Bühnenmonitoring

Bühnenmonitoring refers to the practice of providing audio to performers on stage, allowing them to hear themselves and other band members or the overall mix accurately. This is crucial for musicians to stay in time, in tune, and to deliver a cohesive performance. Historically, this was achieved using wedge monitors, which are loudspeaker cabinets placed on the stage floor, facing the performers. These wedges direct sound upwards towards the musicians' ears.

Over time, in-ear monitors (IEMs) have become increasingly popular. These are custom-molded or universal-fit earphone devices that performers wear directly in their ears. IEMs offer several advantages over wedges, including superior isolation from stage noise, a more consistent sound source for each performer, and the ability to create individual mixes tailored to each musician's preferences. This individual mixing capability allows for greater control and can help reduce feedback issues often encountered with wedge monitors.

The setup for Bühnenmonitoring typically involves a sound engineer who manages the monitor mix. This engineer receives signals from the main mixing console and adjusts the levels and equalization for each monitor, whether it be wedges or IEMs. The goal is to provide a clear, usable sound for the performers without causing ear fatigue or compromising the front-of-house sound. Effective Bühnenmonitoring is a collaborative effort between the sound engineer and the performers, ensuring a successful live audio experience.