In Ear Monitors recommendations please?

[Mick C]

I’ve been using Westone UM2 dual driver IEMs for the last 20 years or so live on stage, but last night one of the earpieces snapped.

So I now need a new pair but I’m out of touch with what’s out there.
And the price increases with the number of drivers built in, but how many drivers is beneficial? 20 years ago the difference in audio quality between single and dual drivers was significant, but how significant is say 3 or even 4 drivers over 2? There must be a law of diminishing returns?

So any guidance on from those of you that actually use IEMs would be greatly appreciated, with respect to the driver question, recommended brands and models and quality of the audio they reproduce, reliability, ease of fit etc.

If it helps, it’s for a 4 piece band of drums, bass, two guitars (could be both electric, both acoustic or a mixture of each) and three vocals. Everything goes through the desk, and the bass and acoustics are totally DI’d (no amp on stage). The rest are mic’d up, including 6 mics on the drums (incl an overhead pair)

[alexis]

I've got a pair of Mackie's, work fine for the very little I ask of them.

But here is some info if you're wanting something more upmarket (and some less upmarket also, iirc!):

https://www.soundonsound.com/monitors-m ... r-monitors

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/au ... iem-series

[Watchmaker]

I've got a pair of Shure Se215's I've used for probably 12 years or so. They're fine for me. Single driver. Playing live I don't demand high fidelity since I'm performing, not "listening" to the sonics as much as cues. I like the isolation they give though the ear foam can slip out of my ear a bit if I'm belting it out. The price is right.

[Mick C]

L

But here is some info if you're wanting something more upmarket (and some less upmarket also, iirc!):

https://www.soundonsound.com/monitors-m ... r-monitors

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/au ... iem-series

Completely Forgot about the SOS reviews part of this site…
Thanks for the tip. I’m researching through them

[AlecSp]

If you're happy with the limitations of generic fit IEMs over custom fit IEMs, it's hard to go wrong with KZ ZS Pros. Currently only £22 & VAT from Aliexpress:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32999600612.html

I've used these for a couple of years. Keep meaning to get round to getting custom fit IEMs, but the cost is an order of magnitude greater, albeit that custom fit makes all the difference. Very happy playing bass using these, albeit that, with my fussy ears, the generic fit is always a slight compromise.

[Aled Hughes]

I’ve been very happy with my Audio-Technica ATH-E70, bought on the strength of an SOS review:

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/au ... iem-series

I also got custom moulds done for them by www.snugs.com which are also good, but the moulds have recently started slipping easily off the earpiece. Not a problem when in use, but there is a risk of losing them! The IEMs were also very good with generic foam tips as well- though there seemed to be a bit more treble with the provided silicon tips.

[shufflebeat]

If you're happy with the limitations of generic fit IEMs over custom fit IEMs, it's hard to go wrong with KZ ZS Pros. Currently only £22 & VAT from Aliexpress:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32999600612.html

I've used these for a couple of years. Keep meaning to get round to getting custom fit IEMs, but the cost is an order of magnitude greater, albeit that custom fit makes all the difference. Very happy playing bass using these, albeit that, with my fussy ears, the generic fit is always a slight compromise.

These sound really good and are well made but I found out, by buying them, that I have Deep Ears, i.e. the main body of the earpiece needs to be quite narrow and long, like the se215 or, possibly, the Audio Technica pair at first sight. The flat body of the KZs didn’t allow the foam top to get inside my ear deep enough to make a good seal, or even hold on and stay in. This is despite using the longer length Comply foam tips.

Otherwise really good and I’ve seen many other players using them.

[Aled Hughes]

I’ve been very happy with my Audio-Technica ATH-E70, bought on the strength of an SOS review:

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/au ... iem-series

I also got custom moulds done for them by www.snugs.com which are also good, but the moulds have recently started slipping easily off the earpiece. Not a problem when in use, but there is a risk of losing them! The IEMs were also very good with generic foam tips as well- though there seemed to be a bit more treble with the provided silicon tips.

I forgot to add- before the E70 I had the cheaper E40 (with generic tips). They were also very good, but a fair bit bulkier and didn’t sound quite as good as is to be expected. Playing and listening to music bass is a nicer experience in the E70, but the E40 are still good value.

[S2]

I'm very new to IEMs as we've just gone for 'silent stage' and I was recommended a pair of Shure SE215 as being reasonable vfm and sound.So far I've been happy with them though there is a learning curve with getting them placed correctly in the ear with the cable positioned snugly over the top of the ear.

[ef37a]

This thread has popped up at an opportune time I think.
Son has informed me today that the band he is in has bought a Behringer Xenyx 2442USB mixer which has a number of AUX and SUB outs so I bet their drummer will be hankering for in ears before long.
Some here might remember me asking about the Behrry XR16 which was being considered originally...seems a bit of a change of thought but I know nothing!

Dave.

[Drew Stephenson]

Good option I reckon. Lots of flexibility but still pretty easy to find your way around.