Anyone use or know of good in-ear monitors?

Bottom Feeder · #1 10-12-2006, 01:12 AM

I didn't find anything in my search so I'll ask.

Our female singer would like to try an in-ear monitor but, they won't let you stick one in your ear at a music store. I guess they don't want your ear goo on them. Ok, makes sense, but how do you try them? She says she can't get an ear bud to stay in her ear. She wants to know if they work well, what is a good brand and do they stay in?

Anybody here use them and have any answers?

bishopthomas · #2 10-12-2006, 10:05 AM

What kind of budget does she have? There are many options, anywhere from a couple hundred dollars up to in the thousands. I use a hardwired system with Future Sonics drivers. It sounds like she needs custom molds. It's definitely worth it, makes a tight seal and won't pop out. Some brands to look at would be Shure, Future Sonics, Westone, and Sensaphonics. Make sure the receiver has a built in limiter as this can save her hearing in the event of feedback and other transients.

Petebass · #3 10-12-2006, 11:03 PM

Not really recording equip, so I'll mive this to misc.

msquared · #4 10-13-2006, 01:52 PM

I use a pair of Etymotic ER-4S. Not really designed to be a hidden monitor, but sounds incredible.

I've used the Shure E1s before and disliked them.

A guitarist friend of mine has the Shure E5 (?) and likes them more than my Etymotics.

Whatever you/she goes with, I highly recommend getting one that will allow for earmolds to be made, and get some for the IEMs. The most important part of IEMs is properly sealing the ear against outside sound, and a lot of the rubber cone or compressable foam style IEM "seals" don't work nearly as well IMO.

**Ryan L.** · #5 10-14-2006, 12:58 AM

I have used both Shure E3's and E5's. I liked the E3's, but the E5's are far superior.

Jerry Ziarko · #6 10-14-2006, 06:22 PM

I've been using Shure E5's for about the last 7 or 8 yrs. For a upper mid level IEM they do a nice job. I have heard great things about the Westone UM-2 As well. Some who have used both actually like them better. For a extra $100 you can have custom fit molds that are used with these two sets of buds. Westone makes one as does Sensaphonics. I use the Westone model for they are a bit less visible. If she has long hair the Sensaphonics molds would be fine. A 15 minute trip to the audiologist to get the impressions made and a week turn around is all it would take. As far as the Westone molds go, mine seal great, and do not pop out. A tight seal is a must for good low end response. Now one thing to remember, it does take time to get used to the somewhat "isolated" feeling you get while wearing them. Some wearers never do, but most overcome it with ease. Just my opinion, but once you get past the initial stage, singing will NEVER be easier. No more straining to hear, no more over singing etc etc. We use an audience mic that is on between songs so that we still feel connected with the crowd. Once a song begins the mic is muted. (leaving it on sometimes causes some weird phasing at times) Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I do have quite a bit of experience with IEM's and am willing to help you get started. I don't have all the answers,but I may be able to steer you towards a source that might.