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Flyguy - Posted - 06/21/2024: 10:25:45
Searching the archives I see it has been awhile since this topic was thrown out there so here goes. My band has been toying with the idea of in ear monitors for quite awhile but hesitant to take the plunge. We are a regional band playing a couple times a month in medium size venues (Wembley stadium not in our future). Usual BG band lineup, guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and bass.
We use a single mic with floor monitors but have the issue of getting enough gain out of the mic before feedback. Usually the monitors end up very low or even completely off. We EQ before we play to get the most volume. The band is the sound person so adjustments while playing don't happen.
So that brings up the question of in ear monitor systems. What is the latest/greatest that you have experienced. Price wise the transmitter and receiver systems seem to be in the $1,200 to $2,000 dollar range. Do they work well and somewhat bullet proof.
And what about the actual ear buds? That seems to be where the money really kicks in. Would prefer very much custom in ear's for comfort and external noise limiting. These seem to be at the $700 to $1,200 (and up) per pair, plus the cost of molds.
Watching the big time traveling bands all seem to use them, large venue or small. I often see players reaching up and tugging on them or even sometimes pulling one out. I have read that it is bad for hearing to use them in only one ear but many say that is what they prefer.
I know the single LDC mic is most of the problem but we just love the look. The bass does have its own mic or direct in. We are just looking for the way to get the most volume with this microphone set up, hear ourselves the best possible. We are still 50/50 about going this route, maybe not worth it if just more hassles. Any ideas greatly appreciated.
wrench13 - Posted - 06/21/2024: 13:26:14
In general, my band HATES to use monitors. Unless the ambient noise is so high you cant hear the mains, we don't use them. Just one more thing for the sound guy to screw up or to distract from the performance. Noisy bars/clubs- yeah you might need em. Festival/concert settings? We never use them.
LukeL - Posted - 06/21/2024: 13:42:06
In ear monitors are the way to go these days- especially with a single large diaphragm condenser. When running sound for festivals, we don't run LDC's through stage wedges anyway. The best way to hear yourself is with IEMs. The Shure PSM300 is a great start. The Sennheiser G4s have been great too. There are cheaper options as well, some are good, some are not. Used equipment is a good option.
For earbuds I would start with the KZ buds and go from there. They are fantastic and the price is unbeatable. amzn.to/3RGjHOa
Would you want 1 transmitter and 5 body packs? That would give you one stereo mix or 2 mono mixes. For 5 individual mixes, you would need 3 transmitters (6 mono mixes, most common) or 5 transmitters for 5 stereo mixes. Your mixer will need to have 10 spare aux outputs for that last option.
corn - Posted - 06/21/2024: 13:44:32
Flyguy, I have a different opinion. In-ears are the only way to go. You can find several units new or used for under the 1k price. Additionally, when working off of the single Mic you wouldn’t necessarily need to have individual mixes, because you are working the mic. You could have one transmitter with multiple packs feeding you the house mix. As for earbuds, there are so many options out there to pick from, expensive to cheap. A lot of times economically, the cheaper buds can give you enough of what you need and allow enough ambient noise in, so that you don’t feel disconnected. I suggest doing a technical practice with your PA and just use some wired buds to see if that is the route you want to persue.
corn - Posted - 06/21/2024: 13:46:09
Luke, hit it on the head.
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