In Ear Monitors Vs Headphones for practice and computer interface sound at home

[Ozzman500]

So i have started practicing more and jamming at home Quietly out of respect for family and small sleeping kids. I found an interface for my Ipad and need a decent set of hearing devices that can generate a great clear sound and the tone of my Bass.
1) Are IEM or studio headphones better?
2) what brands / models are the best most cost effective option?
3) which interface would work best with Mac and or Ipad

 

[DirtDog]

Headphones largely boil down to personal preference. You'll probably be best off with a set of closed back phones with a flat response curve. I like Sennheiser HD series. A lot of people around here like Audio-Technica ATH series but I find them too bassy. Check out MassDrop:

Headphones | Audiophile | Drop

As far as interface, you're probably not going to find something that works for both Mac and iPad….former would use a USB connection where the latter would use Lightning or headphone connection. I'd go focusrite scarlett for the Mac and iRig for the iPad.

 

[SoonerBill]

Definitely headphones. I have a set of Sennheiser HD 560S that I love.

 

[Krisfield]

Right now I'm using a pair of Sennheiser HD 650 open back headphones which I really like for mixing. Also got a pair of Audio Technica M50x which use for tracking vocals, guitar, and bass.

 

[AceOfBassFace]

Sony MDR 7506 are light, comfortable, sound fairly neutral, and are reasonably priced. They have a bit of a bump in the lows around 80hz, which is ok for bass IMO, the mids are very even, and highs are pleasing, not harsh. You can certainly get better headphones, but I've seen these in a lot of studios - probably because they're in the sweet spot for price/comfort/sound.

That said, the lows tend to distort a bit at high volumes, colouring the sound. Not a problem if you listen at safe levels.

 

[DirkP]

I prefer headphones. IEMs are practical on stage and you have to invest a lot, if you want to use them for bass.
On stage it makes sense to isolate you as much as possible from the stage sound, but I don't like that feeling in my living room.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I've done it both ways. Frankly, headphones are a heck of a lot easier to navigate with -- especially as recording can entail lots of starts and stops. IEMs are a PITA if interruptions are part of your recording/studio routine.

 

[Ozzman500]

Thanks so much for all the input - i have some good options to review and shop for now. So Cans it is - Thanks!

 

[Geri O]

While I love, love, love my IEMs and I like practicing with them, they are usually packed away with my wireless IEM rig, so I keep a set of headphones on my desk for practicing. It's just easier. And the phones are easy on, easy off.