Most people assume a custom in-ear monitor automatically means a pair — one for each ear — but single-side monitors are a legitimate, commonly used option. Here’s when each makes sense.
Why Some Musicians Monitor With Just One Ear
Monitoring with a single ear leaves the other ear open to natural room sound — the crowd, the room’s natural acoustics, or other musicians on stage. This is common among drummers, guitarists, and musicians who want to stay connected to the room’s live sound while still hearing a clear monitor mix in one ear.
Why Some Musicians Use Both Ears
A dual-ear setup gives full isolation and a complete stereo mix, which tends to suit vocalists and musicians in loud environments who need to hear their monitor mix clearly without competing room noise, or anyone who simply prefers full isolation while performing.
Single-Side Options
Every model in our lineup is available as a single-side monitor — from the AE1 and AE2 up through the G12 and G16 — so you’re not limited on driver count just because you only need one side.
Can You Add the Second Side Later?
If you start with a single-side monitor and later decide you want the matching pair, reach out before ordering — it’s easier for us to plan for that from the start than to try to match tone and fit perfectly after the fact.
There’s No Wrong Answer
This really comes down to personal preference and your instrument or role on stage. If you’re not sure, think about whether staying connected to the room matters more to you than full isolation — that’s usually the deciding factor.