Bruce,
We're using Shure PSM 600's (wireless) and Shure PSM 400 (hardwired) units with Shure E1 earbuds. Only the drummer is using the PSM 400 hardwired unit. Although, I carry a PSM 400 as well as an extra pair of E1's as a back-up system. All the in-ear units are mixed stereo out of a Crest mixing board. The inputs (microphones and D-boxes) feed to a snake with splitters to go to the "house" snake.
It's a great way to go. Each band member can mix his own monitor the way he likes it right down to the ability to pan each channel 180 degrees left or right. It can be made to sound just the way the band sounds from each member's stage location. We combine that with a microphone to pick-up the ambient (audience) sound for a added realism. I'll generally have my volume set for a comfortable listening level (like home stereo in headphones).
The result: Each performance sounds the same. Very clear with great separation and broad sonic range. It makes no difference if you're playing a small lounge or a 20,000-seat outdoor stadium. Your ears will love you, too, because with the low volume level (voluntarily set by each individual) you will keep your ears from fatiguing and better yet, you'll save them from damaging conventional, high stage volumes.
The system we use, as described, is about a $1000 per band member plus about $2500 for the mixing board and snake. However, a good basic system would be less and just as advantageous on stage. A Shure PSM 400 with one pair of E1's would range about $400-$450 per band member. A mixing board and snake might be as cheap as $750 to $1000. Believe me, it's worth it.
Keep on pickin'!
Glenn www.kevinfowler.com [This message was edited by Glenn Suchan on 13 August 2003 at 06:02 AM.]
