Headphones & In-ear Monitor Systems

Headphones

For music lovers, it can be a daunting task to choose the perfect set of headphones or earphones from among the many available today. It is important to choose a headphone that can let you enjoy your favourite music the way you like it. Choosing a headphone with the right performance isn’t everything though. There are other factors to consider, such as comfort, portability, convenience, design and price. The right type of headphones will most likely depend on your lifestyle and budget.

Headphone types

• In-ear headphones
• On-ear headphones
• Over-ear headphones

In-ear headphones are unlikely to be able to compete with larger headphones when it comes to sound quality, but they more than make up for it in the portability stakes. In-ear headphones are favoured by those who travel light as they can be easily stored in your pocket and they and they do not weigh a lot. There are two types of in-ear headphones: earbuds and in-ear monitors. Earbud headphones have a standard circular, but slightly bulky design. They are reasonably comfortable to wear but keep falling out most of the time. In-ear monitors on the other hand fit right into ear canal. As a result of their size, in-ear headphones are likely to offer less bass than on-ear and over-ear headphones. However, if you opt for models with earbuds that sit in the ear canal (in-ear monitors), it is possible to enjoy sound isolation that rivals any high-end pair of over-ear headphones.

On-ear headphones are great all-round solution. They offer similar sound quality to over-ear headphones but a little smaller and more comfortable. On-ear headphones are ideal for those who want the sound of over-ear headphones but need to be able to hear the world around them. Keep an eye out for on-ear headphones with a folding design as this will make them much easier to transport and store.

Over-ear headphones tend to be the headphone of choice for anyone who is serious about sound. They offer outstanding sound reproduction and noise isolation. Over-ear headphones create the biggest sound stage for the most engrossing audio experience. They tend to be fitted with the best components and offer the biggest bass. Because over-ear headphones are fitted with padded cushions, they also offer outstanding noise isolation and minimal leakage. As such they can be used for long listening sessions in almost any environment. Over-ear headphones are the bulkiest of all the headphone varieties, however collapsible models are available.

Open and closed

Open headphones are designed to blend external noise with the sounds from the headphones. The disadvantage of open earphones is that they leak sound and others can hear what you are listening to. This makes them a bad solution for traveling. Closed headphones usually have a narrower and more direct sound delivery, and they also isolate well and provide heavier bass.

Connectivity

One of the things to look for in earphones and headphone is the length of the cable. Headphones that are intended for use outdoors usually have a short cable – 1 to 1.5 meters. Headphones that are intended for indoor use have a longer cable – 3 meters. Some headphones have detachable cables. Almost all headphones come with a 3.5mm jack. This can be used with almost any media player. Some studio headphones also come with a 6.3mm plug adaptor, which will let you connect your headphones to pro audio equipment. If you prefer using wireless headphones, look for Bluetooth-enabled ones. But keep in mind that you'll sacrifice some sound quality due to the file compression process. Also wireless headphone require regular charging. Always check battery life to see if they offer enough power for your lifestyle.

In-ear monitor systems

If you are a singer or musician, you understand how crazy and loud the sound can be on stage. During a live performance, it’s very important that everyone on stage can clearly hear the music they are playing. You can choose from two monitoring options: stage monitors or in-ear monitor systems. The best way to do this is with ear monitoring systems. The use of headphones is especially recommended for singers, as they make it much easier to monitor your vocals as well as the music. In-ear monitors or IEMs are systems that utilize a transmitter to project sound directly into the ear of the performers. They help drown out unwanted crowd noise and allow you to focus on your sound with clarity. Singers and musicians having a hard time hearing what they’re playing can ultimately lead to miscues during their performances, as well as not being in sync with their fellow performers. In-ear monitors are great at getting the job done, easy to use, and easier to travel with. It may take some time to get used to them, but it's worth it. In-ear monitor systems are affordable and have great options for any price range. In ear monitor systems consist of three components: the transmitter, the receiver, and a pair of earphones. Using noise cancellation, the earphones block out unwanted background sounds and also protect your hearing.

Wireless or wired?

The decision to go wired or wireless will depend on your budget. Using a wireless monitoring system can be a great solution for musicians who move a lot because there will be less clutter and more freedom of movement on stage. If you’re going to be stationary like a drummer or keyboardist, you might not benefit as much from a wireless system than what a singer get out of them.

Hearing conservation

Prolonged exposure to extremely high sound pressure levels can quickly cause hearing to deteriorate. Personal monitors offer a level of hearing protection equal to that of ear plugs, but with the additional benefit of tiny loudspeakers in the plugs. The monitoring level is now in the hands of the performer. The use of an onboard limiter is strongly recommended to prevent high level transients from causing permanent damage.

Wearability

In-ear monitors are one of the most comfortable options for recording in the studio or playing on a noisy stage. Their slim frame keeps them from pressing into your ears. Silicone and foam are the two most common materials for ear tips. If you want a tight fit to maximize the noise reduction, foam ear tips will be the best choice. They also stay more secure during live performances, because they don’t get slippery with sweat or earwax. However, one thing to remember is that you need to clean foam ear tips regularly. Depending on durability – silicone ear tips are better at withstanding pressure and may last longer.

Buy headphones and in-ear monitor systems in Musician.UA

You can buy headphones and in-ear monitor systems in our stores. It is also possible to place an order in the online shop. Delivery is carried out all over Ukraine. Thanks to the wide assortment, everyone will find a suitable product for themselves. You can always count on professional advice and assistance. We care about the quality of service and do everything we can to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase.