Mike Dias the executive director for the In-Ear Monitor International Trade Organization ( IEMITO) and the vice president of sales for Earthworks Audio joins us on episode 213 to talk about the story and history of in-ear monitors. While this is not a complete breakdown of the full history of IEM's, Mike sets the table for the plotline of the documentary he is working on. Weaving together the storylines of the influence and impact that everyone from musicians, audio engineers, manufacturers, and consumers have played into where we are today. They discuss the new frontier of immersive mixing and the impact it may have, along with some networking advice and more.

Mike Dias, known throughout the industry as an expert on in-ear monitors, created the In-Ear Monitor International Trade Organization in an effort to bring together in-ear manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, sound engineers and end-users. The goal of the organization is to be a repository of unbiased information and to serve as a directory for all members while promoting the uses and benefits of in-ear monitors.

As a professional in the Pro-Audio/Consumer Electronics space for nearly 20 years, Mike joined Ultimate Ears Pro in 2004 as Director of Marketing and Communications. He learned the industry while working for Jerry Harvey in the very early days of Ultimate Ears. He helped launch the original and successful super.fi universal in-ear lines when less than 1% of retail headphone sales were over the $79 price point. He later became global Sales & Marketing Director for Logitech, the parent company of Ultimate Ears.

When he is not advocating for in-ear monitor use, Mike is an in-demand speaker who talks about customer relationship management philosophies and optimizing sales processes. His favorite topics are Why Nobody Likes Networking and What Entertainers Can Teach Executives.

Additional info and links discussed on the episode :

Here’s more about IEMITO

And here’s more on Networking - Mike Dias personal site

 Networking from 6 Feet Sounding Board Series 

 Industry talks Mike Dias gave on Networking.
 3-part series for AES
NAMM on the Ideas Center Stage.

This episode is sponsored by Rational Acoustics, Allen & Heath, and RCF

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The Signal To Noise podcast series on ProSoundWeb is hosted by Live Sound/PSW and pro audio veterans Kyle Chirnside, Chris Leonard, and Sam Boone