Monitor mixes are kind of funny to me. Often, in venues that hire up-and-coming acts, the sound engineers aren't necessarily hired because they do a great job behind a mixing console. Like many jobs, they get the gig through a personal connection. Consequently, the levels can have a tendency to be...off. Many bands will often bring their own equipment in and try to run it mid-show. This can be done successfully, but it takes diligence, practice, and a certain knack. The more components that are involved, the less likely the show will be flawless (in terms of sound quality).
So what about monitors?
I've been in too many settings where the onstage monitors are way too loud. I've literally left a show during a break to buy ear plugs before. I can't imagine how loud the show was to the patrons in the bar...
The following is not necessarily "the right" way to navigate monitor mixes, but it's the way that has worked for me -and it often baffles musicians I play with. That being said, I'd rather baffle fellow musicians than lose my hearing.
I prefer no monitors. None. Zero monitors. I grew up rehearsing on an acoustic piano, playing in concert bands, playing in jazz bands, and playing in bluegrass bands. I just don't like them -plus they add a whole new mess of noise and stage sound to the sound check at hand.
Monitors imply that a sound system is involved. If a sound system is involved, a professional should be manning it for the duration of the show -or else everybody is going to have a bad time.
The quietest, cheapest, and most honest "vocal monitor" I've ever used is a set of mid-grade earplugs. I'm not even being snarky -you can hear yourself great, you're not losing your hearing by having sound blasted back at you, and you're hearing the sound come from the source. Plus, your harmonies will be tighter -did you know that high decibels / increased sound pressure is perceived as sharp when you hear them? That means that if your monitors are being blasted back at you, you are inherently singing sharp. Perform like you practice and bring those sound pressure levels down (aka TURN DOWN THE VOLUME). Your ears will thank you in the long run -and immediately after the show!
Last notes on this:
The only monitors that I get excited about are in-ears with a click track that a professional are running. *Shoutout to Ed at HOPE -that guy is a legend!*.
ProTip: If a professional isn't running the in-ear system, don't use the in-ears. I've heard too many horror stories... too many...
Keep your ears safe, folks!
This PSA brought to you by: Tyler Larson.
Until next time,
-T.