TEST: Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR

 Most users, when thinking about in-ear monitoring, will likely think of a wireless system consisting of a receiver and a transmitter. However, there are situations where the physical freedom provided by a wireless system is not necessary. For example, in theater performances or for musicians who are required or instructed not to move much on stage. In such cases, it is significantly better to rely on a wired variant and avoid the issues associated with wireless systems, such as frequency selection, dropouts, battery consumption, and similar concerns.

For these situations, the Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR was developed in collaboration with the Guitar In Ear Cable. The crucial point is that you have the option to extend your in-ear system almost indefinitely with a special cable, allowing you to take up a significantly distant position from your amplifier without having to forgo in-ear monitoring.

To use the system, however, a special headphone amplifier, also from Fischer Amps, is required, which specifically supports this system with XLR cabling. The usage is as follows:

The system features a passive in-ear amplifier called the In Ear BodyPack XLR. This is attached to the belt, waistband, or similar using a clip. The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is then connected to the Fischer-Amps headphone amplifier via an XLR plug using an XLR cable of unlimited length. Parallel to the XLR cable, the Guitar In Ear Cable has a high-quality instrument cable of the same length attached using several heat shrink tubes. The lengths of this cable combination vary between 6 and 10 meters. This cable combination prevents cable clutter on stage, ultimately leaving you with only one cable that supplies both the in-ear system and the guitar or bass amplifier with the appropriate signal.

## Why XLR?

Some may wonder why one should opt for such a solution. In principle, it would be possible to use a regular headphone amplifier, which usually has a stereo jack output, to supply a headphone and achieve the same result with home wiring. This is essentially correct, but the XLR combination offers an invaluable advantage.

Normally, XLR cables are available in abundance on any stage or festival due to microphone setups. This means you can always extend your cable from anywhere. This is not the case with a regular jack headphone amplifier, especially since a jack extension is not nearly as stable in connection and is almost never available at any festival or club wiring. In this case, you would have to bring all the cabling yourself and would not have the option to change the length of the in-ear cable.

## The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR in Practice

First of all, it should be noted that the Body Pack is a classic "Made in Germany" product with all its positive attributes. The product is extremely robustly built, and even the clip cannot be dislodged with significant pulling and pushing. The volume control is not only pleasantly resistant but also additionally notched, which provides a better tactile feel.

The notching, in particular, gives a pleasant feeling, so that when you change the volume, you not only notice a difference in the earphones but can also make very fine adjustments with your fingertips. Since the Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is likely to be located on the back of the body and you cannot see where the control is, tactile impressions are very important. Overall, all screws, connectors, and sockets are of the highest quality, so there is absolutely nothing to criticize here, only to praise.

The same quality continues in the Guitar In Ear Cable, where the cables strike the right balance between rigidity and flexibility. A cable that is too flimsy is just as unpleasant as a half railway track that cannot be bent once the cable has taken its position.

## Considerations for the 10-Meter Version

When using the 10-meter version, it should be noted that if you use passive pickups on your guitar, anything over 6 meters in cable length will have some impact on the sound. Usually, this results in a high-frequency damping, which, depending on the tonal orientation of the pickup, can positively affect the overall sound. However, it should be noted that completely neutral reproduction with passive pickups is only possible up to about 6 meters, or you use active pickups, where cable lengths well over 30 meters pose no tonal problem.

## Conclusion

With the Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR, the German manufacturer has a very practical, uncomplicated tool in its portfolio. The concept is simple, the implementation straightforward, and the workmanship excellent.

However, it should be kept in mind that a suitable headphone amplifier, such as the Fischer Amps In Ear Amp 2, is required for operation.
### Design and Build Quality

The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is designed with durability and user-friendliness in mind. Its robust construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of live performances and frequent use. The metal housing provides excellent protection against physical damage, while the high-quality connectors ensure a stable and reliable connection.

The volume control, as mentioned earlier, is not only resistant but also features a notched design, allowing for precise adjustments even in low-light conditions or when the device is out of sight. This attention to detail highlights Fischer Amps' commitment to creating products that cater to the needs of professional musicians and performers.

### Compatibility and Versatility

One of the standout features of the Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is its compatibility with a wide range of in-ear monitors and headphones. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for musicians who use different types of in-ear systems depending on the performance or rehearsal setting.

Additionally, the ability to use standard XLR cables for extending the connection means that users can easily integrate the Body Pack XLR into existing setups without the need for specialized cables. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for touring musicians who may need to adapt to different stage setups and environments.

### Sound Quality and Performance

The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is designed to deliver high-quality audio with minimal signal loss. The passive design ensures that the audio signal remains clean and unaltered, providing an accurate representation of the sound source. This is crucial for musicians who rely on precise audio monitoring to perform at their best.

The use of high-quality components and careful engineering ensures that the Body Pack XLR maintains a low noise floor, reducing the risk of unwanted interference or hum. This attention to detail in the design and construction of the device ensures that it meets the high standards expected by professional users.

### Practical Applications

The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is particularly well-suited for a variety of performance settings. In theater productions, where actors and performers may need to remain stationary or move within a confined area, the Body Pack XLR provides a reliable and unobtrusive solution for in-ear monitoring.

For musicians, especially those in bands or orchestras, the Body Pack XLR offers a practical alternative to wireless systems. By eliminating the need for batteries and reducing the risk of signal dropouts, it provides a more stable and consistent monitoring experience. This can be particularly beneficial in rehearsal settings where long sessions may be required.

### User Experience and Feedback

Users of the Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR have consistently praised its reliability and ease of use. The robust construction and high-quality components have been highlighted as key strengths, along with the device's ability to deliver clear and accurate audio.

Musicians and performers have also appreciated the flexibility offered by the XLR connection, allowing them to easily extend their setup as needed. The notched volume control has been particularly well-received, providing a tactile and precise way to adjust audio levels on the fly.

### Additional Features and Accessories

Fischer Amps offers a range of accessories to complement the Body Pack XLR, including various lengths of XLR cables and high-quality in-ear monitors. These accessories are designed to work seamlessly with the Body Pack XLR, ensuring a cohesive and reliable monitoring system.

The company also provides a range of headphone amplifiers, such as the Fischer Amps In Ear Amp 2, which are specifically designed to work with the Body Pack XLR. These amplifiers offer additional features and controls, allowing users to tailor their monitoring setup to their specific needs.

The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is particularly effective in several specific application areas:

1. Theater productions: It provides a reliable wired in-ear monitoring solution for actors and performers who need to remain stationary or move within a confined area on stage[1][2].

2. Orchestras and ensembles: The system allows musicians to have individual volume control while maintaining a clean stage setup using standard XLR cables[2].

3. Live music performances: For bands or musicians who are required to stay in fixed positions on stage, eliminating the need for wireless systems[1].

4. Studio recording sessions: Offers a stable monitoring solution without wireless interference concerns[2].

5. Conferences and presentations: Provides clear audio monitoring for speakers or panelists[2].

6. Situations requiring extended cable runs: The use of XLR connections allows for practically unlimited extension of the monitoring system using standard microphone cables readily available at most venues[1][2].

7. Environments with high RF interference: By using a wired solution, it avoids potential dropouts or interference issues common with wireless systems.

8. Budget-conscious setups: Eliminates the need for expensive wireless transmitters and receivers while still providing high-quality monitoring.

9. Multi-musician setups: When used with the Fischer Amps In Ear Amp 8, it can provide individual volume control for up to eight musicians from a single source[2].

10. Scenarios where battery management is problematic: Being a passive device, it doesn't require battery power, reducing maintenance and reliability concerns during long performances or rehearsals[1][3].

The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR's versatility and reliability make it an excellent choice for these applications, especially when combined with its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing audio setups using standard XLR cabling.

The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR can be effectively used in studio conditions as well. Here are some key points about its use in studio settings:

1. Clean signal path: The passive design of the Body Pack XLR ensures a clean, unaltered audio signal, which is crucial for accurate monitoring in studio environments[1][5].

2. Versatility: It can be used with various types of headphones and in-ear monitors, allowing studio musicians and engineers to use their preferred monitoring devices[2].

3. Individual volume control: The Body Pack XLR allows users to adjust their own monitoring volume without affecting the main mix, which is particularly useful in multi-musician recording sessions[5].

4. Cable management: The XLR connection allows for easy integration into existing studio setups and can help reduce cable clutter[1][2].

5. Durability: The robust construction (aluminum housing, stainless steel belt clip, Neutrik connectors) makes it suitable for long-term studio use[1][2].

6. No interference: Unlike wireless systems, the wired nature of the Body Pack XLR eliminates potential RF interference issues that could affect recording quality[3].

7. Compatibility: It works well with studio headphone amplifiers, including Fischer Amps' own In Ear Amp series, providing a cohesive monitoring solution[3][5].

8. Extended monitoring setups: In larger studio spaces, the ability to use standard XLR cables allows for flexible positioning of musicians while maintaining high-quality audio monitoring[1][5].

While primarily designed for live performance scenarios, these features make the Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR a valuable tool in studio environments as well, offering reliable and high-quality personal monitoring for recording sessions.

### Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is a well-designed and highly practical solution for in-ear monitoring in a variety of performance settings. Its robust construction, high-quality components, and flexible XLR connection make it an ideal choice for professional musicians and performers.

While it requires a compatible headphone amplifier for operation, the benefits of using the Body Pack XLR far outweigh this minor inconvenience. The ability to extend the monitoring setup with standard XLR cables, combined with the device's reliable performance and ease of use, make it a valuable addition to any professional audio setup.

In summary, the Fischer Amps Body Pack XLR is a testament to the company's commitment to quality and innovation. It provides a reliable and flexible solution for in-ear monitoring, ensuring that musicians and performers can focus on their performance without worrying about technical issues.