• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

IEM for Bass Players

I was on Shure 215 for many years, bought KZ ZS10 Pro X, had them for few months and actually went back to Shure 215, I really don't like that low bump in mids, they are to harsh.
Now, I want something better than 215, but I want them to be flat sounding, any suggestions? Should I go for higher rank of Shure, or?
rice tag around 400-600
Please give me suggestion, thanks
I'm the opposite. Chinese CCN or something (similar to KZ) has 5 armatures and very good audio quality, but too bright in top end to fatigue my ears. Shure SE215 had equal amount of lows but easier highs and I can use them much longer periods.

Generally speaking I don't need wide sound stage or hifi type experience. As a bass player, I need bass, drums for rhythm and one guitar for riffs to follow and that's it. Rest of the band is usually leaking from PA and if not, I don't care. In the end I'm enjoying playing music onstage and if I want to enjoy music, I'll go to other end of facility (and take a beer). In my case less is more for music, for beer, not so much.
 
Chinese CCA C12 with 6 drivers made it perfect for me.
You get what you want in your ears, everything clear and distinct!
If it's too bright, too treebly for you, just cut a little highs in the EQ.
If you lack bass, just make sure they're properly sealed in your ears.
You can use them for stage but also to listen to music!
They're great!
And the cost is ridiculous! less than 30€!!!
I'm trying not to be a gear snob.
So they make it for me every day!!!
🙂👍
 
Indeed, CCA they are :)

Overall, I like Shure SE215 more because they work perfectly without adjusting anything, and in my live setting bass is coming directly from my preamp to my Shure PSM300 and FOH. I have brand new custom molds to them and sealing is perfect.

CCA is used at work when I'm listening music. Their larger outlet may not work as well with custom molds, and filters blocking some of the dirt already disintegrated too. Not a big deal but for serious IEM work they are not for me.
 
I was on Shure 215 for many years, bought KZ ZS10 Pro X, had them for few months and actually went back to Shure 215, I really don't like that low bump in mids, they are to harsh.
Now, I want something better than 215, but I want them to be flat sounding, any suggestions? Should I go for higher rank of Shure, or?
rice tag around 400-600
Please give me suggestion, thanks

I know it's a little over your budget, but I recently checked a lot of options and went with the Fischer Amps FA666. There is a version of them with more bass, but I don't like boosted bass. I like headphones that can do a lot of bass when you feed them a lot of bass, but won't overdo it if you listen to a normal mix.
I tried more expensive options, and really liked the 64 Audio U4s for their build quality and sound, but I could not get them to sit in my ears with comfort.
The Fischers just pop in and sit tight.
I had Shure SE535 before and had custom molds made for them, but did not go that step with the Fischers.
What I like about the Fischer is that they sound natural, don't overextend the high end and let you separate the instruments very well, plus most bassdrums feel like someone is gently knocking on your skull.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DELACIUS
I disagree, molded IEM can be very exp. Try a few other affordable brands to see if your ears are comfortable with off the shelf units. I did, then do some searching here for the "KZ" brand of ear buds here on TB (available from Amazon). They cost around $50. The come with multiple size and types of tips. If they fit try them for awhile. i have a pair now as a back up for my Westone UM20's. If you can't make off the shelf buds work then yes you need to go the custom route.
Can the KZs take comply tips?
 
The answer is yes.

Comply Foam 500 Series Ear Tips with TechDefender for KZ ZS10 Pro, Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, 64 Audio U-Series, AKG N5005, Small, 3 Pairs, Black - Memory Foam Earbud Replacement Tips, Made in the USA
https://a.co/d/4qBURjr
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.