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IEM Question

kanonfodr

kanonfodr

Jan 10, 2009
882
22
Seattle, WA, USA, Earth
www.facebook.com
#1
Hey all!

Just started using the Audio Galaxy AS-1100 in my new working band, but just like many other complaints the actual monitors themselves sounded like crap on my bass. I have been using some el cheapo Sony headphones that are acceptable in sound quality.

A quick history: I'm using the IEMs in this band because we keep a low stage volume and allow the PA to do all the heavy lifting, and due to hearing damage thanks to unexpected explosions and gunfire in Iraq I have a hard time hearing myself.

I'm only running the drums and my bass into the ears and keeping the volume low so I can pay attention to the rest of the band, so do I really need to spring for the super expensive $300 monitors, when I just want a reference for my playing while I'm out headbanging and grinding on people's wives? The band EQ's every member so we have a solid mix so I'm not worried about "my tone", just want to make sure I can keep track of the important stuff live.

Peace,
Greg
 
#2
If your're not using isolating "ears", then I don't really understand the point of having them at all. You have minimal low end and more distortion. If my in ear mix is bad, it's very uninspiring. So my short answer is yes. Get the best you can afford. Something with 3 or more drivers and with a sub. I have the Alien Ears triple and the Westone 4's. Both are very good. I picked up the Westone 4 at buy.com for $329. About the cheapest I've seen.
 
#3
3tsb said:
If your're not using isolating "ears", then I don't really understand the point of having them at all. You have minimal low end and more distortion. If my in ear mix is bad, it's very uninspiring. So my short answer is yes. Get the best you can afford. Something with 3 or more drivers and with a sub. I have the Alien Ears triple and the Westone 4's. Both are very good. I picked up the Westone 4 at buy.com for $329. About the cheapest I've seen.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%!

But there are great quality options for under $200, I including the UE Triple Fi 10's, the Atrios....

Inexpensive sony buds are fine for ipod type use, but to hear drums and bass well, you really ned to spend a couple bucks. But you don't have too get custom molds, but you do need to have decent drivers.
 
#4
Keithwah said:
Agree 100%!

But there are great quality options for under $200, I including the UE Triple Fi 10's, the Atrios....

Inexpensive sony buds are fine for ipod type use, but to hear drums and bass well, you really ned to spend a couple bucks. But you don't have too get custom molds, but you do need to have decent drivers.
Click to expand...

+1000 for the TF10's. I had them, work great for bass.

I actually just found a place that will reshell them with a custom mold pretty cheap. Just got them back, VERY pleased. Sounds exactly like they did with a fresh set of Comply tips when the seal is great. Only don't need to fiddle with them anymore. Just pop them in and go. Picked up a much nicer cable as well, much more flexible...

You can end up with full customs for around $300. Ear impressions, TF10's, reshell, and cord.

But to the OP, you're sort of stuck. Can't get decent sound for bass without expensive earphones. Just like you can't get by with a 50 watt amp like guitarists can and keep up.
Randy
 
#5
steveksux said:
+1000 for the TF10's. I had them, work great for bass.

I actually just found a place that will reshell them with a custom mold pretty cheap. Just got them back, VERY pleased. Sounds exactly like they did with a fresh set of Comply tips when the seal is great. Only don't need to fiddle with them anymore. Just pop them in and go. Picked up a much nicer cable as well, much more flexible...

You can end up with full customs for around $300. Ear impressions, TF10's, reshell, and cord.

But to the OP, you're sort of stuck. Can't get decent sound for bass without expensive earphones. Just like you can't get by with a 50 watt amp like guitarists can and keep up.
Randy
Click to expand...

Ok Randy.....ya got me! Would you post a link to your find please? I don't mind the Comply tips, in fact I really do like them, but I have to admit, I wouldn't mind the pop 'em in an go aspect. Thanks in advance!
 
#6
Do you want the rest of the band attenuated (as with IEMs or closed headphones), or just more you without cranking up? If the latter, get some Grado open-air headphones. You might not look cool, but the sound will be good. Caveat: If you decide to put stuff in your mix that you can already hear decently, there might be comb filtering problems.
 
#12
MNAirHead said:
Did custom molds make a difference
Click to expand...

In comfort yes. I use one pair with the custom molds that Future Sonics makes for the Atrios and one pair with the standard generic tips. You can get a good seal from either but the generic tips have to be set "deeply" in your ear which takes some getting used and can be uncomfortable at times. The customs are very comfortable.

With IEM's a good seal is imperative to getting a good bass sound.
 
#13
I think that the Shure IEM are great, you can choose between the SE425 which have 2 drivers, or the SE535 which have 3 drivers. I have the SE425 and find the tone totally fine for jamming with my friends. I find the SE425 to fit very well I the ear, and they have very good isolation, no hustle with doing a mold of your ears! Remember custom made IEM are as good as the mold!
Both the SE535 is well under 300$ and the SE425 is well under 200$
 
#15
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#16
jmbjandfam said:
In comfort yes. I use one pair with the custom molds that Future Sonics makes for the Atrios and one pair with the standard generic tips. You can get a good seal from either but the generic tips have to be set "deeply" in your ear which takes some getting used and can be uncomfortable at times. The customs are very comfortable.

With IEM's a good seal is imperative to getting a good bass sound.
Click to expand...

+1
As said, IEM bass response and sound quality overall is totally dependent on the seal. That is one reason I love my Shure SE 425. They are not custom mold but offer great seal and isolation. And with 2 drivers the tone is great for the price.

I also think that closed headphones such as my BeyerDynamic DT770M do great job regarding tone and isolation. They are designed for drummers and sound man.
 

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