If you go the IEM (in ear monitor route) and don't do the full custom molds, then Comply foam tips are a game changer for isolation at a much more budget friendly cost.
I bought Shure SE425 over a decade ago and still use them to this day.
May want to find a way to increase your budget for the ear buds. For what you have there, that may not cover dual driver buds for bass response and kick. When I switched to IEMs I bit it and borrowed money so I could get what the rest of the band got, Shure transmitter/pack system and the se425 dual driver buds. Even the se215 is a third of your stated budget.
If you have anyone you know that would let you listen through or borrow what they are using, single or dual driver or both please do it.
I was fortunate enough to borrow a triple driver set for a gig years ago and it was just pant shittingly good. but, out of my budget completely.
I'd try the cheaper Amazon ones (KZ ZS10 Pro for example). I use those regularly, but I've also used Shure 215 and 425. Frankly, I love the fit and feel of the Shures but don't love the sound. My KZ are WAY better than either, especially once I switched to foam tips on them. The Shure's just aren't worth the money.
Agree. I've used 215s, 425s, some UEs (don't remember the model) and currently use ZS10 Pros with foam tips. For what I do, the ZS10s are the best. The 215 and 425 are not worth the cost IMHO - they were the most comfortable to wear, but I only used them with the stock silicone dome tips and they never had enough lows nor enough isolation.
The ZS10 were better sounding with stock tips, and then the foam just made them even better. You didn't say what you play. For reference, I drum at church, so it's acoustic drums playing rock style music but not super heavy, for a couple hours a week. If I was playing professionally or otherwise for significantly more time, I'd get customs that were more comfortable than the ZS10s.
I'm a drummer and have used the 215s (whole band had them to start with) and feel there was a world of difference switching to the 425s... Others in band (bass, electric, and acoustic /lead vocal) swear by the KZ ZS10 pros. At $45 on Amazon those they might be worth the shot just to test.
Significantly more clarity/articulation, and sound isolation... And yes, the result is less volume. I used to turn up trying thinking I needed more bass and click, but what I really needed was a tighter bass generally articulate sound with less bleed over from the acoustic kit.
Oh one more thing... The foam tips are good, but you should change them out regularly. I'm noticing additional bleed as I smile or move my jaw around, with foams that are now 7 month old. Have read they should be changed 3 or 4 months, I believe it.
I did the same switch a while ago and can say I had the same experience. I was so used to the 215s that the more articulate highs of the the 425s irritated me at first. But in the end you just hear the band/backing track much clearer and can turn the volume a bit lower.
Go backstage to any video village or monitor mix or RF-A2 position on any show anywhere and you will find every headset is Sony Studio Monitors (MDR7506).
Good quality, great price, all parts compatible with clearcom so when your intercom dies you just ratfuck the headphone box for replacement parts.
In my own studio if I’m not using the 7506s it’s because I am wearing my IEMs. Shure SE215 or SE425. I usually just grab the 215s because I can’t hear the difference between 215 and 425. Too much artillery, too many gigs.
adamYXE
