Any experience with wireless in ear moniters? Recommendations?

[triggervision]

Looking at dropping some big bucks on in-ears. Need some advice on what brand and models to look into. Thanks a lot guys.

[mrokern]

I've been using the Sennheiser IEMs with Shure buds, and love it.

The higher-end Shure units are nice as well. I'm just a Sennheiser junkie.

[Warlock626]

I am also looking as well into In-Ear monitor system because I had my 1st gig with my band (www.myspace.com/morbiddreamsband) and I could barely hear myself play and I had all the songs memorize in timing, but I dont want to be lost. How does exactly work and how do i set it up? Do I MUST mike drums, guitars, and vocals so I can mix it in my In-ears? I am a NOOB at this so please help as well.

Peace and stay evil,
Warlock626

[Ryan L.]

I've used Shure systems with (most recently) Westone UM-2 ear buds.

Worked flawlessly, night after night.

[1954bassman]

If you are talking a complete IEM system, check out Aviom. We use them at church and I use them with our traveling Gospel group.

If you are just wanting a set-up for only you, the Shure and Sennheiser are both good choices.

I use FutureSonic earbuds, and like them, but I am looking at getting some custom fit ear molds someday.

I find the foam inserts provide more bass response.

Mark

[mrokern]

Originally Posted by 1954bassman

If you are talking a complete IEM system, check out Aviom. We use them at church and I use them with our traveling Gospel group.

If you are just wanting a set-up for only you, the Shure and Sennheiser are both good choices.

I use FutureSonic earbuds, and like them, but I am looking at getting some custom fit ear molds someday.

I find the foam inserts provide more bass response.

Mark

Isn't Aviom always a wired rig? Nice for church / pit shows, but not so much for a rock band. Not sure what OP's use will be, though...

To answer Warlock's post, yes, you need to mic whatever you want fed into your in-ears. IEMs are not a cheap choice, but for many of us they bring a lot of value for the money.

-Mark

[DB5]

Originally Posted by Ryan L.

I've used Shure systems with (most recently) Westone UM-2 ear buds.

Worked flawlessly, night after night.

+1 w/ custom molds.

[triggervision]

Yes I will be using them for a actively touring rock band and will be getting ear molds for them as well.

[Ben-Jammin]

Originally Posted by DB5

+1 w/ custom molds.

+1 more /w custom molds

If you invest in the in ears don't put off getting molds done either - foams and sleeves suck compared to custom molds(sound quality and comfort-wise).

As for systems, I use Shure PSM700 w/e5's. I'd recommend getting either at lease the 600's, or 700's -- They both have METAL bodypacks and well, I can't count how many times I may or may not have dropped mine.

The 600's select between two frequencies, where as the 700's are tunable. If you're in a situation with a lot of wireless getting the 700's are worth it. Otherwise, the 600's will probobly do the trick.

I've only used Sennheiser In Ear systems once, before I had the Shure system. I didn't like the buds that came with their system and the signal was no better than from the Shure even though I believe they are more expensive. We do use their EW500 mic stuff and it's great so I would only expect the same from the IEM.

I play weekly in a church with steel construction, a 2500 seat auditorium and a huge stage and do not have any problems with drop outs etc and can actually leave the stage to the washroom or the other side of the building and I can still hear with my ears. I don't use a rig anymore -- The beauty of good earbuds -- I can't hear it anymore.

Also, most of the time I have a compressor/limiter running before the signal goes to the transmitter to make sure I'm not going to get any nasty surprise noises coming from the console that are undesirable/uncomfortable (feedback, a channel cranked that should be). I think this is pretty standard with most guys I know.

Cheers,
Ben

[mrokern]

Originally Posted by Ben-Jammin

I've only used Sennheiser In Ear systems once, before I had the Shure system. I didn't like the buds that came with their system and the signal was no better than from the Shure even though I believe they are more expensive. We do use their EW500 mic stuff and it's great so I would only expect the same from the IEM.

Also, most of the time I have a compressor/limiter running before the signal goes to the transmitter to make sure I'm not going to get any nasty surprise noises coming from the console that are undesirable/uncomfortable (feedback, a channel cranked that should be). I think this is pretty standard with most guys I know.

+1 to about everything Ben said above.

I'm not a huge Shure fan until you get into the 600 or 700 series. I do think the Sennheiser is a lot of bang for the buck, but as Ben mentioned, the stock buds are nothing to write home about. I use Shure buds.

And make sure you have a limiter somewhere in-line unless you really trust your sound engineer. Dropped mics, feedback, etc through IEMs really freaking hurts. A lot. I've seen touring guys get canned for allowing that to happen (without limiters in place).

-Mark

[depalm]

Originally Posted by Ryan L.

I've used Shure systems.

Worked flawlessly, night after night.

+1

[musicman7722]

I use an IEM system now as well. I have stayed with the PSM200, I could afford the better ones but I don't see it called for in my situation. I use the westone UM2 I think w/o custom molds. I find if I use the medium sleeves they isolate the sig well enough for me.

I also us an Alesis mini mixer that has 4 xlr inputs and some very nice effects.

OK I'm a little weird. I use a splitter on my voice and run the split side into one channel with some reverb. I get a dedicated monitor mix for FOH and I mix my bass into a third channel. When necessary I'l take a patch of my drummers roland v drums as well.

Works quite well over all.

CP