Get an Earful of This Shure has a new in-ear monitor-and-mixer system, the PSM 400 wireless personal monitor system, which offers musicians a personal mix and freedom of movement. The PSM 400 Wireless Performance Pack ($1,590) bundles a receiver, a transmitter, an E1 earphone, and the P4M mixer. A hardwired version is available ($990). You can also purchase the individual components separately.

The half-rack PSM 400 Monitor System features personal volume and balance controls, as well as mono, stereo, and Mixmode operation. The patented Mixmode can send two different mixes to the transmitter: for example, a band mix and a separate mix for vocals. It can send these distinct mixes as a dual mono signal, so the user can adjust the balance between the singers and the band with a knob on the body pack. Other controls include a high-frequency EQ and a built-in limiter. The LCD screen has a built-in battery gauge. The wireless unit offers 16 UHF frequencies. The P4M Personal Monitor Mixer also occupies half a rack, and each of the four mic/line inputs has its own level and balance controls. Shure Inc.; tel. (800) 25-SHURE or (847) 866-2200; fax (847) 866-2279; e-mail info@shure.com; Web www.shure.com.

Three Mics, No Waiting Audio-Technica has a new vocal microphone package designed for live use. The KP-Vocals KitPak ($209.95) bundles three dynamic cardioid vocal mics, each with a frequency response of 100 to 15,000 Hz. The mics feature internal shock-mounting, a multistage windscreen, and an on/off switch. The package also includes stand clamps, three cable ties, and a protective carrying case. This package targets performers who use standard P.A. systems, or bands that need frontline vocal mics. Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.; tel. (330) 686-2600; fax (330) 686-0719; e-mail pro@atus.com; Web www.audio-technica.com.

Ten-Finger Exercise FingerWeights (set of five, $49.95; set of ten, $79.95) are designed to improve finger dexterity and speed by utilizing resistance exercise techniques. Manufactured by the FingerWeight Corporation, these miniature weights can adjust for each finger in units of 5, 10, or 15 grams. Individual Fingerweights use specially designed clasps that provide the wearer with a comfortable fit without any straps, buckles, or Velcro. The weights come with a hard case and a soft carrying pouch. FingerWeight Corporation; tel. (800) 959-0474; Web www.speedweights.com.

Peas in a Pod Like its Pod siblings, the Line 6 Bass Pod ($499.99) models some of the most sought-after tones, but the Bass Pod specializes in emulating classic bass amps and cabinets (16 amps and 15 cabinets in all). Models include the Ampeg SVT and B-15, Marshall Major and Plexi Super Bass, SWR, Versatone, and other amps. To embellish your tones, you'll find 15 effects designed for bass, including chorus, envelope follower, octave divider, distortions, flanger, phase shifter, and a compressor modeled after the classic LA-2A. The Bass Pod has a direct output and a separate output for processed sounds, as well as a headphone output. Line 6; tel. (805) 379-8900; fax (805) 381-4684; e-mail info@line6.com; Web www.line6.com.

Marshalling Forces Marshall has released a new entry in its Acoustic Soloist amp series, the AS100D Acoustic Combo Amplifier ($1,249). This amp offers four independent channels (one mic channel, two for instruments, and an aux input). Designed especially for use with acoustic guitars, the AS100D is equipped with an antifeedback circuit that includes two frequency-selectable notch filters. In addition, you can fine-tune channel 1 with its own parametric midrange control. To prevent the amp from distorting at high volume, the AS100D sports a built-in limiter. You can polish the sound further with a choice of 16 built-in stereo digital effects and a stereo parallel effects loop for outboard processing. The AS100D is a 100-watt stereo (50 watts per channel) amp with two 8-inch speakers and a pair of high-efficiency tweeters. It also features a pair of balanced XLR outputs and unbalanced line-out jacks. Marshall Amplification; tel. (516) 339-9100; fax (516) 333-9108; Web www.marshallamps.com.

A Spirited Performance The Soundcraft Spirit 324 Live ($4,499.95) is a digital mixer similar in design to the Spirit Digital 328, but offering additional features targeting live sound applications. Like the 328, the 324 Live features a set of encoders and backlit switches called an E-Strip, which gives access to all EQ, Aux, and Pan settings, much like a conventional channel strip. Unlike its sibling, the 324 Live has a locking function, which can secure settings against tampering.

The Spirit 324 offers 16 analog mic/line inputs on XLR and 11/44-inch jacks. You can use the two 8-channel TDIF ports on the rear with external mic/line interfaces, increasing the total number of simultaneous inputs to 32. Each input features 3-band parametric EQ, four external effects sends, and routing to two internal programmable Lexicon effects units. Assign the two stereo dynamics units (compressors, limiters, gates, and duckers) to any input or output. Spirit by Soundcraft; tel. (615) 360-0471; fax (615) 367-9046; e-mail spiritus@cwia.com; Web www.spiritbysoundcraft.com.

How to Pick Up Strings The AKG C 411 Condenser Acoustic Pickup (XLR, $248; wireless, $152) is a lightweight (less than 8 ounces) vibration pickup designed specifically for acoustic stringed instruments. You attach it with a safe and reusable adhesive compound. The C 411 pickup boasts a frequency response range of 10 Hz to 18 kHz, and THD is rated at less than 1 percent at 96 dB. Its impedance is 200 ohms. The C 411 requires 9-52 VDC phantom power, and terminates in an XLR connector (the wireless version of the pickup uses mini XLR or B-Lock connectors and is compatible with five different AKG WMS Series wireless receivers). AKG Acoustics U.S.; tel. (615) 360-0499; fax (615) 360-0275; e-mail akgusa@harman.com; Web www.akg-acoustics.com.

Throw Away That Truss! Samson has announced the AirLine series of wireless systems, which promises to free performers from the encumbrances of belt packs, long cable runs, and other appendages. The AX1 UHF Wireless Microphone System ($499) is actually smaller than an XLR connector and lets any dynamic mic go wireless. The AH1/QV UHF Wireless Performance System ($629) is a wireless headset mic that can free vocalists to traverse the stage without cables or handheld mics. Samson has not forgotten guitarists-the AF1/AG1 UHF Wireless Guitar System ($499) plugs directly into the guitar, eliminating body packs. The AF1 is designed for Stratocaster-type jacks, and the AG1 accommodates end-mount jacks. Horn players can also join the ranks of the unencumbered with the AH1/Pro35X UHF Wind Instrument System ($699). This system mounts on the horn and comes with an ATM PRO35X microphone. Samson Technologies Corporation; tel. (800) 328-2882 or (516) 364-2244; fax (516) 932-3815; Web www.samsontech.com.

A Little Workhorse Peavey's simple new 8-channel 16LM Stereo Line Mixer ($124.99) is designed for user-friendly operation in a small personal studio setup, or as a keyboard mixer in live performance. The 16LM is equipped with 8 stereo input channels, a balanced stereo output, and a stereo headphone output with its own level control. Each channel accommodates a pair (left and right) of unbalanced 11/4-inch inputs, and the master output has a clip LED. The nominal output level is +4 dBu, and frequency response is 20 Hz to 20kHz. Peavey Electronics Corporation; tel. (800) 821-2279 or (601) 483-5365; fax (601) 486-1278; e-mail peavey@peavey.com; Web www.peavey.com.

Doing a 360 Fans of the old Acoustic line of amplifiers will be happy to know that Acoustic, a division of Samick Music, has reissued the Acoustic 360 bass amp ($1,595). The 360 features a dual-channel preamp, twin 400-watt RMS power amps, and a built-in crossover network for biamping. Other features include a balanced variable direct out, built-in tuner, built-in fuzz, and an outboard effects processor loop. The front panel offers 3-band EQ for each channel, channel switching, bypass controls for crossover and tone control, and a balanced direct output.

Pair the amp with any of several cabinets in the Acoustic line. The dual VL-215 ($1,095) sports two 600-watt woofers; the FL-410T ($1,195) comes with four 150-watt woofers. The FH-118 ($1,395) has a single 600-watt woofer, and the dual quad VL-810T ($1,495) comes with eight 150-watt woofers. Acoustic (a division of Samick Music Corporation); tel. (800) 592-9393 outside California or (626) 964-4700 inside California; fax (626) 965-5224; e-mail realacoustic@earthlink.net.