IEM care tips

[shaketheplanetDP]

Hi guys,

I've always had problems with IEMs since the start, the most common problem being the cable problem where one side of the earpiece (why is it always one side!! at least both then I will not feel so aggrieved ) loses it's sound. Then I will have to go and purchase a new one again. Currently, I am using a Westone UM1 and I hope that it will last me long enough for my wallet to recover.

Care to share any IEM care tips that will enhance the longevity of your IEMs? And if there are any pertaining specifically to the UM1s, that'll be great too!

Thanks!

 

[grarrgrarr]

Same thing happened to my Shure SE210s. After that I quit using expensive IEMs as using good EQ on certain dirt cheap IEMs can sound pretty close as well.

I find the most wear happens when you put the mp3 player, together with the cable in your pocket while using it on the go, and storing everything in your pocket. The wires fold and bend at pretty sharp angles if you do that, and over time if you do it again and again you will get an internal break which will result in 1 side losing its sound.

You can prolong the life of the cable if you store your IEM properly in a semi-hard pouch (my Shures came with one), taking care not to "fold" the wire while packing it. This is very tedious though, if you use your phones on a daily basis.

If your IEM is expensive enough you might to consider getting someone to do a re-cable for you.

Hope this helps.

 

[ThisIsTheEnd]

This. Does anyone know the correct method to wrap them? without damaging the wires inside

 

[alvinthedrummer]

Often the cases that come with the IEMs are too small. The stock UE cases are great and hardy, except for it's size. Get a bigger case and have a bigger "coil" up. I usually coil up using all my 4 fingers as the gauge for diameter. My first IEM lasted 6 years with no problems, my second is still perfect after 3 years.

What IEMs are you using now?

 

[shaketheplanetDP]

I was using Mylarone Crossroads Bijou 3s for 1 year, having repeatedly trading it in for new pairs with Jaben's warranty.

Using a second hand pair of UM1s now, hope they are far more sturdy!

 

[weckl-x]

One tip would be to always make sure you remove them from your ears gently, by the body of the IEMs, never by the wire/cable.

Yeah, my UEs actually came with the instructions to coil the cable with the 4-finger method.

 

[alvyn]

I've never owned or used a pair of IEMs before.. always relied on stage monitors!

But I've been curious about IEMs mainly because it makes you look quite stylo i kid, i kid... mainly because of bad experiences with stage monitors lah.

I don't doubt that it'll definitely be more useful and better to use IEMs on stage, but how about practicality issues? Do you get to use your IEMs at all your gigs, or do you just stick them into metronomes for practice, and to use as ear protection?

If you do use them, is your cable long enough to reach the monitor/mixer...?

I wouldn't mind putting aside some money for a pair of IEMs that I can use for my gigs... getting a bit sick of stage monitors to be honest.