The XVive PX Portable 3-Channel Mixer System is a portable and wired monitoring system which combines a high-quality headphone amplifier and a pocket-sized three-channel mixer, giving musicians and performers the ability to create their personal monitor mixes "on the fly" during live events, recording sessions, and even practice. The three audio channels are transmitted via a single Cat 5 Ethernet cable and can be routed left, right or centre in the mixer. Instrumentalists and vocalists can thus freely choose between a stereo and a mono signal or three mono signals, and then set the levels. The XVive PX Portable 3-Channel Mixer System can be powered by two AAA batteries, a 9V DC adapter (not provided), and - interestingly - PoE (Power over Ethernet).
The included XVive PX-B 3-Channel Snake plugs into the mixing console (or other sound source) via three XLR connectors (6.3mm unbalanced jack adapters are also provided, just in case) and the three signals are carried to a Cat 5 Ethernet socket, along with 9V of PoE (Power over Ethernet), when available. The EC25 Cat 5 cable then delivers the audio and power to the XVive PX-A 3-Channel Mixer, which features individual volume controls for each chosen channel, as well as a master headphone output. The three signals can be panned left, right, or left + right (centre) via DIP switches situated in the battery compartment. The headphone amplifier delivers a maximum output of 150mW x 2 at 16 ohms, providing plenty of power. A sturdy clip allows the PX-A 3-Channel Mixer to be safely secured to a waistband or belt.
The XVive PX Portable 3-Channel Mixer System comprises the PX-A 3-Channel Mixer, the PX-B 3-Channel Snake, an EC25 CAT5 cable, and three XLR-to-jack adapters. Bought as a set, these items are more competitively priced, however, the PX-A and PX-B can also be purchased separately if required. What is more, this already flexible monitoring system can be further expanded upon using the PX-H 5-Channel Hub, which can distribute the signal and PoE to five PX-A 3-Channel Mixers simultaneously, using a single PX-B 3-Channel Snake and EC25 cable - providing a simple solution for musicians and vocalists, during live concerts or recording sessions, where performers can individually tune the monitor mix to their liking.
Xvive Audio officially entered the market in 2012 with its compact U2 wireless guitar system. Since then, the company has also been involved in the development of wireless microphone technology. Its catalogue also includes effects pedals, such as the Signature Series, which were developed in partnership with guitarist Thomas Blug. The products are designed by an American team, based in Pasadena, California, which is composed of musicians and engineers and draws on decades of professional experience. Its lead designer, Howard Davies, was previously employed at Electro Harmonix and Pigtronix, among others. Xvive Audio's goal is to create products that deliver exceptional sound and build quality, while remaining affordable for any musician.
Singers often need to readjust the balance between their voice and the other musicians in their monitor mix during a performance. A typical setup in this case would be vocals on the first input, guitars and keyboard mix on the second, and finally bass and drums on the third. For drummers, hearing the drums, bass, guitar, and vocals loud and clear is crucial in order to navigate the song structure, subtly interact with other band members and of course remain in lockstep with the bassist at all times. In this case, a typical setup might be bass on the first input, drums on the second input, and finally guitar and vocals on the third input.