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Need IEM help. Again.

Joe Nerve

Joe Nerve

Oct 7, 2000
18,619
38,939
New York City
www.joenerve.com
Disclosures
Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
#1
Been using cheap Samsons (I think) that came with the system. Was told initially that the band was going to hook me up with custom molds but I think they're pulling back on that.

Can you guys make a recommendation that will fall into the $200 - $300 range? I've got a 20% off coupon at musiciansfriend and I think I'm gonna invest. If ya gonna recommend something more expensive, please be convincing as to why they'll outdo the others. Thanks.

Right now Fender FXA2s are looking sweet to me because of their price, but I know nothing about this.
 
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#9
That can be the tough part for sure. Disregarding sound quality for a second. My thoughts are that the comfort of customs means I'll be more inclined to wear them all the time. If you know you want to commit to ears then spending a little extra isn't as scary.

As for sound quality, I think it's about the same as universals. 2 drivers are good, 3 is better. My JH Audio JH13v2 Pros have 8 :thumbsup:. You really just need to find something that you feel comfortable with.
 
#10
The UM Pro 30's are about $100 over your budget. I use UMPro 20's (well, the older version of them) and they work great. Best $275 I've spent. They are only dual driver, but they are great. I know a number of people that say unless you're sining or really want to spend money, dual drivers are plenty good.
 
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#13
Joe Nerve said:
I don't understand how the customs work? How do you know your getting good drivers, bass frequency, etc? Can someone explain custom monitors to me, and how they range in price for ones that are great for bassists?
Click to expand...

Most companies that make custom in-ear monitors use an array of armatures, which is the technology used in hearing aids. Armatures are tiny foil plates that vibrate... creating sound pressure waves... that generate sound. Armatures come in different sizes, based on what frequency they're trying to it. Companies like Ultimate Ears may use two, three or four armatures in a single earpiece, each covering a different part of the audio spectrum.

Other companies, like Future Sonics, use a single driver in each earpiece. The driver covers the entire spectrum.

Playing music through in-ears, the armatures I heard sounded weak to me. It just wasn't a full, rich experience.

Regardless of the technology you choose, a custom set of in-ears is going to run around $400-800.

I'm with Monkeyland -- if you're on the verge of being in the ballpark of a good set of custom in-ears, why not just step up to the plate and get something really solid? The tight, custom fit alone is worth the price.
 
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#14
You have to be a negotiator man!

They said they would get IEM buds for you when you signed on. Now they have backed out on the deal. You don't just give up. You compromise.

Go to them and say "OK, here's the deal. You said you would spring for some good buds when I signed on and now you won't. Fine. How about we meet in the middle? You go in half with me. You put up $450 and I'll put up $450."

Then you go get custom molds made and get these.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The web site is super easy to navigate so you can compare products and get the "why" in this equation.

I am about to pull the trigger and get a set myself. I had custom molds back when I played semi-pro. Loved them then and miss them now.
 
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#15
I have a set of 1964 Audio's Qi's (quad drivers) that don't have the ADEL (rebranded as APEX due to contract issues) tech - pressure equalization diaphragms in each ear.. and a set of A8's [which I absolutely LOVE] that DO have them !!
I upgraded from the Qi's when the band became 1964 Artists.
 
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#18
As far as universals in that price range go, I haven't found any that I like the sound of as well as the Ultimate Ears Triplefi 10.

Before you buy any $200-300 universal fit IEMs, browse the web for IEM houses that do reshells and check which models are on their list. Most will turn the Triplefi 10 (along with quite a few other quality multi-driver universals) into fully custom-fit IEMs for about $125. Whatever model of universals you buy, picking a set that can be reshelled gives you options for later.

Also have a look at ebay, etc. Universal earphones that are well regarded and can be reshelled often generate a used market. Even if *you* won't consider buying used earphones (and adding pristine new tips), buying earphones that have a healthy resale can limit your risk.
 
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#19
I've been tempted to move up as all my playing is via IEM - save of occasional jazz trio/quartet gigs. I'm pretty happy with my Westone UM-2's (Pro 20's I guess now) but I haven't tried anything else - save for the single driver stuff. Not sure I need/want custom molds. I seem to get a decent seal with universals. We'll see how the new band goes. I use them at church as well - DI/silent stage there, too, so it's not like I wouldn't use them at least 4-5 times a month.

I may give these a try. I like my dual driver Westone UM-2's a lot so...
UM PRO 50 Earphones - Universal Series
 
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#20
two fingers said:
You have to be a negotiator man!

They said they would get IEM buds for you when you signed on. Now they have backed out on the deal. You don't just give up. You compromise.

Go to them and say "OK, here's the deal. You said you would spring for some good buds when I signed on and now you won't. Fine. How about we meet in the middle? You go in half with me. You put up $450 and I'll put up $450."

Then you go get custom molds made and get these.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The web site is super easy to navigate so you can compare products and get the "why" in this equation.

I am about to pull the trigger and get a set myself. I had custom molds back when I played semi-pro. Loved them then and miss them now.
Click to expand...
Haha... I realized that after my last post and did almost exactly that. Can't write now but will elaborate when I get the chance. I negotiated and I'm pretty sure they're gonna pay. They were nice about too. Details to come.
 
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