Using AKG K240s or IP 2 live as a keyboard "monitor"?

[denistu]

Hi,

I am thinking of buying AKG K240 Studio headphones to use them as "stereo monitors" directly connected to my keyboard during rehearsals or on the stage.

 

At the place where my band rehearses, we have a PA which doesn't allow me to hear my keys properly. I mainly use stereo samples from my Nord Electro and Kurz Pc1se, which sound very shallow if played through a crappy PA.:-(

 

I was wondering if anybody has used these headphones for this purpose. They are semi-open so they will allow me to hear the rest of the band while playing.

 

Another option that I am considering is the use of in-ear buds, AKG IP 2 but I am not sure if that's the right way to go.

The good thing about these is that they would be "invisible" on stage comparing to K240s. During rehearsals I don't mind having headphones on my head but on the stage I would definitely prefer in-ears.

 

I would appreciate if someone would help me out with advice.

 

Thanks!

Denis

 

[timwat]

Denis:

 

I've never been a big fan of the 'wearing headphones' look on stage that is more common w/ drummers. But then I'm comfortable w/ in-ears (and the natural limitations) and use wireless IEM both in rehearsal and on stage. So I'd vote for the buds vs. the K240s.

 

I am also not one to 'double-buy' one solution for rehearsal, one for live. I want my familiarity with every piece of my stage rig to be second-nature so I can focus on my playing.

 

So whatever decision you go with, I'd suggest using the same thing you rehearse with on stage.

 

[magronbass]

I use akg at home for practice, and it definitely allows for you to hear outside sound very clearly.

 

I use in ears for monitoring, but I use etymotic er4p. Anyway, the in ears would probably require some sort of mixing so you can hear all the other parts. Most in ears cut down 20db to around 30, so things do get muffled quite a bit. Maybe your band rocks so hard, ear buds won't be able to stop its majestic musical energy from entering your ears.

 

I heard that sometimes music even reaches your soul, with a direct line in.

[bloodyMary]

With a loud band, 240's are a no-no. They just won't isolate the noise and will make you turn 'em up, not good for your hearing.

[ITGITC]

I heard that sometimes music even reaches your soul, with a direct line in.

 

Some folks are completely void of any soul...

 

OK, I'll leave it up to you all to write the next line.

 

Ummmmmm... It would probably be best to leave out the following:

 

- Republicans/Democrats (although Barry Manilow and Celine Dion fans can certainly be included)

 

- people of a certain age/location/gender/heritage

 

- certain farm animals - (though dogs certainly have soul. I know this because there's a movie about all of them going to Heaven.)

 

- accountants... fair game, methinks

 

- lawyers... them too.

 

OK. Nevermind. Just be gentle if you include some of these other folks...

 

- most people who work for the federal govmn't

 

- car salesmen

 

- accordian players

 

- people who actually enjoy tofu

 

- Mothers in Law

 

- my childhood piano teacher (the one that popped me on the hands with the ruler one too many times)

 

- that short little proctologist with the sly grin on his face

 

- Mrs. Murchison, my Vacation Bible School teacher who wouldn't let me bang on that old upgright while waiting for Mom to come pick me up in the afternoons.

 

Ummmmmmm, sorry. I didn't mean to throw the thread off-track.

 

Denis, I understand your frustration. However, performing while wearing a set of AKG K240s on your head might make the girls gravitate towards the drummer.

 

And we wouldn't want that.

 

 

Tom

 

 

[denistu]

Thanks guys!

I really appreciate your advice.

It seems that K240s might not be the best choice for live playing.

I definitely want chicks to focus on me instead on the drummer.:-)

Maybe I'll try to use some cheap in-ears during rehearsals to see how I'll like them and then go for a IP 2 or similar.

Thanks again!

D.

 

[J. Dan]

My band uses IEM's. When I tried out, since I didn't have any, I brought my trusty K240's. Due to lack of isolation and the fact that they don't pump right into your ear canals, they just couldn't keep up in that environment. I had to pump a very significant amount of power into them just to get by. When I got my IEM's it was night and day difference.

[denistu]

Thank you all!

Now that I've decided that IEMs are the right choice please could you help me clarify something.

 

Would it be Ok to plug-in the IEMs directly into my keyboard on the stage(headphones output)? I know that in that case I would mainly hear the keys and the rest of the band in the background (bass and guitar use their own amps on stage as monitors). I assume I can still adjust the position of my IEMs in my ears so I can hear the rest of the band more or less.

 

Or, do I have to buy a complete monitoring system to use IEMs?

 

Also, do you have any recommendation for a pair of good IEMs?

I was thinking of going for AKG IP 2? Any alternatives that you would recommend?

 

Thanks a lot!

D.