In-Ear-Monitors (IEMs) for drummers

[mynickisDP]

Hi all!

Just wondering, what are the recommended brands for good IEMs for drummers? I currently use an Audio Technica headphone set when playing in church on stage. I'm not too sure of the model, but it is a good set with decent sound isolation.

What are some of the IEMs that you guys recommend for drummers? Of course as a drummer I would like my IEM to have good sound isolation so that I do not damage my ears when playing the drums, and also to be able to hear the other instruments well. If possible, do recommend me the mid-range types as well (<$200) as realistically I am unable to afford the higher end ones. I've heard of brands like Ultimate Ears, Crossroads Mylar, ATH etc to name a few...but I'm not an audiophile with extensive knowledge.

Would be making a trip down to Jaben as well to ask for their recommendations, but I would really love to hear from you guys too! Thanks a million!

DP

 

[whitestream]

Hi, try google on the Ultimate Ears Super-Fi 4. This model fits your budget of less than S$200.00. I don't know if the Apple stores here got stock but you can call them to check out. Enjoy!

 

[legless]

Those I believe are only for use with Apple iPhones. I reckon you should just go down to Jaben and audition the IEMs. My recommendation would be the Atrios m5/m8. Bass monsters!

 

[whitestream]

The UE earphones are general use with 3.5mm jack.

 

[mynickisDP]

Those I believe are only for use with Apple iPhones. I reckon you should just go down to Jaben and audition the IEMs. My recommendation would be the Atrios m5/m8. Bass monsters!

I just went down to Jaben to try to Atrios.

AND IT IS OH MY _____________________!!!!!!!! BASSHEAD FANTASY!

Still judging what I should get though haha. Tried to UEs as well, wasn't quite to my preference. Tried to Westone UMs as well...

 

[Stickman]

What about the Mylarones? Jaben has them too.. cheap and good i believe!

 

[eugen3]

With references from http://www.erji.net/simple/index.php?t399827.html
Sorry for the lengthy post...

Earphone drivers generally come in two forms: Dynamic & Armature

diagram of Dynamic Driver

diagram of Armature Driver


Balanced Armatures:

With a balanced armature driver you still have a permanent magnet and a voice coil, however the voice coil is not fixed to the diaphragm. In a balanced armature driver the coil is, to scale, longer than the coil on a dynamic driver and is fixed in position just like the permanent magnet. The changes in magnetic field do not move the coil, rather they move an arm (this is the armature part of the driver) which is suspended within the centre of the voice coil. The interaction of the magnetic fields between the permanent magnet and the voice coil cause the armature to piston backwards and forwards. The motion generated in the armature by this system is only very small though, so to have the armature drive the diaphragm in a piston motion like with a dynamic driver is very inefficient. Instead then of pushing the diaphragm directly, the extruding end of the armature is connected by a hinge to a perpendicular driving rod. Audio signals are passed down the drive rod from the armature and the drive rod manipulates the diaphragm from a central axis. Balanced armatures are today only utilised for IEMs insofar as I am aware because they are easier to miniaturise well while preserving sound quality, however they have been used in the past for loudspeakers.

Moving Coil Drivers:

Moving coil drivers, or just regular dynamic drivers, the regular part of that nomenclature deriving from the fact that the vast majority of sound drivers in use today are this type, work by passing an electrical current through a coil of metal, called the voice coil and commonly made of copper or aluminium, which is located inside a matching sized cylindrical channel bored into a permanent magnet. The magnet exerts a continuous magnetic field on the voice coil, which is attached to a cone or dome of rigid material, called the diaphragm. The diaphragm is commonly paper for loudspeakers and plastic for headphones, but other materials such as Kevlar or metal can be used. As an electrical signal is passed through the coil, its magnetic field is altered, it has become an electromagnet. Differences in polarity between the permanent magnet and the charge of the voice coil will cause the two to attract or repel one another. As the coil is repelled it is pushed away from the permanent magnet causing the diaphragm to move outward. An opposite electromagnetic charge in the coil will cause the opposite effect and the diaphragm will move inwards. At rest (when no signal is passed) the voice coil does not have any charge and the diaphragm will sit at its rest position. This pushing and pulling of the diaphragm, precipitated by the changes in the charge of the coil is what produces the sound.


Armature drivers GENERALLY cost more than dynamics... they GENERALLY are more durable than dynamic drivers (there are exceptions of extremely hardy dynamic IEMS) and would handle spikes in volume(as with stage monitoring) better than a dynamic driver.

You probably would be looking at the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 or the Westone UM1 for stage monitoring. The Westone one has a braided cable which reduces microphonics if you're gonna be moving quite abit as you play. (Microphonics refers to the vibration sounds that are transmitted through the cable by bodily movements) The Westone UM1 would be my choice for drum monitoring (i am a drummer myself) as it offers a very comfortable fit with foam eartips. You might also consider getting customs for them, like i did.

Of course, you should go take a listen to all these IEMs before you decide. You'd probably be looking at the superfi 3, the UM1, maybe the Futuresonic Atrios. Also consider the Klipsch Custom 1, maybe even a full pair of customs like the LiveWires IEM.

Have fun!

 

[milkmesto]

My recommendation would be the Atrios m5/m8. Bass monsters!

+1 to that

i'd recommend the atrios for you as well. i cover many bases in church - usually lead and play guitar, but occasionally fill in on bass and very occasionally fill in on drums.

have recently acquired the atrios for IEM use as well, and it seems to fit the bill so far! as you've already experienced, very deep bass - which tightens up with burn-in. the harsh highs warm up with burn-in as well.

the low end really helps keep the groove going, and that really counts in a live situation. have used UM1 and Shure E2Cs, and find them a bit lacking in a live situation. the atrios might be a bit out of your budget, but they're a worthwhile investment. i never knew i was a basshead till i bought a pair!

you can poke around the jaben forum for a used pair as well... have seen some floating around.

 

[alvinthedrummer]

M-Audio IE 40...the best!!!!!! but IE-10 is a good cheaper alternative....

 

[legless]

Westone 3 just came out =)

 

[mynickisDP]

M-Audio IE 40...the best!!!!!! but IE-10 is a good cheaper alternative....

hey alvin! darren here.

yeah was looking at the IEMs and the Atrios is really WOOHOO! havent tried the M-Audios though..

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm kinda stuck deciding on the Atrios and the UM1s. However I'm leaning more to the Atrios after reading reviews online about both of them as well. The heart is willing, but the wallet is weak...

argh so many things to get, so little $$$$. pearl....piccolo...snare.....

 

[blurred]

hi i got the M audio IE 30's dual drivers. very very good, but their abt twice ur stated budget. the ie 10's wldn't be a bad choice

 

[darkcrisp]

I personally use the UM1s, and find them great as IEMs.
Haven't really given the Atrios a test-run, but i'm happy with my UM1s.
That's the most value for money IEM i reckon.

 

[Ritztree]

i use the IE-30s those work awesome n ive played with them live.. n its no prob !!! hahahaa
as well as IE-10s too.. they work jus fine.

 

[Phil]

Threadstarter,

Eugene's post holds the answer for you. Very infomative, with the correct recommendations of SF3, and UM1, all within your budget, and both excellent choices. He also addressed the need for braided coils to reduce microphonics, as you'd be moving around a lot.
I was thinking along the same line.

And well,
Everyone seems to be having their own discussions instead of addressing what the threadstarter needs.

It's his thread, so we're here to recommend what's best for him, not what we think is best. I don't see the point of recommending the W3, which retails at 500plus to threadstarter when he explicitly states that he is looking to spend 200 or less.

Peace, and out.

 

[mynickisDP]

Hey thanks for all the replies guys! I'm actually considering the UM1s or Atrios, after much deliberation and all the other good recommendations from you guys!

Heya Phil, I'm alright with the discussions here too. The more information and recommendations the more I might try them out in the future! It's great to see drummers sharing their preference of IEMs, I believe we can learn alot about one another even through each drummer's personal IEM choice.

Keep drumming!

DP

 

[crajche]

hi guys, i was wondering where i could find M-Audio IEs in Singapore.. would the 'Jaben' place happen to have it? cause i recently got into IEMs too and was wondering where in this small little island can i find them and be able to test them out as well.. replies are much appreciated!

Cheers!
XX

 

[milkmesto]

M-Audio dealer is Sinamex, Parklane B1. They probably carry the M-Audio IEMs, but imho, you're better off checking out Jaben instead. Not sure if Sinamex will let you audition the M-Audios in the first place.

Jaben's a great place to shop for IEMs. Knowledgeable and friendly staff who will let you try more or less everything that they stock. I've seen them crack open brand new headphones just to let customers try. The forum has some interesting discussions too - try googling for their website.

 

[crajche]

M-Audio dealer is Sinamex, Parklane B1. They probably carry the M-Audio IEMs, but imho, you're better off checking out Jaben instead. Not sure if Sinamex will let you audition the M-Audios in the first place.

Jaben's a great place to shop for IEMs. Knowledgeable and friendly staff who will let you try more or less everything that they stock. I've seen them crack open brand new headphones just to let customers try. The forum has some interesting discussions too - try googling for their website.

thanks alot man! Jaben sounds great, will be sure to check them out! Thanks again

Cheers!
XX

 

[DRMEARZ]

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