In-Ear Monitors, Wired or Wireless?

[open-road-matt]

Originally Posted by tochiro

I've been using a wired in-ear system for 6 years and it's great. Much less expensive than wireless and for solo acts or small bands I don't think wireless is necessary if you don't move all over the stage. I've never had any problems with the wire attached to my head, you just need a long enough cable extension (5m for me) to go to the in-ear preamp.

As to in-ears I tested several of them and you need a 2-way system at least to have a good sound. I have a Westone system, it sounds good but is fragile. The isolation is key here - You need as much isolation as possible. The best for that is to have custom molded in-ears but it's expensive. You should maybe start with standard in-ears with Comply foam tips.

In-ears have saved my life in loud places (and other places) because I can play and sing much more reliably and now I could not do without them.

I'm glad to hear the wired route is working for you. I think it's going to be great! I am trying to picture the best way to configure the cable. I ordered one of these little clips to go on my guitar strap:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...ands-grip-clip

I'll try that first and see how it goes. I could also secure the headphone extension cable to my mic stand but I think I would rather have it behind me.

The Westones I ordered are a 5 driver/3-way system. The reviews I read have been great. I'm hoping by going with the high-end Westones that these will be enough and I won't be tempted to go custom.

I know the isolation will be a bit weird. I used in-ears years ago before going to the Bose L1. I got used to it and if someone needed to talk with me, I'd just pull one ear out, listen and put it back in. As I remember, the ability to hear myself well far outweighed anything else that might be seen as a nuisance.

Thanks!
Matt