Please Design This!

**dave waite** · Dec-30-2004, 7:48pm

I enjoy playing unamplified at open sessions, but I have a problem hearing myself play (I end up trying to play louder than normal & as a result, play like @#&*.) I want to incorporate my Schertler DynM into an earphone, so that I can avoid this. I actually tried a stethescope & it works, but I can't quite bring myself to wear it in public.
( I can hear the comments allready

)It needs to be compact & battery powered, of course.
I am sure that I am not the only one who could use this. Thanks!!!!
Dave Waite

**mandroid** · Dec-30-2004, 8:21pm

Hi Dave,
the jazzica says hi , I think a combination of Behringers minimixer mod.UB502 with A single mic input (2 stereo line too)and a headphone monitor are still included at the bottom of the range. mailbox stuffer from musicians friend shows a sale price of $35.

a pair of earbuds like off the walkman and an 1/8" trs F to 1/4" trs M for headphone jack should be a place to start...

**glauber** · Dec-30-2004, 8:48pm

There are plenty of portable headphone amplifiers meant for electric guitar, like the Rockman. These are battery powered, and can hang from your belt. You should be able to find something in any music store that sells electric guitars.

**mandroid** · Dec-30-2004, 8:59pm

I have a schertler too,its a LOW impedance out, thats why I was thinking: mic preamp , plus headphone amp, FWIW, at a higher price point Behringer, also,has a battery powered minimixer,spare channels, sit on a chair or stool, near at hand.

guess a matching transfomer could do in a pinch..

**dave waite** · Dec-30-2004, 9:05pm

Mandroid,
How's the Jazzica? I think that is my second favorite mandolin I ever owned out of about 50. (Next only to my present Apitius)Thanks for the input. I looked at the UB502 & it appears to be un-powered. I want this to be active, battery powered, with an xlr input, if possible. arrangement. Any other ideas?

**John Flynn** · Dec-30-2004, 9:13pm

There are a couple of builders who offer, as an option, an auxiliary sound hole on the bass side of the mandolin that would port some of the sound up toward your head. I have never tried one, but I always wondered: 1)How much would it actually help? and 2) How hard would it be to retrofit the idea into an existing mando? Anyone on the board have any input on that?

I have to add though, that my general rule is that if a session is so big you can't hear yourself, the session is too big and/or there are some people in it that are playing too loud. I have seen jams split up into two groups before when they get too big. I have also seen someone politely tell a jammer, "Wow, your instrument really puts out the volume!" Sometimes they get the message. If neither solution works, I will leave. Life is too short.

**dave waite** · Dec-30-2004, 9:25pm

I was looking at the ROLLS PM50. That has got what I am looking for except that it does'nt use batteries. Is it reasonable to make a 9v battery pack w/ a adapter cord?Would it work, or would it wear down too quickly?

**danb** · Dec-31-2004, 2:29am

Visit your local audiologist to see about having an ear mold or two done.. you can get a fairly sexy bluetooth wireless "Ear monitor" that you can than hook up to your mike or other gear

**mandoJeremy** · Dec-31-2004, 4:28am

How are you going to hear what is going on around you if all you can hear is your mandolin through a set of headphones? Might not be so great on the timing if you can't hear the jam. Just a thought.

**dave waite** · Dec-31-2004, 7:31am

Jeremy,
This is why I want a single earpiece, not headphones.
Dave

**mandroid** · Dec-31-2004, 12:29pm

The model designation for the other one ,Behringer MXB1002,> B is for battery.< 5 xlr 2 mono 3 stereo channels opt. of some phantom power too, a hundered bux. details:
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbas...n/m_631224.pdf
,Its only about a foot square, with 'flashlight' batterys inside.
look also at 'Hearbuds' I came across them at www.Fullcompass.com
they go over regular mini earbud phones to make them more isolated like the custom moulded things do SRP $15
alternative: from Koss, 'the plug' either offers isolation of the custom audioligy medical appointment+ priced one you stick in yer ear.
Ignore the other one for mono, of course.
Like foam cushion, open back headphones, normal earbuds would still allow you to hear the others.

Wouldnt a monitor top rim soundhole be nice, un Mon, not trad, but nice.
kind of made like Garrity's variation,thuogh, with a monitor hole in the top of that big hollow scroll pops into my mind (or what's left)

[Dave,Quite like the ;action improved set-up, jazzica ; now has a pickguard and an arm rest(sharp edge of recurve at the binding, OW!) and gets Monel strings ]

(aside)no trouble hearing myself on the banjo-mandolin, "point that thing the other way" is the response, across the circle.