Impressed by its solid construction, no-nonsense set up and navigating menu, flexible mounting options, and choice of interface via the ME-U hub, the ME-1 personal monitoring solution is starting to turn a few heads (hopefully not at the engineer!).
Recently FOH engineer Gavin McComb tried out a set on the Gaz Coombes UK tour. Once the units were set up and programmed (which you do locally on the mixers themselves – saving the file to a USB key), The musicians had access to 40 ch of audio signals coming in from the mixer. These can be mixes, FX, groups, mic pre-splits or channel direct outs. Custom ‘DCA’ sub groups can be set up for each and every user. So each musician can access what they want using just a few keys. Presets of setups can be stored and recalled locally too! here’s some pics of the guys using ME-1s at rehearsals:
If its a GLD mixer or iLive (via the ME-U) then channel names will automatically be displayed on the ME-1s. For third-party and customisation duties, the ME-U has a browser interface allowing channels to be renamed as needed. Option cards for ME-U are the same as iLive / GLD: Dante, Madi, EtherSound. The ME-U ships with an ME-D card which takes signals from ACE (iLive), dSNAKE GLD & QU, & AVIOM TM.
ME-U has 10 ports all with ‘Ethercon’ connectors and P.O.E allowing the ME-1s to take power down the cat5 cable. Otherwise each unit can be powered locally by a wall-wart PSU. ME-U runs pretty silent in its rugged 2U case making it ideal for stage or installation.
Other useful tips about ME-1; They have a really good loud headphone output! There is a local mic built in with direct feed-in volume to allow users to listen to locals when wearing earpieces. The display is back-lit.