Entry Level In-ear help

Discussion in 'Live Sound [BG]' started by Calside86, Jun 9, 2020.

  1. Calside86

    Calside86

    Sep 2, 2015
    Hi Guys,

    I have a live video stream show this weekend and Ive been lending a pair of in-ear (demo models) from a friend to possibly use instead of headphones, needless to say im sold. I really like the sound. Here comes the kicker, I dont plan to use them for live situation, at least I dont think I would, Ive never had an issue with live monitoring and like hearing the rumble of the bass amp and the drums, love the feel. So Im essentially looking for a pair of in-ear to use around the house for practicing and home recordings, and i guess for live video shows like we doing Saturday due to lock down. The problem is Ive been spoilt (I think) as the pair I borrowed are quite nice, they are the UE UE4 pro series. Im looking to get my own and Ive shopped around a little Ive found the following in my price range

    • Shure SE215
    • Sennheiser IE 40 PRO
    • Fender FXA6
    While I know the Shure and Sennheiser are entry level in the price range of around R2000 (South African Rand) the Fenders are quite more expensive, Ive managed to find them at a clearance store for about the same price as the Shure and Sen's. Im quite keen on the Fenders as Ive read they have overall good sound quality and very nice bass (on the verge of over-exaggerate) but it feels good to know they handle bass well. One the other hand Ive seen many reviews of people having issues with them and having to return them etc, also from googling they seem to have a big profile and you can easily see them coming out the ear from the front? Also they dont have a clear colour option, only black is available from the store. While this may not be a dealbreaker as I plan to use them for home use, I kinda dont want to rule out the option of using them live, to which I would prefer them not to be seen.

    Apologies for rambling on slightly but any insight on these options would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. I seriously suggest you consider a pair of KZ- ZST Pro in ear monitors. They have great reviews across many musician forums. Check reviews on YouTube and Amazon. There are already a few posts about them on TalkBass. I have some, and they compare well, against much more expensive IEM’s.
     
    GlassToMouth, s0c9 and musicman7722 like this.
  3. Calside86

    Calside86

    Sep 2, 2015
    Thanks for the reply, Ive done a quick look and they seems super solid.... but they are not available in South Africa...
     
  4. I am surprised you can’t get them at Amazon South Africa. I believe someone else on TalkBass has other information. Search the forums for IEM.
     
    s0c9 likes this.
  5. musicman7722

    musicman7722

    Feb 12, 2007
    Hampton NH
    I second KZ's. I use Westone UM20's myself but i use them when I play out. Stay away from the 215's
     
    s0c9 and Ethereal Thorn like this.
  6. Those iem's you listed are not the greatest imho I would try to shy away from big box brands for iem's you pay alot and get very little in return. I got a set of dual driver custom mold iems for just $58 more u.s. then the sure se215 set thru Anthem five and I am extremely happy with them.
     
    s0c9 likes this.
  7. arbiterusa

    arbiterusa

    Sep 24, 2015
    SoCal
    I got the KZ AS10s. They were a replacement for my Shure 535s, which were helpfully removed from my carry on bag by a TSA agent. Figured that out right before takeoff.

    I was not expecting much.

    Well, that TSA agent, if they'd left me $350 as compensation, would have done me a huge favor, because the AS 10s absolutely blew the Shure unit out of the water. Not even close. These are fantastic. OP, if you can figure out a way to get them, do it.
     
  8. s0c9

    s0c9 Supporting Member

    Jan 9, 2014
    Ft.Worth/Dallas
    1964 Audio artist, Fractal Audio Beta Tester
    KZ AS10, ZS5 or ZS6 are far better audio and cheaper that listed in the OP's post.
     
    musicman7722 likes this.
  9. Shure 215’s are godawful compared to my KZ ZS-7s. Looking to upgrade to the current KZ....
     
    musicman7722 likes this.