Xvive U4 Wireless.

[vlad335]

I have been using this system for a year and mostly happy with it. I want to be able to EQ my IEM's though. (Add some lowend, take out harshness etc.) The system works great don't get me wrong, however the receiver doesnt have the best headphone amp in the world. Does not have a great deal of power and with less sensitive IEM's, I am fighting to get enough volume.

I wonder if there is an amp out there I could go out of the 3.5 jack of the Xvive and add some EQ. Actually, an amp with ample power and a bass boost would be fine. Any thoughts?

 

[Pep]

I have nothing to suggest. I’m in the same boat. I have plenty of volume but the sound is harsh.

 

[vlad335]

I have nothing to suggest. I’m in the same boat. I have plenty of volume but the sound is harsh.

Yeah, not enough juice in these receivers.

I have a few great IEM's but they need power. Well, more power than this thing can give. Have a Chord Mojo2 portable DAC and a Fiio BTR17 and my InEars slam, all while being crystal clear. Wish I had the same sound on a gig. If I was a guitar player or singer I'm sure it would be fine but I want my bass guitar and the kick drum to hit. Even IEM's that are known for being bass monsters don't do it with this thing.

 

[Pep]

The Xvive is a bit of a trade-off on sound quality.

 

[vlad335]

Yeah, there is a low price point here.

However, in my last band they had top of the line Sennheiser wireless units. I think each transmitter/receiver unit was like $1000. (They had 5 of them.) Also used the super expensive antenna array as well. System all rack mounted. This was back a few years ago but the headphone amps in those receivers were crap too.

 

[vlad335]

I think I found the answer. (Maybe)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FJ895FFP

IDK why this didn't come up on my numerous searches before... Just recently found other amps with a bass switch but this one should be better. Can vary the bass level with a knob.

Ordered it. (Just will have to watch the gain out of the Xvive) Will report back here how it works in case someone else has this predicament.

 

[Wayward Son]

I have used both the XVive U4 and the Sennheiser G4 IEM Systems. The XVive is what it is—an entry point to IEM—so it’s basically just channel selection and volume to start with. I have found the Sennheiser system to provide more than adequate volume with plenty of available headroom (Sensitivity). Neither of these systems have onboard EQ, but that’s not their intended function (you are years ahead of your time ). In both cases though, other factors influence how we perceive tone/volume and is probably why there are abundant discussions on the variety of earbuds themselves (to emphasize specific bass characteristics), and the importance of a good seal (for isolation and ultimately improvement in tonal quality). Can’t emphasize enough how important a good seal makes the difference in the thickness and hit of the lower frequencies. But you know this already.

Perhaps more to the point, if you are using a digital mixer, you might find you don’t need an additional headphone amp (or to be fair, I will say, I personally don’t need any other device). One can simply EQ their IEM Aux, independent of the FOH signal (which has its own separate EQ). Keep your own IEM level at Unity, (with all the other instruments at -3dB to -6dB) and EQ the Aux to suit your needs. The Aux EQ will color all the instruments in your personal mix, but I have found that using basic digital mixers (I have an XR18 and an A/H CQ18T) I can get a wonderful bass tone, accentuated to my liking (for me, that’s snappy and deep) and prominent in my ears. Have you tried this already and found it doesn’t get you where you want to be?

 

[74hc]

Taking a low cost product and trying to improve it is often throwing money down the rabbit hole, imo.

Just get a professional unit and have EQ functions in the receiver. Or stick with what you have and upgrade later when the funds are in hand. The only exception I can think of is if the X4 doesn't have a true limiter function. If that's the case, do whatever you can to upgrade to a pro unit. Hearing is worth far more than the price.

 

[erratick]

Why don't you EQ at the mixer? The source going to the IEM?

 

[s0c9]

I have used both the XVive U4 and the Sennheiser G4 IEM Systems. The XVive is what it is—an entry point to IEM—so it’s basically just channel selection and volume to start with. I have found the Sennheiser system to provide more than adequate volume with plenty of available headroom (Sensitivity). Neither of these systems have onboard EQ, but that’s not their intended function (you are years ahead of your time ). In both cases though, other factors influence how we perceive tone/volume and is probably why there are abundant discussions on the variety of earbuds themselves (to emphasize specific bass characteristics), and the importance of a good seal (for isolation and ultimately improvement in tonal quality). Can’t emphasize enough how important a good seal makes the difference in the thickness and hit of the lower frequencies. But you know this already.

Perhaps more to the point, if you are using a digital mixer, you might find you don’t need an additional headphone amp (or to be fair, I will say, I personally don’t need any other device). One can simply EQ their IEM Aux, independent of the FOH signal (which has its own separate EQ). Keep your own IEM level at Unity, (with all the other instruments at -3dB to -6dB) and EQ the Aux to suit your needs. The Aux EQ will color all the instruments in your personal mix, but I have found that using basic digital mixers (I have an XR18 and an A/H CQ18T) I can get a wonderful bass tone, accentuated to my liking (for me, that’s snappy and deep) and prominent in my ears. Have you tried this already and found it doesn’t get you where you want to be?

My G4 receiver had built-in EQ and adjustable limiter.
I now use a Mipro909 system. It has EQ but no limiter.

 

[Wayward Son]

My G4 receiver had built-in EQ and adjustable limiter.
I now use a Mipro909 system. It has EQ but no limiter.

Hi! Yes--there is a limiter--I guess I wasn't thinking of that as adding lower frequencies/removing harshness from the signal. The only other "EQ" I can modify on the G4 itself (that I'm aware of) is a "High Boost" which is fixed (as a high shelving boost at about +8dB near 10K--I believe). I was thinking about EQ more in terms of manipulating fixed frequency boosts/cuts, or even something semi-parametric. Is there something else you recall about the G4 in terms of EQ that I should be looking for?

 

[s0c9]

Hi! Yes--there is a limiter--I guess I wasn't thinking of that as adding lower frequencies/removing harshness from the signal. The only other "EQ" I can modify on the G4 itself (that I'm aware of) is a "High Boost" which is fixed (as a high shelving boost at about +8dB near 10K--I believe). I was thinking about EQ more in terms of manipulating fixed frequency boosts/cuts, or even something semi-parametric. Is there something else you recall about the G4 in terms of EQ that I should be looking for?

Check the OM in the receivers detailed menu section? I sold my G4 so I can’t look it up on the unit myself.. sorry.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Try a different IEM. I’ve been using Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro IEM and have never had an issue with volume on my U4. Half way up at most in all my live gigs.

They have a pretty flat response, but if you need to EQ, try to do it at the board to your IEM mix.

 

[Wayward Son]

Check the OM in the receivers detailed menu section? I sold my G4 so I can’t look it up on the unit myself.. sorry.

You must have had a higher level model than mine. I have the eW G4. But there are EM/SK/SKM G4 models--which do appear to have a bit more signal processing (and a HPF). Thanks!

 

[vlad335]

I have used both the XVive U4 and the Sennheiser G4 IEM Systems. The XVive is what it is—an entry point to IEM—so it’s basically just channel selection and volume to start with. I have found the Sennheiser system to provide more than adequate volume with plenty of available headroom (Sensitivity). Neither of these systems have onboard EQ, but that’s not their intended function (you are years ahead of your time ). In both cases though, other factors influence how we perceive tone/volume and is probably why there are abundant discussions on the variety of earbuds themselves (to emphasize specific bass characteristics), and the importance of a good seal (for isolation and ultimately improvement in tonal quality). Can’t emphasize enough how important a good seal makes the difference in the thickness and hit of the lower frequencies. But you know this already.

Perhaps more to the point, if you are using a digital mixer, you might find you don’t need an additional headphone amp (or to be fair, I will say, I personally don’t need any other device). One can simply EQ their IEM Aux, independent of the FOH signal (which has its own separate EQ). Keep your own IEM level at Unity, (with all the other instruments at -3dB to -6dB) and EQ the Aux to suit your needs. The Aux EQ will color all the instruments in your personal mix, but I have found that using basic digital mixers (I have an XR18 and an A/H CQ18T) I can get a wonderful bass tone, accentuated to my liking (for me, that’s snappy and deep) and prominent in my ears. Have you tried this already and found it doesn’t get you where you want to be?

Thank you for your post. Yes, I am aware of the importance of a good seal with IEM's but that's a very reasonable point, as some people may not be. I used to use Comply foams exclusively but found them irritating to my ear canals after a short time at a gig and sweating. Also, the foam breaks down and each only lasts a couple shows. I have tried literally over a dozen different types and brands of foam, silicone and hybrid tips in the past year. I recently tried Sonicfoam tips and they were even more irritating, IDK, developing an allergy?
Silicone is the most comfortable by far, like you dont even have an IEM in your ear. This is an ongoing saga... However, the search continues as I have a couple more coming this week. Leaning towards the Spinfit W1 or Kiwi ears silicone right now.

Yes, I know with the ability to EQ at the Aux with digital mixers. However, we hire out sound and have a different sound company at almost every show and this option isn't very reliable I'm afraid. Always pushed for time with soundcheck. Plus, this wouldnt help the underpowered state of the receiver with some of my less sensitive IEM's.

I do appreciate you taking the time to post. Very useful info in there.

 

[Wayward Son]

Thank you for your post. Yes, I am aware of the importance of a good seal with IEM's but that's a very reasonable point, as some people may not be. I used to use Comply foams exclusively but found them irritating to my ear canals after a short time at a gig and sweating. Also, the foam breaks down and each only lasts a couple shows. I have tried literally over a dozen different types and brands of foam, silicone and hybrid tips in the past year. I recently tried Sonicfoam tips and they were even more irritating, IDK, developing an allergy?
Silicone is the most comfortable by far, like you dont even have an IEM in your ear. This is an ongoing saga... However, the search continues as I have a couple more coming this week. Leaning towards the Spinfit W1 or Kiwi ears silicone right now.

Yes, I know with the ability to EQ at the Aux with digital mixers. However, we hire out sound and have a different sound company at almost every show and this option isn't very reliable I'm afraid. Always pushed for time with soundcheck. Plus, this wouldnt help the underpowered state of the receiver with some of my less sensitive IEM's.

I do appreciate you taking the time to post. Very useful info in there.

For sure--thanks--and I learned some things as well. Love this site. Good luck on your journey!

 

[vlad335]

Try a different IEM. I’ve been using Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro IEM and have never had an issue with volume on my U4. Half way up at most in all my live gigs.

They have a pretty flat response, but if you need to EQ, try to do it at the board to your IEM mix.

Appreciate the suggestion. I have used KZ and CCA IEM's and you're absolutely correct. They are very sensitive and can be driven by almost anything. Even tiny powered phone dongles. Used CCA C-10's for many years. I have two sets of them and two C-12's.

Problem is I started getting into IEM's for Hifi listening and I made the mistake of taking one of my more expensive ones to a gig.

Have always been into headphones and have some excellent Hifiman, Sennheiser, and Audeze sets. Found I like IEM's even more for music listening at home so started going up the in ear monitor food chain. Have some good DAC's and HP amps here and switching between the CCA/KZ sets and say, the Thieaudio Hype4 and Xenns Tea Pro is completely night and day. (It's like when I started roasting my own coffee beans, I was totally ruined for gas station coffee. ) Noticed the vast improvement on a gig as well. When everyone was playing full stop, the congestion and smearing was gone. Only problem is, these better IEM's need more power. Not a huge amount more but more than the Xvive can provide.

 

[erayser]

I have used both the XVive U4 and the Sennheiser G4 IEM Systems. The XVive is what it is—an entry point to IEM—so it’s basically just channel selection and volume to start with. I have found the Sennheiser system to provide more than adequate volume with plenty of available headroom (Sensitivity). Neither of these systems have onboard EQ, but that’s not their intended function (you are years ahead of your time ). In both cases though, other factors influence how we perceive tone/volume and is probably why there are abundant discussions on the variety of earbuds themselves (to emphasize specific bass characteristics), and the importance of a good seal (for isolation and ultimately improvement in tonal quality). Can’t emphasize enough how important a good seal makes the difference in the thickness and hit of the lower frequencies. But you know this already.

Perhaps more to the point, if you are using a digital mixer, you might find you don’t need an additional headphone amp (or to be fair, I will say, I personally don’t need any other device). One can simply EQ their IEM Aux, independent of the FOH signal (which has its own separate EQ). Keep your own IEM level at Unity, (with all the other instruments at -3dB to -6dB) and EQ the Aux to suit your needs. The Aux EQ will color all the instruments in your personal mix, but I have found that using basic digital mixers (I have an XR18 and an A/H CQ18T) I can get a wonderful bass tone, accentuated to my liking (for me, that’s snappy and deep) and prominent in my ears. Have you tried this already and found it doesn’t get you where you want to be?

I use a G4 EW IEM wireless system too. Not sure I would use the EQ in the G4, even if I could find it in the menus. All I do is scan, sync, and play... haha... I recently bought a P15-HQ Powerplay to EQ going through my G4 wireless system in Stereo. After using a P16 at one of the churches I play at, I loved it and ended up buying my own to use at home through my X32R, and other churches I play at... since most of the time, the Ultranet port is unused. However, I have teach the sound-guy how to route channels/mixbus's to it... but it's worth it since I can EQ and Pan individual channels in stereo on my own. It's not that expensive... but the downside, it's another device to setup. Since I really don't have any control of the FOH mixer on stage, It's really nice to do quick EQ/Panning adjustments on different instruments without bothering the Sound engineer.

 

[vlad335]

I have used both the XVive U4 and the Sennheiser G4 IEM Systems. The XVive is what it is—an entry point to IEM—so it’s basically just channel selection and volume to start with. I have found the Sennheiser system to provide more than adequate volume with plenty of available headroom (Sensitivity). Neither of these systems have onboard EQ, but that’s not their intended function (you are years ahead of your time ). In both cases though, other factors influence how we perceive tone/volume and is probably why there are abundant discussions on the variety of earbuds themselves (to emphasize specific bass characteristics), and the importance of a good seal (for isolation and ultimately improvement in tonal quality). Can’t emphasize enough how important a good seal makes the difference in the thickness and hit of the lower frequencies. But you know this already.

Perhaps more to the point, if you are using a digital mixer, you might find you don’t need an additional headphone amp (or to be fair, I will say, I personally don’t need any other device). One can simply EQ their IEM Aux, independent of the FOH signal (which has its own separate EQ). Keep your own IEM level at Unity, (with all the other instruments at -3dB to -6dB) and EQ the Aux to suit your needs. The Aux EQ will color all the instruments in your personal mix, but I have found that using basic digital mixers (I have an XR18 and an A/H CQ18T) I can get a wonderful bass tone, accentuated to my liking (for me, that’s snappy and deep) and prominent in my ears. Have you tried this already and found it doesn’t get you where you want to be?

Yeah, the G4's are really nice. Tons of great features. Problem is, the actual HP amp installed in the reciever. 100mw max. The Xvive is less than that but not by much. There is a reason it has a limiter, could it be the reason is to not over drive the tiny amplifier? All these systems treat amplifier power and quality as an afterthought. I think i could spend $1200 and be in the same situation

With the U4, I have never once had a dropout. With the Sennheiser units, we used to have them all the time. Granted this was in 2016-18 I believe and I'm sure these units are far better now but the singers I played for at the time first bought an antenna for the system and it still wasnt enough. Ended up with an array of four of these antennas that were grotesquely expensive.

Question for you concerning the new Sennheiser IEM systems. Does the belt pack receiver have a digital out? Saw some mention of this somewhere but cant find any info.

 

[Mike Caldwell]

Yeah, the G4's are really nice. Tons of great features. Problem is, the actual HP amp installed in the reciever. 100mw max. The Xvive is less than that but not by much. There is a reason it has a limiter, could it be the reason is to not over drive the tiny amplifier? All these systems treat amplifier power and quality as an afterthought. I think i could spend $1200 and be in the same situation

With the U4, I have never once had a dropout. With the Sennheiser units, we used to have them all the time. Granted this was in 2016-18 I believe and I'm sure these units are far better now but the singers I played for at the time first bought an antenna for the system and it still wasnt enough. Ended up with an array of four of these antennas that were grotesquely expensive.

Question for you concerning the new Sennheiser IEM systems. Does the belt pack receiver have a digital out? Saw some mention of this somewhere but cant find any info.

Sounds like that Sennheiser was not configured properly and or the wrong frequency group for your area. With an antenna combiner you can feed the IEM transmitters into that unit and use just one antenna. Actually one antenna works better than a bunch of antennas all packed close to each other. Don't confuse a wireless mic antenna distro with an IEM antenna combiner.

I'm not aware of any IEM receiver packs with a digital output, not sure what that would even be used for. There are digital IEM systems but the output at the pack is analog for the ear buds.

Do you use the monitor mix app for the mixers your system gets connected to? In addition to controlling your mix you can adjust the EQ on the mix output.