Faith Cometh by Hearing

Posted on February 27th, 2010 by jprobles

Well it’s been a couple of months and I haven’t even posted a single jot or tittle. So here we go. A real quick, but important, disclosure: most of what I write is going to be tailored to those involved in the technical aspect of music and media for a local church. If that’s something you’re not interested in, no worries at all – you can save yourself some time and check out some really cool things like this, or this or even this. Okay, from this point on I am going to assume that the remaining readers will be the spiritual tech-nerd type.

Out of respect for your schedule, I’ll try to compose this post in a straight, to the point fashion. Also, I’ll try not to beat around the bush. My aim is to state the good info, the bad info and perhaps give my own opinion. Today I’d like to briefly touch on In-Ear Monitoring. In modern times it’s very common to watch a performer on TV, a singer on stage, a guitar player in a worship band, and notice them wearing a “hearing-aid” looking device with a cable running out of it. This is In-Ear-Monitoring (IEM). It’s actually nothing new. The main reason for them becoming more and more prevalent is due to better technology and affordability.

First the good – some of the benefits of IEMs are: 1.) Personal monitor mixes. This helps when you have that vocalist or musician that always needs more of themselves in the monitor. It’s also perfect for that guitar player who always needs more volume because he’s half-deaf from gigging in bars before he got saved. 2.) Kiss feedback goodbye. Feedback is caused by a signal amplification loop. The monitor amplifies the microphone, the microphone amplifies the monitor so on and so forth till all of a sudden you get that ringing sound and the pastor blames it on the devil. IEMs are a great option when feedback and stage volume are ruining your services. (Later on I’ll dedicate a whole entire post to the subject of feedback).

The bad – some disadvantages of IEMs are: 1.) We’re not in Kansas anymore. Many people have a hard time adjusting to the surreal experience of in-ear monitoring. When you’re used to listening “through the air” from a floor monitor, the transition over to an in-ear system can be a little tricky. 2.) Lost in your own world. Sometimes people who have a great in-ear mix going on inside their head can become detached from what others on stage are hearing, let alone the congregation. The individualistic orientation of IEMs can risk loosing some on-stage dynamics and sensitivity. These are legitimate concerns. Praise and Worship leaders beware.

My opinion. Having used both floor wedges and IEMs, I can honestly say that when they are done right, they are both equally useful and splendid. What I believe you (the worship leader, technician, director) need to consider is your specific environment and then adjust accordingly. This may seem common sense – but if your sanctuary or gathering room is reflective, boomy, or close-quartered then by all means you should consider grabbing some IEMs. However, if your space is large, open, and “dead” sounding then enjoy your acoustic bliss and open up those floor wedges till you feel it in your gut.

Thanks for reading, hope it helps.

Jon Paul

| Category Uncategorized