|
|
Failed to execute CGI : Win32 Error Code = 3 |
| Free from a music retailer near you. |
 |
Shure
PSM200 Personal Monitors Reviewer: James Manson Distributor: Jands Electronics |
I can think of nothing that makes a musician's life more miserable than poor stage monitoring. Everybody wants to be able to hear themselves and the band in a live situation. But let’s face it, great monitoring for Joe Average at the local pub normally means a couple of wedges that rattle and feedback.
Shure has released an antidote to all the monitoring gremlins suffered in the past with the launch of their PSM200 Personal Monitoring System. Traditionally, sophisticated in-ear monitoring systems have been a luxury item accessible only to the privileged few. The PSM200 however is not only reasonably priced, it has been constructed with the same care and quality components you'll find in Shure's other world famous products.
My first experience with in-ear monitoring was playing live on a television show and being handed a pair of walkman headphones along with a clunky personal mixer and a dodgy fader. The only way to make this system work was to tape the headphones to the melon and hope for the best. After surviving a nerve-wracking experience like that, using a set up like the PSM200 Personal Monitoring System was indeed luxurious. Surely this is the future of monitoring for the masses.
Seasoned musicians will easily adapt to the PSM200 Personal Monitor System while the less experienced won't know how lucky they are. With high fidelity sound quality, no risk of feedback, a mix that moves with you, and a personal controllable mix, the benefits of this system are endless.
The PSM200 is a frequency-agile, in-ear monitoring system that consists of the following components.
P2R Receiver : a body pack receiver that functions as a wireless or wired receiver or both
P2T Transmixer : a two line level transmitter that allows the user to connect mic-level inputs directly into the transmitter and to mix the signals independently. All matter of output devices can be plugged into the transmixer from microphones, instruments and line outputs from mixing desks.
E2 Earphones : earphones that feature a dynamic driver that produces crisp, full spectrum sound. The earphones include a variety of sleeves to provide the best fit and isolation for the singer/musician.
In performance, the PSM200 was a breeze to set up, just plug in your instrument, make sure that the volume is on zero, get a comfy fit with the earphones and dial the volume to desired taste. The P2R Receiver is a sexy little unit that is super light and is easily attached to your belt. There are four LED’s that indicate Channel selection, limiter activation (the PR2 has a constantly active limiter that automatically activates if receiver output level exceeds a specifically calibrated volume for the E2 earphones), receiving radio frequency signal from the P2T Transmixer and a power LED. There is a gain switch on the P2R that slides from high to low to set the sensitivity of the mix input. The P2R is powered by a nine-volt battery that is snugly tucked via the battery compartment door on the bottom of the unit. You can use the P2R as a standalone personal monitor through the 1/4-inch MIX IN jack.
The P2T Transmixer is unfortunately powered by a 12-volt power pack rather than a power cable. The P2T does not supply phantom power but you can connect equipment that does and the SPLIT OUT XLR output jacks pass phantom from a phantom power supply to a microphone connected to the corresponding input jack. The Transmixer is a sleek looking unit about the size of a video case and has a break resistant antenna of minimal size and a channel LED Indicator that displays the frequency channel that is being transmitted to the P2R receiver. The SELECT button selects one of eight channels.
The actual sound of the earphones and PSM200 is brilliantly clear and with as much controllable volume as you could wish for. The earphones feel extremely natural, fit perfectly and are extremely flexible. There are numerous set-ups and applications from wireless, hybrid wired/wireless system set-up, P2R stand alone, wireless vocal, combination wired and wireless set-up for a drummer where you import an external click track via the MIX IN. You can also use two PSM200 systems simultaneously using the split out feature of the Transmixer. The PSM200 comes supplied with a rack mounting kit, separate cases for the P2R Receiver and the E series earphones and a lead.
The PSM200 Personal Monitor System is a real step forward for monitoring quality and is a pleasure to use. It is also as straightforward to set-up and operate as you could possibly want. The system is of above average construction and looks like it will stand the rigor of being on the road. I could not recommend the PSM200 more highly to any musician who is looking to take their monitoring more seriously.