Live Wires IEM's (or others)

OriginalCrash · #1 12-28-2007, 11:38 AM

I remember reading about them on here several months ago, but at the time, not many people had experience with them. Has that changed? I'm looking into getting a good pair of IEM's to use with my iPod, that I could also use if and when we ever go that route for monitoring. Thanks.

Brian

Diggler · #2 01-03-2008, 08:05 PM

I have a pair that I've used for a dozen or so gigs. I have no experience with top of the line Shures or other brands, but I don't feel like I'll ever need another kind. CD quality out of the aux send of our digital board, and the mix is all mine.

They are very sound isolating. I couldn't see using my LiveWires to listen at work or other places because I'd never hear anyone around me if they were right behind me trying to get my attention; I wear regular earbuds for that. They do sound great with mp3 players though; I just don't isolate myself like that when I'm listening.

Also, it's easier to put a verrrry thin layer of a lubricant like KY on custom molds to help them into your ears; it's just easier for me to use earbuds for day-to-day use.

no1likesme · #3 01-03-2008, 08:49 PM

you may want to check out headfi.com.

Marshall Hiwatt · #4 01-03-2008, 11:43 PM

I just got a pair of LiveWires for Christmas this year. Tried them a few nights on the gig and had to send them back for a re-fit. They just were not comfortable right off the bat for long periods of wear. This is not uncommon as people with hearing aids need to have them tweaked to get the right fit. I spoke with John Diles (the owner of LiveWires and great guy I might add) on the phone yesterday about my problems, and he said that they will do everything they can to make these right for me.

They also seemed to be a little light on the low end for my taste. John said he would send them back to the lab and have them check the drivers again. I think the angle of the armature can effect the low end response so they may need to adjust that some. The high end was really nice with these IEM's. In these dual driver earphones I wonder if they have the same amount of energy going to both the low and high drivers? Seems that they would need more energy to the low driver and less to the high driver for a bigger bottom end as you would do with a Bi amped sound system.

Diggler do you have good BIG bottom end with your set of LiveWires?

All in All as Diggler said the Isolation is great with the LiveWires and that is what you need with a loud band, or to keep from hearing that winey kid

while you are listing to your Ipod.

I'm sure LW's will do you good and I will keep you posted on the results of mine.

Diggler · #5 01-04-2008, 06:07 AM

I really don't have any problem with the low end on mine, I play a 5'er and can hear all my notes just as I'd be happy to have them recorded. When I hit a low "D" it seems really powerful to me. For the record though, since I sing a lot of lead (and do backing vocals when I'm not), I really don't want big/disproportionate bass in my in-ears. I don't boost the bass on my car stereo either.

The only "problem" I have with mine is that the name tag on each earpiece has a last initial of "P." instead of "D."

Mine are tight fits... thus the need for KY assistance... because I kept my mouth wide open the whole time during the fitting because I didn't want any possibility of loosening while I sing.

When you consider the fact that anything close to LiveWires in a custom mold will cost you $7-800, it's really a no-brainer.

Marshall Hiwatt · #6 01-04-2008, 12:11 PM

I play a 5 string and sing some also. I just enjoy a little fuller sound on the low end when I play bass. I also kept my mouth open when I had the ear impressions made. My fit was snug but had some pressure on places in the upper ridge of my ears.

For the $$$ spent I agree they will be well worth it when I get the minor adjustments completed. I have to thank John Diles for the effort he is putting in to make these the best they can be for my situation ( I guess that's why they call it custom molds). Not to many compaines out there that you can talk to the main guy about problems and solutions to their product, and for this I give LiveWires an A++ for going the extra mile.

Petebass · #7 01-06-2008, 02:36 PM

Sennheiser CX300's! They've been the equipment find of my life. They out perform my Westone UM2's for bass and are only 1/5th the price.

If you do a TB search, you'll find some detailed info.

Marshall Hiwatt · #8 01-08-2008, 12:41 AM

Petebass,
I may have to give the CX300's a serious look if my LiveWires come back a little on the vanilla side. I am a mastering engineer, live concert sound reinforcement engineer and musician. The LiveWires may be better for recording and stuff like that but I'm not quite sure yet. When I play bass at a gig with no amp I want the bottom end to sound big in the IEM.

LiveWires seem to have most people that endorse the IEM's that play guitar, singers, keyboards, ect. I'm not sure if I saw any bass players on their list. hmmm....... great they let me try them for 30 days an we will see.

I have read your other threads and it sounds like you also like some good bottom end on the bass and Kick drum. I guess you have been using the CX300's a couple of years now and are sold on them? right?

I think they are worth a look and listen.

Thanks,
Ace

Petebass · #9 01-08-2008, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshall Hiwatt

Petebass,
........I have read your other threads and it sounds like you also like some good bottom end on the bass and Kick drum. I guess you have been using the CX300's a couple of years now and are sold on them? right?

I think they are worth a look and listen.

Thanks,
Ace

I am absolutely sold on them and have no plans to change to anything else. They really are perfect as IEM for a bass player. Maybe too much treble, but that's probably more the fault of my Stingray than the earphones.