Are Expensive In-Ear Monitors Worth It?

[@jaden_shah]

Using IEMs as a production tool is sooooooo underrated. I currently use campfire audio iems for work, it’s incredible! And as a bonus, music from any source sounds incredible now! And yes, you get what you pay for, but there’s real good stuff at each price point. :)

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

100%

[@lune_aquiline]

I think the conclusion of this video is spot on--knowing what you want is key to getting something you like. As someone who's gone through a few pairs at this point, I feel like I've finally figured out what I want out of in ears. Currently running a 4 driver set of customs that I paid a bit under $900 for. They're "reference monitors" and are incredibly transparent and clear. I swear by them as someone who primarily records and mixes, but performs sometimes. I especially appreciate them for vocal tracking as an engineer, since the space I primarily work out of is only one room and I monitor on headphones. They're also a good check for low end in mixes, and though I could use them for the entire mix I just prefer mixing on monitors. Having said that, there is a downside to a super honest monitor that I've found while performing. In the absence of a dedicated monitor engineer who knows what each performer wants, the mix can sound flat, boring, and uninspiring. To me, that's a reasonable trade-off, since I'd rather hear everything clearly than be able to groove to the low end, but it's something worth considering, especially for vocalists. I can't really speak to the universal fit vs. customs debate, except for saying that I personally prefer the isolation and comfort of customs. However, I have small ear canals (bad for universals) and got good impressions, so my opinion is biased. In my opinion, $1500 for universal fit is a really hard sell. Even $1100 is pushing it for me, but I get it. Great video all together. I really appreciate what you do here.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

I want to try customs again and really try to make sure I work with someone to get stellar impressions.

[@dylanjastle]

Where did you get your customs? I would consider customs at that price

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

I think it had more to do with my audiologist rather than the on ear company because it happened twice…

[@lune_aquiline]

@@RecordingStudioLoser You could also look at an alternate construction material to see if the fit is better. I know a company called ACS does monitors made of silicon that are a bit softer than the hard acrylic. And @dylanjastle I got mine from Alclair Audio. Really solid experience with them all around.

[@timjorden8329]

Your product reviews are excellent

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Thanks man

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

I’ve been using in ears since the Shure E2s. I’ve been on the opposite side of your experience. My ears are small and I hate the shure 215s with a passion. In 2009 I ordered a set of JH Audio JH5s. Absolute perfection. My last set of ears were JH Audio JH13pro v2 prototypes they worked wonderfully since 2014 Now I’m back in the market for new ears, Westone, 64 ears has my eyes. Sensaphonics has me curious but I’m not so sure about their customer service.

[@KowProdMedia]

I like this video because I've just been rocking Shure SE215s for the last 15ish years and they work just fine, but they're not *that* comfy, but not uncomfy enough to warrant spending hundreds of extra doll hairs. I wish there was a way to try stuff out before spending such an exorbitant amount of money and being a drummer I'm already spending that on drumsticks these days 😬 This makes me interested in upgrading to something a little more substantial.

[@henryhuynh2099]

I use those too and feel the exact same. I think vintage king and sweetwater would let you audition some and send back the losers.

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

Yes, 100%. Ultimate ears ue 18’s etc can’t be replicated with a $500 set

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Absolutely. Also, knowing that product isn’t for everyone is also part of the discussion.

[@satch72]

I feel like I'm doing something wrong because I can't keep them in my ears

[@antcall6779]

I got 64's AT6's and it's the best thing I've ever bought gear wise. They're amazing for playing drums and surprisingly great for tracking and mixing 🤘

[@benzakonium]

Check out the KZ ZS10 S Pro - Phenominally good for an insanely low price. If you're on a budget and you're not a pro touring musician these are a great option

[@YannickROGER]

They sent for about 5K of goods and forgot about it… they must make some decent margins.

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

Once you add a quality wireless or wired unit and the rack mount eq, you should expect to have $5k invested in your monitors per person.

[@dylanjastle]

Would you consider a rack mount EQ per person a necessity? $5k can get you a respectable stereo monitoring rig for a four piece band. Easy if you stick with wired instead of wireless

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

@@dylanjastle no, but most of my shows start with my MacBook running logic that triggers all midi changes, click track, etc. presonus16r, rsa 3 way splitters, and on and on.