What is the primary responsibility of the Monitor Engineer compared to the FOH Engineer?

The primary responsibility of the Monitor Engineer is to create individual mixes for performers. This role is crucial in live sound production because each performer has unique requirements for sound, whether they are musicians or vocalists. The Monitor Engineer ensures that each artist is able to hear themselves and their fellow performers in a way that helps them deliver their best performance. This often involves adjusting levels, EQ, and effects to suit the specific preferences of the performers.

In contrast, the FOH (Front of House) Engineer is primarily focused on controlling the overall sound output that the audience hears. This includes managing sound levels, balancing the mix, and ensuring the clarity and quality of the sound across the entire venue. As such, while the FOH Engineer might be concerned with the overall sound mix, the Monitor Engineer's dedicated role is to cater to the individual audio needs of those on stage, making their function distinctly important in a live performance setting.