As FOH and monitor engineer for Unlimited Worship – a Jakarta-based ministry dedicated to empowering worshipers – Yedidyah Yehezkiel regularly looks Waves eMo IEM Immersive In-Ear Mixing Software for eMotion LV1 Live Mixers for his work, which includes the GBI Basilea Christ Cathedral and as monitor engineer for Christian contemporary music artist and worship leader Franky Kuncoro.

‘Compared to other solutions, I find the eMo IEM much easier to use,’ he says. ‘Both engineers and performers can get up to speed quickly, thanks to its consistent user interface, which encourages familiarity within the software. As a result, the common complaints I often hear about other immersive IEM processors are virtually nonexistent with this plug-in.’

Designed specifically for the Waves eMotion LV1 live mixer, eMo IEM provides immersive 360° panning for in-ear mixing without the need for external hardware. A straightforward software upgrade, this allows the LV1’s monitor output enable live sound engineers and performers to control the location of each instrument in the immersive mix. Panning is controlled from eMotion LV1’s mobile/tablet remote control apps, MyMon and MyFOH, as well as from the LV1 mixer itself.

‘The difference in sound quality and detail when using eMo IEM versus traditional stereo monitoring is remarkable,’ Yehezkiel continues. ‘The eMo IEM enables precise pinpointing and localisation of sounds within the performer’s auditory space, making it easy to position elements exactly where they are needed. This efficiency significantly reduces the time spent determining how performers want their mixes arranged. The 360° panning provides greater “headroom” in the mix, resulting in a clearer sound experience for the performer compared to traditional stereo monitoring devices.

‘Additionally, the built-in integration is particularly intriguing from my perspective as a system integrator and sound engineer. It’s all contained within the LV1, eliminating the need for separate setups between the immersive IEM device and the console. There’s no hassle with network settings between the two devices, making the overall experience very straightforward – just plug and play. The control interface is extremely user-friendly. The UI design allows performers to feel at home, so they don’t have to relearn anything when using the Waves MyMon apps.

Similarly, sound engineers using Waves MyFOH find the eMo IEM’s 360 interface intuitive and familiar, thanks to its integration within the apps. This zero learning curve translates to zero downtime, ultimately saving a significant amount of production time.’

‘From an engineer’s perspective, the flexibility to pan from any point of contact—whether it’s the LV1 application, MyMon or MyFOH – is incredible,’ Yehezkiel explains. ‘The consistent interface across all applications makes it easy for engineers to make adjustments on the fly. This capability also opens up new possibilities for broadcast mixes using the LV1, allowing for surround panning like never before.

‘In large-format shows, where there are typically more than ten different instruments and performers, the immersive sound environment is invaluable. It enables both performers and engineers to concentrate on what they need to hear without the constraints of an imaginary line or fluctuating levels. Once you’ve mixed everything properly, set the levels, and crafted the desired tone, you can easily position the sounds in the panner and be ready to go. For smaller live recordings, such as a piano-vocal duet or a string quartet, the benefits are equally significant, where the eMo IEM is especially beneficial allowing engineers to apply different reverbs in front of and behind the performers. This creates a more realistic spatial placement in their in-ear monitor mixes, enhancing their ability to perceive the sound environment as intended.

‘The eMo IEM revolutionizes monitor mixing significantly,’ he concludes. ‘Positioning is no longer limited to a single line; instead, it can be flexibly arranged around the performer’s head. Managing individual levels becomes easier, as proper placement allows for prioritising important sounds while pushing less critical ones to the background. Performers with hearing issues in one ear particularly appreciate the ability to tilt the balance using the trim feature, making it simpler to position the instruments and sounds they want to hear in the 360 panner. These capabilities are easily achieved thanks to the deep integration between LV1 and eMo IEM.

More: www.waves.com