Xvive U4 Wireless.

[ijump206]

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

This was my first thought as well. All of my bands have digital mixers with EQ on the Aux sends. I like to put a high pass if there is sufficient sub / bass amp coverage on stage to feel the low end. I tend to find that one problem in hearing bass in IEMs is too much low end easily overwhelms any definition from the mids. For overall volume, and this is very dependent on proximity to the drums, I try to set things so that I can comfortably hear the drum kit, and then only bring in what I need from all the instruments, with the bass probably 3-6 dB louder than the rest. Stereo panning can be quite useful if you are in a larger band, though it can also be a pain if you need to adjust while on stage.

Anyway, good luck!!

 

[ijump206]

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.

Wow, I am surprised by this. I can't turn my Sennheiser G4 belt pack up past about halfway (aux send at unity gain) driving my in-ears (64 Audio 6T custom molds) before the volume is almost painfully loud. And this is with none of the infividual channels in the mix anywhere close to unity gain - the loudest is probably -18dB or so. The IEMs are 6 speakers per side and are sensitive, but they do require power. I am sorry that you have not had a great experience with this, but it seems odd to me.

 

[mcnach]

Wow, I am surprised by this. I can't turn my Sennheiser G4 belt pack up past about halfway (aux send at unity gain) driving my in-ears (64 Audio 6T custom molds) before the volume is almost painfully loud. And this is with none of the infividual channels in the mix anywhere close to unity gain - the loudest is probably -18dB or so. The IEMs are 6 speakers per side and are sensitive, but they do require power. I am sorry that you have not had a great experience with this, but it seems odd to me.

It's going to depend hugely on the actual ear/headphones impedance.

 

[el murdoque]

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?

I am using a Fiio Mont Blanc (older unit, discontinued but still found second hand) when I want to use 300 ohm open back headphones during rehearsal, when there will be playing and talking and playing and talking and I don't want to pop out an IEM all the time. It works fine, is fed by 1/8" TRS and has a bass boost.
Careful will less sensitive headphones, though. This thing can get loud.

 

[ijump206]

It's going to depend hugely on the actual ear/headphones impedance.

Fair enough - physics does remain undefeated!

 

[vlad335]

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.

Yeah, quite possible that it wasnt set up correctly. The band leaders Dad spending huge amounts of money on the array did fix it though. I didn't know much about that stuff then and I still don't.

If the receiver had a digital out I could hook up a portable DAC like my Chord Mojo2 or Fiio BTR-17 and have copious amts of power and DSP correction. I think the external amp I bought is going to solve my issue though.

Yes, most of the time. We seem to always have a different sound guy every show. My Ipad has numerous different programs. I will definitely look into this at the next show. Thank you.

 

[vlad335]

I am using a Fiio Mont Blanc (older unit, discontinued but still found second hand) when I want to use 300 ohm open back headphones during rehearsal, when there will be playing and talking and playing and talking and I don't want to pop out an IEM all the time. It works fine, is fed by 1/8" TRS and has a bass boost.
Careful will less sensitive headphones, though. This thing can get loud.

I found something like that that will be here tomorrow. Think it will do the trick. Maybe use a rubber band to connect it to my receiver or wear a fanny pack. Still havent though that out.

Don't want to dump the Xvive as it works fine, wireless coverage-wise. Never had a drop out.

 

[vlad335]

OK. Had 2 gigs since posting this. For the ones that are just riveted by this thread, and what actually transpired, here is your update....

First gig, Outdoor show... Outdoor stage and the hired sound guy has no access to monitors for me. But he has a guy that will be up with us. Just ask him what you need? OK. Cool. Except, he leaves within 2 songs... I used the add-on amp, and it sucked, turning up the bass just distorted bad. Used the Tea Pro IEM's and the entire gig just was sounded horrible.

Played outdoors last Friday once again. Hot as F.
Anyway... Used the Hype4's and MY BASS GUITAR HAS NEVER SOUNDED BETTER IN IEM's in my life. Amazing. I have been doing IEM'd for at least 10 years. No amp. Just the Xvive receiver. It was completely loud enough and the bass guitar was my tone!!!!

 

[vlad335]

The Hype 4 Iems are awesome but going to try an upgrade this Friday.

Thieaudio Monarch MK4. Has a switch that engages extra bass. Listening to these and the price is absolutely justified.

 

[tshapiro]

I’d like to debunk some info I’ve read on this thread…

I’ve been running the XVive units for my entire band for the last 4 years. I also own and use the top of the line Sennheiser and Shure units.

1) Although the Xvives are lower cost, their full digital sound quality is more crystal clear with less noise than the Sennheiser and Shure units. Those units have a more radio-real sound but that comes with background noise. Yes, you can adjust squelch and noise gates but it’s not the same as the absolute clarity of the XVive full digital. If you only use a Sennheiser you’ll probably say “there’s no background noise”, but, try the Xvives and you’ll experience dead quite clarity. What you don’t get on the Xvives is the vast spectrum range to run many units. Rather, you are limited to 6. Also, there’s the potential for WiFi interference which can be handled with some experience.

2) Volume - be sure to have the transmitter set to Aux vs Line and you should get enough volume to blow your ears out.

3) EQ - true there is no EQ. But, most digital mixers, if you are using one, allow you to EQ your aux send, insert a limiter, etc. That’s the way we do it.

Many times, if there’s a deficiency with your in-ear sound, your IEM buds may not be right for you, or you are hoping to get the same EQ range/response of over the ear headphones - and that’s not going to happen. We use Shure 425’s.

Also, if you have harshness of your high end, I suggest looking at your preamp and signal chain. You are liking sending a harsh signal to the board and your IEM’s are not the ideal way to clean that up.

 

[Pep]

I was getting some interference at a weekly venue in my earbuds. I use Xvive and also a Sennheiser unit for other gigs. It made no difference which unit I used they’re was a loud buzz.
I tried different lines, cables and power sources buttons avail. One night before we started playing I noticed the noise was gone. When someone turned on the house stage lighting the noise was back.
Last week we went back in there and they had changed some things around. They have a bunch of digital slot machines throughout the building. The “Gaming Board” required them to place all of the machines in a group in the room that adjoins our stage area. That move required some new electrical wiring abd that alone took care of the buzz.
I will agree with you that the Xvive unit has a much cleaner sound than my “ top of the line” Sennheiser. The Sennheiser has a kinda “baked in” tone which mellows the sound out. It really makes it more difficult to hear what I need.
I’ll probably sell my Sennheiser unit.
I hope that Xvive comes out with an updated version with a couple more frequencies. Great unit!

 

[Sid the Kid]

I much prefer my little U4 unit to the Shure wireless unit the heavy band has racked. The Shure constantly cuts out and gobbles up batteries. I haven’t had any issue with quiet volume or sound quality, loss of signal, or battery life. They might be the cheapest way into wireless but they have worked flawlessly for years now. The best part is they are so dang portable you can store them in a gig bag just in case and you don’t feel like you’re bringing extra equipment. Having them on hand has saved the bacon of my bandmates as well as fellow musicians who have had issues with their nicer wireless units.

If you aren’t happy with the sound quality I’d check the source first, through a Behringer X32 and an Allen and Heath CQ18 the sound quality is perfect. My bandmates and I aren’t wizards with EQ and sound reinforcement but we’ve managed to get a great sound to our IEMs with this cheap gear. I will bring mine to every gig even if they just sit in the bag, they have become an essential gig tool to me.

 

[s0c9]

I predominantly play Country and Contemporary Christian gigs.
For the multiple country bands I'm in, I use my Mipro 909 (having sold my G3 which DOES have a noise floor) which is silent.
For Church gigs I'm using either a P16M wired solution or a Shure PSM600 receiver pack.
They are all basically silent with no noise floor and sound quality is fine. Yes, I've used the U4 occasionally but not on a regular basis.
I have EQ control with the P16M but not the PSM600.
I tend to leave the Mipro flat and bump bass levels a little in my IEM mix.
I won't do gigs without being able to hook up my IEM's.
MY buds for all of these are 64Audio A8's.

 

[vlad335]

I’d like to debunk some info I’ve read on this thread…
2) Volume - be sure to have the transmitter set to Aux vs Line and you should get enough volume to blow your ears out.

Dude, thank you! I did this for the first time and yeah, much more volume. For some reason I thought this wouldn't work and it had to be line output. I admit I never tried this and feel like such a dumbass...

 

[vlad335]

Ok. Home from the gig and got to try two IEM's tonight. Both Thieaudio brand. This was an amusement park, 2 set gig.

I have numerous headphones for music listening but lately much prefer IEM's for this. I brought my 2 favorites. THieaudio Hype 4 and Thieaudio Monarch MK4. ( I love Thieaudio)

Thieaudio Monarch MKIV | Flagship Tribrid Universal IEMs

Monarch MKIV packs EST, BA, and DD drivers, a titanium shell, and an adjustable tuning switch for customizable sound and ultra-clear performance.

bloomaudio.com

The MK4's are seriously expensive and sound amazing with my DAC's... For music listening.

First set, used the MK4 and it was OK. Had them on the Rumble setting. Expected more punch and separation but was somewhat disappointed...

Second set, the Hype4. GUYS! These were made for a bass player with IEM's. As I said earlier, my bass guitar never sounded better, plus... The separation. Its amazing!!!! It's almost magic. I could groove and hear everything.

Thieaudio Hype 4 | Hybrid 2DD + 4BA Universal IEMs

Introducing Thieaudio's Hype 4, the perfect universal IEM for high-precision sound reproduction featuring 4 Sonion Balanced Armatures, 2 Dynamic drivers, IMPACT² subwoofer solution, and Thieaudio's beloved studio-monitor tuning for audiophiles and professionals seeking premium-quality audio.

bloomaudio.com

These IEM's are discontinued, and I am looking at getting another set. BUY THESE FOR YOUR STAGE IEM's. Search Ebay and the internet. Get them! First Talkbasser that listens to me that does buy them will thank me.

 

[PCR]

I've been using Xvive U4 for about 7-8 years. If you're having fidelity problems, it's most likely your IEM ears.
I've been running custom Alcairs for about the same time. And I can tell you that the ear phones make a HUGE difference. I started out with decent Etymotics, but the custom Alcairs made a huge difference in keeping the volume of the receiver low. The first thing you need is REALLY good seal to seal out any sound bleed. Definitely customs is the best route, but making sure you have a great (comfortable) seal is a necessity. Next, the higher quality the buds, the more separation you will get, and the lower volume you will need. Remember, you're trying to get out of your IEM, just what you need to execute your part in the show. If you want to experience the show as the audience does, then pull the ear buds and stand in front of the mains.

Here is a quick review I posted on another site about my Alclairs:

I have 3 pairs of Alclair's, play bass and also mix band's FOH.

Dual XB: I started out with the Dual XB, and gigged with them for years. They were way better than any ear bud type IEM's (Etymontic's) I had used, and were comfortable after 4 hours of use. Good solid, middle of the road, but better than any ear bud type I had used.

CMVK: WOW! Huge step up from the Dual XB's. You can practically feel the bass. Everything was ultra clear, while keeping the low end tactile and forward. If I didn't mix for the entire band, I would have happily stopped here, but there was so much bass in the CMVK, it was hard to keep the mix for the entire band. I still use these on gigs where I just play the bass.

Spire Six: Just right... Tons of head room. Keeps the clarity of the low end (CMVK), but brings everything else up. Great clarity and dynamics across all the frequencies. It's crazy how clear and dynamic these are compared to the Dual XB's, especially on stage. I literally find myself turning down the volume on my receiver much lower than I thought, and I can still hear everything. Yes, they are double the money of Dual XB's which were already way better than my Etymotic's.

 

[Hammer01]

I also run the XVive U4 and found volume to be lacking. I've been using a Rodyweil RO-04 Mic Preamp inline with the monitor mix from the mixing board and find it has unlimited volume boost for my CCA and KZ ear buds using the U4 now. Rodyweil cost is about $100. You can boost the dB coming into the U4 and then only use as much volume on the U4 receiver as you like (no need to crank it up). Made a world of difference volume wise. Very clean signal also.