What is a Monitor Engineer?

A monitor engineer is the sound engineer who mixes what performers hear on stage, creating a separate mix for each musician through wedges or in-ear monitors. They usually work from monitor world at the side of the stage, close enough to see and hear the performers. A good monitor mix helps performers play and sing their best, so the role has a big effect on the show. The job needs fast reactions and a calm manner.

What a monitor engineer does

A monitor engineer's show day follows a set pattern:

  1. Set up: place wedges and in-ear transmitters and patch the monitor desk.
  2. Ring out: find and remove feedback frequencies from each wedge.
  3. Build the mixes: during the sound check, create a mix for each performer.
  4. Mix the show: watch the performers and adjust their mixes as they ask.
  5. Troubleshoot: fix problems fast, from a dead wedge to a radio dropout.

Monitor needs differ for every act, and Crescat helps music venues collect them ahead of each show.

Monitor engineer vs FOH engineer

The front of house engineer mixes what the audience hears, from the desk at front of house. The monitor engineer mixes what the performers hear, from the side of the stage. Both are sound engineers; larger acts tour with one of each.

What a monitor engineer works with

  • A monitor mixing desk
  • Wedges, side fills and drum fills
  • In-ear monitor transmitters and bodypacks
  • Talkback mics to talk to the band
  • Radio frequency planning for wireless systems
  • Spare batteries and backup systems
  • A listen wedge or in-ears to hear each mix

Frequently asked questions

Why do performers signal to the monitor engineer?

To ask for changes, such as more vocal or less guitar in their mix. Bands and monitor engineers often agree hand signals in advance, as shouting across a loud stage rarely works.

Do small venues have a monitor engineer?

Not usually. The front of house engineer mixes monitors from their desk. Dedicated monitor engineers are common at larger venues, festivals and tours, where the number of mixes makes it a full-time job.

Is monitor engineering a good career?

Yes. Good monitor engineers are in demand, and artists often keep the same one for years because they trust them. Many start as stage or system techs.

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