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IEM for Bass Players
- Thread starter pshep68
- Start date
Molded custom earbuds is the next logical step. If you simply can't swallow that kind of budget, get some Comply brand tips for whatever you are currently using. I have found that better seal is as important as better drivers (to an extent).
I disagree, molded IEM can be very exp. Try a few other affordable brands to see if your ears are comfortable with off the shelf units. I did, then do some searching here for the "KZ" brand of ear buds here on TB (available from Amazon). They cost around $50. The come with multiple size and types of tips. If they fit try them for awhile. i have a pair now as a back up for my Westone UM20's. If you can't make off the shelf buds work then yes you need to go the custom route.
They have different sizes. I use large, but I know you can get a "variety pack" that has 1 set of all 3 sizes. They work pretty well for me using the kz AS10, but I find the tips themselves wear out quickly. I use them daily though.
Here's a link to the variety pack. They apparently fit quite a few "chi-fi" iems, including the kz AS10 that I mentioned.
COMPLY Comfort T-500 Memory Foam Replacement Earbud Tips for KZ ZS10, ZST, ZSN, ZSX, ZS5, Moondrop Starfield, 64 Audio U-Series, CCA C12, FIIO FH7, F9 Earphones, and More (Assorted, 3 Pairs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DY92UA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_S0S52ZC64R1WCM3CXH85
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Yes! Get a variety pack to test drive the different sizes. If the ones you get are slightly too stiff then order the proper size in a softer version.
They wont fit a shure earbud because of the inside diameter, the chi-fi earphones have a larger "tube". The Shure ones are thinner
s0c9
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The SE215's are single driver. UGH!
No need to upgrade to expensive customs if universal fit work for you.
I recommend at LEAST triple (low, med, hi) drivers for bass players.. so you can boost LF signal without everything distorting!
Distortion leads to ear fatigue so you turn up to hear better, which leads to more distortion which makes you turn up more... vicious cycle, especially with single-driver mono mixes.
Try out the KZ ZS5, ZS5 or AS10's (<$60 on Amazon) before spending $$$ on customs - tho I do LOVE my 64Audio A8's!
Also remember that:
- A stereo feed to your IEM's will all for better separation and sonic space (ability to pan) of your mix. Sure, MONO mixes are OK, but everything is "in the middle".
- You need to put in your IEM mix what you need to hear to do your job on bass. One is NOT listening to a CD mix.. altho' they're nice if you can get them!
Not sure if this is still valid or not, but ear plugs/ hearing protection used to be a Flexible Spending Account eligible expense with documentation. Several years ago I had money that was going to expire at the end of the tax year so I had my primary care physician write me a note for hearing protection as a musician, I then went to a hearing aid place for molds and purchased the IEM's through them. Then I submitted all my documentation and it was covered through the FSA. It allowed me to get a very nice set of Westones.
Might not be an option for everyone, but around this time of year it's something to consider if you use an FSA, have remaining money that you don't need for other expenses, and can validate it's still an eligible expense.
Might not be an option for everyone, but around this time of year it's something to consider if you use an FSA, have remaining money that you don't need for other expenses, and can validate it's still an eligible expense.
Hmm. I just bought Shure SE245's. They came with all sorts of tips, made from different materials (foam, rubber).
I was actually looking for Westone AM Pro 30's but they were back-ordered everywhere so decided on the SE 245's as at least my local brick-and-mortar store had them in stock and needed some for a new band I just started working in.
So far I really like 'em but can't say I have a lot of comparison material. The whole band swears by IEM's. We can all make our own mix and noise levels overall are much lower (standing next to drums) than all using our own amp / cabs. So far, I'm loving the IEM thing.
Regards
Mark
I was actually looking for Westone AM Pro 30's but they were back-ordered everywhere so decided on the SE 245's as at least my local brick-and-mortar store had them in stock and needed some for a new band I just started working in.
So far I really like 'em but can't say I have a lot of comparison material. The whole band swears by IEM's. We can all make our own mix and noise levels overall are much lower (standing next to drums) than all using our own amp / cabs. So far, I'm loving the IEM thing.
Regards
Mark
I used Shure 215's for around six years before going the custom route. For the money the Shure 215's are reliable and okay, but once you start going with multiple drivers and a custom fitting it's very difficult to go back. I'm admittedly a bit biased as I'm a big fan of my Vibe9 Q4HD's and would recommend those, but take some time to research a bunch of different companies to see what each has to offer and how you like working with the people at them. The biggest benefit I've found is going custom is working with a company to build relationships with the people there who can advise you on the best products to fit your needs and budget.
I haven't tried the "KZ" brand that a lot of people like, but for only $50 or so it may be worth getting a pair to try them out onstage (and if you don't like them, you're only out $50 if you can't sell them to a friend). If nothing else they'll be another pair of backup IEMs should you need them.
I haven't tried the "KZ" brand that a lot of people like, but for only $50 or so it may be worth getting a pair to try them out onstage (and if you don't like them, you're only out $50 if you can't sell them to a friend). If nothing else they'll be another pair of backup IEMs should you need them.
s0c9
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YIKES... I hope you love them! And that's for 4-drivers with only 2 audio ports. And I thought 64Audio's were kinda pricey!! I got my A8's on artist discount, when doing 90+ gigs a year and they have 8 drivers and 4 ports!
I would be hard-pushed to upgrade to a set of new N8's given their [current] price and the much fewer gigs I'm doing now (thanks C19!)
I use a set of the KZ brand IEM's at church. I forget which model exactly but they were around $50 a few years ago. I think they are a 4 driver model.
They aren't the last word in detail or resolution but they are certainly good enough for my needs. If they ever break I'll probably just get the same thing.
EDIT: I have the KZ ZS10 Pro
They aren't the last word in detail or resolution but they are certainly good enough for my needs. If they ever break I'll probably just get the same thing.
EDIT: I have the KZ ZS10 Pro
I can't recommend this enough. I got custom molded ones a few years ago from Eartech and they're fantastic. I got the three driver ones for about $450. They were recommended for my situation, in that they are more an uncolored flat response type as you'd hear on studio monitors. For those that say they're too expensive, I'd ask why do you spend lots of money on basses, cabs, effects, etc., and want to go cheap on IEMs?
I tried several of the generics - none fit my ears. Went with low-cost custom Alclair XB dual driver set. Getting them to fit took a couple of back & forth tries with Alclair but now they fit and work well.
The sound is the best I've had. Better than an amp and floor wedges. Audio quality of the Alclairs is good at best, but in a live setting the just simply work well. I get enough clarity to hear what I need and the sound is good enough that I even like my bass tone through them.
Best of all they are consistent. Pop 'em in and you're done. Same sound all the time. They don't get loose if I talk or turn my head.
Lead singer / AG used the KZ models for a couple of yrs. He just picked up some Alclairs as well. He says the difference is huge and there is no way he's going back.
Are they expensive? I don't know. After investing over $4000 is basses and amps, another $250 (I got a deal) for IEMs didn't seem so bad.
The sound is the best I've had. Better than an amp and floor wedges. Audio quality of the Alclairs is good at best, but in a live setting the just simply work well. I get enough clarity to hear what I need and the sound is good enough that I even like my bass tone through them.
Best of all they are consistent. Pop 'em in and you're done. Same sound all the time. They don't get loose if I talk or turn my head.
Lead singer / AG used the KZ models for a couple of yrs. He just picked up some Alclairs as well. He says the difference is huge and there is no way he's going back.
Are they expensive? I don't know. After investing over $4000 is basses and amps, another $250 (I got a deal) for IEMs didn't seem so bad.
I have the KZ ZS10
50 bucks Amazon
They work great
50 bucks Amazon
They work great
‘IMO, the best suggestion I can give you for using IEMs is make sure you have a good seal. No seal? No bass.
Molded ear pieces are better than foam.
I use a Shure 215SEs for IEM systems. For the price, is a pretty good option for bass. I tried some multi driver buds, but all HIFi from the higher frequency drivers detracted from the quality of the bass, meaning they were somewhat top heavy sound wise.
Yes, the seal is the key, which is why I recommend the custom molded ones, which is the best seal you'll ever get IMO.
I’ve owned two sets of 215’s the first set was awful for bass response, my current set sounds pretty good for bass response. 425’s were one of the worst “upgrades” I ever made. I will eventually get around to some good molded iems.