Making the Leap:
Conventional Wisdom on Getting Started

There’s a good deal of published information from manufacturers as well as respected pro audio publications on what it takes - behaviorally - to successfully make the switch to personal monitoring. Here is a digest of practical tips you can apply right now:

 
• Talk to your bandmates. Do some research on the benefits, the gear and the costs. Be an advocate and understand that habits are slow to change. Find out how others feel.
• Talk to other musicians who have made the switch. Ask them about their experiences with personal monitors. Ask for gear recommendations.
• Visit your local audio retailer. They’re rarely set up to provide tests drives, but it’s still worth asking. Are they offering clinics or seminars? You can also try contacting manufacturers who may be able to help you arrange a demonstration unit.
• Begin the process with good sound isolating earphones. You and your bandmates will be able to hear the difference right away – even listening to recorded music on an iPod. And if you don’t move to the next step and purchase a personal monitoring system, you’ll have a great set of earphones for your own enjoyment.
• One monitor engineer suggested creating a facsimile: Making a stereo mix during rehearsal or soundcheck and running a cable to the stage to let band members hear the mix through a good set of sound isolating headphones.
• Once you have your system, give it and band members some time. It’s best to adopt in-ear personal monitoring in rehearsal situations before subjecting anyone to the pressure of live performance.