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Best IEMs (off the shelf or custom) for 1K

Enrique M

Enrique M

Supporting Member
Jun 3, 2023
1,073
3,669
Moscow, Idaho
#1
Short Version: What is the best IEM set up within a budget of 1K for a bass player.

Context: My main music experience is a once a week ampless studio jam (Kit is not ampless, is loud, and acoustics of studio are less than ideal for the moment). Went through a number of closed back headphones, not enough sound isolation from the drums. Tried with earplugs and headphones up, didn't seem reasonable. Looked at some GK Ultras, wish they got better reviews for sound quality.

Picked up a set of KZS10s and some "run the chain saw" ear protection to go over them to improve sound isolation. Works fine, but ... uncomfortable after about 30-45 minutes. I got funny shaped ears. Sound seems reasonable, but I still miss the feel of my cab.

Next month I am going to the audiologist to get checked out; I want to protect what is left of my hearing. While I am there I was going to discuss the possibility of custom IEMs (or high end off the shelf IEMs). I have 1K saved up I was going to use for a cab upgrade, but I think my priority should be focusing on making the ampless rehearsals more fun/safe since we do that every week, but we only play out once a month and my current rig can deal. There has been also been discussion of trying to get the rest of the crew on board for gigging with IEMS, so I would like to have that a future option.

I am looking for brand suggestions, or things I should bring up with my audiologist concerning IEMs that she might not know about not being connected to the bass world. What is the best set up I can get, staying under a grand?

Thanks,
 
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#3
"Best" is always tough to argue, but in that range, you really only have a few choices, and they'll be right at that $1k range. I just upgraded to Sure PSM300 system, only because I get a reasonably good deal through a good friend who owns a production company and is a dealer. Sennheiser has a similar unit for similar dollars. I've read reviews that claim a similar Audio Technica has a much lower noise floor than the two above.

Now- let's step back and take another look:

If it's studio use, do you need a wireless setup? Maybe I've misinterpreted the question. If you can tolerate the cable, considering it's a studio situation, you'd be saving buckets if you simply get a headphone preamp and run wired. Better sound, no interference. More budget left for a killer set of earbuds. The above units only arrive with a fairly basic set of buds which your KZ10's should easily outperform.

Maybe clarify if you'd be open to that or rather stick with a wireless IEM system so you may evolve and still be able to hit the stage with it. Also clarify if you're seeking a really high-end set of buds from the audiologist, and if that is part of the $1k package limit. You can easily drop 300-600 bucks on custom molded ear buds alone...
 
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#4
Good points

I already have an Xvive U4 wireless headphone amp. I am looking for wired IEMs to go into that.

The 1k budget is strictly for the IEMs.

And, custom from audiologist would be ideal if I can stay within budget. Off the shelf from sweetwater (or wherever) is also an option I am considering depending on recommendations from those that use them.

I am a 55 year old hobbyist who jams weekly, gigs monthly, and who does not pay the bills with his musical abilities, but wants to upgrade his experience in the Ampless setting … and leave an opening to try ampless gigs at some point. Wired would be fine for that too.

It would be easier to just wear cans, but I get the impression good IEMs provide a better experience for bass players? If the GK Ultras got better reviews for their sound quality, I might go that route in the studio and just wear ear plugs on stage.

But, I gotta go to the audiologist anyway. So thought I'd ask about a higher quality IEM set up than I have.
 
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#5
Got it.
In that case, I'd definitely lean into the audiologist's recommendations, but realize there are a lot of highly reputable online suppliers of custom molded earpieces that can be trusted also.
Interesting anecdote:
Last Sturgis Rally, we found an audiologist selling custom molds to fit whatever buds you use. Molds done overnight. Really turned out to be simply the DIY putty you can buy on line. Two players got stoked, molded using their KZ10's, picked them up the next day. Results: Meh, to pretty good. The meh turned into a poor fit and broken stem within a few months, so it was a total loss. I suspect said audiologist was an uncertified, self proclaimed pro, or got chased out of their practice back home. Why else was she travelling 1,000+ miles to sit at a booth at a hot loud rally pushing $99 molds, right?

Yesterdays' thread on molds is worth checking out, as a few contributors mentioned some excellent results with custom mold makers. These are not silly putty wrapped around your KZ10's as in the above story, but fully molded plastic housings cast to fit your ear. HUGE difference in quality of structure and internal driver configs. Some of the better ones were in the 350-650 range, and featured some advancements like separate ports for high mids and lows.
The Alclair Spire was mentioned a couple times as highly regarded - might check them out.

I recommend you read this thread next:
www.talkbass.com/threads/a-question-for-the-iem-sound-experts.1676004/
 
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#7
Definitely go customs. Better (waayyyyyyyyyy better) comfort and better (waayyyyyyyyyyy better) seal. A good seal is key to hear your bass. I use UE RR. Those were referred to me by a studio and tv drummer.

The other key is having control over your mix. If you don't, it can be dramatic when you depend on a bad soundman.

The main issue with custom IEM is that you have to buy them to try them…. Not very convenient. But I think that companies who make them are reliable and serious.

That said, custom IEM were a game changer for me. I had my doubts before but not anymore.
 
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#10
turcmic said:
Definitely go customs. Better (waayyyyyyyyyy better) comfort and better (waayyyyyyyyyyy better) seal. A good seal is key to hear your bass. I use UE RR. Those were referred to me by a studio and tv drummer.

The other key is having control over your mix. If you don't, it can be dramatic when you depend on a bad soundman.

The main issue with custom IEM is that you have to buy them to try them…. Not very convenient. But I think that companies who make them are reliable and serious.

That said, custom IEM were a game changer for me. I had my doubts before but not anymore.
Click to expand...

I have control over my mix in the studio.
 
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#13
I've had a great experience with MEE Audio and paid a lot less than $1000.

did pay an audiologist $100 for ear molds and sent them in to MEE, and bought two models of MEE IEMs - I don't recall the specific models, but out of their 4 I got the two middle and primarily use the second lowest model because I like the bass response - never used the higher up model and keep them as backup. I think both combined were about $400.

I liked them so much I got a set of earplugs too (once they have your molds they scan them and you don't need new molds) as well as sleeping earplugs to block out my wife's snoring.

MEE has helped with small issues I've had and their customer service has been great. I use the earplugs pretty much on every gig these days - I rarely need IEMs.
 
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#15
s0c9 said:
Check out 64audio customs.
Click to expand...

Came hear to recommend this. I love my N8's and custom IEM's was one of my best investments. Don't fall out, great isolation and can wear them a long time without fatigue.

Dear OP: around thanksgiving/Black Friday 64 audio, JH audio and Ultimate Ears usually run a pretty large sale resulting in several hundred dollars off. Those are kinda the "top 3" if you will…
 
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#16
Here's the Alclair Spire-6 "custom-molded" IEMs, the solution to your problem at $806.65. These are ideal for a bass player or drummer who wants articulate, punchy lows with clean, snappy upper range. I've never heard better.

SPECIFICATIONS
  • Six Balanced Armature Drivers (4 low end drivers)
  • Three Way Crossover
  • 100 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz (100mV)
  • 111 dB sensitivity at Peak (100mV)
  • Three Bore
  • -26 dB noise reduction
  • 18Ω impedance at 1 kHz
The link below will take you to the "designer" section where you pick out the colors, artwork if desired and other options. If you decide to go this way you should do yourself a favor and make the right IEM different from the left in either color or artwork. I will make it easier when you put them on.
The only thing you will need to do is have impressions made. Alclair will do it if you go to either of their locations or you can have it done by an audiologist.

For the past 7 years I've had 5 sets of IEMs from KZ to Westone to UE, from Shure SE215 to Shure SE535. I've spent over $1400 on "non-molded", "over-the-counter" IEMs. I'm through with them.
With my Alclairs, they seal perfectly and I can hear everything in great detail. My bass finally sounds like it does from the cabinet, clear and punchy. Wish I had done this years ago.

Here's the link:
alclair.com

Spire Six Driver

Custom and Universal In-Ear Monitors and earbuds for stage musicians and vocalists, studio engineers, hi-fi music lovers and audiophiles.
alclair.com alclair.com
 
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#17
s0c9 said:
Check out 64audio customs.
Click to expand...
prndltech said:
Came hear to recommend this. I love my N8's and custom IEM's was one of my best investments. Don't fall out, great isolation and can wear them a long time without fatigue.

Dear OP: around thanksgiving/Black Friday 64 audio, JH audio and Ultimate Ears usually run a pretty large sale resulting in several hundred dollars off. Those are kinda the "top 3" if you will…
Click to expand...
Yes and Yes!!!

I started with Alclair Tours customs after the entering the Universal IEM rabbit hole. Found out that customs works best for me, and my ear canals. That made it a lot easier in paying/investing the money for my 64 Audio A12t's. I had no hesitation or regrets when I ordered it. I couldn't wait for my 64's to be made, and it exceeded my expectations after using them. Nothing against my Alcair customs... I love them... and I still have them for my backups, but the 64 Audio 3D-FIT just clicks right in my ear, and stays in place. And the APEX module is a game changer for me, compared to my Alclairs. Like @prndltech mentioned... wait for the Black Friday sale... that's when I pulled the trigger to purchase my 64's.
 
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#18
Enrique M said:
I am a 55 year old hobbyist who jams weekly, gigs monthly, and who does not pay the bills with his musical abilities, but wants to upgrade his experience in the Ampless setting...

It would be easier to just wear cans, but I get the impression good IEMs provide a better experience for bass players?
Click to expand...

IMO given acoustic drums and occasional gigging, IEMs are the more practical option.

You mentioned the KZs become uncomfortable after 30–45 minutes...I'd look into why. What kind of fit/seal were you getting that made you feel the need to wear noise protection earmuffs over them? Could it be due to nozzle size (KZs and most other chi-fi brands are on the higher end)? Did both ears feel the same, or was one more uncomfortable than the other? Since you're planning to visit an audiologist, that's a great opportunity to bring these issues up. There can be a range of issues at play, and an audiologist who's actually seeing you would be a good and likely candidate to provide some clarity.

Custom-molded IEMs don't work better for everyone. And if your ear shape really is far outside the norm, that could present some challenges with customs...which would be a topic for the audiologist.

That said, if the KZs were "almost there" for you...which since you could wear them for at least 45 minutes, that seems likely...and especially if they seemed tight (i.e., friction and pressure caused the discomfort), you might try other universal IEMs with smaller nozzle diameters. I'm aware that Shure, Westone, and Ultimate Ears have narrower nozzles. What that does is allow the tips to do more conforming to your ear canals.

This is one of those areas where a lot boils down to personal preference, and unfortunately, it's also tough to actually test a wide range (or any) options before buying. Most people end up collecting other people's anecdotal experiences and reading reviews and making the best decision they can based on that.

No IEM will offer complete isolation. Custom molds that are unvented and non-ported typically give the most attenuation, but that won't matter if they don't end up working for you...and that would be after a lot effort and expense. While it's true that success with customs is more likely than not, it's also true that a great many find the isolation from a well-sealing universal IEM is more than sufficient.
 
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#20
LowWay said:
I have customs and universals, and I prefer universals with Comply memory foam replacement tips. Get some for your KZs before giving up on them. Better seal. More comfort. Better noise reduction.

I have weird shaped ear canals too, and my customs were a real disappointment.
Click to expand...
^^Exactly this^^ It makes such a difference to low-end response and isolation. The OP shouldn't need to wear over-ear protection over the top of IEMs if they are sealing and isolating effectively.
 
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