in-Ear Monitors?

Bern Caughey

Bern Caughey

Veteran
Seems it's been awhile since IEM(s) have been discussed on these boards. I'm aware of the limitations, & primarily interested in models appropriate for documentary camera operators, but it be good to not limit the discussion to this need.

What are the best current options?

What is passable for the more budget conscience?

Does anyone have experience with Shure's SE215?

Thanks,
Bern
 
Not the most useful answer to my specific questions. If all DVXuser responses were similar there be no use for these forums at all.
 
I use a Trantec S4000 budget system and it seems to do a good job on CH70 it is also compatible with sennheiser G2 and G3 if yout turn the pilot tone off.

I also have a VHF system that uses an old radio mic on 174.500, I can then tune into the frequency with low cost baofeng U5R walkie talkies and it works as an easy camera talkback or lo-fi IEM system.
 
I've been using my Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 for nearly 5 years and have no plans to change. I've replaced the cables once (they are field replaceable) and had custom molds made. They are sensitive, accurate, and extremely isolating (even before the custom molds).

Bern Caughey said:
Seems it's been awhile since IEM(s) have been discussed on these boards. I'm aware of the limitations, & primarily interested in models appropriate for documentary camera operators, but it be good to not limit the discussion to this need.

What are the best current options?

What is passable for the more budget conscience?

Does anyone have experience with Shure's SE215?

Thanks,
Bern
Click to expand...
 
I've been using a pair of SE215 earphones for about 2 years now. I love them, though they have had problems in the past. Look up reviews and you'll hear about some of them. Personally, I plan on moving over to a pair of Sony 7506 headphones in the near future. I haven't done sound professionally though (only on student films), so the quality you expect may be different than what works for me.

One problem I've encountered is that other people will have a hard time using the earphones. I usually let other people do the sound in a film while I do lighting and camerawork. Headphones are much more simple than the behind-the-ear style of the Shure earphones. However, if it is just for you, putting them on is second nature after a while.
 
I use both styles depending on what I'm doing. If I want to blend in a bit more, I'll use the IEMs (Shure SE215)... if I don't care, I'll throw in the Sennheiser HD380 Pro over the ears.

I've had ZERO problem with my Shure SE215s. For camera monitoring, the only issue I have is they isolate TOO well... with both ears in, they're like earplugs.

For music, I use Etymotic hf3s.

All of my IEMs have custom earmold tips. Makes them 10000x more comfortable. Second choice is the foam tips that you compress and let expand in your ears though I find those cause a bit of ear canal irritation for me. I hate the rubber plunger style tips.
 
Let us know the model once you decide. I too need a pair of In ear monitors for situations where I need to be discreet.
 
I have 3 pairs of 215s now, two with the foam earpieces and one with a custom mould. I'd also agree with jbregar - the foam expands to fit your ear canal, and is quite close to the mould - which although just a bit more sealed is not that comfy, and as I sing in a band, I find that with my mouth wide open, I can sometimes break the seal and let the sound in.

I also use the 215s for comms, and general monitoring and really like the sound. So much so, that I bought spares - hence why now up to three! Oldest is probably getting on for 5 years now, and has just had a new cable set as the over ear bendy bit just fractured where the cable is not protected, a wear point. New cable from China was cheap and seems ok. I can't see any point me buying others to try instead, so I'm a happy user.
 
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