Why I Use These Custom In Ear Monitors

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00:00 - 03:07 - My European Tour Diary
03:08 - 07:53 - In Ear Monitors
07:54 - 09:39 - Studio Use
09:40 - 12:19 - Harley Street
12:20 - 13:42 - Patreon of the Day

[@MarySpender]

Day 6! Look I know this is a lot of content - but just know I'm really enjoying every second of this challenge. I'm still 6/6 for guitar practice. I'm writing and producing and just so inspired by all your comments. Let's start 2021 off right. Mary x Want to watch "My European Tour Diary" and see these daily videos early? Get CuriosityStream AND Nebula for less than $12 per year (41% off!) curiositystream.com/MarySpender

[@jessicacosiguitar]

When these daily videos will finish, I know I'm going to miss them!

[@mltorrefranca]

5 for 6 here and might slack for a day or two due to some rewiring work. Swapping out a pickup didn't go as planned last night and need to do some cleanup work putting things back together.

[@terrytickler]

If I ever put on a festival again I would love to book you

[@markwathen7600]

You're blessed Mary 🙏

[@rasmusige]

I hope you know we really enjoy these videos!

[@my17rifle]

You would make a bomb doing Audible.

[@kennyFF033]

Such a lovely and dynamic voice!

[@TLMuse]

Speaking as someone who does some live sound engineering (well, not now), one big benefit of IEMs for audiences that's not emphasized enough is reducing/eliminating monitor wash. Monitor wedges aren't just sending sound to the performers. They emit some sound in all directions, and a big problem is reflection of monitor sound from surfaces behind the performers. Especially if a performer likes things loud in their monitor, this can drastically affect the FOH sound. It's not just a matter of affecting the balance in levels between the performers; the reflected sound is delayed, and reeks havoc with the *spectral* balance in a way that really can't be entirely tamed with EQ. Seasoned performers who are using wedges (by preference or necessity) know that their monitor mix impacts the FOH, and will compromise with their monitor volume. IEMs not only help keep the stage volume better managed for performers; they also eliminate monitor wash. This doesn't just make life easier for the engineer; it makes the sound better for the audience. -Tom

[@EarleMonroe]

I get that someone might prefer wedges because that's what they've grown used to. What are some reasons that they would be a necessity?

[@johnmcquay82]

Completely agree.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Love that Your European Tour Diary... so awesome!!

[@vincentbarulis2718]

A guitar legend entered da chat

[@carpeinferi]

IEMs are also great for working in a crowded open office environment if you're prone to being distracted or annoyed by all the background chatter/noise.

[@petermasalsky8844]

Completely support the theme of ear protection. Played drums for quite a few years while I was younger, and now I have tinnitus. Listen to her, folks.

[@JamieMPhoto]

I'm friends with a band that toured extensively through the 2000s, and when they got 1) in-ear monitors and 2) a proper sound engineer for live performances who knew how to use them, it was a total game changer for them live.

[@milaraspa]

I love your received pronunciation and I listen to and watch your videos not only to enjoy your art as a musician butI also to improve my english! Shout out to Mary from Italy...

[@Bouncyman8]

Loving the daily uploads, Mary!

[@floflows903]

6 days and I don't miss one bit, very cool format/project ! Keep it up Mary, we're with you

[@jaderene]

This video was so helpful!!!! Thank you so much Mary!❤

[@AcraniusCH]

I haven't grabbed my guitar this week / year yet, but I'm starting to feel the urge to go and play thanks to your videos!

[@andfarr2]

Great video Mary ! Lots of information and very professionally presented. Well done !

[@kushmannyc1495]

Ive been Practicing and pushing my skill level thanks to you I learned some easy songs . I'm a guitar noob at 55 lol I subscribed because I like your style keep up the great work wish you all the best!!!!!!

[@SquidPrince85]

I ordered my IEM's a few days ago. Looking forward to them arriving. I'm so glad you made this video. Personally I do have moderate hearing loss in my left ear from gigs and so on. You made it easy to make the buying decision with everything you put into the video. Thank you.

[@hannahnelsonmusic]

I've JUST started watching your videos and couldn't be happier. And you're local! It's so nice to watch someone who has similar interests :))

[@guitar8617]

Switched over to using Ultimate Ears custom IEM's too 5 years ago and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made as a performer and a musician. Hard to go back to floor wedges now and even have a pair for when I'm working on studio projects. Did their 3D digital scan here in the US and that was fun to do.

[@JesseJorgensen]

It’s great to hear about the history of ultimate ears. Fascinating!

[@taritamata943]

Thank you so much for helping me pick up my guitar everyday

[@cliffsharp1771]

This is really making me want to start a channel of my own. Thanks for keeping the practice schedule going! Day 6!

[@israelr6636]

Great video and advise. Thank you for this video, I needed it.

[@TheUnknownReject]

Great video, also wanted to add for any beginning musicians that can't afford in ears, you can buy ear plugs that let enough frequencies in to hear everything but keep enough out to protect your hearing.

[@nathonwhite]

Keep it up loving this and my playing is getting really goooooood x

[@iceeeuutannn]

Heyy Mary! Thanks for inspiring me in guitar❤️🎸

[@mikearisbrocken8507]

Damn, not only these are very good music vlogs, but also history lessons!

[@michaelkatz1539]

Thank you for this inside look. So informative. It now makes sense why on many of The Beatles’ live tracks, they sound out of tune. They couldn’t hear themselves, with all the screaming. And they didn’t even have speakers facing them, just their amps behind. It all makes sense. Thanks Mary!

[@GuitaristOnWheels]

I got some IEMs a couple of years ago and like you I use them all the time. For all my home recording and doing video editing etc as well. I gig as a solo act and got them to help me as I was finding (as you've said) the monitor wedges are so loud I was hurting myself. I do a lot of gigs where I'm there as "backing" for an event so it also allows me to zone out and concentrate fully on what I'm doing and in turn makes it better. I have a shotgun mic that I setup to allow "ambient" sound to come into my IEMs if I want it but I can also turn this down or off completely. I've recently joined a covers band and using them has also helped protect my ears more with rehearsals and with gigging (when we get there). Great video, keep making this awesome content.

[@shanehill5244]

Thanks Mary. I've always thought these were really for bigger gigs. I'd love to see how the desk end is set up.

[@EamonBJWyse]

Happy New Year!!! Hope you're doing well. Interesting comment about using the monitors for recording. Definitely sounds like a plan to me.

[@SquidPrince85]

Awesome and extremely informative. I’ve been thinking about these for awhile. You’ve helped me decide that I need these to improve my stage performance. Thank you. PS. Paul Davis introduced us by proxy by way of the looper pedal video challenge he made. Loved that video as well.

[@mcole158]

Loving the daily content and yes, I am 6/6 for daily guitar practice!

[@MaximSm777]

Mary, hello. Cool video, thanks for the good mood 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MegaUltimateHD]

I bought some ciems in the middle of the pandemic because of some discounts that were on and havent looked back. While I am a touring musician and they will be made their worth on the Road but in the mean time they have made their worth in the studio already

[@SixStringflyboy]

Totally agree, I can't stress enough the benefit of a good set of IEMs. It's definitely not something you want to go cheap on if you're serious about performing live.

[@jc3drums916]

I think it depends on your definition of cheap. Aside from a bit of missing high end with the single-driver IEMs, I don't think it matters that much, as long as it's from a reputable company (which are probably ~$100 for low-end, single-driver, universal fit IEMs). When you're on stage, you're going to be too busy to hear every tiny nuance. Turn up the highest frequencies in EQ and a good single-driver IEM will be fine. That said, something with at least 2 drivers will be better, but it's a big increase in cost. IMHO anything beyond 2 or maybe 3 drivers is overkill unless you're made of money and/or you won't be happy with anything but the best.

[@pichaichachuanram6201]

Enjoy listening to you speaking and singing 🎤🤩

[@UltimateEarsPro]

Love this video 🤘🤘

[@davedavem]

When you showed the IEMs, and the autofocus went from you, to the IEMs and to you again, I got severe camera envy!

[@darrenlivy]

I have been using Shure SE425 IEM with custom moulded ear tips from Snugs for around four years now. As a guitarist, they took a while to get used to, but I couldn't gig without them now.

[@teriscallon]

I was wondering about those, cool

[@jintaejoo]

Back in the 2011-2013, I had lots of gigs... we were punk band, and never used in-ear monitors. Because those gig were mostly small budget shows, and we had no chance for that fancy equipments lol. I felt how important hearing my sound correctly. I wonder if I were able to use in-ear monitor in the gigs... However I miss those days. Playing music surrounded by crowd makes me feel VERY ALIVE.

[@maclean525]

I have as set of custom molded earplugs with built-in radio that I use for racing. One tip is to get each ear a different color. Grabbing them in a rush, you always want to know which one is which. Especially important on a dark stage!

[@screasons]

Just an added bit of history. The guy who started ultimate ears was Jerry Harvey, the audio engineer from van Halen you referenced. He left UE a long time ago and founded JH Audio. He's still a leader in developing iem technology and makes amazing products.

[@screasons]

Love my custom iem's. Mine are just for audio enjoyment though. Noble Audio Katana customs. Absolutely love them. Really want the JH Audio Lola customs.

[@markwathen7600]

You're all good all the time. ❤️

[@sgommerable]

Well done.

[@hugglebear69]

I love the way you talk, and somehow something in the way you move your mouth..... It's really quite adorable!

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

Oh the memories this brings back. Back in March, we were in negotiations with TWO places to be their house band. That would be TWO PAYING GIGS every single week. For both places, we were waiting for their last Domino to fall over, and we would have had the job. And then the lockdown hit. That was nearly a year ago now, and we are STILL in lockdown. I would love for us to return to that point where we were at this time last year. I would love for us to be the house band for those two places, BUT if playing gigs is not possible to begin with, nothing past step one matters anymore. All we can do is wait, and hope places even WILL open again.

[@SypherLXVII-MySixStringJourney]

Probably the best video that I have seen on IEM's and why performers use them. Great video as always Mary and I'm loving your January series.

[@viviancardenas4565]

So professional

[@Dutcharmytent]

I look forward to all your new videos

[@jonathanchevallier7046]

I don't knew Julia Hofer was with you for your tour ! Awesome ;-)

[@alexjeronimooficial4436]

hey Mary , when you come to Brazil ?

[@ArturdeSousaRocha]

There was a period before iems were invented when, in the late 80s or early 90s, musicians became conscientious about their hearing and started using industrial-grade foam earplugs (the yellow ones, I heard they were nicknamed "lumberjacks", not sure if that one is true). They cut down the highs a bit too much though, if I remember. There were also, less common, gel or wax earplugs - I have in fact used these but only as an audience member (not a musician here). They were excellent, they brought the volume to normal listening level and the sound came through very clean and natural. Not sure how they would work on a stage though.

[@creativemantlemusic9305]

The IEM segment looked like a younger Mary... and I correct? Im loving these shows. The tidbits of insight and revelation are both interesting and intriguing.

[@captbuscemi]

Wait, is that Julia Hofer on bass?!! Two of my fav KZbinrs in one video!

[@davidwright4541]

Hi Mary, Just found your channel, and absolutely loving it. First upload I saw was the '36 Epiphone - what a gorgeous sound! It is so captivating. I couldn't believe it when I saw this upload, because for quite some time I have been wondering first about the ear pieces (nice to know what they are called now), and now I can ask a question it. Being a huge Beatles fan and a fan of other period bands, that didn't have the benefits of IEM's, how could they manage singing in tune and harmonising so well? Hope things improve so you an get back up on stage again soon. Regards from Oz, David

[@MatthieuBrucher]

Agreed. Have been using them for decades now, and cannot go back. Sound engineers move them as well because of no bleed.

[@rubyseach]

Was thinking about buying some last year, but then corona came. Perhaps I'll buy some this year if I can start gigging again soon

[@Bennetarr]

I'm all in for IEM's in any musical situation. Especially for playing guitar while singing. Don't have to worry about bad FOH sound distracting from your performance. Love your music Mary. All the best in the new year!

[@Housey29]

Even as an amateur monitoring is so important to be able to hear your voice as feedback for pitch. If was moving into live performances definitely in ears would be an option. So headphones is ok at the moment for recording and live streaming.

[@ableton_live_well]

Ultimate Ears are the best! 😉 I love mine.

[@DroidLocks6971]

I'm an IEM newb my 1st IEM was CCZ MELODY the I just received the cca c10

[@johnhayes8476]

I’m not a musician but I love iems! Thinking about getting a custom set.

[@anthonyberryman3443]

Checkout 64 Audio, Noble Audio, Jerry Harvey and Empire Ears, all have U.K. dealers, I have 64 Audio A18t just incredible IEM, the lady in the video did my impressions she is a fantastic Audiologist, good luck whatever you decide to get. Most have dealers in the U.K. and you can try their universal models first, hopefully when things get better. Also at Canjam London held in July you have lots of IEM companies there and get get discounts of up to 20%. Good luck whatever you decide to get.

[@ryanberen7992]

Go Ultimate Ears custom

[@__-bt1ei]

Not a musician either. KICKING myself for not getting my IEMs sooner. Game changer for editing video and sweetening audio. The most useful characteristic is for monitoring audio on set.. way easier to pick up hair or clothing scratching on a lav versus trying to pick that up over cans. Best way to describe what custom IEMs are like to wear.... Imagine needing glasses but never wearing them- then you get a proper pair of glasses and the world is in HD. custom IEMs are like that...now you can REALLY hear the details. It doesn't hurt that i'm 10 miles from the UE factory..... great service. IF i had to do it over, I think I'd go for molds instead of the scans. Those that have done molds instead of scans seem to have fewer fit issues. (one time fit tuning).

[@unknown200x4]

For a moment I thought you were talking to me... I found your video because I’m trying to find a good company to go with for my IEM. You saying my full name almost confirms it haha

[@PeterLiebetrau]

Awwww .. you have been in Cologne and i missed it. Do you remember what club it was? Maybe you enjoyed catering of my friend Christine? :-) Thank your your daily vids, Mary. Always teaching something new, always entertaining.

[@davedavem]

The bassist from Thomman! She's awesome!

[@TehNish]

I constantly grapple with the idea of getting custom in-ears vs. higher end universal fit canalphones. Getting custom earplugs as a start was a great option for me to really get a feel for it.

[@RpaRalte]

Hi! Mary you are my new favourite! And i would like to know your video gear set up and how you shoot your videos? Thank you❤️❤️

[@joshuajouet]

I like the way you say “curiosity stream” - great video too, I love the immersion of an onstage sound but hate how often I used to find there was no wedge for me (guitarist in a ten piece Northern Soul band). Do you manage to get a crowd feed in your IEMs? If not do you feel a little detached? I’d still like some though.

[@misternevercot8706]

Wow, I know that Bassplayer. Nina from Austria? I would definetly come if you go on tour to Germany again.

[@vincechook]

Awesome video, a quick question, for guitarist how many drivers in the IEM that you think is sufficient? Thanks

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

Kudos on the billy idol look @ 8:38

[@robert_starling]

Hi Mary! What is your at home IEM setup / signal flow? Wireless? Are you still using regular monitors in the same room at the same time? How are you mixing your monitor mix? Thanks!

[@PatrickCapone]

Even after a long and extensive sound check, with quality gear and a pro crew, the moment you walk out on stage and the band is pumped up, the floor wedges can quickly disappear. I found using a combination of in-ears (gtr and vocals) and floor wedges to be the best result and the reason is this, without a true stereo in-ear mix, the instrument separation was poor and uninspiring. It took a couple of sound checks with some pro guys for me to learn this. So my advice, if you can bring your own monitor mix with you, in stereo, then using both in-ears works very very well. Most live gigs will NOT give you a true stereo monitor mix. Which is why i use one in-ear and leave one ear open for the stage sound. I prefer the stereo in-ear. so, we now have acquired a presonus rack mixer to supply our own stereo monitor mix and a snake splitter to run stage mics to the house. Something to look into.. headphones, and in-ears, still bang your ear drum and can and will cause hearing loss. The chance of you loosing your hearing is increased by 77%. This can be prevented by using the Ambrose Diaphonic Ear Lens, which is basically a second ear drum. This is what saved Brian Johnson's touring career. Rock On!

[@evilClive21]

Julia Hofer? I love the bass videos she does for Thomann!

[@coreyfranklinmurphymusic]

I own 2 pair of Ultimate Ears. Really like them. Do you like the ambient feature? Do you lose a lot of low-end?

[@dirkdeboer6569]

I love my custom ones too. Used many times for multiple long hours and cant tell im even wearing them

[@wallacenock7423]

Mary is there any model of the in ears that you recommend as I’m really wanting to get some made. Their range is very large

[@clench13]

10 mins of the “bumblebee” exercise 16th notes... 70, 80 and 90 bpm

[@jameswarner5809]

I'm not a performer, but I invested in a custom set of in-ear filters as I am a regular gig-goer, and I'm sure they have saved my hearing. They aren't cheap, but they are an investment in your future health.

[@FalconePhil]

Best wishes in 2021

[@sheedo1]

Hi Mary, i would love to start using these, but how are they set up, eg in terms of the wireless or wired unit to the mixer, also is it possible for just some members of a band to use them or does everyone have to have them?

[@TylerWaltonMusic]

Big agree with the headphones comment. I got big ears that stick out and wearing cans for 5-6 hours straight makes them super sore and fatigued feeling

[@ruscular]

I'm hard of hearing and require hearing aids, however my hearing aids protect me from hearing too much noise, and I have been able to maintain my level of hearing loss for over 40 years with no deterioration that is common for people aging. All my siblings is suffering from hearing loss from playing music too loud. I been a bouncer and bartender for over 20 years and yet my hearing aid doing its job of compression of the loud noise. If you take care of the ear piece it can last at least 6-10 years of constant use. The ear mold however will need to be change at least once per year. Maybe more if your still growing. This is a response to those misinform that ear piece can damage ears. Setting the volume too high can damage your ears. This year is the first year that my hearing aid has bluetooth sound. Very excited about that!

[@stu-j]

Been using iem for years but would love some molded ones even tho my SE535s are stunningly comfortable id love custom ones. I use them all the time for 99% of my listening experience and music sounds stunning throughout them.

[@TheOneMoreSongCast]

Hi there. I have the SE535s. Did you end up getting customs?

[@stu-j]

@The One More Song Cast no I'm still using my se535s and as soon as they decide not to work anymore I'm getting molded customs for sure.

[@nishantpawa949]

Can someone please tell me the name of Mary's song that was playing during the first segment, I love it 😔

[@AlexandriteVoice]

Oh, yes, I remember my first gig on stage without iems, it was horrible😂 Now I've been using them for years even during rehearsals (our drummer is too loud😅)

[@LostStylus]

Which non-custom IEM can you recommend for playing guitar at home?

[@troglodyte01]

"Earphones can still damage your hearing..." That train left the station years ago.

[@xxnonstopdancingxx]

Pardon?

[@garyhalliday2140]

Headphone story: a drummer I know was signalling the sound man to turn up his headphone volume, nope, turn it up more, more. The soundman then noticed it was muted. He kicked it off mute with the volume cranked. Hearing damage for that drummer. (neither of those people was me)

[@johnmcquay82]

@@garyhalliday2140 Ouch!

[@gideonwolf7332]

what do you plug them into to get the sound of your voice to loop back into the phones?

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Luv Your Distinguished Accent . 🎠🎼🇨🇦🌹☮️✨🇺🇸

[@uzer_zero]

UE's new (?) FITS also look very fascinating. Sure wish we'd had these back when I was gigging. Spent several years on stage always somehow standing in front of the drummer's crash cymbals (this is long before plexi panels became a thing). Started getting what is now pretty raging tinnitus decades later. Can't know if the two are related, but I suspect they are. Protect your ear drums! You only get one pair, for life. Also - question: do you get latency on stage hooking these up to a wireless monitor system?

[@roywall8169]

I am willing and ready for live music right now. Open things back up already. 🤘🏻❤️

[@dessiplaer]

Do you employ any kind of limiting with your ini-ear monitoring system to protect your ears from excessive levels of sound? I enjoy your daily videos.

[@sir-gamesalot]

How long do you wear your IEMs a day? How often do you clean them? Have you ever had an ear infection/inflammation? My ears don't seem to like in ear headphones. I'm wondering if you had similar issues.

[@jc3drums916]

Custom earmolds are great when they're new. Unless there's been some recent advancement in the earmold material that I'm not aware of, they'll harden and stop fitting quite so nicely in a couple years, especially when you're singing - moving your jaw alters the shape of your ear canal, and the custom earmolds will no longer have the malleability to conform, which also compromises their ability to attenuate outside noise. I used customs for years and "downgraded" to universal fit for that reason. I was finally vindicated when Dave Weckl said the same thing last month in one of his Saturday group hang/lesson live streams. I haven't tried silicone tips yet, but the long foam tips work great for attenuating outside noise. The short ones you showed in this video aren't so good.

[@WadaPhaq]

The earlier ones are not so good as the Marietta will degrade as the time pass on. Almost all ciem in market right now use new resin mixtures that would not change at all as the time passes. I have 2 different custom made IEMs and I have them for more than 5 years, nothing changed. Soft silicon on the other hand such as Spiral Ears and ACS the ear mod will degrade significantly each year and would require remold every two year or so

[@fredw2016]

Thanks, great video. Just some thoughts, I have used in ear monitors for years, and have mixed feelings about them. Firstly, they have all the advantages that you mention. In addition, some mixer systems allow you to adjust your own mix in an app on your phone, which is really handy. However I do think there are downsides with IEM. Firstly, for me it feels like I'm in a studio and I feel I lose the contact with the audience. There are also still risks to hearing, as the sound will go straight into your ears, and my experience is that sometimes mistakes from sound engineers have caused really loud high pitched sounds come through. I guess you still need to be very mindful of volume levels, make sure your ears get rest and perhaps a limiter can help to stop sudden high volume sounds.

[@EarleMonroe]

I've been wanting to get some IEM's, and UE is definitely top notch. Btw, what is the guitar at 2:19?

[@stylianoscourtney6427]

I just wanna say Mary is absolutely gorgeous and one of the best musicians and you tubers out there

[@chasingfocus]

Hi, the link to Ultimate Ears in the description is broken. It is missing the 'L' in Ultimate.