Best Entry Level Wireless IEM System

[Mike Caldwell]

On the noise issue, proper gain structure between the mixer and IEM is a must. Run the level into the transmitter to drive the transmitter upwards to 80% or so. The volume on the receiver packs will be lower, all told that increases the signal to noise ratio.
An extra benefit in running the IEMS that way is if there is a loud signal spike or a blast of noise from dropout or interference running the volume lower on the receiver pack will reduce that volume that hits your ears.
If you run the level low at the transmitter and then turn up the volume on the receiver pack that brings up any noise in the system and loud spikes or other noise will be really loud hitting your ears.

I've posted this before.....do NOT buy the Behringer wireless IEM systems, they check all the boxes of total crap. Galaxy Audio was mentioned above, yea I never found their wireless stuff to be that great either.

 

[s0c9]

On the noise issue, proper gain structure between the mixer and IEM is a must. Run the level into the transmitter to drive the transmitter upwards to 80% or so. The volume on the receiver packs will be lower, all told that increases the signal to noise ratio.
An extra benefit in running the IEMS that way is if there is a loud signal spike or a blast of noise from dropout or interference running the volume lower on the receiver pack will reduce that volume that hits your ears.
If you run the level low at the transmitter and then turn up the volume on the receiver pack that brings up any noise in the system and loud spikes or other noise will be really loud hitting your ears.

I've posted this before.....do NOT buy the Behringer wireless IEM systems, they check all the boxes of total crap. Galaxy Audio was mentioned above, yea I never found their wireless stuff to be that great either.

This is something that tends to be lost/ignored in most IEM conversations/threads on here.. proper gain structure.
It's no different than setting up gain on any mixer input.
My Senn G3 had an inherent noise floor, hiss that was slightly audible when no audio was being sent, but inaudible when playing.
Gain staging did not fix it.. turns out it was a known issue with the G3 series.
But yes, everything you stated above @Mike Caldwell +100%

 

[confuoco]

I've been using the Xvive U4 system for years now and it's been great. Not super cheap, but not exorbitant. I'll also join the "don't cheap out on IEM" crowd. This is what you will be hearing while you're playing, you don't want to risk any issues or low quality on that. The better things sound in your ears, the better you'll feel while you're playing.

What’s been your experience with range? Like if I run the FOH into a mixer on the stage can can I run the xvive off that?

 

[confuoco]

If you go on the cheap, I'd recommend finding a used Sennheiser rig, as long as it is still in a legal bandwidth. I still have the G1 that uses a 9v. Never a dropout or glitch.

What exactly is the consequence of using an “illegal” bandwidth?

 

[Sushi Box FX]

What’s been your experience with range? Like if I run the FOH into a mixer on the stage can can I run the xvive off that?

If it's good line of sight then yes. The only time I've had issues with mine was when the mixer was behind walls or equipment, blocking the transmitter from line of sight.

 

[drpepper]

What exactly is the consequence of using an “illegal” bandwidth?

The operative consequence here is an increased potential for you to experience interference.

If you were identified as the cause of interference by the FCC, you'd be notified and told to stop. Realistically, if you didn't stop after some number of warnings, you'd be fined. This has almost nothing to do with use of wireless pa and instrument gear in portable systems typically being discussed here.

In order for you to be identified as the cause of interference there has to be a complaint, so first and logically, you have to actually cause interference and that has to be persistent and regularly occurring. A scenario where this could occur might be a church or some other location with an installed system being used at regular periods of time. IF that system were causing interference to the point that someone recognized it as recurring and they filed a complaint with the FCC, that would begin the process of identifying the source...

 

[s0c9]

The operative consequence here is an increased potential for you to experience interference.

+100%
It's [highly?] unlikely that any "authorities" will come hunt you down if you are using an "illegal" wireless system in a local bar/club band, even at a festival.
What will happen is the interference from LEO's and emergency service vehicles such as Fire and Medical.
Your average band wireless unit doesn't have enough xmit power to interfere with THEM, but boy, they will knock you out when a fire truck drives by using the same freq you are on.
Best to avoid it.

 

[Bullitt5135]

I've been using the Phenyx Pro PTM-22 for the past couple of years and more than 60 gigs... 6-8 channels depending on the gig. I've never had any issues other than occasionally needing to change a frequency/channel. Range is good: when I first got the PTM-22, I walked out my front door and across the street several hundred feet away with no loss of reception or signal quality. Battery power is great (using AA rechargeable): if I leave a receiver on overnight, it is still working in the morning. Body packs have survived a few drops with no damage. Customer service was prompt and helpful when I had a minor issue with a Phenyx Pro wireless mic.

Cons: PTM-22 is mono. That's not an issue for me, but some people prefer stereo. Earbuds are throw-aways. Instead, I use CCA C12 buds.

 

[buzzby]

I also use the Xvive U4 system and have been happy with it. Battery life is good, and I've never had any interference issues with it. Of course, you can use it with the IEM of your choice.

I got the Xvive U4 for $192 several months ago. They go on sale a few times a year.

The only downside for me (and it's turned out to be minor), is that it's mono output. There are no "budget" wireless IEM stereo setups that I've been able to find on the interwebs. Stereo will cost you the big bucks. I use the Xvive U4 only when playing live, and I've never missed not having stereo (for panning various inputs).

Good luck!

buzz

 

[Baker69]

For about £300 you can get the LD Systems LD MEI 1000 G2, our whole band use them (except myself as I have recently upgraded to a Sennheiser G4 system). They are great value for the money and very usable, not in the same league as a Senny but still pretty good. You do sometimes get some white noise with them and a few artefacts but generally fairly good and a very good introduction into the world of IEM’s. If finances arent an issue though I would go straight for a Sennheiser G4 or a Shure PSM 300.

 

[s0c9]

For about £300 you can get the LD Systems LD MEI 1000 G2, our whole band use them (except myself as I have recently upgraded to a Sennheiser G4 system). They are great value for the money and very usable, not in the same league as a Senny but still pretty good. You do sometimes get some white noise with them and a few artefacts but generally fairly good and a very good introduction into the world of IEM’s. If finances arent an issue though I would go straight for a Sennheiser G4 or a Shure PSM 300.

Sadly, those operate in the 800MHz band - which CANNOT be used in the US without an FCC license.
Open/FREE frequencies are:

1.) 902 to 928 MHz (33cm Amateur Band)
2.) 2400 to 2483 MHz (13 cm Amateur Band)
3.) 535 to 539 kHz (600 Meter band - Ham Radio, CB and other services sharing the same frequencies)
4.) 5460.5 to 5470.5 kHz (40 meter band - USB, LSB, CW etc.)
5.) 5650 to 5725 kHz (80 meter band - USB, LSB, CW etc.
6.) 7.100 to 7.300 MHz (80 meter band)
7.) 14.000 to 14.350 MHz (20 meter band)8.) 21.000 to 21

 

[Baker69]

Sadly, those operate in the 800MHz band - which CANNOT be used in the US without an FCC license.
Open/FREE frequencies are:

1.) 902 to 928 MHz (33cm Amateur Band)
2.) 2400 to 2483 MHz (13 cm Amateur Band)
3.) 535 to 539 kHz (600 Meter band - Ham Radio, CB and other services sharing the same frequencies)
4.) 5460.5 to 5470.5 kHz (40 meter band - USB, LSB, CW etc.)
5.) 5650 to 5725 kHz (80 meter band - USB, LSB, CW etc.
6.) 7.100 to 7.300 MHz (80 meter band)
7.) 14.000 to 14.350 MHz (20 meter band)8.) 21.000 to 21

That’s a shame, they must all be for the European market.

 

[Spectre1966]

Seems like the best entry-level wireless is a wire I’ve been using the Xvive U4 and have had lots of interference issues to the point that I turned it off. But recently I connected my transmitter via an XLR cable and hung it in an out of the way place near my corner of the stage and it was much better. So I may be able to squeeze some more life out of it yet. Otherwise I’ll bite the bullet and go with a Shure PSM300, Sennheiser G4 or Audio-Technica ATW-3255.

Same….i had to put my transmitter on a cable and put it near my pedalboard for a consistent signsl.