I'm again considering utilizing ear buds for personal keyboard monitoring when performing on the Yamaha Tyros thru the EV PA system, but without the Tyros speakers. Anyone here have any experience or feedback (comfort level, sound quality, etc) regarding the 'Samson Ear Amp Personal Monitoring System'?
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=91&brandID=2

Thanks,

Scott

I have also been considering the in-ear monitoring. Never was very carefull monitoring myself, but some months ago I discovered that a good and accurate monitoring inspires me a lot in my live performances. Go figure why... I can not help you with the precise input you're asking, Scott, but I happened to find this page on the Web last weekend. I haven't had an answer from them, though...
http://www.piens.com/action.lasso?-datab...id=1112&-search

-- José.

scott,

I thought you also had the Tyros speakers for monitoring on stage, what happened?

I've used in-ear monitors before and I hate the separation from the room. I feel like a studio cat trying to "zone out" during a performance. This is the biggest reason that I cannot get excited over any keyboard that won't allow me to monitor in my face. It's simply too important to me.

I also have a comfort factor with ear buds ... they just don't sit well in my ear. They fall out when I turn my head, the cords get pulled on my collar sometimes ... it's a bloddy mess ....without the blood.

I knew you'd get speker withdrawl, Scott. In the small, intimate venues thay we do - there is a lot to be said for the stage volume. If I had to rely on my sound system for all the tone ... I'd quit playing out. I need to hear it right where I am, and headphones are not a viable option for me because it takes me out of the room. I can't feel connected that way, and the show suffers. Not to mention ... one bad feedback and you're deaf for life.

I've used earbuds and really didn't experience any problems. They sound great, and you can still hear everything going on that you normally would with speakers in your face. And of course there is no possibility of feedback.
Most of the time for small jobs I position my main speakers where I can just hear them. The volume in these jobs is low enough that there is no feedback. I have played only one or two jobs over the years where I didn't take external amplification of some sort.
That's why the onboard speakers, while certainly an asset, are not that important to me.
DonM

I must say I never tried "real" and good quality ear buds. Just walkman inexpensive ones, that DO NOT totally isolate you from the room. Among the professional choices there are some models that DO NOT isolate you from the crowd. Example: http://www.ultimateears.com/ , the UE-5 Ambient model. Their prices burn!!



There is always the possibility of choosing an earplug that is custom-fitted to your unique ear inner shape. That doesn't guarantee that you adapt to the ear buds, of course...

-- José.

I used the cheapies also. My entire monitoring system cost $11.00.
DonM

Whazzup Scott!
I tried it at GC about 15 min drive from my place. I wasn't too impressed by it..why didn't you try the Shure (I think) headphone/mic headset combo? Looks cool, free up your hands more and less clutter with the mic stand.

Also, how's the Tyros? I asked you a curious question on your other thread.

KN_Fan.

Don... you was robbed.
Eddie

I LOVE my wired (wireless is more popular, I think)Futuresonics Ears earbuds. The sound real and live and I would be lost without them. I have custom fitted add on for them and I don't have to crank them to make them sound good. I don't worry about room sound since I work in different rooms all the time but my rig stays the same. Having that consistency is what I like more.
http://www.futuresonics.com

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Keys, please