Portable In-The-Ear System

[captainziltoid]

Hey folks!

I'd like to find something super portable with volume control for when I'm rehearsing with a band that allows me to where my in-the-ear monitors. I've worn earplugs with reduced db but they just sound too muffled. I currently use a small Mackie mixer and condenser mic for my practice room, but want to avoid having to tear it down when rehearsing somewhere else. Any thoughts?

[moose]

The only all-in option I know is the ACS T Series Live in-ears, which have a tiny mic built into the outside of the ear bud to allow you to mix ambient sound in with your in-ear feed via a dedicated body pack. Because the mic is in the ear bud, the ambient sound is coming from the right auditory "space" so the image you get is correct - unlike using a separate ambient mic. It's a great theory, whose execution unfortunately costs as much as a well-used car and (as far as I know) they have yet to ship the finished body pack. http://www.acscustom.com/us/index.php?o ... &Itemid=78

The most portable option would be something like the two-channel Fischer in-ear belt pack and perhaps a Zoom H2 or something similar. One input for the feed from the desk, and one from the Zoom for ambient sound. You get the added benefit of a limiter in the belt pack which can help prevent the inside of your head being turned to soup when the engineer has a moment and delivers feedback into your mix. Don't know if you can get the Fischer amps in the US, but you could potentially do without it and you still get the benefit of having a portabl digital recorder which can be invaluable for self-improvement (though without the limiting, though you can aggressively compress). http://www.thomann.de/gb/fischer_amps_i ... tor_bp.htm

[captainziltoid]

The only all-in option I know is the ACS T Series Live in-ears, which have a tiny mic built into the outside of the ear bud to allow you to mix ambient sound in with your in-ear feed via a dedicated body pack. Because the mic is in the ear bud, the ambient sound is coming from the right auditory "space" so the image you get is correct - unlike using a separate ambient mic. It's a great theory, whose execution unfortunately costs as much as a well-used car and (as far as I know) they have yet to ship the finished body pack. http://www.acscustom.com/us/index.php?o ... &Itemid=78

The most portable option would be something like the two-channel Fischer in-ear belt pack and perhaps a Zoom H2 or something similar. One input for the feed from the desk, and one from the Zoom for ambient sound. You get the added benefit of a limiter in the belt pack which can help prevent the inside of your head being turned to soup when the engineer has a moment and delivers feedback into your mix. Don't know if you can get the Fischer amps in the US, but you could potentially do without it and you still get the benefit of having a portabl digital recorder which can be invaluable for self-improvement (though without the limiting, though you can aggressively compress). http://www.thomann.de/gb/fischer_amps_i ... tor_bp.htm

Thanks for the advice Moose - great ideas.

[Rhythmatist]

I use a Rolls PM50s personal monitor system along with my Mackie submix primarily so I can have control over my vocal along with the mix I create of the drum kit and band mix through one of the Mackie Aux sends. On several occasions where having my own mixer is not practical I have used the Rolls by itself to get a house feed for my in-ears with mixed results. I suppose for rehearsals you could use a PM50s with any dynamic mic (no phantom power for a condenser) and save your ears that way. You have a choice of 1/4 inch and mini plug outs that would work with any ear bud or headset. I might try that myself.

[janne jansson]

http://www.sensaphonics.com
they are leader of the pack with a great bodypack so you can mix in ambient sound via small microphones
in the in ear..The where the first one using this technic i think and still the only ones?

I have ACS T1 and now sign of bodyback yet....

[janne jansson]

this link could be useful: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/to ... s-reviewed
I guess one could buy a zoom h4n and mic ambient sounds via that one (put in record mode and adjust ambient volume that way..on a micstand )
that would save you 1000 dollars...or more

Whatever you get, get the ones made of medicine silicone and not the acrylic ones..
my 10cents

[Paul Marangoni]

I guess one could buy a zoom h4n and mic ambient sounds via that

Exactly. Tascam makes similar recorders that would accomplish the same thing. The H4N will also let you record two sets of stereo tracks using the on-board mics as well as two connected mics.