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What IEM's are you currently using?

JJP_1984_LB50

JJP_1984_LB50

Gold Supporting Member
Aug 22, 2004
716
841
63
North Canton, OH
#1
My IEM's have died a slow painful death. I'm wondering what people are actually using these days, as it's been many years since my last purchase. A few wants with a new set...

1. Good for bass.
2. Good for vocals.
3. My current set had silicon molds, which I liked.
(Since I'm already down the mold route, I don't think I want universal fit set.)
4. As far below $1,000 as I can reasonably get.

Thanks!
 
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#2
Sorry!

just saw this thread...:rolleyes:

el murdoque

Post in thread 'Best IEMs (off the shelf or custom) for 1K'

You can get custom molds for every off-the-shelf IEM under the sun. I've done it several times.

I've recently been looking for the same kind of upgrade, with the same budget.
I did try several. I liked the 64 Audio 4 driver version with was about one thousand currency units, but I liked the Fischer Amps FA 666 even more.
Every hit of the kick drum felt like a knuckle gently tapping on my skull. The separation of the instruments was superb. Just concentrating on whatever sound and it feels like I'm zooming in on that.
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#4
JJP_1984_LB50 said:
My IEM's have died a slow painful death. I'm wondering what people are actually using these days, as it's been many years since my last purchase. A few wants with a new set...

1. Good for bass.
2. Good for vocals.
3. My current set had silicon molds, which I liked.
(Since I'm already down the mold route, I don't think I want universal fit set.)
4. As far below $1,000 as I can reasonably get.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Shure SE-215s. I don’t care to much about high fidelity as I’m not singing. I just want a decent bass signal.
 
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#6
If you have a digital mixer and you routinely take care of your own sound, the best thing you can do is to equalize the sound to counter the colouration of your IEMs. At that point, any IEM with decent quality (but maybe a not very linear response) can work well. I use KZ IEMs (around €50) and while they are somewhat coloured (not very linear in the midrange) when equalized they're fine really. (This won't do anything to distortion, but eh. It doesn't have to be hi-fi).
 
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#8
For Bass/Drums/Guitar (lower tuning) i use Blon BL03 and Z300.
For general listening because more balanced and quiet stages, Truthear HEXA.

Incredible price/sound ratio, BL03 needs some tweaks to get a good fit like an O-ring between foam tip and nozzle and better foam tips.
Hexa are just perfect.
 
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#10
Alclair Dual XB customs. They’ve gone up in price since I had mine made many years ago, but they’re still incredible value. Lots of good options in the alclair range and they’re still very musician focused rather than audiophile, and very upfront about picking your compromises on low driver count earbuds, rather than simply not making a decent 2 or 3 driver earbud for bass.
 
#14
marmadaddy said:
I sing a fair amount of lead and a lot of backup. I've been through a few sets of custom IEMS and finally found the 64 Audio N8. Designed specifically for bass and vocals and they deliver. Couldn't be happier with them.
Click to expand...

These are the ones I've had my eye on for a while when it's time to upgrade from SE215s

They seem great, so glad to hear another thumbs up on them - looks like I'm on the right track! Hopefully there's a decent sale some day
 
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#15
Boneless said:
If you have a digital mixer and you routinely take care of your own sound, the best thing you can do is to equalize the sound to counter the colouration of your IEMs. At that point, any IEM with decent quality (but maybe a not very linear response) can work well. I use KZ IEMs (around €50) and while they are somewhat coloured (not very linear in the midrange) when equalized they're fine really. (This won't do anything to distortion, but eh. It doesn't have to be hi-fi).
Click to expand...
Same here! Been using KZ 10 PRO X for maybe two years. They are actually very good once you compensate coloration on the mixer parametric EQ. I made an EQ preset and loaded it for everyone's AUX out in my band.
When they give up, I will try those Truthear Hexa, they have very good reviews and should be fairly neutral. Packaging is also cool!

66457c4b808448c3083d2f92_800x800_0016_12.jpg
 
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#16
I see no reason to use custom ear molds. I use KZ ZS10 Pro 2's. Super cheap, I bought two pairs and upgraded cords for both. I don't worry if I might lose one or step on one at a gig, both of which have happened. I also use upgraded Comply foam inserts. Isolation is good, bass response is good, I really like them.
 
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#18
marmadaddy said:
I sing a fair amount of lead and a lot of backup. I've been through a few sets of custom IEMS and finally found the 64 Audio N8. Designed specifically for bass and vocals and they deliver. Couldn't be happier with them.
Click to expand...
Been using their A8’s for a number of years. Definitely NOT under the OP’s $1000 budget, but I couldn’t be happier with mine.
I still keep my old 64Audio Qi’s (4 driver) as a backup!
 
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#19
sawzalot said:
I see no reason to use custom ear molds. I use KZ ZS10 Pro 2's. Super cheap, I bought two pairs and upgraded cords for both. I don't worry if I might lose one or step on one at a gig, both of which have happened. I also use upgraded Comply foam inserts. Isolation is good, bass response is good, I really like them.
Click to expand...
Some folks (like me) have small ear canals and CANNOT use universal fit buds aa they don’t seal or stay in my ears - even after trying the variety of 3rd Party tips/sleeves and types of tips, including the smallest available.I have a set of KZ 16Pro’s that I bought earlier this year. The sound bore (even with no tips attached) was still TOO LARGE to fit in my ears!
I wish that were not the case, but customs are my only option!
I’m sure I’m not the only bassist with this challenge!
 
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