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First ampless gig...with Shure SE 215 IEMs

Gravy4001

Gravy4001

Jan 9, 2012
189
140
Connecticut
#1
Hey TB, long time lurker first time posting! Had a really good experience this past weekend and wanted to share with y'all. I recently picked up a used Sennheiser E300 system and because that pretty much ate up my budget I went with the Shure SE 215 in-ears, until I can save up for the 1964 Quads. I've been bringing my GK Neo 115 I guess as a backup plan and to provide a little thump - but I knew the time would come when there's just no room on stage for me AND my cab. Well, it happened this weekend, saw pictures of this place online and I knew this was it. Used my nano pedal board >> GK MB500 DI to FOH. Was a pretty small bar but nice soundsystem with subs on either side of the stage. Was also able to use the X32 app to control my own mix. Anyhow, the 215s performed pretty darn well, bass was clear and articulate enough and I don't know if it was the subs, the kick drum or the 215s but I actually felt like I was dropping bombs like usual, didn't feel like I had to play harder or anything. Oh BTW, guitarist and keyboardist are also ampless so stage volume is quite low.
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So very good overall experience, I really like the option of not bringing a cab, especially for difficult load ins or when we're carpooling. Now can't wait to get those Quads! I mean if the 215s sound this good the Quads are going to be unbelievable!
 
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#2
Yes, the SE215 are really good value for the money. I own a pair of these and have used them the last months during rehearsals. We have our own monitor mixer (X32 Rack), so every signal is going into that. No real need for an amp anymore. Tomorrow will be the first gig with in-ears, I am pretty confident this will work out great.

Last week I had the chance to test 2-driver and 4-driver monitors at a Invalid Link Removed. While they do sound great (totally different from each other and none being "superior"), the rather cheap SE215 hold up pretty well soundwise. The only thing I really find lacking with the Shures is the fit in my case. This is the main issue I expect to improve when switching to custom or anatomically designed (see link above) In-Ears. When it comes to sound, everyone has his or her own preferences and something like the SE215 can suffice in many cases.
 
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#3
The SE215's are not bad drivers.. for single-driver, universal fit.
Effectiveness is based (like all IEM's) on the "seal" in your ears.
I always recommend multiple-drivers for bass and guitar players.. better sound stage, better separation, better definition, more "tweakable" to taste.
Seal on customs is also [usually] better than universal (IMHO).
Budget is always a factor...
 
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#9
lpbfender said:
How do you prevent peaks and overdriven sound? Sorry novice here
Click to expand...
I'm quite new at the IEM thing myself but I believe the Sennheiser body pack has some sort of limiter built in to protect your hearing. After all saving your ears is one of the key benefits. Fortunately everything was plug n play for me - bought the Sennheiser unit from previous bass player so it was all set up and the other band members and our sound guy are very experienced with in-ears so I really didn't need to figure anything out.

On a separate note, I'm playing a casino show in MA this weekend and apparently they like to keep the stage volume at a minimum. For monitors they have 6 Shure PSM900 wireless systems with Shure SE425 ear buds. As long as the extra disposable foam tips look sanitary haha! I'm looking forward to comparing the dual driver buds to the 215s.
 
#10
lpbfender said:
How do you prevent peaks and overdriven sound? Sorry novice here
Click to expand...
Well, a couple of ways.
First, make sure you are gain staged properly.. meaning that the input levels from feed into transmitter are not too hot, but hot enough to drive the level meters to an appropriate level. Appropriate being equivalent to green/yellow levels on a console meter, or around -6dB on a digital scale.
IF you don't do that, you will create "noise" because you will need to turn up the receiver pack volume to compensate for a lower volume level. In other words, maximize your signal-to-noise ratio up front.

Second.. MOST systems have built in limiters.. some are fixed, with the upper-tier devices having adjustable limiter settings.
The Senn G3, PSM900/1000 have adjustable limiters and arrive with default settings.
The Carvin EM900 and PSM200 have fixed limiters. The PSM300 (replaces PSM200) does not indicate in the user guide if they have it or not.
 
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#11
Did the casino gig this past weekend and used the Shure SE425s that they offered. The dual drivers are definitely better as pretty much everyone has said. Everything just sounded a bit fuller, clearer, with the bass having more "girth". Sorry, I'm def not an audiophile so if it makes any sound I'm happy. Again no amp on stage, not able to feel the subwoofers, I still "felt" the thump somehow. Back to the 215s yesterday and they're still very impressive for $99 buds...and they'll hold me over just fine until I can get Quads.
 
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#12
I have used my Shure PSM300 IEM system for about 4 gigs now and the SE215's give plenty of bass. I do notice that when everyone is singing and all instruments are playing away they tend to get a bit muddy. Still way better than floor wedges though. Definitely want to look at 3-way's like Westones down the road but truthfully the SE215's work fine. Hardest thing is being able to put them in quickly.
 
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#14
Yes MedfordBassman it's all about the seal! I went straight out of the box with the medium size tips and they sealed great for about a month. Then seems like out of nowhere, at a cabless gig, then practicing, the sound was horrible, very thin. Checked if they were maybe clogged with earwax, no. Swapped out the next size larger tips and the seal it back, sound is great, bass is full - cab or no cab.
 
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#15
I've started playing in my church one Sunday a month and just bought the SE215's. I went to our Thursday night practice with my $20 Sony earbuds and after the first few notes new I'd be in trouble if I didn't do something. Ran over to GC on Saturday and got the SE's. The medium tips are perfect for me and give me a great seal without being uncomfortable. The bass sounded great through them as well as the kick and the rest of the band. No complaints from me for $99.
 
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#16
Just adding Sennheiser G3 is the best system I've worked with (not that there aren't other good ones). The ability to adjust input signal sensitivity and a limiter makes it controllable and safe. Plus, it gives very good screen visuals for resolving interference and other signal issues.

One thing me and my band members found... The earbuds of lesser quality than the Shure 425's do take away from the quality experience (not that you can't get by with lesser expensive models). We lesser quality buds I noticed my band mates pulling them out more. They loved the 425's.
 

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