Author Topic: Your recommended InEar Plugs ? (Read 250 times)

thebass · « **on:** April 18, 2006, 07:36:41 AM »

Well, it's not exactly an Alembic theme but because the intended use will be for my Alembic and you Alembicans are all sound funatics combining a lot of experience I guess this is the right platform.

On stage I don't use a bassamp any more and are only playing InEar via a Sennheiser Evolution EW-300 G2 in combination with the Sennheiser e3 InEar plugs. The system works fine and eliminates all monitor hassle you all know too well. The only improvement I am looking for is somewhat more bass response on the earplugs. Which brand/model of InEar plugs do you recommend ?

olieoliver · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2006, 07:42:17 AM »

This is a good question. I too use an in ear montitor for everything except my bass. I would love to be able to do away with my rig on stage but just can't find a good ear monitor that is not HUGE and still has a good bottom end.

mattheus · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2006, 02:34:49 PM »

I've used In Ear Monitors since a long time now. I've tried many brands and also some custom moulds but I've never found IEM plugs that had the right bass feel. It's very difficult to create a real bassy feel.
Nowadays I still use the IEM in combination with a small combo. The IEM for the clarity and definition, the combo for that bassy feel.

thebass · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2006, 04:21:33 PM »

When I plug in my beyerdynamic DT911 headphones instead of the Sennheiser e3 the bass response is much fatter and very close to what I am looking for. My hope is to get a little closer to that with another InEar plug, may be with a 2-way system ?

zuperdog · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2006, 04:37:28 PM »

If you haven't tried the Shure E5, check 'em out. They're quite good. I'm not sure you'll ever be able to get that true bass feeling from an in-ear, but these are the best I've used.

Cheers!

thebass · « **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2006, 04:00:54 AM »

Thanks, Robert. I had the E5 in mind and they rank high on my list. Are there any other comparable InEar plugs from another manufacturer available ?

flaxattack · « **Reply #6 on:** April 19, 2006, 06:32:04 AM »

ive used the etymotics and liked the bass response very much
sinc ei dont have the earmolds made up
i found that the filters get too much ear wax on them no matter what i did and replacing the filter was and is a bitch...not to mention expensive...
for studio work i went back to cans and the new akg 701's are the bomb!- but not cheap at 275$

mattheus · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2006, 06:44:18 AM »

I've tried several InEar plugs but none of them could produce what I wanted. Not even the very expensive ones with dual chamber bass port turbo channel build in...
I've started to use Sony InEar plugs (the cheap ones!) when one of the custom build was broke again... Ever since I use the Sony plugs with turbo bass and I use a little combo for some additional bassfeel onstage! To me this works perfect. The Sony InEar plugs costs about 25 - 30 Euro's and every half year I treat myself with a shiny new pair.

flaxattack · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2006, 06:59:09 AM »

try
www.headphone.com

thebass · « **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2006, 01:28:38 PM »

Thanks for the great link, Jeff. A lot of new product infos for me !

@Mattheus: I still use my Quantum QC415 for rehearsal and smaller venues. On larger stages the PA normally generates enough vibrations trough the wooden stage floor for a kind of sensual bass feeling. There're several reasons why I want to avoid using a bass amp on stage. First I want the same stage sound when I am moving around on stage. Second is that I want a good monitor sound at moderate or low volume which is only possible with noise cancelling InEar plugs. Third I was tired of all those boring debates with sound guys or singers about my stage volume. And last but not least: why was I schlepping around my all my heavy and expensive stuff just to reduce my stage volume to almost zero and monitor myself by crappy wedges ? Since I am using my InEars I carry my complete equipment including my bass (!) with two hands, my sound check is finished in 5 minutes (with excellent sound !) at no hassle at all. After the gig I am off stage in 15 minutes and having a drink with the girls at the bar while the 6string gods are still lugging around their 4*12 Marshalls.

gare · « **Reply #10 on:** April 19, 2006, 03:02:14 PM »

Are the girls buying ?

thebass · « **Reply #11 on:** April 20, 2006, 12:51:00 AM »

... well, depends on the show, the presence/absense of their mates and what they're after ...

thebass · « **Reply #12 on:** April 20, 2006, 01:10:46 AM »

Does someone use the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5-Pro ?

george_wright · « **Reply #13 on:** April 20, 2006, 02:29:57 PM »

I tried various earplug options, but I generally ended up forgetting them. Now I just go to the bar, grab a cocktail napkin, tear off a strip of practiced length, and roll my own. Your mileage may vary, of course, but remember I'm still playing one sax in a section of four. (Still learning to read that pesky bass clef!) We're all miked through a sound board, so sonic integrity isn't as important to me as attenuation---especially since I sit in front of four trumpets.