IEMS for playing with a loud drummer

[Henri_Does]

Hello fellow thumpers.

I’ll apologize ahead of time as I know the question of IEM’s has been covered a lot.

I currently play bass in a band with an extremely loud drummer, the snare sounds like a gunshot going off. As a band we’ve tried multiple solutions to no avail. I’m looking for something more noise reducing than my KZ ZS10 Pro X. The seal on the plugs is tight, and I have aftermarket foam plugs but it’s still not enough.

Any solutions you all have found?

 

[Solipsistik]

Yeah, getting some custom plugs made up is a good idea - or just buy some different foam bits and try them out. This is a pretty common complaint and those seem to be the most productive answers. I struggle with this sometimes, myself. Helps to give the IEMs a little test push from time to time.

 

[NKBassman]

Maybe you could try wearing a set of construction-style earmuffs over top of the IEMs you already have?

 

[Henri_Does]

Yeah, getting some custom plugs made up is a good idea - or just buy some different foam bits and try them out. This is a pretty common complaint and those seem to be the most productive answers. I struggle with this sometimes, myself. Helps to give the IEMs a little test push from time to time.

Thanks! I’ve strongly considered going the custom ear mold route, which may work for the best long term solution. The search continues

 

[Henri_Does]

Maybe you could try wearing a set of construction-style earmuffs over top of the IEMs you already have?

Perhaps the cheapest and most stylish option.

 

[Oddly]

Oh heck, I'll just go ahead and say it.
Fire the drummer.

I assume the rest of the band have talked about this...with the drummer.
Does he even know this is an issue?

 

[shirojiro]

Perhaps the cheapest and most stylish option.

Stylish AND functional!

 

[buldog5151bass]

Have you considered a pocketknife, either to whittle down the sticks, or add an air vent to the you skin of the snare?

 

[Henri_Does]

Have you considered a pocketknife, either to whittle down the sticks, or add an air vent to the you skin of the snare?

Ya know I haven’t done that, yet…I usually shoot dagger eyes at him.

We have tried taping a washcloth to the snare. It mysteriously gets removed during the show.

 

[Henri_Does]

Oh heck, I'll just go ahead and say it.
Fire the drummer.

I assume the rest of the band have talked about this...with the drummer.
Does he even know this is an issue?

Gosh, I appreciate this reply. As I sat contemplating how to protect my hearing and possible solutions, I realized it’s an easy fix for someone who wants to play dynamically. If they’re aware enough.

We have considered firing him, but then run into the next issue, finding a reliable drummer in a small pool of musicians.

I do think having a more meaningful conversation is needed. We’ve tried different fixes and I’ve brought it up many times, because not only is difficult to play with, but we’ve also lost gigs/money because of how loud it is.

Thanks!

 

[RattleSnack]

I think IEM fit is most important, as that should get you 20-30db noise reduction. With a proper sound mix (compensating for some drums bleed), that should work for most cases. If you want more, custom ear molds and/or plex wall around drum set.
My drummer can get "enthusiastic" with his dynamics, but it's not problematic even with his hardest hits. For me, combination of KZ IEM that fit me very good and plex wall are more than enough.

 

[Henri_Does]

I think IEM fit is most important, as that should get you 20-30db noise reduction. With a proper sound mix (compensating for some drums bleed), that should work for most cases. If you want more, custom ear molds and/or plex wall around drum set.
My drummer can get "enthusiastic" with his dynamics, but it's not problematic even with his hardest hits. For me, combination of KZ IEM that fit me very good and plex wall are more than enough.

I’ve definitely considered the plexiglass wall, and may end up doing that. For a live gig it’s not the most attractive look. The IEM’s fit well and that’s not an issue but doing back to back gig days still experience a lot of ear fatigue from the snare and cymbals.

 

[Pep]

Call the people at Alclair. Got my customs 2 years ago and they are awesome. I can barely hear the drummer until I mix him in. They have two locations: Nashville TN and Osseo MN.
800-933-9899

 

[Henri_Does]

Call the people at Alclair. Got my customs 2 years ago and they are awesome. I can barely hear the drummer until I mix him in. They have two locations: Nashville TN and Osseo MN.
800-933-9899

I’ll check them out! Thank you.

 

[RattleSnack]

I’ve definitely considered the plexiglass wall, and may end up doing that. For a live gig it’s not the most attractive look. The IEM’s fit well and that’s not an issue but doing back to back gig days still experience a lot of ear fatigue from the snare and cymbals.

I love that plexi, it's a great source of jokes for me. When patrons ask about it in front of drummer, I reply:
1. It a cage, because he's just half-domesticated
2. It's a spit-wall, for sanitary safety
3. It's there for stickers, be free to put on anything you like
4. It's for eye protection, there are wood splinters fron drum sticks flying everywhere
5. he's been behind fence for years and got used to it, so we gotta put it on
and so on...