Need IEM help. Again.

[Joe Nerve]

Thats good to know....Im sure its probably ok then... I've just always been creeped out by it since having headphones turn fro black to that gross orange-yellow color inside from other people using them, even with the little safety pad/covers on.

but I might just be afraid of IEMs in general and projecting my fears. I will say If I borrowed someones IEMs even with a fresh tip, I'd get my sweat all over the things on stage.

What guy said.

If the band pays for them, they're the band's, not mine. I'm fine replacing the buds. I have a few that are too small already anyhow.

FWIW, the guys in the band are pretty laid back. I'm pretty sure they'd never ask me to lend them to anyone, but if they did I honestly wouldn't have any problem with it.

 

[JGbassman]

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.

I have had a set of 64 ears three driver custom molds for about three years now. They are a very good set, and the bass response is on par or better than I can get with my rig. The custom inserts mean you can sing without breaking the seal, or losing one, and if you don't put one in all the way, you can also get the ambient sound from the stage. Even though I haven't tried other sets, these ears have over 400 shows on them, and they sound as good as the day I got them. Not only are they useful on stage, I use them to practice with (I have a vox plug in, and with that hooked up to my iPad and bass, I can be rocking the rafters at 3 am in a hotel room, or my living room, and not bother a soul). They are also great for recording cans in a studio, or just listening to shows or music when plugged into your computer or iPad. (movies are great with them as well, with the added full sound). Point is, they are as useful off stage as on.

I would suggest getting a minimal of three drivers per ear to get the right depth and clarity for the kick and bass, and the drivers won't struggle as much.

I would also suggest getting the clear inserts instead of colored ones (I got red ones) because you can see the internal parts for inspection, and they don't stand out so much on stage.

They were expensive, but worth every penny. My in ears volume is actually quieter than the on stage volume with an acoustic drummer. Keeping your hearing protected and fresh at lower volumes is also a big factor in a good set of ears.

 

[monkeyland]

I would also suggest getting the clear inserts instead of colored ones (I got red ones) because you can see the internal parts for inspection, and they don't stand out so much on stage.

To that point. I've noticed that since I got my customs, which have black face plates. Audience members seem to notice and don't try to talk to me. I'm usually not singing and when I was using my Shure 215s they would try to make requests and often couldn't understand why I couldn't talk t them. Not so much anymore.

 

[roller]

To that point. I've noticed that since I got my customs, which have black face plates. Audience members seem to notice and don't try to talk to me. I'm usually not singing and when I was using my Shure 215s they would try to make requests and often couldn't understand why I couldn't talk t them. Not so much anymore.

Haha!

For anyone shopping for IEMs, do yourself a favor and have the manufacturers you're looking at tell you what type of driver(s) they use before you make your selection. The term "driver" is loosely used by some, encompassing armatures and actual drivers (i.e., speakers). As mentioned earlier, there's a big difference between the two.

 

[Joe Nerve]

To that point. I've noticed that since I got my customs, which have black face plates. Audience members seem to notice and don't try to talk to me. I'm usually not singing and when I was using my Shure 215s they would try to make requests and often couldn't understand why I couldn't talk t them. Not so much anymore.

Excellent point.

Was going to start a thread about that last week. I'm playing in a band now that plays a lot, and all gigs are packed (they've been at this a while). I never had so many people trying to talk to me while on-stage. I do a quick point to my in-ears, but that often has no effect. Alcohol is powerful, and people can be stupid. I've started just smiling and turning away.

I have to admit to having a rough time with that stuff. What the hell makes people think you can have a conversation with them while playing, and often while playing complicated material?

 

[markjazzbassist]

When considering customs- Keep in mind that more drivers do not equal better sound quality. More of a bad thing is still a bad thing. Also consider the material the customs are made from. Harder materials, like some of the customs mentioned here, will kill you on longer gigs with physical fatigue. You will be pulling them out of your ears every chance you get. I am biased and work directly for a manufacturer of said technology, so I will keep my biased product endorsement out of the conversation. If you want my opinion as a guy who has done 8 hour gigs, never taking out my customs, with my ears feeling like I could wear them another (100) hours (no joke). PM me.

if you work for a commerical company you need to disclose in your signature per TB rules bud.

 

[delta7fred]

To that point. I've noticed that since I got my customs, which have black face plates. Audience members seem to notice and don't try to talk to me. I'm usually not singing and when I was using my Shure 215s they would try to make requests and often couldn't understand why I couldn't talk t them. Not so much anymore.

Good point.

Our singer/guitarist uses big ass black IEMs, I use small single driver ones (also black but not very visible). I am the one that audience members usually come and harass, I have to point to my IEMs, shake my head and and tell them I cannot hear them.

 

[NicJimBass]

(64 Audio endorsed artist)

I have a set of U4's (quad drivers) that are just great. I tried a couple other sets of IEM's over the years, and always came back to my trusty Shure SE215's, which, despite being inexpensive and nothing fancy, gave me a great mix and never gave me a single issue. The U4's are everything I liked about the Shure's, but they sound much better.

I went universal kinda for the same reasons you listed, Joe. Anyone can use them, they seal great with the foam tips, and if I ever find myself without a band, I can always resell them without an issue. If you can talk your guys into spending a bit more, the U4's are awesome!

 

[sawzalot]

I use Shure SE215's. $100 and they sound very good to me. Sometimes the single armature designs actually have better bass response.

Tom

 

[bass.slinger]

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.

My only issue with the 1964's is the isolation - I like more than 20dB.

 

[SteveC]

I use Shure SE215's. $100 and they sound very good to me. Sometimes the single armature designs actually have better bass response.

Tom

My Westone UM-2's (Dual Driver) are really nice. Our singer is using Shure 215's and likes them. Can't rembler what the guitar player is using. Keys has Shure's but I can't remember the model. Drummer uses Westone UM-2's as well. I hear everything just fine. I'm sure that triple or quad or quint drivers would be better, but for $650 -$999 I'm not sure if I REALLY NEED to upgrade. Maybe I'll wait until mine have an issue, but she far they have been great for the last 3 years or so.

 

[DirtDog]

That's something that's not an option for me due to btinnitus - something I have to write a long post about very soon (I no longer believe it's incurable).

Looking forward to your thoughts on tinnitus. I'm in the same boat.

 

[elgecko]

Versa Dual Driver Custom In-Ear Monitor - Alclair Audio

 

[s0c9]

My only issue with the 1964's is the isolation - I like more than 20dB.

yeah..its for sure a personal taste thing..
The ADEL/APEX diaphragms DO come with varying isolation levels, 15 and 20 db I believe.. other than the factory default.

 

[74hc]

The best cheapie ones I've found are the Tennmak Pro dual drivers. It uses the same detachable cable style as Shures. I think those were under $50 on amazon.

I know it's not in the price range you are looking at, but I thought I'd contribute that for other TBer's that come in here looking at IEM information.

I still have not found a way to use those for the worship band at church. The church does not care to accommodate IEMs, or anything outside of the very basic requirements. The pastorial assistant has been under fire from many of the parishoners as I recently found out.

It starting to include the music directors, leaders of the various choirs, and some of the musicians as well. I stay out of it, and minimize my role until it gets cleared up. I'm not the kind that thrives on confrontation in my everyday life.

If it's not a weekend that I have to play, I sit in the congregation area furtherest from the band to save my hearing. Otherwise, I'd feel too odd puting in hearing protectors that the pastor might mistake the reason.

I'm seriously considering moving to another nearby church in the diocese. They, however, are much better musicians over there. It's much larger because it also runs a catholic school on-site (k-8, maybe HS). I doubt they have room for a mediocre bass player, but I am hoping they take hearing protection much more seriously.

 

[sstillwell]

I'm digging my UM3X RC - Full Compass was blowing the last of them out at $199 a bit over a year ago. Not custom, but no complaints at all.

 

[s0c9]

I'm digging my UM3X RC - Full Compass was blowing the last of them out at $199 a bit over a year ago. Not custom, but no complaints at all.

I'm all in favor of folks using universals IF they work for you.
I have small ear canals, and the darn things would lose their seal at the drop of a hat... and that was with the smallest tips..
I tried everything before jumping to 1964 Qi's.. and that was an "oh sh*t" moment, forking out $550+ on faith !!
Never looked back..
My A8's provide stellar audio.. LOVE 'EM !!

 

[sstillwell]

I'm all in favor of folks using universals IF they work for you.
I have small ear canals, and the darn things would lose their seal at the drop of a hat... and that was with the smallest tips..
I tried everything before jumping to 1964 Qi's.. and that was an "oh sh*t" moment, forking out $550+ on faith !!
Never looked back..
My A8's provide stellar audio.. LOVE 'EM !!

Agree...it's all about what works for YOU (or me, or them, or whomever). I had some custom-molded earplugs (not monitors, just to block sound) with replaceable/variable attenuation filters, and they HURT to wear. Crappy mold? Probably...the audiologist didn't have a lot of experience with musicians.

 

[delta7fred]

I'd feel too odd puting in hearing protectors

I take the view that it is my hearing and I will do what is needed to protect it. If that upsets anyone then so be it, I am not prepared to damage my hearing further, period.

*My right ear has pretty bad tinnitus (drummer side) the other is ok but if it gets to a certain volume I will put two in. When using power tools (angle grinder, air tools, etc) I use an earplug and ear industrial grade defenders.

 

[mcnach]

if you work for a commerical company you need to disclose in your signature per TB rules bud.

Please give him a break. He didn't even mentioned what company he's involved and was offering advice as a player with experience in the matter... it was hardly a sales pitch. Let's not make people with knowledge think twice about contributing when they're not acting in any commercial manner. We would all lose.