In-Ear Monitors

ffmedic42 · Not So Newbie Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 9

Hey all!
I was wondering, for those of you who use them, what in-ear monitor systems do you use and/or recommend? I have a 4-piece band and we are looking into this option. Also, how does the in-ear monitor system (wireless) fit into the overall sound system of a club that has a sound system already? Thanks in advance for the help!

stewbacca · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 11:30 am Post subject:

I use Shure Ec3's. They aren't wireless so I can't comment on that.

Likes: super comfortable, excellent volume and sound quality
dislikes: pop out of your ears when you sweat a lot (tape fixes that), not-wireless, easy to misplace Smile

Also, not a dislike or a like, but they form a sound barrier, making it hard to hear yourself, or judge your dynamics. I run one overhead mic on one of my channels just to hear myself. But the sound barrier helps with the sound pressure levels. My ears no longer ring or hurt after a show, because the volume levels are really low in your ears.

Getting the right mix with your own dynamics is very tricky, however. I would not suggest jumping from a floor monitor right to in-ear without a bit of practice first.

stew
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Radialprofan · Grizzly Bear Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 728

Good advice from stew. I too use the IEMs and love mine! I won't go back to wedges! Like stew said, they reduce the SPLs slamming your ears every night at a show and can help save your hearing. I use the Sennheiser M300 G1 (the older version). I haven't had a problem with them popping out as stew alluded to. The actual in ear pieces are made by Future Sonics and can be purchased for about $100. Frequency response is 20 to 20 bro! Yes you can hear the kick in these little jewels. They sound great. The entire rig that I have was about $700. But I wanted wireless. The new G2s have more features than my older rig and worth looking in to. I also agree with stew in that they do take a little getting use to. My bass player bought the new models similar to mine, and he's having trouble getting a feel for them. He's said (after trying them once) he may sell his rig. I've talked him in to trying them a little more first. I personally got use to mine pretty quick. I sing in my band and I could for the first time actually hear my voice clearly while playing! Another thing I would ad is; when you're dealing with your hearing, don't skimp. Get the best you can afford. Wink

Here's a couple of links for you to look at. Just a suggestion! Cool

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=G2-19
Here's a link to a review I found about the ear buds I have http://www.powerbookcentral.com/columns/kravitz/fsears.shtml
Here's the link to Future Sonics website. http://futuresonics.umsebiz.com/store/index.php3?cat=132475&item=370255

swervedrummer · Newbie Alert Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 3

I use IEM and so do my Bass player and rythm guitarist. They are well worth spending the money on. Firstly, as a drummer they have the great advantage of protecting your hearing. I have a small rolls personal monitor amp with a through chanel for my vocal mic, a monitor input from the main desk and an in ear output. I can adjust the feed from the main desk, setting the levels of the other vocalists and adjust my own vocal level independantly with the mic through chanel. I use Shure E1's although I believe the E3's are better, and also the E1's are no longer available. If you really want to go mad get the E5's but they retail at about $500. One important consideration is the ear fittings. Most come with a few sets of plastic and foam moulds, but you can get a custom fitted set of moulds which will be the perfect fit. I use the foam moulds because they give maximum sound isolation and I do tend to whack the hell out of my kit. The other guys in my band use Shure PSM 400's with E3's (wireless systems). Not quite as good a sound as the wired system but still a very good IEM. My wired system/E1's cost me about $200 and the Shure PSM 400 will cost you about $900. Either way well worth the money. As for hearing my own kit? I don't need to! I know it sounds good out front and I hear and feel enough from where I'm sitting! I tried a Nady PEM 500 once, but didn't like it cause of too much background hiss. Good luck

DrumThumpa · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 1:38 pm Post subject:

AHHHHHH!!!!! Shocked

What do these things do???? I've been trying to figure it out and all can gather is that they go in your ears so you can hear the rest of the band...
Can someone tell me what you plug it into, what other equipment you need for it to work, etc?
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stewbacca · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 6:35 pm Post subject: