Yes... it can get pricey...
I've been ampless and using IEM's for nearly a decade. I'm a tech head... which is my weakness on spending money on things I don't need. I am a sucker for purchasing new tech at premium prices. One thing I bought... which I definitely did NOT need... was an X32 Rack Digital mixer. I bought it when Behringer dropped their prices nearly 50% on their X32 mixer line late last year. I just wanted to learn more about digital mixers (Routing, PEQ, Gates, FX, etc...), and to use it at home for silent practice alone, or with band members/friends.... and also for content creation applications.
I work remote from home... so this is technically my home office for my real job (not music related).
Digital mixers was a game changer for me going ampless... playing mostly on silent stages. I like that we can all have our own "Personal Mix" that we can all adjust to our own preference from our phones/tablets on a mobile app connected through wifi. On my personal X32 rack at home, I set up the mixbus's to have.... 6 individual stereo and 2 mono personal mixes.
The acoustic drumset has mesh heads on the toms/bass-drum with triggers, V-drum cymbals, and Roland snare... controlled with a V-drum module. The only thing audible during our silent practices are the singers, and the hi-hat.
I can't put into words how good silent practice at home sounds... but it's not worth the price... for just silent practice. I've been having fun (learning/silent practice) with my setup, but I also use it for content creation editing (photography/videos) for clients, influencers, and friends. There isn't really day where it's not being used... so I guess it's worth it for me... but it's still too pricey to recommend.
