In Ear Wireless Monitors?

[BassFinger]

Who uses them? What brand? Do you like them?

[lonewolf]

One thing you have to think about 1st is whether you want to use earbuds that completely seal your ear or the semi-open type. When you use a the completely sealed earbuds (like the Shure E-series), you need a perfect monitor mix with all the instruments included--you may even need a separate monitor mix for each member. With the semi-open earbuds, you are basically replacing vocal monitors and can still hear most of the stage volume, but at a lower level. With this, all you need is a simple monitor mix. I use the latter and could not find any semi-open earbuds better than the Sennheiser MX400, although the AKG K12P were close. Both these can be had brand new on eBay for under $15.

I have tried a lot of systems and settled in on the Telex Soundmate system. They are expensive new, but can be had very cheaply used on eBay. Because its in the FM band, the telescoping 4' antenna is a little strange, but the sound quality and low hiss make it worth it. The receivers get about 25 hours on 2 AAA batteries.

Of the mainstream UHF systems, I like the Galaxy AS1000 for price/performance. At $400, its less than half the price of comparable systems. Althouth the receivers are bulky and the supplied earbuds suck, the system itself is as good as anything Shure has under $1000. The receivers have long battery life and use cheaper AA. Get this system and some good earbuds and you will be set.

The higher priced Shure systems are great, but the receivers eat batteries. Unless you get a higher end (like the PSM600) system, plan on a new 9V battery for each show. The entry level PSM200 is not worth the money IMO.

Everything Nady makes hisses like crazy and will make your ears ring. Don't waste your money on it.

[Merge]

My band uses the Shure 600 series IEM's, and they are amazing. We use the E-Series buds, and each of us gets our own mix. I highly recommend the use of IEM's.

[floodcitybrass]

I used to use a Sennheiser EK300 IEM G2. It is by far the best value in that price range. It has a metal casing and lots of pro features.

I sold it out of personal preference. For a band as big is mine, you need a dedicated person mixing the IEMs. We use 22 channels with vocal monitor splits and at least 4 monitor mixes.
They are possible with a 3 or 4 person rock band without a dedicated person.

Ask yourself why you want them:
#1 Reason - Can't hear your self
#2 Reason - Can't hear the other guys

Are you getting them for your self or for the whole band?
Does everyone want the same mix in their ears?
You still need an aux send for each separate mix.
You can get away with buying 1 transmitter and several receivers if everyone can have the same mix.

[songsmith]

for under $15.

I have tried a lot of systems and settled in on the Telex Soundmate system. They are expensive new, but can be had very cheaply used on eBay. Because its in the FM band, the telescoping 4' antenna is a little strange, but the sound quality and low hiss make it worth it. The receivers get about 25 hours on 2 AAA batteries.

.

Hmmm, those are the ones originally made for hearing impaired systems for churches, right? I hadn't thought of that. I may have to look into finding a system, lots of churches have them and never use them (old people don't like to admit they need them, so they just sit).----->JMS

[Jones]

Using Carvin PM1000 with Westone UM1 buds. Inexpensive and great sound.
Band uses allen heath mixwizard with 12 aux's to create 6 stereo mixes.

[lonewolf]

for under $15.

I have tried a lot of systems and settled in on the Telex Soundmate system. They are expensive new, but can be had very cheaply used on eBay. Because its in the FM band, the telescoping 4' antenna is a little strange, but the sound quality and low hiss make it worth it. The receivers get about 25 hours on 2 AAA batteries.

.

Hmmm, those are the ones originally made for hearing impaired systems for churches, right? I hadn't thought of that. I may have to look into finding a system, lots of churches have them and never use them (old people don't like to admit they need them, so they just sit).----->JMS

Yep, they call that assisted-listening. I can't find any difference from IEMs. Let me know if you find any big stashes of these. I am always looking to upgrade and/or expand.

[lonewolf]

Using Carvin PM1000 with Westone UM1 buds. Inexpensive and great sound.
Band uses allen heath mixwizard with 12 aux's to create 6 stereo mixes.

Isn't that identical to the Nady PEM500 with the Carvin logo?

[floodcitybrass]

Isn't that identical to the Nady PEM500 with the Carvin logo?

Yep - Nady makes it.
I stay far away from carvin audio gear.

[Jones]

Sorry, opinions were asked for, I gave one. Won't happen again.

[Jones]

Nady
Carvin

yep, looks the same to me