Passive monitors require an external amplifier. Each channel will receive an individual mix from the mixing console. The monitors will connect to designated connections on stage (typically labeled A,B,C,D, etc.). This is a great option for simplicity because less mixes are used from the mixing console.
Monitor Placement on Stage
Proper monitor placement is critical for performers to hear themselves clearly without sound issues like feedback or overpowering volume.
Floor Monitors are typically placed:
In front of the performer (but angled up toward them), ensuring they can hear themselves and other essential sounds (like other band members or a click track for timing).
Not too close to the performer’s mic to avoid feedback (that annoying high-pitched squeal that happens when the sound from the monitor gets picked up by the mic and loops).
At the sides of the stage to provide discreet monitors during performances where floor monitors can’t be seen from stage and do not have the infrastructure for overhead monitors
In-Ear Monitors: don’t require physical placement on stage but are key for reducing on-stage noise, giving performers a clearer and more controlled sound experience
Overhead: This is popular for shows that need discreet monitors such as a dance recital
Setting Volume
Getting the volume right is crucial for effective monitoring:
Too low: The performer can’t hear themselves, which can lead to mistakes in timing, pitch, or performance quality
Too high: It can cause hearing damage, create sound bleed into the audience, or lead to feedback
Monitor levels can be adjusted from each individual mix at the mixing console. Many mixing console manufacturers offer an application to control individual mixes from a phone or tablet. This allows for easier monitor changes from stage members
Each performer will have different requirements on what they need in a monitor mix to feel comfortable. As the audio engineer, it is important to make sure their requests are met while ensuring proper volume levels to minimize feedback and other issues
Practical Example – A Band Setup:
The lead vocalist might have a wedge monitor in front of them, angled up so they can hear their own voice and instruments of their choosing to stay on time
The drummer might have in-ear monitors or a large side-fill speaker, with a custom mix that gives them plenty of the bass guitar and a click track for keeping time
The guitarist might have a wedge near their feet with their instrument, the bass guitar and vocals
Monitors are a crucial tool for performers to hear themselves and each other during a live performance, and proper placement and volume control ensure a smooth, feedback-free show that protects the performers’ hearing while keeping them on cue.
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