Erik Zachary is the consummate multimedia host, producer and director. He has hosted radio shows for iHeartRadio in New York, Chicago and Boston, presented for and produced multiple national MTV/Viacom projects, including a 2017 revival of TRL. Erik is currently the host and editor in chief of XYZ. We asked Erik a few questions about his use of Alclair IFB and IEMs.
There are so many great ways to use custom IEM’s. They are no longer just for stage musicians. We asked Erik how he uses in ear monitors for his creative work.
Using monitors and IFB on the air and for broadcast with Erik Zachary
“Originally, I was interested in IEMs because as a DJ and MC I was frequently finding myself in front of the speaker line at loud events. I quickly realized they were the perfect solution for me to use in studio in lieu of headphones (which often gave me discomfort after wearing for multiple hours). As my career progressed, I also began using them as IFB’s for live broadcasts both in studio and on location and almost exclusively when editing video/audio on the road.”
We asked Zachary what models he used to fuel all of his different creative endeavors.
“I primarily use the RevX’s. I also use the ProQ Duo IFB for my in-studio remote interviews, as well as whenever I’m on-site and need to communicate with producers/directors. Both models are incredible and unique in their own ways. Obviously, it doesn’t get much better in terms of all around audio quality than the RevXs. As a video/audio editor who’s constantly on the go, I can always rely on them for giving me the best (and accurate) all around audio quality. I’m also a novice drummer but compared to the LEGENDS who use Alclair as well, we can just leave that part out ;)”
An IFB, or Interruptible Foldback, is a type of monitor used primarily in broadcast. The on screen talent uses it to monitor sound, but it also allows for messages to “interrupt” the monitor feed. Producers and other off camera folks can communicate timing and “breaking news” through IFB monitors.
“As for the ProQ Duo IFB, it’s crystal clear, speech focused audio quality has been my day to day mainstay through interviews and ESPECIALLY on location. Prior to it, I was using the more traditional acoustic tube fed IFBs and although a little lower profile, anyone who’s used them can tell you how terribly muffled that audio tends to be, especially when out in non studio environments or when there’s more than one person speaking. Many of the projects I work on as a host are music/production focused as well so even though the IFB is engineered to be more speech focused, any music or production cues being fed to me sound great as well. ”
Making sure our customers have an incredible time working with us is JUST as important as having stellar products.
“I could speak on the audio quality all day and how insanely superior it is to the rest but that goes without saying if you’ve heard them for even 10 seconds. What TRULY separates Alclair from the rest to me (and I’ve used many) is hands down the customer service and build quality. The whole team is so hyper focused on not only their product but their relationships with their clients and that speaks volumes. Not to mention the actual build quality is unmatched. I’ve had my RevX’s for close to 6 years now (and trust me they’ve been put through the paces). They are built like tanks.”
And that is why we do what we do. We build a great product and great relationships with our customers. We’re so glad to have Erik in the Alclair Family.
Make sure you check out Erik’s latest project XYZ with Erik Zachary. XYZ is a content based music and entertainment show that airs across multiple mediums both in audio and video form. For more info on Erik Zachary’s work head to https://www.erikzachary.com/.