For in-ear monitor systems, there are two distinct choices: wired or wireless. If your position onstage is totally stationary—drums, keyboards, or any seated performer—a wired system offers consistency, ease, and reliability, as well as long-term savings on batteries. However, if you are like most performers in the world and move around onstage, wireless is the way to go. Wireless gives you the freedom to roam the entire stage, plus backstage, front of house, even outside depending on the venue. But just taking a few steps with a wired in-ear system can be cumbersome and not too graceful: not the way you want to appear in front of an audience. With wireless, your stage entrances and exits are cleaner looking and easier to time since you don’t have to plug into or unplug from anything. Another advantage is being able to hear what’s happening onstage while you’re off stage, which can make the timing of stage entrances more accurate. Even if your instrument or mic is wired, using wireless in-ears means one less cable to drag around.
Keeping up with current wireless innovations is critical. New technology puts more and more wireless devices into the existing airwaves. But the bandwidth for this type of use—in-ear monitors, wireless mics, and instruments—is being reallocated for other uses, so the manufacturers and developers of these products have to be smarter and more efficient with how the bandwidth is being used. It is increasingly difficult to find multiple, clean, available frequencies, especially if your band or show is touring. How your system will be used will help you determine which product is your best fit.
Xvive U4
The Xvive U4 is a handy, ultra-compact, entry-level unit operating in the 2.4GHz wireless range with six selectable channels. The 5-hour, rechargeable lithium-ion battery will easily get you through a gig. Simply plug the easy-to-use transmitter directly into your snake/console or auxiliary output, and you’re good to go with clear, low-latency, mono sound that’s perfect for small venues. The Xvive U4 is also available with four beltpack receivers.
Galaxy Audio AS-950
The Galaxy Audio AS-950 stereo wireless system comes with a transmitter, receiver, and earbuds — everything you need to get started. It’s useful for presentations, worship leaders, public speakers, and relaxed listening conditions. With a battery life of approximately 12 hours, you’ll have plenty of juice to set up, soundcheck, and play multiple sets. Plus, with its intuitive 16-channel operation, you have a great selection of low-latency possibilities when making the jump to wireless monitoring. The AS-950 is also available in two- and four-receiver bundles.
Shure PSM300
The highly rated, dockable Shure PSM300 features a one-button setup for convenient, one-touch frequency scan and IR sync to quickly find and automatically assign a clean, digital wireless channel. Operate in stereo mode or select the optional MixMode feature to blend between two separate mixes — such as an instrument mix and a vocal mix — without flagging down a sound engineer. The super-comfortable SE215 earphones fit tightly enough to block 37dB of outside sound for great isolation and clear, reliable sound so you can play your best.
Sennheiser EW IEM G4
The Sennheiser EW IEM G4 gives you professional, roadworthy dependability with 1,680 tunable UHF frequencies, IE4 earphones, transmission ranges up to 330 feet of crystal-clear HDX sound. From autoscan to adjustable limiting, increased humidity protection, OLED display, and more, you’ll have plenty of easy-to-access features and sound-shaping functions to dial in your sound. Sennheiser offers one of the most reliable, consistent, and best-sounding wireless IEM systems.
Shure P9TRA+425CL
The Shure P9TRA+425CL makes performers and engineers happy with its worry-free technology and impeccable sound quality. Scan and Sync technology automatically analyzes the RF environment to assign the clearest channels for the cleanest sound throughout a performance. Engineers can monitor up to 20 mixes and watch both level and clip indicators for easy troubleshooting. Musicians have plenty of personalized features for natural-sounding, distraction-free performance.
Wireless IEM systems have distinct advantages over wired versions. Even as the frequency spectrum is getting more crowded, wireless developers continue to innovate to keep up with the demand for more and better systems. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700 for personalized recommendations and enjoy the freedom of wireless!
