Live Sound Monitoring

Live Sound Monitors: Great Performances Demand Exceptional Sound

Performing your best onstage requires that you hear yourself properly. That's why Sweetwater offers a vast selection of live sound monitoring tools that help you get the best results possible — plus the knowledge and resources that will help you make an informed choice.

Stage monitors: the traditional solution

Do you play with a full band onstage and enjoy the sound of your music blaring throughout a venue? Then a stage monitor may be the perfect choice. Stage monitors, often called wedge monitors, project your personal mix from the floor. This design cuts down on visual clutter and aims the sound at the performer while minimizing microphone feedback. They're also relatively affordable and easy to place and manage.

In-ear monitors: a greater level of clarity and control

Perfect for solo performers and bands alike, in-ear monitoring (IEM) systems are required equipment if your performances require a click track or backing tracks. Personal mixers and IEMs allow for an incredible level of control over what you hear while performing. Being able to dial in the sound sources you want at the levels you choose means you can go anywhere onstage and have a consistent mix. Most IEMs provide a degree of isolation from outside sound, so you always hear yourself and the band clearly. If your venue or house of worship requires a quiet stage, then in-ears are essential for your band or worship team. Sweetwater carries a wide range of personal monitoring systems, from entry-level IEMs to pro systems.

Isolating headphones: the go-to solution for drummers and live sound engineers

Are you a gigging drummer or a live sound engineer? Then choosing the right set of headphones is important for both accurate sound and isolation from outside sources. Closed-back designs allow for a comfortable fit and outstanding isolation, so you hear your personal mix (or monitor the live mix) as clearly and cleanly as possible. To properly feed the mix to the performers' headphones or in-ear monitors, quality headphone amplifiers or distributors are a must. They maintain signal integrity and offer individual volume control.

Protect your most valuable asset — your hearing!

Loud stages and venues require proper hearing protection. Unless you're using in-ears or headphones for live sound monitoring, earplugs are essential. At Sweetwater, you'll find everything from inexpensive, universal-fit earplugs to professional units with active attenuation. Onstage or behind the console, you'll enjoy the music more and keep your ears healthy when volume levels are under control.

Don’t forget the accessories

In addition to all these great live sound monitoring solutions, we stock the cables, cases, replacement parts, and accessories you need. You won't find a better source for your onstage monitoring gear than Sweetwater. We'll help you find the exact product you need, and we'll stand behind it with our free, exclusive 2-year warranty. Plus, thanks to our fast and free shipping, you'll get your monitoring gear in time for the gig!