Wireless head phones for "in-ear" monitors; anyone using that?

[KenSmithFan]

One of the bands I'm in is using in-ear monitors. I bought Sure SE215 Pro Wired Earbuds and the ART HP-1 Single Channel headphone amp, but it is not working out at all. I have two different size ear canals and I don't like using earbuds of any kind. I'm thinking about trying wireless headphones, but I'm clueless about how to connect them to the PA.

If anyone is using this solution, I'd love to hear about it.

 

[el murdoque]

If by wireless you mean bluetooth, then forget it. The latency is too big to be used. You can connect normal wired headphones to your HP-1, though.

 

[KenSmithFan]

If by wireless you mean bluetooth, then forget it. The latency is too big to be used. You can connect normal wired headphones to your HP-1, though.

Thanks. I have two pair of high quality headphones that I could use. I didn't know the latency was still an issue. The HP-1 is junk. It was $35, Any suggestions for something of higher quality, maybe under or around $200?

 

[BGroovy]

John Mayer sometimes uses big over ear headphones. I agree go wired.

 

[AK Bass Guy]

Quick search on the web, looks like most radio frequency headphones are over the ear cans and they work in the 2gig and up frequencies.
Sony makes some in the $250 range. Never tried them but Sony has a pretty good reputation for making headphones.

 

[s0c9]

Thanks. I have two pair of high quality headphones that I could use. I didn't know the latency was still an issue. The HP-1 is junk. It was $35, Any suggestions for something of higher quality, maybe under or around $200?

Latency is a major issue with Bluetooth, plus it’s 2.4G.
You can still use headphones with a decent headphone amp.. many folks are using the Behringer P2 (or 3rd part equivalents ~$40) with ANY buds.
XLR cable from mixer to P2 on belt, buds (or headphones WITH 1/8” jack) of choice from there. Volume control on P2, runs on AAA batts. Some can run on phantom power - tho I may be mistaken about the phantom power thing.
MIX is still controlled on the mixer. Nothing else changes.

 

[Wasnex]

You need headphones with good isolation. Here's a good place to start: Best headphones for drummers 2025: sound isolation for the studio, rehearsal room and stage

 

[DWBass]

Wired headphones. Just plug them into the wireless pack like you would the earbuds. A keyboardist I know does this.

 

[el murdoque]

Thanks. I have two pair of high quality headphones that I could use. I didn't know the latency was still an issue. The HP-1 is junk. It was $35, Any suggestions for something of higher quality, maybe under or around $200?

As @s0c9 already commented, the Behringer P2 works fine. I've used it occasionally and could not spot any problems in sound. It's the same price range, though.

There's latency and then there's latency. AptX LL (Low Latency) claims below 50ms, which is quite low for where they came from, but much too high for musicians monitoring their own playing.

 

[LowWay]

I use these with my wired headphones/iems.

Amazon.com

 

[Marc Speed]

They’re pricey, but custom made ear pieces would likely solve the problem. They are custom molded to fit your ear canals.

 

[edwinhurwitz]

They’re pricey, but custom made ear pieces would likely solve the problem. They are custom molded to fit your ear canals.

I agree with this. Aside from custom IEMs, you can get sleeves from Sensaphonics and other companies that fit existing IEMs if you like the sound of them.

 

[LowWay]

I like the comply foam tips for my universal iems. They come in sizes, including a set with a pair of all the sizes. I like these better than my customs.

 

[edwinhurwitz]

I like the comply foam tips for my universal iems. They come in sizes, including a set with a pair of all the sizes. I like these better than my customs.

I went from Sensaphonics customs (and Future Sonics customs) to the Plunge Audio universals and I'm much happier.

 

[Marley's Ghost]

Def try the comply assortment pack. You may need a different tip for each ear.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IEE9D0?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[Brians356]

many folks are using the Behringer P2 (or 3rd part equivalents ~$40) with ANY buds.

I've got the Behringer MA400 headphone amp, taking the signal from a Rumble 200 Line Out XLR. Looking at decent IE 'phones but can't justify near $1000 for my needs. Only the bass amp will be in the 'phones (playing in a 7-horn big band.) Anyone familiar with either of these buds?

Sennheiser IE 200 In-Ear Headphones

Softears Volume S In-Ear Headphones

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[edwinhurwitz]

I've got the Behringer MA400 headphone amp, taking the signal from a Rumble 200 Line Out XLR. Looking at decent IE 'phones but can't justify near $1000 for my needs. Only the bass amp will be in the 'phones (playing in a 7-horn big band.) Anyone familiar with either of these buds?

Sennheiser IE 200 In-Ear Headphones

Softears Volume S In-Ear Headphones

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If you need to go inexpensive, the Chinese KZ IEMs work pretty well.

https://www.amazon.com/KZ-ZS12-PRO-Headphones-Full-Metal/dp/B0D7MDKMKK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=483DGELJLUZC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j-avVsgVIcMnzHT1-Wc9rk6BaTfTeGBF7pRdOIc0Nu8BwcZMQAk--lO4DUt8GKyAyG8gKSLkc27b22xiqqX0xHqczxgHl4bjsNiJQ4d-HtqBjGrDhDoauhvCnn70IR-emiJW1fpEJR9g8L4-swdB7-kma6klr4ayjQwGc4iJs9w5uZk46nEuaJmWlkPQrC6IT_VyS_G8SdX2ykNIbbkrBFHVVDdW82CDFaD85YSSdzE.Ejn1pQUCAfowt3u_SZJ7Z5m72U2LEzorM7UIwGUsDCo&dib_tag=se&keywords=kz%2Bzs12%2Bpro%2Bx&qid=1756793385&sprefix=KZ%2Bzs12%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-2&th=1

 

[petermwright]

Custom moulded earbuds are the answer.

 

[Relsom]

I use these with my wired headphones/iems.

Amazon.com

Being leery of the crowded 2.4 band, I ordered the Melonare PM-1 UHF units. Not bad for cheap wireless, but I'll admit that tethered still sounds better.

 

[Brians356]

If you need to go inexpensive, the Chinese KZ IEMs work pretty well.

For that price, worth a try. There's the base model, or a "tunnable" [sic] Pro model w/ a 4-switch EQ of some sort. Would you happen to know if that's the better choice or "don't care"?
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