From sevush@rcn.com Fri Mar 07 08:10:08 2003
Subject:RE: In Ear Monitors

> I don't have a URL ( I had only looked at Shure's
> site), but the system I bought was the System 300. I
> just noticed it has a list price of almost $1700.00,
> but I assure you, even with the Shure E5s I bought I
> didn't spend that kind of money. (The total package
> with tax was $1200.)
Yeah, the 300 is the only one I found listed on their site. Not easy to
find, they bury it well.

> Actually, the wireless makes it easier for the
> soundman. If he has to wire a bunch of stuff through
> his snake, you know he's NOT going to do it, and who
> could blame him? With the wireless system, he plugs
> in one cable (2 if you're lucky enough to get stereo)
> and that's IT! He would have to be a total Jerk not
> to do it for you. Just be prepared with cables. Last
> night was a prime example. I planned ahead: my unit
> takes 1/4 bal or unbal cables. I packed a pair of
> unbal 6 footers, and a pair of XLR female to male 1/4
> 6 footers. I presented him with the cables, and he
> was more than happy to do it. Easy as pie!
Of course it's easier than using the snake, but my point was that he can
simply get all "policy" on you and say he can't/won't do it.
I've always gotten on well w/sound guys too, but they can have a bad
day/week/month.

> This requires a bit more hardware than what I
> described. In theory you would need a splitter snake,
> and your own monitor console. However, I noticed in
> MIX magazine, there's a company taking full-page ads
> out advertising their product that consists of a blue
> box about the size of Day Planner that allows you all
> to have your own mix (determined at that box, each of
> you has your own) that will allegedly trouble free
> interface with the PA, recording situation, etc.
Furman makes two (blue) boxes along these lines. One takes four mono and one
stereo input, distributes it using a pair of Cat5 (network) cables. About
$350 for the master box (splits the inputs to go onto whatever snake you're
using), $80 for each slave. Great deal except four "static" (not selectable
which four mono) inputs isn't enough.

Then there's a 16 input box, mucho more dinero and uses a 25 pin DIN for
connecting.