In Ear Monitors for Backup

[craftyphotons]

Hey everyone! Continuing to build out my OMB audio kit, and it's going well thanks to all the great feedback I've gotten here! I currently own a pair of Senal SMH-1000s for monitoring, and I'm very happy with those as my primary monitors. It's easy to find lots of threads on what to use as your main monitors, but I see that a lot of folks also seem to have a pair of earbuds or IEMs as a backup, and I'm curious to know what you all use and recommend for these. Shure SE215s seem like they might be a good option here, but is it worth spending $100 for these or do most of you use something cheap like Apple Earpods for this purpose?

 

[Jim Feeley]

I don't use IEMs as backups to my headphones, I use another pair of the same model headphones. Actually, I have a half dozen pairs of my headphone of choice (Sony MDR-7506), though I usually bring just three pairs to gigs (a backup for me, a loaner for whomever). This is in addition to IFB stuff. Using the same model headphone means I keep the sonic familiarity I've gained working with a particular model. Ya, I have a mid-range pair of earbuds in my audio bag just in case, but I haven't used them for years...and I haven't tried the latest Apple pods, but the earlier versions were kinda harsh and fatiguing...and I say that as a user of 7506s.

Nothing wrong with IEMs, but for me, consistency is paramount. So if you like the headphones you have, buy another pair of those first. Then follow the advice others will give here about decent IEMs and earbuds....

 

[craftyphotons]

I don't use IEMs as backups to my headphones, I use another pair of the same model headphones. Actually, I have a half dozen pairs of my headphone of choice (Sony MDR-7506), though I usually bring just three pairs to gigs (a backup for me, a loaner for whomever). This is in addition to IFB stuff. Using the same model headphone means I keep the sonic familiarity I've gained working with a particular model. Ya, I have a mid-range pair of earbuds in my audio bag just in case, but I haven't used them for years...and I haven't tried the latest Apple pods, but the earlier versions were kinda harsh and fatiguing...and I say that as a user of 7506s.

Nothing wrong with IEMs, but for me, consistency is paramount. So if you like the headphones you have, buy another pair of those first. Then follow the advice others will give here about decent IEMs and earbuds....

That sounds like great advice Jim, and I'll definitely go that route first as I'm sure I have room in the bag for another pair of SMH-1000s. And then I guess I'll wait eagerly to see what others have to say about their choice for IEMs

 

[OzGizmo]

Ok for on location shooting what are you listening for?..... 2 things.

1. Bottom end rumble / hum
2. Top end response (is you mic on or off the best angle)

You are NOT adjusting the EQ.... You might me mixing between signals but you hopefully doing a 'full' music mix on H/Phones.

So after you have been doing location sound for a while (in my case Broadcast TV for 35+ years) you learn to monitor on anything..... But you listen for just specific things like the bottom end rumble and top end crispness.
I have at times used 'in flight' aircraft headphones, so my suggestion is find a pair of good quality pair of in ear buds that are comfortable. BUT not ones with a Bass boost.

Where I'm from (Australia) the use of wide brim hats are common place, yes you can get special headphone hats but 'ear buds' are just fine (BUT not for standard daily use)

 

[Noiz2]

I would add,
3. Everything you don't want to record, Trains planes and automobiles, refrigerators and A/C etc.


An occupational hazard I have found is once you get "trained" it's sometimes hard to not focus on what you don't want even when you are not recording. It can be really distracting in crowds.