New Product - Xvive/XV-U4 Wireless In-Ear Monitoring System -

A wireless in-ear monitoring system, the XV-U4, was finally launched on December 15th by Xvive, a brand known for its popular XV-U2 wireless guitar system, and XV-U3 and XV-U3C wireless microphone systems. This time, I’m going to tell you about the attractive features of the U4.

The XV-U4 is a long-awaited 2.4GHz band wireless in-ear monitoring system recommended for those who already use the Xvive wireless system series (note that there is a limit to the number of devices that can be used in the same area simultaneously). It is recommended for those who are currently using B band frequency wireless microphones and wireless systems for musical instruments.
If you are monitoring one signal only, just purchase more receivers for one transmitter. Since the number of additional receivers is theoretically unlimited, the product can be used for a variety of applications aside from just for bands. As earphones are not included, we recommend models with which you are most comfortable.

Here's what's included in the package.

The package include receiver, transmitter, charging cable, conversion adapter, and a soft case. The soft bag is a deal maker!!

First of all, about the transmitter. It’s made of molded plastic and cast metal, and weighs only 90g.

Simply built with only a power switch, a channel switch, and an input level switch.
The input is XLR balanced, but if you use the included conversion adapter, you can also input to the phone terminal. It’s good that you can use it without having to be selective about the device the unit is being connected to.

Switch between LINE and AUX to set the levels of the mixer and the sound source, and to maximize the S/N ratio (LINE: +4dB, AUX: -10dB).
Now, the receiver. It’s simple with the minimum necessities: volume control, channel switch, power switch, and phone input!! Compact but solid, reliable metal structure, and feels solid in your hand. The belt clip is firm, and secure even for intense movements.
Equipped with an LED display where you can check the battery level and connection status at a glance. As was introduced in the beginning, you can add receivers with no limit for one transmitter. You can use it with the whole band, or at the meeting in a large room. It’s perfect for two or more people when monitoring a single signal.

It’s also easy to connect. Just turn on each device and set the channels. If you are already using an Xvive product, you might already know how to do this, but it’s really easy.

Channel switching locks after 15 seconds, and you won’t be bothered with the channel accidentally changing when you touch it by mistake (double click the channel button if you want to change the channel).

Please use the included cable to charge the unit. You need to prepare USB charger adapter or USB charger. Since it’s a Y-cable, you can charge the transmitter and the receiver at the same time. One of the merits is that you don’t need to prepare batteries.

I monitored an instrumental sound source for drum practice.
The set-up was easy, and it didn’t take much time from starting the set-up to using the unit. I connected the transmitter with the receiver 8m away on the mixer table. My band mates were standing between the transmitter and the receiver, but there were no problems whatsoever with the connection.
I didn’t feel any sound delay at all, and the clarity of the monitored signal was what you would expect from digital. I personally felt there was no difference between this and wired monitoring.
The receiver has a strong presence for its size due to its heavy construction, but the belt clip is firm, and the receiver didn’t slip or fall off when playing. The LED that glows blue is also stylish, and my band mates envied me... lol

As it’s 2.4GHz band, you need to be careful with nearby equipment like Wi-Fi routers. But I think 2.4GHz band in-ear monitoring systems, which were not available in the past, are useful for combining together with B band wireless. Those who already have Xvive series products can use them together, but need to keep in mind that there’s the maximum number of devices that can be connected at the same time in the same area.
When using multiple wireless devices, the smallest device takes precedence. By the way, the maximum number of devices that can be used with the Xvive wireless series are as follows:

XV-U2… 4
XV-U3, XV-U3C… 6
XV-U4… 6

The best way to use these together is to use the XV-U2, which has the smallest maximum number.
So for example, if you are using two XV-U2 and one XV-U3, you can add one XV-U4.
According the manufacturer, regardless of the maximum number of XV-U2/U3/U3C/U4, the waves gets weaker when you use 6 sets, but it is possible to connect more if you are careful with the usage environment. However, under a tough environment, such as at a concert where there are waves from all sorts of devices, it is not recommended as the connection might be lost.
An environment where lots of 2.4GHz band devices are being used is also not recommended due to the risk of interference. In this case, I would recommend using B band wireless systems or B band in-ear monitor systems.

-Conclusion-
How was the new Xvive product? It isn’t easy to find a 2.4 GHz band in-ear monitor system at such a low price, but for those who are currently using B band wireless and could not use in-ear monitors, with this, you can easily monitor wirelessly with in-ear monitors. With the arrival of the 2.4GHz in-ear monitor system, you now have more options for wireless devices that can be used together. For musicians, this is just so great!