TEAMS
THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO, PART 3
(OR, HOW MANY DRIVERS DO I NEED IN MY IEMS?) | Doug Leavy
It’s a question just about any first timer and The same can be said with IEM’s. Now hear right now). It’s about tone, it’s all about tone. It
sometimes, even the more experienced have me out here. Your IEM’s are just another tool is why you spend hours trying to figure out what
when it comes to deciding what In-Ear Monitors used to perform your best on stage. You need in the wild world “The Droff” just unleashed
(IEM’s) to get. “More drivers are always better!” to learn how they work, how they can help and on us? Mids and the warmth they provide
you’ll hear some say. Easy there Speed Racer! where the shortcomings are for you. As your are paramount to us. It’s where you get that
Not always. Let’s change our viewpoint for a skills improve and you play more, you learn ‘hairs on the back of your neck standing up’
minute, and not even touch on costs yet. what you really need in your mix. Maybe that sensation when you nail it. For this application,
12-Driver model is sweet if your last name is you need to have an IEM with good mids, so a
For most, and by most I’m talking to the 80% Millard, but you would be totally fine with a triple driver at a minimum is needed. A single
of you who just play on the weekends, don’t model with far less? or dual driver will never give you that tone you
tour or play in Elevation Worship or Hillsong
spent hours on. Sure, they will “work”, but
size auditoriums, a dual to quad driver will take The first question I respond with when people you’re not going to be satisfied. If your budget
care of you just fine. When I present at music ask me about IEM’s is, “What do you need in allows, look at a model that has multiple mids
schools, I usually ask the students, “Who your mix to play and complement the rest of the or even an increased high/mid configuration to
needs a $5,000.00 high-end acoustic guitar? team?” So, let’s start there and pick out a few really get all the tones represented. These are
Of course, lots raise their hands. Then I ask, basic positions in the band to discuss. usually the 6+ driver models.
that price tag and how many of you are still at GUITARIST DRUMS/BASS
the $300.00 guitar from Guitar Center ability?” Let’s be honest here, most have spent way too A lot of the musicians I’ve worked with really
Most hands go down. much on guitars, pedals etc. You know who prefer a simple mix and IEM setup. Click, the
you are! (disclaimer... I’m looking in the mirror leader, maybe some bass and guitar, not a lot
“Now who of you can play that guitar worthy of
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December 2019
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