The IEM (in ear monitors) Bible thread

[EBS_freak]

4 hours ago, bassmansam said:

@EBS_freak

 

Just wondered your thoughts are on Empire ears? Some of our band have been recommended these...

 

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/empire-ears-bravado-ii-in-ear-monitors_R03772405/

 

They're universal so I wondered if something like the UE5s / UE7s would be better for vocalists?

 

I never realised that Selfridges were doing Empire, Nobel, A&K, 64 etc.

 

I haven't got any particular view on Empire ears as I'm not really that familiar with them - certainly not so I could recommend them or not. For that sort of money, I would still push for a custom shell, so would still go for a UE6. As for the UE5 vs UE7, I personally, are still not mad keen on double driver (or even triples - with the exception of a UE6) - but this is talking from the view point of a bass player. For vocalists that doesn't crave bass, I'd push for the UE7 - but for a bass player, I'd still favour the UE6 over the UE7, until you get to the option of a UE11. Again, this all depends on your budget.

 

Custom fit is such a massive part of the experience - from both a sonic, fit and seal point of view. However, I do understand if you ever want to sell a set of IEMs on, you are somewhat limited on the resale value of customs.

[Bankai]

I did previously have a pair of custom moulds a few years ago and found I only got about 1.5 years usage out of them before they didn’t fit correctly and that has somewhat put me off too.

[EBS_freak]

3 hours ago, stewblack said:

Used earphones for the first time in a band context last night. The drummer in that band has started using them so I thought why not try it.

I already had the little Behringer headphone amp thingy (which I use for silent rehearsal), and the Backbeat for 8x10 simulation. 

My thoughts: Without the Backbeat, forget it. With it, great. The earphones produced a more middle to top mix, which was easier to hear clearly what I was playing, but I need that thump to remind me I'm a bass player.

You really need everything going through the mixer for it to work at all so in other bands it would be a massive headache to set up, but in a three piece, simple. 

Biggest plus was no amp or cab to carry up and down stairs. So for rehearsals or really difficult load in gigs, in a small band, I'm a convert.

Obviously you won't separate me from my Barefaced cabs any time soon, but as a rehearsal tool, it's a good idea.

Oh, and my BVs are way better than I ever imagined. Now I can hear them that is .

Just a few points to counter your statements -

 

You haven't really said what "earphones" that are using. The custom fit and quad minimum (treble, mid, bass, bass) advice that I give is particularly for addressing the amount of bass and low end response that typically, cheaper IEMs and earphones just won't be able to produce.

 

Presumably you are talking about 8x10 simulation with regard to the perceived movement of air as opposed to any tonal shaping.. as the backbeat doesn't do the latter. The former point is largely a psychological thing. 8x10 don't make your trousers flap - its more about the volume of their output that they produce when you aren't using ear protection - or the rumblings through the floor. If you use a PA with a some nice subs, it'll do the same job in terms of tangible vibrations.

 

How your band is geared up also determines whether your band is a "headache" to set up. If you are running a silent stage, with say, modellers (such as a Helix), it's not really a difficult setup. As for drums, you can mic up the whole kit, or get away with with a kick and overhead (or two overheads if you want stereo).

 

And lets not forget - no monitor wedges... and the added bonus of being able to hear EVERYTHING on the stage super clearly. 

[EBS_freak]

13 minutes ago, Bankai said:

I did previously have a pair of custom moulds a few years ago and found I only got about 1.5 years usage out of them before they didn’t fit correctly and that has somewhat put me off too.

Thats a very short period of time. Did you lose/gain weight? As a minimum, I'd expect 4-5 years. I have a set that are 10 years old now and still fit perfectly - but I haven't really changed in shape (ok, maybe a few extra lockdown pounds... but you know)

[Bankai]

3 hours ago, EBS_freak said:

Thats a very short period of time. Did you lose/gain weight? As a minimum, I'd expect 4-5 years. I have a set that are 10 years old now and still fit perfectly - but I haven't really changed in shape (ok, maybe a few extra lockdown pounds... but you know)

No real change in weight. They were great to start but in the end the one for my right ear just wouldn’t fit without being uncomfortable and had to be forced a little. 
 

I mostly play drums and so a little bleed is good for me as it means I can hear the kit instead of having to plumb it in electronically so it’s not all bad.

 

I’ve got a nice set of the aftermarket comply foam tips for the se846 and they’ve been great so far. Worn for ears with no real fatigue or pain. It’s only when I get to about the 6 hour mark that I get slight discomfort but it’s manageable.

[AJ567]

On a similar note, my customs no longer fit well (after 4-5 years) and it's annoyingly expensive to get them re-shelled (which is the only option the IEM company offers). Does anyone have any bright ideas, e.g. a local company that can tweak the fit? 

[EBS_freak]

47 minutes ago, AJ567 said:

On a similar note, my customs no longer fit well (after 4-5 years) and it's annoyingly expensive to get them re-shelled (which is the only option the IEM company offers). Does anyone have any bright ideas, e.g. a local company that can tweak the fit? 

Deoends if you are looking to build up, shave off or have a complete reshell. Anyway, sent you a message.

[AJ567]

29 minutes ago, EBS_freak said:

Deoends if you are looking to build up, shave off or have a complete reshell. Anyway, sent you a message.

Much appreciated!

[bassmansam]

@EBS_freak Hope you don't mind but I'm looking for advice for our Vocalist who's now transitioning to IEM. She definitely wants to be wireless and I'm looking for a decent transmitter... They use Shure GLXD Wireless Mics and I've seen that they do a similar model for IEM. Would this be a good choice? 

[EBS_freak]

Shure PSM300 with premium pack is probably what you are looking at. (not a bad system if you haven't got to co-ordinate any other wireless IEMs from a different brand. The PSM300 has fixed bands - you can't set your exact frequencies - only the ones that come baked into the unit).

 

If you think you need the flexibility of tuning, that would push you to the EW300 or PSM900.

 

Another option is to look into the MI-58 (not the 909 or 24). I haven't tried them personally - but they are getting great feedback from my friends. Digital and pretty low latency to make them a viable option for IEM use.

 

Do make sure your singer invests in good IEMs too... no purpose having all this lovely wireless if it's being compromised by the last unit in the chain!

Edited May 4, 2022 by EBS_freak

[bassmansam]

1 hour ago, EBS_freak said:

Shure PSM300 with premium pack is probably what you are looking at. (not a bad system if you haven't got to co-ordinate any other wireless IEMs from a different brand. The PSM300 has fixed bands - you can't set your exact frequencies - only the ones that come baked into the unit).

 

If you think you need the flexibility of tuning, that would push you to the EW300 or PSM900.

 

Another option is to look into the MI-58 (not the 909 or 24). I haven't tried them personally - but they are getting great feedback from my friends. Digital and pretty low latency to make them a viable option for IEM use.

 

Do make sure your singer invests in good IEMs too... no purpose having all this lovely wireless if it's being compromised by the last unit in the chain!

 

Thanks! Yes I think she's looking at the UE7s 👍

[acidbass]

Anybody here using JH Audio phones?  Tempted to go for UE18s and spied that a lot of pro artists are now using JH Roxannes, 16v2s etc.  What's good for us low enders?

[EBS_freak]

6 hours ago, acidbass said:

Anybody here using JH Audio phones?  Tempted to go for UE18s and spied that a lot of pro artists are now using JH Roxannes, 16v2s etc.  What's good for us low enders?

Yes, I've had JH Audio - was one of the first to have the CF Roxanne. (Don't bother with CF - its way expensive now, I paid £100 for it - and like all opaque shells, makes cleaning them more difficult).

 

Basically, the ones to go for are the JH Roxannes and 16s as you've called out. The Roxannes are an absolute bass monster and quite a dark sounding IEM. The 16s are a bit more hyped I guess, with a glassier top end.

 

I happen to know that JH are putting their prices up 10% (next week or the week after I think?)

 

If you are looking at spending JH Roxanne sort of cash, you may want to look into the A12t from 64 also. That's my fave IEM for bass at the moment - and also what I am currently using.

 

Go and audition them all and see which you like!

Edited May 5, 2022 by EBS_freak

[EBS_freak]

Probably worth mentioning this too whilst I'm at it.

 

Buy a set of 64 Audio Custom IEMs (A6t or above) and you'll receive a FREE set of 64 Audio High Fidelity Earplugs, your order will come complete with ALL 3 of their Apex modules, the mX, m15 and m20, you'll also receive their solid (non-Apex) module the m26!
 

This is what I did when I bought my A12ts... but I paid for the earplugs. They are great earplugs too (of course they, they're 64!)

[burno70]

Sorry if this has been asked before; are specsavers ear moulds good enough, or are you better off going to a specialised audiologist/hearing place for custom moulds?

[EBS_freak]

52 minutes ago, burno70 said:

Sorry if this has been asked before; are specsavers ear moulds good enough, or are you better off going to a specialised audiologist/hearing place for custom moulds?

As long as they follow the instructions properly, use a bite block, you should be good to go. It's important that the impression goes deep enough (past the second bend). I've attached 64s impression guide for an idea (although all the major manufacturers will require the same).

 

It kills me to see certain manufacturers take impressions with the person in the chair chatting away, without a bite block... and then they wonder why the resulting fit on their inears are pants.

Impressions_Documents_AUG21.pdf

[burno70]

Thanks EBS. So, would a specialist hearing place be more likely to take a better impression then? I'm just thinking that I'd hate to shell out for a pair of UE6's and they don't fit as well as they should?

[EBS_freak]

1 hour ago, burno70 said:

Thanks EBS. So, would a specialist hearing place be more likely to take a better impression then? I'm just thinking that I'd hate to shell out for a pair of UE6's and they don't fit as well as they should?

Possibly - although I know of people who have have had a good service and impressions from the high street. At the end of the day, they are trained audiologists and you'd hope that they'd be able to follow the instructions!

 

Where are you based? If you are going via custom iem company, give Paul a shout as he has a list of audiologists across the country who are up to the job. 

Edited May 7, 2022 by EBS_freak

[bassmansam]

4 hours ago, burno70 said:

Thanks EBS. So, would a specialist hearing place be more likely to take a better impression then? I'm just thinking that I'd hate to shell out for a pair of UE6's and they don't fit as well as they should?

 

I went 3 times to an audiologist for my UE6s and every time they were rejected as they weren't quite right. I ended up biting the bullet and driving to IEM Company in Hertfordshire to get them sorted. Perfect fit from the start. 

[EBS_freak]

18 minutes ago, bassmansam said:

 

I went 3 times to an audiologist for my UE6s and every time they were rejected as they weren't quite right. I ended up biting the bullet and driving to IEM Company in Hertfordshire to get them sorted. Perfect fit from the start. 

That was going to be my suggestion once I’d found out where burno70 was. At the end of the day, Paul is a dab hand at impressions.

[burno70]

I'm based in Liverpool but I'm just being lazy really. There's a Specsavers 5 minutes away but there's 2 hearing centers in Liverpool city centre. I think I'll just go to one of the latter and see how they work out.

Thanks for the advice both!

[andyonbass]

Been dipping my toe into the wired IEM waters with a Behringer P2 and KZ earphones for a few gigs now with pretty positive results. It’s the usual DI from my amp into the desk and receive a monitor mix in my ears scenario but I wouldn’t mind a bit more control over hearing my own bass  rather than rely on the soundguy. I recently scored a cheap LD 1000 wireless on Ebay so I’m thinking about using the stereo capability to add a separate signal from my backline amp to the receiver in addition to the monitor mix I am receiving  and blend the two using the Focus mode If that makes sense. Assuming I’m not completely barking up the wrong tree here, how do I get a signal from my amp to the receiver? Can I use the line out or is there a way of splitting the DI signal?

I should really look into controlling my own mix with an iPad or something but I’m gonna have to learn a lot more before that becomes a reality methinks!

[jimmyb625]

1 hour ago, andyonbass said:

Been dipping my toe into the wired IEM waters with a Behringer P2 and KZ earphones for a few gigs now with pretty positive results. It’s the usual DI from my amp into the desk and receive a monitor mix in my ears scenario but I wouldn’t mind a bit more control over hearing my own bass  rather than rely on the soundguy. I recently scored a cheap LD 1000 wireless on Ebay so I’m thinking about using the stereo capability to add a separate signal from my backline amp to the receiver in addition to the monitor mix I am receiving  and blend the two using the Focus mode If that makes sense. Assuming I’m not completely barking up the wrong tree here, how do I get a signal from my amp to the receiver? Can I use the line out or is there a way of splitting the DI signal?

I should really look into controlling my own mix with an iPad or something but I’m gonna have to learn a lot more before that becomes a reality methinks!

You could split the DI out. I use a behringer 8 channel splitter, but there may ne single splitter units available. The line out should work as well. I think with the mei1000 you can adjust the L/R volume levels at the transmitter.

I did an ampless gig last night using the same KZ/Behringer combo as you and overall it worked pretty well, but I would have preferred control over my mix, as there were a couple of moments when I struggled to pick out what I needed.

[burno70]

Had impressions done today - there may be issues. Turns out I have unusually shallow ear canals with no second bend - my ear drum are a short distance passed the first bend. I can see this being an issue. I'm going to send the impressions on but If it turns out that in ears are not an option for me, are there any closed back headphones which could be an option. I don't care if I look like a Tw~t on stage. I look like one anyway

Edited May 20, 2022 by burno70

[EBS_freak]

2 hours ago, burno70 said:

Had impressions done today - there may be issues. Turns out I have unusually shallow ear canals with no second bend - my ear drum are a short distance passed the first bend. I can see this being an issue. I'm going to send the impressions on but If it turns out that in ears are not an option for me, are there any closed back headphones which could be an option. I don't care if I look like a Tw~t on stage. I look like one anyway

 

Trying to be positive, this will put you in the same camp as Paul Gilbert and you'll be able to get a better sound out of a set of closed back for way, way less money than CIEMs.

 

As for looks, Ive done it, nobody cares, especially if you can get the drummer to do the same.

 

You're best looking for a set of closed backs that are comfortable for you to wear for long periods of time... I like the DT770s - but whatever you get, make sure you get the 16/32Ohm or less as they'll typically need to be driven by wireless units or battery powered headphone amps.