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[frank kayser]

Hi again,
As I mentioned in another post, a band I'm working with is contemplating IEMs.
I would like to go with Senn g3 (which I have a 2 bodypack/1 transmitter package, or the newer G4.  The Senn units seem to be one of the go-to products used by folks here.


One of the members has purchased a Galaxy Audio AS-100-4 system
https://www.galaxyaudio.com/products/as-1100-4. 
The Galaxy site has them MSRP for $999, which is about what I paid for my 2-receiver Senn g3 setup.  I see Sweetwater has the Galaxy as-1100 with one transmitter and one receiver for $399.



I gather from reading here that using poor IEM equipment will just about guarantee a failed venture into the world of IEM.


Has anyone experience with the Galaxy audio setup?
Can we be happy with these, or is it $$ down the drain?


At least I have a G3 system to A:B with the Galaxy in a test environment. (sigh)


frank

[brian maddox]

Hi again,
As I mentioned in another post, a band I'm working with is contemplating IEMs.
I would like to go with Senn g3 (which I have a 2 bodypack/1 transmitter package, or the newer G4.  The Senn units seem to be one of the go-to products used by folks here.


One of the members has purchased a Galaxy Audio AS-100-4 system
https://www.galaxyaudio.com/products/as-1100-4. 
The Galaxy site has them MSRP for $999, which is about what I paid for my 2-receiver Senn g3 setup.  I see Sweetwater has the Galaxy as-1100 with one transmitter and one receiver for $399.



I gather from reading here that using poor IEM equipment will just about guarantee a failed venture into the world of IEM.


Has anyone experience with the Galaxy audio setup?
Can we be happy with these, or is it $$ down the drain?


At least I have a G3 system to A:B with the Galaxy in a test environment. (sigh)


frank

Because i spent a few years working in a church environment, i still frequent a bunch of church tech and musician groups.  And i see some form of this question ALL the time.

What i have heard/seen is this.  There are some lower cost alternatives to the standard Shure/Sennheiser standard that seem to work okay and the Galaxy offering is one of them.

but...

The one issue no one factors in is resale value.  You can still get 450-500 bucks from a Sennheiser G2 IEM rig, and they haven't made those in like a decade.  Same with older Shure stuff.  But if you try to resell that Galaxy or Carvin or whatever, you're gonna have a bad time.

I do understand that if the money isn't there, the money isn't there.  Just something else to consider.

[Brian Adams]

The main issue for me with most of the lower cost systems is the lack of antenna combiners that are specific to those units. If you're on a small stage the tiny antennas on each unit might be fine, but I wouldn't go without a combiner on a large stage or in a challenging RF environment.

As long as the transmitters have detachable antennas you can likely use another manufacturers combiner, but it probably won't be as integrated as if it were from the same manufacturer. Sennheiser and Shure are good examples, as each transmitter can be powered by the combiner over the antenna cable, eliminating the external wall-wart type power supplies. You're unlikely to find this feature on lower cost equipment.

I don't know if you can use transmitters of different brands or frequency ranges on a combiner, since I've never had to think about it before.

The other thing that's nice about higher-end systems is the option to run them dual-mono and use 2 receivers with 1 transmitter for 2 mono mixes, which can keep costs down and save rack space. I don't know of any "off-brand" iem system that has this functionality.

[Tim McCulloch]

The main issue for me with most of the lower cost systems is the lack of antenna combiners that are specific to those units. If you're on a small stage the tiny antennas on each unit might be fine, but I wouldn't go without a combiner on a large stage or in a challenging RF environment.

As long as the transmitters have detachable antennas you can likely use another manufacturers combiner, but it probably won't be as integrated as if it were from the same manufacturer. Sennheiser and Shure are good examples, as each transmitter can be powered by the combiner over the antenna cable, eliminating the external wall-wart type power supplies. You're unlikely to find this feature on lower cost equipment.

I don't know if you can use transmitters of different brands or frequency ranges on a combiner, since I've never had to think about it before.

The other thing that's nice about higher-end systems is the option to run them dual-mono and use 2 receivers with 1 transmitter for 2 mono mixes, which can keep costs down and save rack space. I don't know of any "off-brand" iem system that has this functionality.

The text in bold has been discussed over in the LAB Wireless and Communications forum and I suggest a look at the index pages.  That forum doesn't get as much traffic as the Lounge so it's easier to find what you're looking for.

Henry Cohen has a sticky at the top of the W&C forum regarding T-Mobile's roll out of their 600mHz service and I suggest giving it a read.

If you have any specific questions about Galaxy products I suggest you call them.  Galaxy is here in Wichita and has folks that can answer your questions.  (I've no connection with Galaxy, we're not dealers, etc)

[Ike Zimbel]

The main issue for me with most of the lower cost systems is the lack of antenna combiners that are specific to those units. If you're on a small stage the tiny antennas on each unit might be fine, but I wouldn't go without a combiner on a large stage or in a challenging RF environment.

Good point.

As long as the transmitters have detachable antennas you can likely use another manufacturers combiner, but it probably won't be as integrated as if it were from the same manufacturer. Sennheiser and Shure are good examples, as each transmitter can be powered by the combiner over the antenna cable, eliminating the external wall-wart type power supplies.

Not exactly. The Sennheiser uses the power over the antenna cable scheme, the Shure PA-421 has four 15vdc power jacks on the back which require separate jumper cables to power the transmitters. A quibble, to be sure, but important for someone to know when buying on line.

I don't know if you can use transmitters of different brands or frequency ranges on a combiner, since I've never had to think about it before.

Brand shouldn't matter, but frequency range does. However, most combiners out there should be broad band...but check first.

[frank kayser]

Thanks, all!  And thanks to Brian M for your take on the Galaxy IEMs.  I'm very relieved to hear they are a decent, workable option.  Probably a big hoe in my thought process, but I have never considered resale in the purchasing equation.  Hmmm... Looks like I should!


And to Brian A - I'm not sure I'm at a point (or will be in the near future) to concern myself about antenna combiners, though it does give me a good trail to follow to see advantages and when to deploy.


frank

[Garry Wilson]

Hi again,
As I mentioned in another post, a band I'm working with is contemplating IEMs.
I would like to go with Senn g3 (which I have a 2 bodypack/1 transmitter package, or the newer G4.  The Senn units seem to be one of the go-to products used by folks here.


One of the members has purchased a Galaxy Audio AS-100-4 system
https://www.galaxyaudio.com/products/as-1100-4. 
The Galaxy site has them MSRP for $999, which is about what I paid for my 2-receiver Senn g3 setup.  I see Sweetwater has the Galaxy as-1100 with one transmitter and one receiver for $399.



I gather from reading here that using poor IEM equipment will just about guarantee a failed venture into the world of IEM.


Has anyone experience with the Galaxy audio setup?
Can we be happy with these, or is it $$ down the drain?


At least I have a G3 system to A:B with the Galaxy in a test environment. (sigh)


frank

Hi Frank,

I had the same situation a few years ago. I wanted Senn or Shure, but my budget said otherwise. After some research and staying within the framework of features I wanted, I bought the Audio Technica M2 IEM system. I've been happy with it.


Garry

[frank kayser]

Hi Frank,

I had the same situation a few years ago. I wanted Senn or Shure, but my budget said otherwise. After some research and staying within the framework of features I wanted, I bought the Audio Technica M2 IEM system. I've been happy with it.


Garry

Tonight we're going to compare my Senn with the Galaxy.  Time will tell.  Nice to know AT also offers a viable product.
Thanks
frank

[Michael Storey]

Look into the Shure PSM 300 (specifically the P3TRA215CL model with the metal belt pack) as well. They have a few cons vs the Senny G3 (pre set frequencies, TRS in/out, less than stellar battery life), but I prefer their RF stability and IMO they sound way better.

They also come packaged with Shure SE215 earphones which are pretty decent and come in handy when someone forgets their earphones at home.

Tonight we're going to compare my Senn with the Galaxy.  Time will tell.  Nice to know AT also offers a viable product.
Thanks
frank

[Stephen Kirby]

Success in converting established musicians to ears depends on the mix.  And earphones that seal so that the bass is the same for everyone.  The more individual stereo mixes you can provide the better.  Otherwise everybody gets everyone in the center of their head.  This far outweighs sound quality.  Although you do need reliable RF.  And make sure people put their cell phones on the side of the stage, not in their pocket.