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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ In Ear Monitoring - Who's Using It?
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 16 2012, 04:27 PM
Hey guys - I just bought this baby today
The Shure PSM-200 - SE215 Set R8
I have used an in-ear monitoring device in February while performing with Aria and I have come to realize that it's a tremendous tool on stage. It was a bit risky, as I have never tried the thing before and I went commando and tried it live.
It was pure bliss - total control! I can't tell you guys about the COUNTLESS times when I had to play without hearing what I was playing and all that 
You never know where you might end up while gigging and what sort of monitoring system you might find, so I think that the in-ear device is a good investment for any musician. Practicing at home and listening to what you play/ sing, has NOTHING to do with hearing yourself on stage, so I do believe that managing to be as comfortable as possible while performing live is one of they keys to a great performance!
Have you guys tried such a device or are you relying on the stage monitors every time?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 16 2012, 06:29 PM
Awesome bought mate!! 
Cirse's singer uses the same one and it's so useful! I would like to have one in the future to be able to have a full band mix in my ear.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jul 16 2012, 06:49 PM
I would definitely use one in future !
Posted by: PosterBoy Jul 16 2012, 07:38 PM
I hate the idea of using them, especially for singing, I think you really need to trust your sound guys to use them too
Posted by: thefireball Jul 16 2012, 07:50 PM
Must be scary not knowing what you are playing.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 16 2012, 08:16 PM
Pffff, it's so scary it's fun at some point
You try to imagine what those people in front of you are hearing
Posted by: JesseJ Jul 16 2012, 10:20 PM
How much was it ? I was thinking about getting one of those. I find that when I drum I cant hear anyone else.
Posted by: Nihilist1 Jul 16 2012, 10:38 PM
I think it sounds like a great idea. I have one problem, though. I usually use earplugs because I don't want to experience drastic hearing loss when I am older. Do these in - ear monitors have sound reduction?
Posted by: PosterBoy Jul 17 2012, 06:53 AM
Cosmin are you going to get special molds done for your ears?
http://www.westone.com/music/index.php/products/custom-or-universal.html
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 17 2012, 04:24 PM
To each question - its answer 
JesseJ - I payed 373 euros on a new but unused set which used to belong to a fellow guitarist which needed to sell it. At www.thomann.de, the price is 529 euros - that would be about 740 bucks I think.
The earpiece is included, but to get to answer PosterBoy - my dream would be to get a custom piece from JH Audio I got a friend who recorded in London at Genesis' studio and him and all his bandmates received a set of JH Audio ear mold headphones worth of 1000 euros EACH.
That is pretty insane but the level of accuracy and fidelity of the sound is nothing short of amazing....
Nihilist1 - if you get an ear mold it will most likely offer a lot of protection as it has the form of your ear pavilion, thus not permitting outside sounds to bother you. Although this is a debatable subject and I need to research it more before I can make any further affirmations
Cirse's singer uses the same one and it's so useful! I would like to have one in the future to be able to have a full band mix in my ear.Man, I can't wait for my next gig on the 28th
I will be using it!
Posted by: derper Jul 17 2012, 10:53 PM
Haven't used them before, but I look forward to the day EMULATOR has enough band $$$ to pay for them!! For loud, powerful, dynamic bands.... I don't think there is much of a downside, really. I can't imagine NOT benefiting from having more control over your personal mix. Also, you're not relying on a crappy monitor to deliver the sound to you. Can't WAIT to try one someday!!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 18 2012, 07:57 AM
I heard that the guitar is the only problematic instrument for the in-ear monitoring devices. It sounds a bit unnatural I hear - well, I'll let you guys know about my experience with the voice and the guitar in my new toy
Posted by: derper Jul 19 2012, 06:08 PM
Ahhh, that would be true I would imagine. Depending on your preferences, it could be a "make-or-break" point.
For example, some guitarists absolutely demand to have their amps cranked and pointed at them, to "feel" the amp and response. During most of my shows, that is generally the case (though not always "cranked"....I prefer a respectable volume, depending on the dynamics and sound/energy of each project I play live with) with my shows. But, for bigger shows with a large stage, occasionally my amp gets a bit "washed out" by a wall of sound from my bandmates, and lost in a sea of empty space in a very large venue (theater, ampitheater, etc). Then, I rely on getting a great monitor mix (hopefully the house monitors don't suck!! ) in order to hear my guitar, and I just have to "trust" that my tone is better for the audience. After so many shows, you kind of get used to playing through ANY circumstance. I find it helps to imagine the guitar is not plugged in, and I try and "feel" the sustain underneath all of the gain and effects. You'd be surprised how much it helps, to just shed your thoughts of "my monitor mix sucks/I can't hear my amp and my tone..." and just CONNECT with your guitar, as if you are sitting at home playing it unplugged. I helps if you have a nice guitar, with decent sustain. 
So, in you case Coz....I'm willing to bet (not much...."don't gamble what you can't afford to lose!" -Me) that you have played so many shows, that although you try your best to keep your tone consistent show-to-show....you probably are able to "deal" with not being directly blasted with your amp's tone when playing live, and you probably are able to also play well with monitor mix. SO, I'm betting you will also dig your new in-ear setup!!
If I'm right, it's because I am a mind reader. 
If I am wrong.... oops. 
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