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Which IEMs are best for bass?

deekay911

deekay911

Nov 4, 2007
1,387
96
London, UK
#1
Looks like our band is about to embark down the IEM route, and I have been checking some earbuds out online. I know a lot of them lose the bottom end somewhat - what are y'all using that gives you the bass you need to hear?
 
#2
Honestly, I use consumer-grade earbuds that are super bass-heavy and they do a fantastic job for me. I'm partial to the Skullcandy Asyms. They're about $40. They're totally not accurate, but they do have some massive bottom end that can handle a B string well. They also kind of suck for sound isolation, which is a good thing on stage IME. It's not quite like putting in earplugs, you can still hear what's going on around you a little bit.

Edit: And once you go IEM and get used to them, it's hard to go back. It's SO nice getting your own mix straight into your head.
 
#3
Interesting...so you don't need the sound isolation? Does the additional ambient 'noise' muddy the mix coming through the earbuds or do you not notice it that much? I was kinda assuming the sound isolation was a mandatory part of the deal with IEMs..
 
#4
We've been using IEM for a couple of years now. I've tried all sorts of "universal fit" buds with varying amounts of success. i recently took the the leap to molded monitors by InearZ(Link Removed), the difference is remarkable. best gear investment I've made in a long time.
 
#5
I have used a few brands and styles of Universal IEMS from Shure , UE, Westone..
if you want huge bass response like a low rider sub woofer the UE Super5 hiEB do it http://www.earphonesolutions.com/uleasu5ebeab.html

But i like a more balanced sound, since i use mine for recording too and need a flatter yet very full response.. plus i need great isolation to block out ambient noise.. and the Westone ES2 are custom fit molds.. I love them and have been using these for about a year... http://www.westone.com/content/113.html
 
#6
I've recently started using shure e5's (scl5's I think they're called now actually) for a regular trio gig where I'm playing double and singing. The reproduce the bass well enough and they fit in my ears really well without custom molds. If you're going to IEMs don't forget room/ambience mics! Makes a huge difference to the experience ime.
 
#7
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#8
I'm always cautious about an opinion before "best" is defined.

Opinions..

IEM are even more important for setup than basses.. Most folks forget that "best" needs to be setup by an audiologist etc.. I've had them fit $100 noise isolating IEMS the then blow the pants off $550 suggestions you've already received.

IF you're just starting to play around, don't over estimate the retail ear buds.. I've played $40 non isolating that were equal to some $300 IEM isolating.

Whatever you do, don't forget EVERYONE needs to begin practicing with IEMs --- otherwise folks will complain they don't work (when in reality they're not yet acclimated).

"best" are fit with molds from a doctor.
 
#10
I use Sensaphonics 3D Active Ambient, with 2 full range drivers and built in mics. This system is custom and allows you to blend in ambeint sound with your mix and is the ablsolute ultimate! ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) They go for around $2500.00.

I've been using IEM's for 15 years. I've owned them all. Ultimate Ears, Shure, Westone, Sensaphonics, sleeves, molds, 2way, 3way, and so on.

Here is my suggestion for a bass player starting out with IEM's on a budget: Westone UM2's with 3-flange sleeves from Etymotic (Invalid Link Removed). You will get great isolation, great sound, for a great price. I've used this setup when my customs were being replaced. It is totally pro sounding.

Later you can always get some UM56 custom canal earpieces(http://www.westone.com/content/192.html). They are custom made. They slip right on to your UM2's and basicly turn them into custom IEM's for even better comfort and isolation, also at a great price.

Good Luck
 
#11
+1 to the UM2... They do sound pretty darn good and are fairly priced for a quality piece. and as you said can be updated to a custom attachable mold. I have always liked the Westone Customer service too.



skycoaster said:
I use Sensaphonics 3D Active Ambient, with 2 full range drivers and built in mics. This system is custom and allows you to blend in ambeint sound with your mix and is the ablsolute ultimate! ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) They go for around $2500.00.

I've been using IEM's for 15 years. I've owned them all. Ultimate Ears, Shure, Westone, Sensaphonics, sleeves, molds, 2way, 3way, and so on.

Here is my suggestion for a bass player starting out with IEM's on a budget: Westone UM2's with 3-flange sleeves from Etymotic (Invalid Link Removed). You will get great isolation, great sound, for a great price. I've used this setup when my customs were being replaced. It is totally pro sounding.

Later you can always get some UM56 custom canal earpieces(http://www.westone.com/content/192.html). They are custom made. They slip right on to your UM2's and basicly turn them into custom IEM's for even better comfort and isolation, also at a great price.

Good Luck
Click to expand...
 
#12
deekay911 said:
Interesting...so you don't need the sound isolation? Does the additional ambient 'noise' muddy the mix coming through the earbuds or do you not notice it that much? I was kinda assuming the sound isolation was a mandatory part of the deal with IEMs..
Click to expand...
There's some sound isolation, but not a ton. You don't want total isolation if (for example) you're not miking the whole drum kit (or not running drums through the monitors). I can still hear the drums fine and we don't mic them.

Also, you'll find when you go to IEMs that you no longer have to crank your amps on stage, which means you don't *need* sound isolation. Since joining a band that does the IEM thing, I don't even take an amplifier to gigs where we are using our own PA setup. I just run to the board and let FOH handle it. There's no reason why I need something putting out bass sound on stage, it's in everybody's ears. Our guitarist still uses a small combo amp that he mics, but that's just for tone purposes. He keeps the volume way down on it.

Edit: Oh yeah, and my input comes from using IEMs to play your standard bar gigs. Obviously if you're on a big arena tour you've got different requirements, and *only* hearing what's in your monitor mix might be a good thing. For me, I need to be able to hear the drums that aren't in the monitors, hear bar patrons that are coming up to say something, pop them in and out when checking our mix out front when I walk into the crowd, etc. I'm not mixing with them or anything, I just need something that lets me hear my bass well along with hearing the guitar and vocals. For that job, cheapie consumer earbuds do great. Like I said, they're totally inaccurate, but who cares? I just need to hear enough to be able to perform. Perfection is for the studio.

Also, I love the fact that you can spend $2500 for IEMs with built-in mics to simulate the functionality of not-quite-isolating earbuds. :)
 
#16
We just switched to the Starkey PM800. We were able to choose hi,woofer,subwoofer hi,woofer,woofer or hi,subwoofer,subwoofer. I went with the first combo. The comfort and fit is crazy. They seal so well I can feel the suction when I pull them out. I noticed right away a huge improvement in clarity and low end. My bass sounds much more like it should. By the way...The reason isolation is so important especially for bass with IEM's is you lose a ton of low end when the seal breaks.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#17
deekay911 said:
I guess what I was looking for was the 'best for a bass player', knowing that it's got to be a very subjective area :)
Click to expand...
lots of good suggestions. i'm also using non-custom molded ears, and that little stage bleed getting through is just right: i still get protected from the "jet engine" roar on stage, but can hear the stuff i want to hear around me.

i can't point to "best", as i just use UE superfi 5 pros, which are decent. i will say that the minimum you need is a dual-driver system of some sort.
 
#19
OK., Those are Livewires.. I had a pair.. They sounded very good but the fit was not right and i could not the company to cast them correctly so i was refunded and upgraded to the westone ES2.

Livewires had MUCHO chaos internally with the company. Partners went their separate ways about a year ago. NAshville branch did OK but the CA branch dropped the ball on many orders... it was a messy messy breakup...

Maybe that is what casued all the ruckus with promised delivery of the IEMS coming from Cali office 3 to 4 months late.
Livewires split up to two company's now.
Livewires in California and Fidelity Custom.
Fidelity is owned by the former partner of Livewires and Fidelity is the designer of the entire line... http://www.fidelitycustomearphones.net

If you search some forums you will find that the Livewires California has many many complaints while the Fidelity Custom (formerly Livewires of Nashville) is not only getting the orders right but they have great CS....

The Fidelity company in NAshville is the one i would order from if you were to get that type. Same thing only trusted ..

You do know that when you get your molds made you need to keep your mouth opened to get a snug fit later...

That is what i like about my Westone ES2. The fit is perfect but even better is the last 1/4 inch or so of the ear canal part is a softer pliable material that gives a great snug fit that seals...
For bass i like a snug fit because if the seal breaks you will loose bass response..
Also From the day i sent Westone my molds from the Audiologist, my completed IEMS were at my door via Fedex in 5 days....




skycoaster said:
I just thought of another option. I have not tried these but check it out.

Custom Molded, dual driver, in-ears for under $300.00! With 30 day "Love it or Refund it" policy.

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
 
#20
I'm finding, especially for bass, those custom jobbies might indeed be not only preferred, but necessary. I have some UE's, and I can get great sound out of them when they are situated in jussssssst perfectly. Any slippage (from even bobbing the head sometimes, not just banging), and you lose a ton of bass.

Point being, whatever you try/get, make sure they fit and fit well. First thing you lose is bass if it's not fitting right.
 

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