Using in-ear monitors when doing engineering work in the studio to get work done. Here is the list of the best in-ear monitors for Sound Engineers and a guide on why you should consider using these IEMs:
5+ Best In Ear Monitors for Sound Engineers
1. Shure SE846 Pro
Known for its exceptional sound quality and customizable sound signature, the Shure SE846 Pro is a favorite among professional audio engineers.
It features quad driver technology with dedicated woofers, mids, and tweeters for clean, balanced sound.
The detachable cable allows for easy replacement if it becomes damaged, and the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit even during long mixing sessions.
2. Sennheiser IE 40 Pro
These comfortable in-ear monitors offer excellent noise isolation and a detailed sound profile perfect for hearing every nuance of your mix.
The included dual driver design delivers crisp highs and mids, while sturdy build quality ensures it can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
3. Westone Audio Pro X30
Westone offers custom earmolds, and the Pro X30 features triple-balanced armature drivers for exceptional clarity and detail.
The secure fit and excellent noise isolation make it ideal for critical listening in noisy environments.
4. Audio Technica ATH-E70
The Audio-Technica ATH-E70 is the perfect step up from basic earbuds, offering clear sound and good isolation at a mid-range price point.
These in-ear monitors feature a triple-driver design with powerful bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. It’s an excellent choice for sound engineers looking for the right balance of affordability and sound quality.
5. Focal professional twins
Focal is known for its high-end audio equipment, and its Professional Twins in-ear monitors are no exception. It features a dual-driver design that focuses on clear and accurate sound reproduction.
The comfortable fit and excellent noise isolation make it ideal for long studio sessions.
6. Etymology Research ER4SR
Loved for their accuracy and extreme noise isolation, the Etymotic Research ER4SR in-ear monitors are ideal for critical listening and live sound work.
Features a balanced armature driver design that delivers detailed, analytical sound. The secure fit and excellent noise isolation make it ideal for stage use.
However, the sound signature may be too analytical for some listeners.
Why are these in-ear monitors best for sound engineers?
Sound
Modern in-ear monitors are technological marvels with multiple drivers in each earpiece. Sometimes up to 8!
These in-ears produce highly accurate sound by splitting the audible spectrum into different bands that feed special drivers, just like a multi-speaker studio monitor.
The biggest advantage is that, unlike portable speakers, the in-ear sound is the same no matter where you mix.
Comfort
If you’ve used a lot of in-ears like I have, you’ll realize that not all are created equal. Some fit better than others, and some barely fit. If you use your in-ears for more than an hour a day, we recommend using custom in-ears.
Not only do they fit your ears perfectly, but you can also wear them for hours. Because it’s shaped like an ear canal, it’s so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing it.
Convenience and Consistency
If you’re a traveling engineer, you’ll likely take speakers with you to ensure you have a consistent, familiar sonic reference.
Every location engineer knows how important it is to have speakers or headphones that make sense.
Imagine having a sonic reference that fits in your wallet or pants pocket, a reference you can take with you wherever you go.
It’s revolutionary. Take my word for it. It’s amazing to be able to have a studio-quality listening reference in your pocket at any time.
Technology
Today’s best in-ears use balanced armature drivers, which are smaller and more efficient than the moving coil drivers used in most speakers.
This technology allows for greater sonic accuracy in an incredibly small space within the outer ear profile.
Additionally, the custom housings of modern in-ear are incredibly sturdy and can withstand life on the go. The best in-ears offer durable, detachable cables so you can quickly fix cable issues.
Isolation
Isolation is a very important issue when mixing and monitoring. The days of making all important acoustic decisions in purpose-built control rooms are quickly passing.
Engineers now have to mix and edit in more diverse, noisy, and less-than-ideal locations, such as coffee shops, airplanes, and live concert venues.
The custom fit of molded in-ear can effectively “cut” external noise by 10 to 30 dB. In situations where you need to record inside a concert hall, in-ears with better isolation are much better than headphones.
It excels when you’re trying to place a mic on a loud drum or guitar amp and need to be able to hear what the mic hears while minimizing direct sound.
Having a monitoring system that is reliable enough to fit in your shirt pocket is truly ideal. It’s like having your favorite studio monitors with you at all times.
For many sound monitor engineers working in the music industry, a good pair of in-ear monitors (IEMs) are critical to their success.
These IEMs are perfect for work as a touring sound engineer for a variety of music artists.