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Need amp advice

#22
Rip Topaz said:
I plan on eventually getting a set of the Westones, but for occasional church use only (we use wedges with my band), it's hard to justify a $250 purchase when I'll only be using them once a month or less.

That's the problem. I gotta do this cheap cuz I don't play often enough for it to be worth a major purchase.
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I suggested the UM2s because you were talking about buying a new amp, and they're cheaper than an amp (heck I have pedals that cost more than what I paid for mine).
Rip Topaz said:
I'm going to take a pair of earbuds with me tonight, and try those instead of the ones they provide. Maybe that'll give me a better idea of which direction to go with this.
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You may not need to try something completely new. Which IEMs are you using? I'm assuming they are the Shure se215s (that seems to be the standard at most churches). If that is the case trying a different set of tips makes a big difference (I know I said this in my first post, but the difference is huge), even my UM2s were hard to use with the black rubber tips, I had to really turn up the bass, that may be why the ones you are using sound distorted. If you don't get a good or a good seal the bass is going to really suffer.
 
#23
MK1 said:
I suggested the UM2s because you were talking about buying a new amp, and they're cheaper than an amp (heck I have pedals that cost more than what I paid for mine).


You may not need to try something completely new. Which IEMs are you using? I'm assuming they are the Shure se215s (that seems to be the standard at most churches). If that is the case trying a different set of tips makes a big difference (I know I said this in my first post, but the difference is huge), even my UM2s were hard to use with the black rubber tips, I had to really turn up the bass, that may be why the ones you are using sound distorted. If you don't get a good or a good seal the bass is going to really suffer.
Click to expand...

+1
 
#24
Yes, we are using the Shure buds.

Tonight at practice, I plugged my iPhone earbuds into the Aviom, and lo and behold, everything was crystal clear unless I REALLY hammered on it.

The tips that are available are the little yellow foam disposable ones. Not at all comfortable.

I'm gonna use the iPhone buds on Sunday. They sounded good enough that it'll do until I can get a better set.
 
#30
Rip Topaz said:
I'm in the process of re-working my entire rig in order to come up with something a little easier on the back.
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How much are you looking to spend..? How about a used Shuttle 6.0 and maybe a Avatar 112
? You might be able to negotiate a tad on the prices.. and I'd want to see a pic of the cab but ..

Or shop around .. but the GB stuff is great.. and you can use the amp with headphones without a load.
 
#32
JimWasHere said:
The chances are good that it's not just the tips that are sub par with those earphones... Getting yourself some good ones might still be the best route.
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I have to disagree on this one, granted I hate the se215s, but they are better than a set if iPod earbuds. If the OP is getting better results with the iPod buds chances are he's not getting a good seal with the se215s, those yellow tips are garbage.

To the OP, if you are getting good results with the iPod earbuds the Westone UM1 may work just fine for you. Don't get me wrong, the UM2s are amazing and worth every penny, but you expressed some hesitance in wanting to buy an expensive set of IEMs since you don't use them often. The UM1s are typically around $100, occasionally you can find them on amazon for about $75.
 
#33
Eden E115c 42 LBS 25 x 18 x 16
Eden E Series Combos - E115C

Gallien Krueger MB115 35 LBS 23 x 2O x 15
Welcome to Gallien-Krueger: Power to Groove

Gallien Krueger MB212 37 LBS 27 x 20 x 15
Welcome to Gallien-Krueger: Power to Groove


MarkBass Mini CMD 151P 40 LBS 18 x 18 x 19
Markbass - Mini CMD 151P

Ibanez Promethean 17.7W x 14.4H x 21.7D 37.4 Lbs
Ibanez Promethean P3115 Bass Combo Amplifier at zZounds
 
#34
I'm the OP. I've decided against an amp, since I already have one, but the UM2's are a bit pricey.

I'm gonna hold out and order a set of UM2's. The iPhone buds are just a quick bandaid until I can get the UM2's. There's no chance of getting them before Sunday.

I'm actually pretty amazed at how well the cheapie iPhone buds performed. Granted, they don't say Shure on the side, but the Shure buds have been used and abused for who knows how long and by countless people. I tried everything I could to get a workable sound out of them before trying the iPhone buds. Just an FYI, the iPhone buds are dual driver.

And yes, the yellow tips are garbage. They are uncomfortable and the seal you get is lousy.
 

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