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Need IEMs?

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buzzby

buzzby

Nov 20, 2020
137
140
Colorado Front Range
#1
Hello,

I'm starting out with our church band, and today I was told I'd need a set of IEMs to plug into the MyMix system boxes.

The current bass player recommended I go with a dual driver IEM so that I could hear my bass well enough.

So, I'm looking for recommendations on the best IEMs for under $300 (at least dual driver(?)).

I've read lots of reviews on the web, and of course lots of folks like the IEMs that other don't at all like. I've had good experience with TalkBass recommendations, so I'm back to the well for help!

I have no experience with IEMs. I don't think I hear well enough to ever be an audiophile. I want something that is comfortable and helps me hear my bass as well as possible.

Thank you in advance for your recommendations!

buzz
 
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#2
Ideally for bass get 3 drivers or more if you can. The other key element is fit. At your budget custom molds are out but there a lot of included and after market tips you can try and it’s worth to experiment to find the best fit for your ears. A good seal will really improve the low end response.
I’d like at Shure or Westone for quality earbuds in that price range and the more drivers the better.
The further you the chain you can stretch your budget the better the sound & quality only hurts once. :-)

I LOVE the sound of my custom mol Westone IEM’s ($1,200) & I’m super bummed in the ultra rare occasion I’ve forgotten them or something stupid and have to use my $150 backup pair.
IEMs is one of those things where you really do get what you pay for and it keeps getting better the further you go. Diminishing returns at some point for sure but not until well after the $1,000 price point.
 
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#4
I concur in general about 3 or more drivers being optimum for bass and custom molds being the best, but recently I found a set of Shure SE425 earbuds lying about after a load-out. After thoroughly searching unsuccessfully for the owner, I tried them and I’m quite impressed with their performance. If you gotta go chea….errr, inexpensive…:D, I would be okay using the SE425s.

Shure SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones - Clear
 
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#5
Geri O said:
I concur in general about 3 or more drivers being optimum for bass and custom molds being the best, but recently I found a set of Shure SE425 earbuds lying about after a load-out. After thoroughly searching unsuccessfully for the owner, I tried them and I’m quite impressed with their performance. If you gotta go chea….errr, inexpensive…:D, I would be okay using the SE425s.

Shure SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones - Clear
Click to expand...
Agree 1000% ... IF universal fit actually work for the user!
I'm one [of the few?] for whom universals just DON'T work.
Small ear canals, so none of the available TIPS will stay put in my ears, no matter the material nor size
That came from an audiologist during a hearing test a n umber of years ago.
I wasn't overjoyed at the expense ($500+), but that's when I went and had impressions made for my 1964 Ears Qi's (now 64Audio A4t's and $300+ more expensive). I think that was back in 2011/2012!
I STILL have them as backups, but upgraded to the A8's with the ADEL diaphragms!

For some.. customs are the only option, but yes.. 3+ drivers is better for bassists!
 
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#6
s0c9 said:
Agree 1000% ... IF universal fit actually work for the user!
I'm one [of the few?] for whom universals just DON'T work.
Small ear canals, so none of the available TIPS will stay put in my ears, no matter the material nor size
That came from an audiologist during a hearing test a n umber of years ago.
I wasn't overjoyed at the expense ($500+), but that's when I went and had impressions made for my 1964 Ears Qi's (now 64Audio A4t's and $300+ more expensive). I think that was back in 2011/2012!
I STILL have them as backups, but upgraded to the A8's with the ADEL diaphragms!

For some.. customs are the only option, but yes.. 3+ drivers is better for bassists!
Click to expand...
Absolutely correct. The question comes up often about budget in-ears, so my stock answers are those Shure 425s and the Westone UM30 Pros, although to me, the highs are a little clearer in the 425s. I keep the 425s in my bag as spares.

I’m fortunate enough to make universals work, but only if I have to. I can get a good seal, but it works loose after a few songs.

Still lovin’ those Quads! For now.
 
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#16
SLPimp said:
Churches are flush with cash. Make them pay for it.
Click to expand...
That's an odd generalization. It's not true for mine. We all own our own gear, including IEMs. Whatever extra cash we get goes into feeding people and sending doctors to third world countries and whatnot. Perhaps you have experience with the wrong kinds of churches.

As others have said, with your budget get the highest end KZ buds and get a variety pack of Comply tips so you can try all three sizes to see what works best for you. They are my backups and work just fine. Are my Westone buds better? Yep. But not by a mile. The differences are nuanced. If the Westone buds got run over by a truck to tomorrow I would keep on getn it with my KZs and be fine.
 
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#20
hennessybass said:
KZ AS10 -- 5 drivers. $60 on Amazon.
100% quality and legit.
There are a couple other KZ models (I got the ZS10 for $45).

Spend about $8 for foam replacement eartips for total sound isolation.

Not a joke... read about KZ on talkbass - MANY THREADS. (or ask @BurningSkies). Also MANY reviews comparing KZs to similar IEMs that cost $$$$ all over the web.
Click to expand...
Much better than the shure 215s
 
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