The best performances are on key. Wouldn’t you agree?
And what is the key to being on key? Stage monitors of course!
Have you ever watched a performance when the singing and playing are out of sync?
This occurs when a musician is unable to listen to their own music, with all other instruments drowning out their own sound. That’s where monitors come in. Yes, no matter how good the vocalists and instruments are, a monitor gives a musician control over their sound.
Loudspeakers that face the audience give a mix of sound to the audience, but that is not the same as a monitor. Using a monitor, a musician may hear how their performance is being mirrored. And they will be able to adjust the volume, rhythm, and other elements in collaboration with their bandmates. A stage monitor allows bandmates to add necessary time delays and blend voices and instruments into a single audio track.
There are many different sorts of monitors for stage performances, so let’s have a look at what they are and how we might use them.
There are two kinds of monitors: passive (require amplifiers) and active (Powered). A passive stage monitor is one that does not have an amplifier and may be utilized with an existing sound system. Whereas active comes with an in built amplifier and is useful for portability.
The most crucial factor for a musician is how comfortable they are with the design. Monitors are available in a variety of styles, so let’s have a look at which styles are available and which styles are most suited to musicians.
Monitors on the floor: It is the most popular type of monitor, and it allows players to hear their individual performances rather than the overall sound of the band. This fits neatly on the floor and may simply be pointed in the direction of an artist. This kind of customized listening requires each artist to have their own monitor. And they must be properly aligned so that there is no sound overlap, and feedback doesn’t come into play. Floor monitors are good for high volume instruments.
Side fills monitors: These provide a one single audio source for all artists.This may be installed on the floor or mounted on a stand. It is fairly distracting for visuals on stage, but it can be put out of the way and there will be little audio disruption on stage.
Again, this style of setup is appropriate for a high-volume instrument and keyboard player.
Here are our top picks for Stage Monitors
QSC: QSC is a manufacturer of high-quality audio systems. QSC has side fill and floor monitors with series K8.2, for example. It has a vintage look for any stage performance and is a popular option for most music professionals.
JBL: JBL is a leading manufacturer of audio systems. It offers great monitors such as the PRX400 Series, which aids in the creation of a clear image of sound from a performer. It offers side fills and floor monitors.
Yamaha : With a legacy of audio equipment, Yamaha stage monitors are a popular choice for floor and side fill monitors as well.
