My experience going to custom IEMs

[praisegig]

I want to roll a couple cables like this for a bandmate who has been reluctant to go for wireless IEMs. Does anyone have a recommendation for a specific type of heat shrink tubing for this job, and/or a favorite source?

(I'd want to wrap together a standard 1/4 instrument cable with a headphone cable, and I'd like the resulting bundled cable to still be somewhat flexible.)

I just built a cable like the above using a 6 conductor audio cable from Ebay. I bought 10' and installed the wiring into an old tape measure housing on one end. On one end of the cable, I split and put 3M 1/4" heat shrink over the 2 conductors for the bass plug and 3 conductors for the TRS plug. Also put some 1/2" heat shrink over where the split is and over the plug casings for re-enforcement. Both sides are around 10" in length. On the other end, I drilled an old tape measure housing (with clip)for 2- 1/4" guitar receptacles. One TS for guitar, one TRS for IEM plug. One hole is for the cable to come through the bottom of the housing. Soldered everything up and it worked good during practice and first service.

I usually sit on a stool at church when playing, with my IEM mix coming from a 6 channel mixer, fed from mic splitters for vocals. My bass IEM feed from the FOH mixer into the stage mixer. The new cable hook up is this: I plug the new cable ends into my rack tuner, and stage mixer. My bass cable is plugged into the 1/4 TS receptacle and my IEM is plugged into the TRS receptacle and then the tape measure is clipped either to my bass strap or belt.

I tried out the Rolls 351, but was never satisfied with the mix I had from the FOH board. Bought the 6 channel mixer and some transformer iso mic splitters, and now I can get a great mix from 4 vocals, lead guitar and bass. If I need more instruments, then I'll have them added from the FOH board through my bass monitor mix.

All the above is just me tickering, but may work for others. BTW, I buy all my heat shrink from Parts-Express. Invalid Link Removed
Cable http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Feet-6-Conductor-Bulk-Audio-Instrument-Cable-/200832936499?pt=US_Cables_Snakes_Interconnects&hash=item2ec2936a33

 

[vision]

Quick review after using my V-3's for a couple gigs. They sound GREAT! This is my first experience with customs (I had been using universal Westone UM-2s with Comply tips) so it's hard for me to tell the difference between what improvement I'm hearing is coming from moving to customs and what is coming by moving to a better monitor (triple driver with 3-way crossover vs. dual driver for the UM-2).

The biggest difference is the total isolation I'm getting from the custom fit. They are also way more comfortable to wear for long 4+ hour gigs, and I don't have an issue with them popping out. As far as sound, I'm getting a way more rich and detailed low end, and much better separation between instruments and clarity in the mids and highs. I'm guessing that much of the low end detail is coming from the better isolation I'm getting with customs. But the mid driver that the V-3s has is likely helping that as well since the low driver is probably crossed over lower, just focusing on lows and not also mids like on the UM-2. I REALLY notice the mid driver helping with the separation and clarity I'm getting in highs. I was able to clearly hear every bit of articulation and tone from the sax player, while hearing every breath from the three singers and all the different patches that the keyboard player was using.

On the gigs I've played so far, I was still using my amp. I'm going to have to get used to not really knowing how loud my amp is because I can't hear it at all with the isolation I'm getting now. We started playing and everything was sounding glorious in my ears but the other guys couldn't hear me at all. (In this particular band it's just myself and the singers using ears right now.) So on gigs like that I'll have to trust the other guys as far as my volume.

I used my Rolls PM351 and it really worked great. I got a line feed from the board and then had myself on the instrument side and was able to control a "more me" mix with ease.

This weekend I'll be using my V-3s at church, where I run with no amp at all and everyone has an Aviom mixer. I'm sure they'll sound great!

 

[jmoorewright]

This is not helping my GAS for customs...

 

[Wadge]

Quick review after using my V-3's for a couple gigs. They sound GREAT! This is my first experience with customs (I had been using universal Westone UM-2s with Comply tips) so it's hard for me to tell the difference between what improvement I'm hearing is coming from moving to customs and what is coming by moving to a better monitor (triple driver with 3-way crossover vs. dual driver for the UM-2).

The biggest difference is the total isolation I'm getting from the custom fit. They are also way more comfortable to wear for long 4+ hour gigs, and I don't have an issue with them popping out. As far as sound, I'm getting a way more rich and detailed low end, and much better separation between instruments and clarity in the mids and highs. I'm guessing that much of the low end detail is coming from the better isolation I'm getting with customs. But the mid driver that the V-3s has is likely helping that as well since the low driver is probably crossed over lower, just focusing on lows and not also mids like on the UM-2. I REALLY notice the mid driver helping with the separation and clarity I'm getting in highs. I was able to clearly hear every bit of articulation and tone from the sax player, while hearing every breath from the three singers and all the different patches that the keyboard player was using.

On the gigs I've played so far, I was still using my amp. I'm going to have to get used to not really knowing how loud my amp is because I can't hear it at all with the isolation I'm getting now. We started playing and everything was sounding glorious in my ears but the other guys couldn't hear me at all. (In this particular band it's just myself and the singers using ears right now.) So on gigs like that I'll have to trust the other guys as far as my volume.

I used my Rolls PM351 and it really worked great. I got a line feed from the board and then had myself on the instrument side and was able to control a "more me" mix with ease.

This weekend I'll be using my V-3s at church, where I run with no amp at all and everyone has an Aviom mixer. I'm sure they'll sound great!

Thanks for the review. I should any day be receiving my 1964 Quads. I have tried going in ears with my wired system using a pair of shures (a lower end model) and I feel that it is the way to go. I know that I really need to invest in protecting my ears but still want to enjoy my gigs.

Fingers crossed they should be here soon.

 

[vision]

Thanks for the review. I should any day be receiving my 1964 Quads. I have tried going in ears with my wired system using a pair of shures (a lower end model) and I feel that it is the way to go. I know that I really need to invest in protecting my ears but still want to enjoy my gigs.

Fingers crossed they should be here soon.

Very cool! And yeah...the in ear setup is great for hearing protection. With the customs I'm getting enough isolation that I don't have to have the volume up loud at all on my ears, so at the end of the night there's no ringing or discomfort even when playing with a loud drummer/guitars.

 

[Testing123]

I play at a church that uses an Aviom system. I use Sony MDR7506 headphones for monitoring.
I am wondering if in ears like the 1964’s would be an improvement at all sound-wise.
I dislike playing live with big headphones on, but I need to make sure I can hear and hear well.
Thanks for feedback on this.

 

[MNAirHead]

I play at a church that uses an Aviom system. I use Sony MDR7506 headphones for monitoring.
I am wondering if in ears like the 1964’s would be an improvement at all sound-wise.
I dislike playing live with big headphones on, but I need to make sure I can hear and hear well.
Thanks for feedback on this.

What budget - you can start with 125-150 for audiologist molds

 

[Testing123]

What budget - you can start with 125-150 for audiologist molds

Wasn't really concerned with budget so much. I figured it would be somewhere in the $700-$800 range with the audiologist accounted for. I'm just wondering if I am going to improve what I'm hearing live over an over the ears headphone (like the Sony MDR7506's).

Thanks for any insight you have...

 

[vision]

I play at a church that uses an Aviom system. I use Sony MDR7506 headphones for monitoring.
I am wondering if in ears like the 1964’s would be an improvement at all sound-wise.
I dislike playing live with big headphones on, but I need to make sure I can hear and hear well.
Thanks for feedback on this.

You will definitely hear an improvement over the Sonys. You'll get more isolation with the custom molds, and a multi driver setup with the in ears will give you more clarity and detail.

 

[vision]

Wasn't really concerned with budget so much. I figured it would be somewhere in the $700-$800 range with the audiologist accounted for.

You don't have to spend that much. My impressions from the audiologist (I went to a Hear USA location) were just $40. If you go with 1964 Ears, you're talking about $325 for duals (which would be an improvement over your Sonys) up to $650 for six drivers (but I've heard that the V-6 isn't really recommended for musicians playing live, more for audiophiles).

Also I definitely recommend filling out their artist endorsement application on their website - they are very willing to give artist discounts. I was able to get one because I play at a large church and gig regularly.

 

[bobbybass85]

Hey Testing,

+1 to what vision said. The best thing about going to the custom molds versus the over the ear phones is that they've built the drivers with a live-music application in mind. They have tried to reproduce the sounds you'll want to hear while your playing.

IME the over the ear phones like those Sony's are really good for studio applications because they have a very sterile and flat response which allows you to mix and tweak recordings really precisely. On-stage I want more tone and feel, that's what the 1964's have delivered for me.

 

[stingraysvt]

Hey Testing,

+1 to what vision said. The best thing about going to the custom molds versus the over the ear phones is that they've built the drivers with a live-music application in mind. They have tried to reproduce the sounds you'll want to hear while your playing.

IME the over the ear phones like those Sony's are really good for studio applications because they have a very sterile and flat response which allows you to mix and tweak recordings really precisely. On-stage I want more tone and feel, that's what the 1964's have delivered for me.

I was looking at the order form and they have options for Soft Canals and Recessed Sockets and I was wondering with your research what your perspective was on these options.

It seems like I remember reading you did get the recessed sockets

Thanks!

 

[bobbybass85]

I did get the recessed sockets. It just makes the connection a little more secure than the flush mounted ones. If for some reason they get yanked on you'll be a lot less likely to bend the pins on the cord. They sell new cords, but for the same price as a new cord you can protect yourself better. It was worth it for my peace of mind.

As far as the soft canals, a drummer buddy of mine got them and is really happy with them. I don't really notice the canal piece once they're in my ear. The acrylic is polished nice and smooth and since they do a really good job with the molds they fit like a glove. It's really nothing more than a comfort thing IMO. Wasn't worth the $ for me. Here's a pic of the drummer's set with the soft canals.

Link Removed

 

[TonyP-]

This thread should be a sticky...Serious

 

[Wadge]

Just received my 1964 Quads

I'll have my first gig using them tomorrow and a second playing during a new year's eve/day party. I will post my impressions of them.

 

[bobbybass85]

Sweet! Can't wait to hear how they do for you.

 

[Testing123]

Vision & Bobby, thanks for your input.
I think I’ll give a set of these (1964’s) a try.

Next question for you if I may…

I don’t think the 64” (just over 5 feet) cable is going to be enough for my situation. What do you guys use to extend this range?

Thanks…

 

[overbybr]

You could try a Grado 15' headphone cable. It is a good product and will likely be what you need.

 

[vision]

I was looking at the order form and they have options for Soft Canals and Recessed Sockets and I was wondering with your research what your perspective was on these options.

It seems like I remember reading you did get the recessed sockets

Thanks!

One thing I'll point out with the soft canals - in my research I've found that ears with soft canals will wear out WAY faster than acrylic. As in they consistently will only last 1 or maybe 2 years. If you look on the FAQ's on the 1964 Ears website I believe they tell you there that the soft canals are way less durable. And if you check out the forums on the head-fi.org website you'll see reviews that talk about this.

The acrylic on my ears fits so well and is so smooth that I don't even notice them once they are in.

 

[vision]

You could try a Grado 15' headphone cable. It is a good product and will likely be what you need.

+1...at my church I run the cable on my ears straight to the pack on my belt and it's long enough. On club gigs I use a headphone extension cable I got from Radio Shack to go to my Rolls PM351 sitting on my amp.