[Harp-L] RE: In Ear Monitor System

["Broussard, Craig" <Craig.Broussard@xxxxxxxxx>]

	Hey,
 	 Does any one know which in-ear monitor system is effective as a
monitor and has discreet and effective earpieces? I am interested
in protecting my hearing and getting a better reference of my sound.
 	 Some bands, the on-stage levels are really loud and I can't
hear 	myself if I am off to the side of the amp. Every one the stage
is 	hearing a different mix and then the audience hears a different
mix. 	Everyone hears it loud.
  	I have been curious for some time from comments a drummer friend
has made who uses them for his gigs.
 	 Thanks,
 	 Brian.

Brian,
I front a 7 piece horn band and we switched to in ear monitors about 9
months ago. We did gigs for a while with both floor and in ear monitors
while everyone was switching over and we were trying to get settings.
This can work as well but once everyone had in ear monitors the stage
volume and overall volume decreased for us. 
In general I can tell you that I can hear my harp and vocals extremely
clear and as loud as needed. The in ears pretty much isolate the outside
world if installed correctly so no more vocal strain or blowing the hell
out of the harp trying to hear yourself. I can easily do several gigs
with no vocal or hearing issues whereas before if we played a loud gig I
would often struggle the next night with my vocals.
I purchased a pair of Westone UM-2 earbuds with a Galaxy Anyspot
wireless unit after much research and trying other bands units. For the
price you can't beat the quality and clarity of these. I'll tell you
that the key in the whole system is the earbuds. Our drummer went
through several other brands and models before he tried my Westones and
he could not believe the clarity and bass response. The sax player has
the Westone UM-1 model and is happy with thoese.
FYI...I purchased these as a package from freqcitysound.com. They also
carry other brands and packages if you prefer certain equipment brands.
You can go wired instead of wireless for a lot lower cost.

If you don't have a sound guy for your band you do have to be careful
with the FOH volume if everyone has in ear monitors.