The R&D that goes into creating custom in-ear monitors (IEMs) suitable for professional use – for live sound, broadcast, studio or other production areas – is extensive. And while their global is small, their design often has a huge impact on the trends of the industry
In an effort to bring together in-ear manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, and end-users Mike Dias, an expert in custom in-ear monitors, has created the In-Ear Monitor International Trade Organization (IEMITO), whose aim and its website is to provide a resource of unbiased information and a directory for its members – with features such as job placement assistance, industry best-practices and trade show participation. Dias learned the in-ear industry while working for Jerry Harvey in the very early days of Ultimate Ears. ‘This was before they had their own lab and were working with Westone as their in-ear manufacturer,’ he recalls.
He helped the company relocate from Las Vegas to Irvine after they took on their initial round of investment capital, and helped launch the original Super.fi universal in-ear lines when less than one per cent of headphones were above the US$99 price point. He later became Global Sales & Marketing Director for Logitech, parent company of Ultimate Ears. Since leaving UE, he has become an in-demand speaker about custom in-ear monitors with groups around the world.
‘I’ve watched the industry grow from the back of a tour bus to what it is today and have been able to cultivate mutual respect and friendships with all of the pioneers of the industry,’ he says. ‘It was hard not to notice just how big the industry has become and how many manufacturers are now participating globally.’
Since its launch, IEMITO has been a hit with manufacturers; most of the US-based companies are onboard, including Chicago-based Sensaphonics. ‘With the growth of the IEM product category over the past 25 years, it’s important to have a trade organisation dedicated to meeting the needs of both manufacturers and end-users, while promoting the use of in-ear monitors,’ says founder and President Dr Michael Santucci. ‘Sensaphonics is proud to be a founding member of IEMITO.’
More: www.inearmonitor.org
