TEST: Fischer In Ear Stick

A new star in the In Ear sky? With the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick, the company located in Osterburken in southern Germany launches a cable-based amplifier system, which comes up with unique dimensions and manufacturing in Germany.

The In Ear concept

Inear is on everyone's lips, or rather, on everyone's ears. Probably no other product has made it in the last decade from a monitor system used only by elite vocal superstars to a mass product with all quality and price gradations. The earphone system, which is usually used in conjunction with a radio link, has long since left the primary field of application of vocals and is used across the board by all types of instruments.

Depending on its field of application, a high-quality radio link, with all its advantages and disadvantages, plays a decisive role in signal transmission. Stage-filling presentations of an ambitious frontman/woman or show-talented string pluckers, i.e. all those who can carry their instrument with them and are not bound to stationary miking, would not be possible without complete freedom of movement by means of transmitter and receiver, although the legendary microphone cable acrobatics of a Roger Daltrey (The Who) unfortunately fall by the wayside.

But what if your personal instrument assigns you a fixed place in the room, e.g. as a drummer or keyboard player? In this case you have the possibility to get rid of the problems of the worldwide frequency jungle in terms of allowed frequencies, interferences and dropouts, respectively battery runtimes, by using a cable-supported system. If you are a drummer and only want to put a click on your earphones, or if you are a keyboard player and only want to control your instruments via a submixer, the one or other built-in headphone amplifier might still have enough power.

Normally, however, these built-in solutions are not sufficient, neither in terms of headroom nor sound, to create a real feeling of well-being. At the latest with the addition of additional instruments of the colleagues, the internal amplifier(s) start to clip and cause more damage tonally than they fulfill their function. We don't even want to talk about a stable kick transmission.


The construction of the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick

Aware of this, the German company Fischer Amps has paid particular attention to 3 points in its In Ear Stick model, as there are signal quality, dimensions and battery life. Let's start with the obvious point, the size of the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick.

When you take the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick out of its packaging, the first thing you notice is the low weight of only 120 grams, which the eye would estimate much higher given the massive appearance of the metal housing. The next thing that catches the eye are the dimensions of the housing, which are downright tiny for what's on offer: 140 mm x 30 mm x 35 mm, which is thus just about the size of 2 stacked 9V battery blocks.

On one outer side there is a 7 cm long, massive fastening clip of the "seventies bicycle clip" brand, with which the system can be attached to any stage trousers, no matter how unusual. Impression: the life expectancy of the clip is higher than that of the musician. A lockable (very important!) combo jack on the bottom accepts the signal, a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack outputs it. Next to it is a combined volume / on-off switch and a control LED for the operating status.

Battery runtime and change

Let's now move on to the battery runtime. The Fischer Amps In Ear Stick requires 2 included AAA batteries for operation, with which it should have an operating time of more than 10 hours according to the manufacturer. I was able to determine that the amplifier still showed no signs of fatigue after 15 hours, which suggests that at least about 7-8 regular shows of about 2 hours duration can be played with the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick. This is a real boon when you consider that the receiver of a regular radio link breaks down after 4 hours at the latest.

To insert the batteries into the housing of the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick, it first takes a little practice. In order not to weaken the massive construction of the housing by a cheap, hinged plastic compartment, the housing works like a kind of "metal condom", which is put over the circuitry innards along with the battery shaft. A metal pin, which is located centrally on the side of the case at a 90 degree angle to the mounting clip and can be pressed in from the outside, provides a stable locking mechanism.

Fischer Amps is now in the situation of having to use a construction that cannot come loose under any circumstances during operation, but also has to provide access to the battery without having to resort to external tools such as screwdrivers or similar. To solve this problem, the metal pin was made small, even tiny, and provided with a quite strong pressure point. Once engaged, nothing can be opened, no matter what kind of fidgeter or gross motorist is using the product.

Should you now find yourself in the fortunate or unfortunate position (depending on the type) of knowing a female keyboardist or drummer in your band, I recommend for reasons of band harmony from a certain fingernail length of the colleague to jump in to help with a battery change. The metal pin actually releases the case only when it is pushed all the way in its recess and the "pusher" has very short and very hard fingernails. A long fingernail simply bends away here and at the latest when the fingernail of the colleague tears, you have a lot of fun in the booth, respectively on stage.


The Fischer Amps In Ear Stick in practice

To be able to judge the sound of the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick, you first have to think about the wiring of the amp. The product can be wired either balanced in mono or unbalanced in stereo. Since in almost all backing track bands the drummer takes over the function of the technical manager of the playbacks, most of the drummers will manage the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick directly on the Macbook via the mini-jack and have their set fed via drum fills or similar. This can be done using an XLR / TRS adapter, but is a risky venture, since the Macbook audio output is anything but roadworthy due to its simple plastic orientation.

It is always better to route the audio signal of the Macbook via a proper interface and a corresponding splitter to the monitor man, respectively FOH and to get their signal back via the corresponding monitor path. For this constellation Fischer Amps also offers a corresponding 2x XLR female to 1x XLR male adapter cable, with which the Headphone Amp can show its full strength.

Sonically, the amp offers above all a very neutral, headroom-rich sound, which reveals almost uncolored its strengths in high, impulse-resistant volume. The amp simply does what it is supposed to do, it makes loud without having to accept any drawbacks. In addition, it should be mentioned that the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick does not produce any background noise even at high volumes. If it should noise in the headphones again, first ask the guitar colleague about his gain setting on the amp.

In a direct comparison with the competition, the amp scores with its tiny dimensions and extremely solid construction. Of course, the product is grateful when it is stored in foam and transported in the included cardboard box, but a somewhat less gentle transport method seems to do little harm to the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick. All external parts are very tough and even the volume control, which protrudes from the head, is firmly screwed to the metal plate and can only be broken off with brute force.


Conclusion

With the Fischer Amps In Ear Stick, the German manufacturer delivers a cable-supported headphone amplifier in a class of its own, which will find numerous friends, especially among drummers and keyboardists. The system is excellently processed, offers several interesting detail solutions and delivers a neutral, impulse-resistant sound, which can also deliver very high volumes at the earphone. In addition, the price / performance ratio for a system manufactured in Germany can be considered downright cheap.

Absolutely recommendable, should definitely be tested once.


Additional Informations:

- Fischer Amps is a German company that specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1995 by Chris Fischer, the company has grown to become a leader in the industry, with a reputation for innovative products and exceptional customer service.

Design and Features

Fischer Amps offers a wide range of products, including headphone amplifiers, in-ear monitors, and wireless monitoring systems. One of the company's most popular products is the In-Ear Stick, a compact and portable headphone amplifier that provides high-quality audio for musicians and audio engineers on the go.

The In-Ear Stick features a sleek, lightweight design that is easy to carry in a pocket or bag. The device has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 12 hours of continuous use, and it can be charged using a USB cable.

Another popular product from Fischer Amps is the Mini Bodypack, a wireless monitoring system that allows musicians to monitor their performance without being tethered to a stationary sound system. The Mini Bodypack is compatible with Fischer Amps' range of in-ear monitors, and it offers a range of up to 100 meters.

Tone and Performance

Fischer Amps' products are known for their high-quality sound and performance. The company's headphone amplifiers provide clear, detailed sound that is perfect for critical listening, while its in-ear monitors offer exceptional isolation and clarity, allowing musicians to hear their performance with precision and accuracy.

One of the key features of Fischer Amps' products is their versatility. The company's headphone amplifiers can be used with a wide range of headphones, and they offer a range of input and output options, including balanced and unbalanced connections. Similarly, the Mini Bodypack can be used with a variety of in-ear monitors, making it a flexible and adaptable solution for musicians and audio engineers.

Innovation and Impact

Fischer Amps is known for its innovative products and commitment to excellence. The company's products are designed and manufactured in Germany, using the highest quality components and materials.

One of the company's most notable innovations is its use of rechargeable batteries in its products. By eliminating the need for disposable batteries, Fischer Amps is helping to reduce waste and environmental impact, while also providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for musicians and audio professionals.

In addition to its innovative products, Fischer Amps is also known for its exceptional customer service. The company's knowledgeable and friendly staff are always available to answer questions and provide support, ensuring that customers receive the best possible experience when using Fischer Amps' products.

Conclusion

Fischer Amps is a company that is dedicated to providing high-quality audio equipment that is innovative, versatile, and reliable. Whether you're a musician, audio engineer, or just a music lover, Fischer Amps' products are sure to provide exceptional sound and performance, while also being convenient and easy to use. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Fischer Amps is poised to continue making a significant impact in the audio industry for years to come.

- In-ear monitoring (IEM) is a technology that has revolutionized the way musicians and audio engineers approach live sound. With the ability to provide a more personalized and accurate listening experience, in-ear monitoring has become an essential tool for performers and sound professionals alike.

What is In-Ear Monitoring?

In-ear monitoring is a system that allows musicians and performers to monitor their own performance using a set of earphones or earbuds. Instead of relying on stage monitors or floor wedges, in-ear monitoring provides a more accurate and consistent sound, while also reducing the risk of hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to high sound levels.

The system typically consists of a transmitter that sends audio signals to individual receivers worn by the performers. Each receiver is connected to a set of earphones or earbuds, allowing performers to hear their own performance, as well as any other audio signals being sent through the system.

Benefits of In-Ear Monitoring

There are several benefits to using in-ear monitoring, both for performers and audio engineers. Here are some of the key advantages:
Personalized Sound: In-ear monitoring allows performers to hear their own performance with greater clarity and detail, providing a more personalized and accurate listening experience. This can help improve their performance and enable them to make adjustments in real-time.
Reduced Risk of Hearing Damage: In-ear monitoring reduces the need for loud stage monitors or floor wedges, which can expose performers to high levels of sound that can damage their hearing over time.

Improved Stage Volume: By reducing the need for loud stage monitors, in-ear monitoring can help reduce overall stage volume, making it easier for performers to hear themselves and each other.
Greater Control: In-ear monitoring allows performers to control the volume and mix of their own sound, giving them greater control over their performance and reducing the need for audio engineers to constantly make adjustments.

Improved Communication: In-ear monitoring systems can include built-in communication features, allowing performers and audio engineers to communicate with each other during the performance.
Challenges of In-Ear Monitoring

While in-ear monitoring offers many benefits, there are also some challenges that must be addressed. Here are a few of the key challenges:

Cost: In-ear monitoring systems can be expensive, especially for larger bands or productions that require multiple systems.

Technical Complexity: In-ear monitoring systems require technical expertise to set up and operate, and they can be more complex than traditional stage monitors.

Comfort and Fit: In-ear monitors must fit securely and comfortably in the performer's ear, which can be a challenge for some individuals. Custom-molded earphones can help address this issue.

Dependence on Batteries: In-ear monitoring systems require batteries to power the earphones or earbuds, which must be monitored and replaced regularly to ensure reliable operation.

Conclusion

In-ear monitoring is a technology that has transformed the live sound industry, providing a more personalized and accurate listening experience for performers, while also reducing the risk of hearing damage. While there are some challenges to using in-ear monitoring, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making it an essential tool for any musician or audio professional looking to take their performance to the next level. As technology continues to evolve, in-ear monitoring is poised to become even more sophisticated, offering new features and capabilities that will continue to revolutionize the way we approach live sound.