I think Masciz and the gang are actually quieter.I'll see your sunn O))) and raise you a Dinosaur Jr.
Great article and thanks for sharing. Who would've thought to connect Deep Purple with modern P&W? I think the author captured my own personal sentiments very well...in church or anywhere else I do think it's a definite "vibe killer". There's a certain connection that is lost. But that doesn't mean there's not a place for the concept; I can see maybe some very small venues needing to do so.This is a really thoughtful article for the case against IEMs from a Praise and Worship perspective.
Let me be the first to shout, "Blasphemy!!!"
https://www.grantnorsworthy.com/deep-purple-case-ear-monitors/
"Do IEMs help or hinder connection? Togetherness? I am going to argue that, in most Church music situations, IEMs hinder.
Consider this: The main purpose of IEMs is to isolate, not to connect. To give the singer or instrumentalist a monitor sound that is separate, cut off, individualized and distinct from the sound of others in the ensemble and the sound that the congregation is hearing.
From the audio technician’s perspective, IEMs help isolate the room sound from the stage sound. IEMs give the FOH audio engineer greater control, but does so by isolating the elements from one another.
But we’re aiming for connection, not isolation!
This isolation goes beyond just the technicalities of sound. Singers and instrumentalists using IEMs can easily feel musically and even personally isolated too! Comments from IEM users often include statements like:
“I find them helpful but don’t enjoy them.”
“I don’t like ‘em, but I guess they’re a necessary evil.”
“For singing with loud bands I understand why you would use them.”
“I hate them because my voice feels isolated and the music never blends together like it does in a room.”
“I find it so hard to be connected with the band, the song and the crowd.”
“They’re a vibe killer.”
To my mind, the “vibe” that is being killed – or at least badly wounded – with IEMs is connection. Our main objective is being sacrificed in favor of lesser objectives like sonic clarity, the desire for more control and the monitor requirements of individuals."
And conversely, the last time I saw them was at the Warner Theater (which they're playing tomorrow night btw), and it was horrible. I was in the 2nd row, balcony, ADTOE tour, so they were on in-ears by then, with JP's cabs isolated, so it should've sounded good, and from where I was seated, I would've expected a nicely blended sound. It wasn't a factor of whether they were playing with live amps or not; the ceiling is simply too reflective. So the silent stage issue is still only one of at least a few aspects that still need attention. A lot of it depends on the venue, and where you're seated.
