Wireless IEM Monitoring Made Easy: A Demo & Review of the Xvive U4 IEM System

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

I finally got the opportunity to try the Xvive U4 IEM system. The product was provided, but no requirements were made on the video. As explained in the video, I think they for sure have their place for a lot of performers. I don't know that I would expect to be able to use 6 units all at once and use up all of the 6 channels they have, just because I think you'll need a little bit of 'channel headroom' to find clear channels for the units you are using. I don't think you can count on all 6 channels to always being clear. Of course, you only need 1 transmitter and 1 wireless channel for any musicians on the same mix. Multiple musicians can have beltpacks on that same channel. Not only does that free up spare wireless channels for musicians that do need to be on their own mix, but it saves money too (only 1 transmitter needed). And even more than, not all musicians need to be wireless. A drummer or keyboard player can tend to get by on some type of wired pack IEMS (because they are generally tied to their instruments and can't be moving around anyway). With them on wired units they are then effectively freeing channels for musicians that DO need to be wireless and want their own mix on something like these U4's. Comment, like, and subscribe! It's always appreciated and it helps to get KZbin to put the channel in front of more eyeballs! :)

[@waltsyd]

We use three transmitters for four receivers from an xr18 (transmitters plugged directly in to xr18) with sony se215 buds. It's been good. For awhile we were getting dropouts so I first got the modem about ten feet from the transmitters. Still had a few (though fewer) dropouts. I traced it to the wireless 2.4 used by the bass and the mandolin. The bass went back to plugging in and the mandolin got a 5.8 wireless system. Not a single dropout since, even in crowded rooms.

[@FormulaOneLeclerc]

We've actually used these quite a bit. Spent almost a year running the xvives exclusivly. Since then upgraded to sennheisers for wireless, but we keep these around as backup. Really a bang for the buck

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Yip, good bang for the buck and a good way for someone to get into IEMs, especially if they are in a situation where they can't convince others to switch from wedges ("OK, I'll just buy my own!" ;) ).

[@1lonnieabbott1]

We use 4 of these in our band with a Behringer XR18. I agree with everything that Murray Williams and Robin How say below. Outside stages and small venues are almost never a problem running 4. We have ran into an issue once in a casino where the 2.4ghz spectrum was highly congested. We ran out of usable channels, and were only able to use 3. I am the drummer, so I just pulled out my Behringer P2 to make it through the night.

[@brianredmacmillan5601]

My church uses 5 of these. We usually use 2 or 3 at the same time and we do experience RF dropouts. Changing to another frequency fixes the problem. We occasionally use all 5 and get good results. Everything in your review is accurate. Build quality is exceptional. Battery life is as advertised. Their price point allows for an affordable entry into the wireless IEM market.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

I didn't think about it when I recorded the review, but one option for a band to keep in their back pocket is to have some musicians ready to share a mix if they end up in a situation where they need an extra clean channel and can't find clear channels for all of their transmitters. Even to the point of already having a scene saved on the (digital) console for that scenario.

[@brianredmacmillan5601]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio Sharing mixes is one of our backup plans. We also have some spare Behringer P1 headphone amps that we can setup in a pinch.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

@@brianredmacmillan5601 I wish I would've thought to mention that option in the video.

[@MurrayWilliams]

We use these. Generally, they work great. Radio congestion is definitely a thing though. We’ve found that you need to use an XLR cable to keep Transmitters separated from each other. Transmitters on different channels interfere with each other if they are too close to each other. Also, if members of your band use wireless mics or instruments that are also in the 2.4 GHz band, you are adding congestion. Most nights we have no problems and if we do, changing to another unused channel generally fixes the problem. We love them and will never do a show with wedges again.

[@RobinHow]

I agree with this. Run the transmitter via xlr to close to the performer. I've used 3 at once with no issues this way. I also use one connected to the headphone out of my XR18 using a lead I soldered. That way I get solo'd channels when I'm engineering the band and then it reverts to my drum IEM mix when solo is cleared. You can run the transmitters with power so they never go flat. But to be honest the 5 hour thing is easily true. They take a long time to charge and it's a bit easy to accidentally leave them on or turn them on as you're putting them away so be careful there. Lastly, run your tablets over 5GHz only. That helps to keep the 2.4GHz space more clear for these and similar wireless guitar systems.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Great tips!

[@manup757]

Thanks for the info ..I used anXLR and was able to use system outdoors .. before I was losing signals

[@bjeligarrow6366]

I currently have ours hooked up into our x32. After watching the video and reading the comments do you think running 3 XLR from the x32 to the stage will solve our dropout/interference issues? Currently our stage is about 50ft from our x32. So running about 100ft xlr per transmitter to the stage and each transmitter separated by approximately 5 to 6 feet on separate channels should be good. Each receiver would be about 3 feet from transmitter. Hopefully it works. Novice sound engineer😂!!…..our WiFi router is less than 5ft from the x32😂

[@MurrayWilliams]

@@bjeligarrow6366 definitely try it. I bet it will help a lot. Having those transmitters next to each other and 50 feet away will cause a lot of drop out. Run an XLR cable and put the transmitters next to each performer and I think you’ll have a much better experience.

[@capscar6030]

Here in the UK, the singer in the local band I work with got one of these units before Xmas. The first gig was a dinner and dance with 150 people. No interference, no dropouts. There have been no issues in the other gigs since, but she is the only band member on IEM, so perhaps additional units could be problematic. Our MR18 is connected via an Asus dual band router with the 2.4ghz disabled.

[@LazyCloud9]

Hey Alan! I used to work concert halls for ensembles and jazz and stage monitoring was all to common for me. However, the band i work for recently switched to xvive u4 this summer and its been really handy! My only gripe was not having two transmitters at first due to monitor warfare of a certain memeber wanting to hear themselves the loudest. But after getting another one everyone has been happy with their iem mix while performing. I've worked with the u4 iem first on an Yamaha MG10X, small, analog mixer which was nice, but needed another monitor output. Then not to long ago I got my hands on Zoom LiveTrak L20 with 6 monitors outs and its been a blast! If anyone is thinking about getting a U4 or any kind of iem's i highly recommend a board with more than 1 monitor output to save future headaches from cranky musician's fighting to sound the loudest. Warm regards from the central valley 😊

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

100%! Nothing like separate mixes to keep everyone happy. And especially with IEMs.

[@kurtweber2852]

We run three with my xr18. I’m the drummer so even though I was first to buy the xvive, I normally just use a p2 and bring my xvive as backup for the others. (And a spare p2 as well). As others have said, I run them on xlr cables to get them away from the rack for several reasons. One, reducing interference. Two, they don’t fit next to one another plugged into the xr18. Three, if the performers need to switch channels or turn them off during breaks I’d rather have them close to each person. They’ve worked great for us. Minimal dropouts. The only issue is if someone forgot to charge their units. Which is why I bring my backup. Someone has to be the adult in the band😂 I should add that it’s easy to just plug it into the line out of a wedge if you’re going into a club with a system in place.

[@nicothebassdude]

Accurate review based on my experiences with them. I typically drop an XLR at the mic stand base for my singers that use them. Keeping them away from your wifi router if using a remote controlled digital mixer is also highly recommended. As others have said, surprisingly few problems with the 2.4ghz band as long as you've taken the stated precautions.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Thanks. Good to hear. Great idea running the feeds right out to the mic stand for the transmitter. That really reduces the transmission distance, and that is a key point to really help with eliminating or at least mitigating interference.

[@Mark-xy4oy]

Good review. We use 3-4 sets of these via XR16 live, and 1 transmitter to 3-4 receivers in rehearsal. We do get drop outs/clip occasionally, but we do all run the transmitters off longish XLR's to keep them away from the router and as close to stage as we can. Would be good if they brought out a 5GHz version. Our overall impression is they are an inexpensive and good start point for moving to IEMs.

[@BikerEgg1]

I've used 4 at one time, no issues. I have had some interference when using my phone as a hotspot or when too close to a wireless router. It causes a warbling effect.

[@joeblo6054]

Two of us in the band, use them the drummer and myself a mandolin player. They seem to clip and cut out, intermittently no matter where I put the transmitter. When I talked to the company, they said to put it as far away from your Wi-Fi router for the digital mixer so I use an XLR cable and try and put the transmitter right behind me far away from it but it’s still clips.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

I never experienced any kind of clipping issues. I know I had the gain structure inside the console set properly before it hit the transmitter, and the earpieces I used are good quality. The only issue I experienced was the congestion on channel 1 causing it to intermittently cut out, and switching to channel 2 solved that. Are they cutting out from the wireless losing signal or from distorting by hitting the transmitter with too much signal? I never thought about testing a worst case scenario and hitting the transmitter with too much signal to see how it handles it.

[@rickwheeler6811]

I have the Xvive mic transmitter and receiver set, I then plug receiver into Beringer P1 IEM unit. Great a versitile setup. The unit you have can only be used for IEM, my unit can be used in conjunction with IEM or wireless microphone setup

[@dgrebin]

If a wifi router is in use it's best to move the transmitter away from that source. Use an xlr cable as opposed to plugging directly into the mixer. (6 feet is good enough)

[@pauljtoth]

We used 5 of these and our biggest issues were the 2.4 GHz interference. We tried everything and often could only use 2 or 3 with issues. The price is good but the consistency of use was not. We've since moved on to the Shure line and we never have a problem.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Yeah, I think for one or two mixes there probably wouldn't be an issue. Maybe 3. I think, and the comments seem to back it up, it's going to be questionable to find situations where 5-6 sep mixes will work always. Having 3 units (transmitters), thus 3 mixes (with however many receivers), and 3 available channels to change to (when needed) is probably where I'd still feel comfortable. And even then, paying strict attention to transmitter placement/receiver distance. I like the suggestion in the comments to run XLR lines from the mixer/snake out to the mic stands for the transmitters. Not only does that get the transmitter away from any router at the mixer, but it minimizes the transmitter and receiver distance about as much as realistically possible for a best case scenario. Heh...of course that assumes there's no 2.4G mic at the stand! ;) But if someone is going to use 2.4G equip, it's probably best to not buy other 2.4G stuff like mics and wireless gtr systems and create an even more congested environment for your initial foray into that entry level 2.4g equip.

[@pauljtoth]

Ended up ensuring our xr18 WiFi router was only using 5ghz and turned off the 2.4 as it totally f'ed the xvive's

[@TommyC-nj2rt]

Thank you Alan. Great info!!

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Luis-eh2dp]

We used 4 in our band but I do get a little bit of interference but nothing serious

[@TimmyP1955]

I've been in several small venues in which a 2.4GHz network was useless owing to so much interference - I could not connect from even 5 feet away.

[@RnBDSidestreetBandfamily]

we are using 8 recievers and its fine

[@mghc7]

Would these work for a band that plays concerts that do festivals or would there be to much interference from other packs..only would need 1 pack for the band if that matters or not

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

When you say "festival" I'm picturing 1000ppl+ crowds and 4+ bands... Plus support staff for the event and band techs and venue/production techs. And all kinds of cell traffic, wifi routers, etc... I think in that case I'd look more to an IEM that uses the UHF band vs 2.4G.

[@huntercurry]

Hi Al!

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Hey Hunter!

[@sonofaguppy6708]

I use an XR18 and usually never have WiFi issues with my iPad/laptop. However, every time I’ve used these, even on a very small stage, I have constant connectivity issues with my iPad/laptop and end up having to connect my laptop to my router with an Ethernet cable. Either that, or not use the Xvive’s. We’ve tried multiple channels with no success. Just my experience..

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Have you tried physically moving your router away from the Xvives? Or are you using the internal router? I guess in either case you could try something like someone in the comments said they do and run a line from each mixer output that has an IEM to put the transmitters at the mic stands. Not only would that give you separation between the router and the transmitter(s) but it minimizes the distance between beltpack and transmitter(s)." Something that I mentioned on the channel Facebook page was just shutting off 2.4G in the router and exclusively using 5G just to mitigate any interference FROM the router. But it sounds like the router isn't interfering with the XVives... the Xvives are interfering with your router. But then again, if 5G is an option on your router and tablets, have you tried that instead of 2.4G? I wouldn't think there'd still be an issue then but would be curious to know if that worked. If you're on the internal wifi on the XR18 then all bets are off... it's just so weak that I can't trust it. It doesn't surprise me it would balk with any 2.4G devices nearby. But still, it might be worth trying the idea of running the transmitters out to the mic stands to create that separation like one user mentioned.

[@sonofaguppy6708]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio I use an external router. I’ll try the suggestion of running lines to the mic stands and let you know. That does sound promising!

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

@@sonofaguppy6708 That's what is great about the comments. Even though in my video I mentioned getting the beltpacks and transmitters as close as possible, it never hit me about running the transmitters out to the mic stands. I wish I would've heard that trick before I made the video just so I could've mentioned that option in it. It's not really any different than what you'd have to do for a wedge as far as work goes... except there's no amp rack to haul around and/or heavy wedges to carry out there onstage ;)

[@jvat]

How does it perform in the lower frequency range? Most cheap wireless in ear solutions sounds awful especially if you need bass or bass drum signal.

[@MurrayWilliams]

They sound great. If there is a problem, it’s with interference. Most nights that isn’t a problem. I was very surprised at the sound quality. It’s mono, but it sounds great. We love ours.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

It handled lows really well. Some of that is having good earbuds with a good seal. Some of it is proper channel EQ and proper use of the HPF. But by that I mean normal use for any IEMs, not anything special for these. I was surprised at how good they sounded. They sounded like they should.

[@seanwalsh999]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio I have the KZ's and they can blow my head off, great IEM for the money.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

@@seanwalsh999 Yes... They've reached the point people in the touring world, even with expensive ears and custom molds, some people are buying these as backups... and some of them liking them as well or better as their main earpieces.

[@markusd1]

Hey man I’m needing some guidance, I just switched to an analog mixer to the XR18 and we are gonna be running three u4 transmitters off it so we can all have separate mixes for our 3 piece band. I am having trouble routing the signal and stuff in the x air iOS app.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

I have a few monitor related videos on the channel. This one is about the outputs overall: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3-yXpd3eMhqj7s Unfortunately, I don't use/have an iPad, and I know it uses a different layout that Mix Station, so I don't really know where certain things are on the Behringer software on the iPad off the top of my head.

[@markusd1]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio I actually did watch some more of your videos and got everything routed correctly and everything works as it should. Ended up switching to the Edit software on the computer and it made everything way easier. Got 3 transmitters functioning now for 3 separate in ear mixes for our band. Thanks for all your helpful videos on the XR18

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

@@markusd1 Cool! Glad you got it sorted out and working. :)

[@MrBarradinhas]

Would it be possible to have two signals on the transmitter? Like with a Y cable? The idea is to have one route from the mixer with the band's mix without bass and the other route connects directly to the d.i. from my amp, which would allow me to control the bass volume, is that possible?

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

I don't think so. If I'm reading you right, you're Y'ing together two outputs, which is a 'no-no' (if using a simple Y cable). You might get away with it... or you might damage something. Y's should be used to send one signal to 2 inputs... but not 2 outputs to 1 input. You're basically tying together 2 outputs into each other. If you were to get a two channel mixer of some sort, that could work to do what you're wanting to do. And those aren't very expensive. You'd feed the band's mix into channel 1 and your bass into channel 2, and connect the transmitter to this notebook mixer. Well, at least if I understand what you're wanting to do. Set the gains and adjust the mix balance between band and bass on the mini-mixer.

[@ebenezerduncan-williams7372]

Hey Alan, we have a QSC Touchmix and for some reason, are not able to isolate the IEM sound. What I mean is all thr other sounds are coming through the XVIVE its the only IEM at the church. We connected the unit via XLR. Any help p

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

It's been a while since I've been on a QSC... but your description definitely points to something wrong in how you're connecting, mixing, or routing things with the console. It can't really be the Xvive with a problem because it has no control over what you send it from the mixer... and it's obviously getting and sending signal. You are connected to one of the AUX outs aren't you?

[@DrnkTheWildAir]

Hi 👋🏼 Al.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Hey Cindy!

[@Bubreg02]

Can you explain me how to set up in ear monitoring on xiar 18 so that i could put some efx but i dont want it like on the maint output. So i want separetly IEM and main output if you understand. And other two question: 1: it is ok to do eq on efx( hall, delay) or we just do eq on vocal before put some efx 2: can i do different eq for keyboard on Bus( IEM) and different on Main output? Thank you

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

I have a video that talks about that as one of the options for sending FX to monitors. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5C7pJmKi5hprLc

[@Bubreg02]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio thank you very much. And some more questions: it is ok to do eq on efx ( hall, delay) or we just do eq on vocal before put some efx 2: can i do different eq for keyboard on Bus(IEM) and different on Main output?

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

@@Bubreg02 You can EQ the FX. As for a different EQ for a keyboard in the house versus in the monitors, you'd have to use an extra channel for the keyboard. Either the old fashioned way with a Y cable at the input, or just softpatch the keyboard channel to two inputs. Dedicate one as the house key channel and the other as the monitor key channel. On the monitor key channel, make sure an unassign the key from the L-R bus or any subgroup(s) that feed the L-R bus. That way only your house key channel feeds the house... and your monitor key channel only can feed the monitors. Then adjust that monitor key channel however you want. This trick can also work for a lead vocalist that you want to compress, but the amount of compression that sounds good for the house is too much for the singer in their monitors. So you can split the vocal into 2 channels and have a sep house channel and monitor channel. Now you can do what you want on the load vocals for the house and not negatively impact monitors, or what the vocalist wants their monitor to do. Of course the downside is you have to use an extra channel for anything you want to do this on. So, you might have to be selective and compromise on where it's needed the most if you just have to do it.

[@Bubreg02]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio so if understand I need 4 cables for keyboard? Because now I am using 2 cables each one for Lmono/R to have a stereo.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

@@Bubreg02 For stereo you'd need 4 channels to have a house and monitor channels, but you wouldn't necessarily need extra cables since a digital console allows you to softpatch. So you could connect to channels 11-12, and then have those same inputs internally patched to channels 13 and 14. But you could do it the old fashioned way too... and use extra cables. But you just need 2- XLR Y cables, assuming you're connecting to the XLR's in the first place. Connect those right at the mixer. You don't have to run lines all the way from the keyboard.

[@edwinrivera3118]

Hi Alan, I purchased the Xvive U4 to use at church for vocals with the Behringer XR18 and for some reason I am not able to get any audio. What am I doing wrong? You mentioned routing, how should it be routed?

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

I suppose the first thing to try would be disconnecting something you know IS working... like the house/Main L-R and connect the XVive there instead. If the XR18 is sending signal to the mains, and you replace that output to feed the Xvive, then IF the XVive works there you know you have the Xvive setup properly. At which point you probably need to trace the signal chain in the monitor section to see what isn't right there. Monitor's output fader down? Muted? Routing wrong? If the Xvive doesn't work in the mains, but the mains are working when they are connected, then that tells you the problem has to do with the XVive. They are pretty simple... Are both units charged up and turned on? Do their channels match (channels have to match)? Have you tried different channels? Are you sure the earpieces are good and/or connected solidly?

[@edwinrivera3118]

@Alan Hamilton Audio I connected the Xvive to the headphone jack and it worked. So the unit is working, and the headphones are too. I also tried multiple Aux channels, and I turned all faders up and still get nothing. Don't know what it could be.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

@@edwinrivera3118 Can you email me your scene so I can load it up and look at it? My email is on the "About Me" tab of the channel's main page.

[@GuyMcguy24]

Not all hero's wear capes

[@edwinrivera3118]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio I ended up getting a replacement unit, and it worked right away. Thanks for trying to help

[@diogobrandao6739]

What eartips are you using on your kz zsn 10 pro?

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

I have these in the medium size: amzn.to/3jadCva

[@DangerDave911]

Nobody shows or talks about the app interface. Is there an app for this and if so, how does it work? Thank you in advance!

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Nothing necessary except whatever the mixer itself needs, like the Behringer XR18 needs X-Air Edit or Mixing Station, etc. to control the mixer. Or an analog mixer needs nothing since it has a surface and everything is physically at your fingertips. The IEMs have everything you need to set them up and connect them to the physical output on your mixer and no special app is needed for the IEMs.

[@DangerDave911]

thank you Alan!

[@2m0nster]

❤😊

[@chuckfriebe843]

Just got these and they don’t even work. Hooked up to my ‘monitor out’ from my console and nothing. Everything is charged up. I hooked up a powered monitor to make sure there’s a signal and it works fine. The Xvive doesn’t fucking give me any signal. Any advice?

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

What console? On some consoles "monitor out" is fed from the solo/PFL signal and you won't get anything until you solo/PFL a channel or bus. It's more of a studio or engineer monitor output and not a stage monitor output. Of course that could be what you're saying you wanted to use it for. Normally, for a stage monitor, you'd feed it from an aux out or bus output fed from channel sends. If you've got your PA working on the main outs, I'd switch the PA feed to the XVive transmitter so you're absolutely sure you're sending signal to it and see if you at least get signal thru the transmitter to the receiver and earbuds. And of course, swap cables out as part of the troubleshooting to make sure you don't have a bad cable inline. Also, how are you connecting it? Are you maybe feeding an unbalanced TRS stereo output into a balanced mono input like on the XVive? That could lead to cancellations and completely nulling a mono signal.

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio on my board it’s Aux Send. However, I discovered today that in order for it to work, I have run it through my dbx. When running it from the aux sends, I get nothing. When I send Aux Send to my dbx and plug the IEM transmitter into the line out of my dbx, it works perfectly.

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio to answer your last question, I tried both the provided unbalanced adapter(provided) and also a xlr to balanced TRS cable. I’m guessing there’s a preamp necessary on my board. Oh well. It works now so no worries.

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@AlanHamiltonAudio It works fantastic, btw. Thanks for the help.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

@@chuckfriebe843 That makes me think it has something to do with your cabling/adapters that you're using and how you're connecting to the board. Like the part I mentioned in the about feeding an unbalanced stereo output into a balanced 'mono' input. Without knowing your console, or your cables, I'm kind of flying blind on what inputs/outputs you might have and where the problem is hiding. When you send a mic's signal (or any sound source panned to mono) out of a stereo unbalanced jack, and feed it into a balanced mono input (which is what the XVive's input has) (which could be done easily with a 1/4" TRS to XLR cable)... the circuitry in the balanced mono input goes to work and inverts polarity on pins 2 and 3. It's expecting that inversion to work as a noise cancelling mechanism for the circuit. The problem is, it's not being fed a balanced signal from the output like it would expect. So instead of nulling out noise, it nulls out the entire signal. So in a nutshell, that would be my guess as to what is happening... somewhere in your signal chain. Although this video is talking about an entirely different situation (MP3 player connection), the root cause and the graphics it shows to explain it, remains the same as what I think you probably have going on. This video might at least help point you in the right direction - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5rEpqp8equYlc0

[@lookmanostrings]

2.4ghz is a non starter for me. Even if it works for people when they test.

[@tommyhorne1039]

Mine was nothing but interference on all channels!

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Not good. We had some discussions here in the discussion area about some tips and best practices. That crowded 2.4G space can be problematic I imagine in some areas. I know locating a wifi router near the IEM transmitters can be a problem. Someone suggested running a mic cable from the mixer/snake feeds and landing the transmitters on the musicians' mic stands, or otherwise close to them, to minimize the transmitter distance it needs to send to the musician. I wish I'd thought about that when I made the video because that is a solid tip that simply cannot hurt and most people might not even think about that. It's easy to get tunnel vision and just think about the transmitters being at the mixer, or at the stage box. Which probably gets them closer the wifi router even. But stringing a mic cable from the XLR out to the the musician's position, not only gets it away from any gig router, but also minimizes the distance between the transmitter and the receiver. So definitely gives it its best chance for success even in a crowded 2.4G space. Even though that technique wouldn't always be necessary for a lot of people nor for every gig, it would be an easy tool to have in the toolkit to deploy if there is trouble at a gig. But beyond that, it's so easy to deploy that way that it might just be worth making that the normal deployment because it gives the devices the best chances for success, even in noisy RF environments. And eliminates issues and mistakes like putting the too close to other 2.4G devices (like that gig router). I really wish I'd had that info, or thought, when I made the video because I think that could be a useful piece of info for some people to think about or try.