Ok Folks, lets have it. IEM's or Backline

[Syco_bass]

I like both. Bass amp at moderate level, and IEM so I don't have to hear everyone else's loud amps and constant snare drum killing me.

Both.

 

[markOmatic]

We switched to IEM a couple years ago. I agree I love an amp behind me but I also love carrying less gear as well. I'm used to it now. Another factor is some clubs we play are monitoring dB levels and notifying the sound guy when he is exceeding the limit. Guitar and bass being ampless solves that problem for us.

 

[LowActionHero]

I can't vote BOTH?

My band just switched to in ears, not bad so far. I brought my amp to the last gig, cuz one guitarist mentioned the lack of power he felt at practice . The last couple practices I had turned my amp volume completely off (I'm in the PA) I might try to DI straight off my board next practice. Kind of a bummer since I now own 3 amps, but it might be nice to not lug them around. But I LIKE them...

 

[Jason Miles]

I like the feel of that Amp pushing the stage. Now that we run in ears all the time that feeling is gone.

Ultimately it's better for the FOH mix eliminating all of those amps on stage .

 

[Hasty]

I actually miss playing with IEM’s... I loved having control of my own mix, turning down all the BGV’s, not having my ears be fatigued at the end of the night. Plus I could hear the band as a whole much better by managing my mix (which was done with my iPhone).

Now I’ve gotta lug an amp and cab around everywhere, plus a power strip, and extra cables and speakon cables. I’m still pretty compact by most standards, but I miss the days of just a bass and a small pedalboard with a DI box on it. And I’m at the mercy of power outlets all the time now. And I use my super awesome custom IEMs for more mundane tasks like practicing in the evening or watching Netflix on my iPad. Weird...

 

[Revolver]

Amp with a good set of earplugs to filter stage clutter. IEMs definitely have their benefits under the right circumstances, which more often than not (in my experience), is not the case (at least with certain genres of music).

 

[wintremute]

One of my all - time favorite vocalists Peter Cox of Go West... not using IEM's, loving the fact that the crowd is singing the song for him... <c: It would be a shame to miss it with powered earplugs..

While the band wears IEMs.

 

[Silthis89]

For me it depends on the where i'm playing. 80% of my gigs are IEM but 20% of my gigs are at tiny bars or hole in the walls with vocal only in the PA and everyone jamming through amps. Different circumstances can and often do require different solutions.

My personal preference though is the IEM gigs always sound better.

 

[juancaminos]

I went ampless a hand full of time and hated it. But would really like to give it a good try...that is with good equipment...$$$ again.

 

[Chickenwheels]

Like “Driving vs catching the bus”, it depends on where your going.
Do whatever is best or needed.

 

[whero]

Is there a third option?

I've been an amp user for decades and still love shaking the floor. But one place we've played a few times lately has a good PA with monitors - three across the front of stage and two on stands at the back. We had a chat to the sound guy about where we like things to sit in the mix. I DI in, so no amp or cab at the gig, and I get good sound from the nearest rear monitor. FOH sound is very good.

Never used IEMs.

 

[oerk]

Which tiny amp do you use, and what type of music do you play?

The amp is a Ampeg PF500, so not _that_ tiny.

The cab is DIY with a single 8" sub plus mid driver. The 8" can really take a pounding, that's key here.

Music is mostly country and classic rock at sane volumes with PA support most of the time.

No PA support, I have to use a single 12" cab

 

[baxter_x]

I use both. But my amp is mandatory for me. I need to feel AND hear my tone. I can do it too through the IEM but it's pretty "sterile".
I used once only IEM and it was a weird experience. If I have to, I can use it, bat a real rig is second to none.

 

[Chickenwheels]

My gigs this week...
Thursday: Acoustic trio with DB. Preamp pedal into supplied powered wedge only.
Friday: Rocking club gig. Fretless electric into my own rig.
Saturday: 5 piece band wedding. Strictly IEM only and electric drum kit.

 

[Low Class]

I use wireless from Bass to PA without my amp with one band. I don't appreciate someone else having control over my tone and volume. Usually the sound guy is not a bass player and doesn't understand my needs on stage.

Exactly why I no longer do IEM gigs. With situations like that it's not worth it.

 

[oerk]

EDIT: Whoops, wrong thread.

 

[Ekulati]

So for all the guys/gals who cited the primary benefit from switching to IEMs being less heavy stuff to haul to a gig: what's wrong with you people? Don't you have roadies?

 

[baxter_x]

Don't you have roadies?

Or muscles?

 

[Chad Michael]

While the band wears IEMs.

Yes. One size does not fit all.

 

[dheafey]

Both.

IEMs are great for hearing everything clearly. And the ability to walk all over the stage and have the same mix is a huge plus. However, I also like "feeling" the bass in the floor and moving my pant leg.