I need earbuds to use for IEM…

SgtThump

Real OG
I will be filling in with a band and the venue requires everyone to bring their own earbuds. They have the transmitters, receivers, etc…. I’ve never used IEMs. I have done a lot of studio recording, so I think I know what to expect. I still think it will be weird. Anyway…

Is it safe to assume the earbuds I need to buy will need an 1/8” phono jack? Do you guys have any recommendations for cheap, but decent sounding earbuds?

The tiny bit of reading I’ve done suggests these are decent? (Linsoul KZ ZS10)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DK2N5G...UCXWE4HA&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I’m tempted to just spend $100 and go with Shure or Sennheiser. Only for reputation.
 
Damnit. You guys are going to make me have to ask on TGP.
Man, spend the money and get the good stuff. Hate it but that's the live club realm these days and at least you'll have quality stuff if there is a next time. I honestly don't miss playing live anymore and this is a big reason.
 
Man, spend the money and get the good stuff. Hate it but that's the live club realm these days and at least you'll have quality stuff if there is a next time. I honestly don't miss playing live anymore and this is a big reason.
Part of me wants to get a whole package (transmitter/receiver/earbuds) and figure out how to use it in my real bands, even though those guys don't use them.

But part of me also wants to wait until I'm forced to go that route. This is the only place I've played that requires it and I'm just subbing in another band. Hm.

Thanks man.
 
At the cheap end for ear buds will be what comes with Shure, Audio-Technica, and Sennheiser packages. As far as what to expect for sound clarity, vocals will sound good, guitar ehh, and kick, snare, hat ehh. You get what you pay for. The higher end custom fit stuff might be the way for you to go if you are going to be doing more of these gigs, Ultimate Ears and Future Sonics, with this end of the price range sound quality and clarity is night and day. The other benefit is with an iPad you can control your own mix.
 
I used the KZ ZS10s and they are great for the money. They aren't crystal clear, but with more drivers, they do outperform the Shures at the same price point. I hated the cheap Shures. I did Westone UM30 Pros until I got the KZs. I liked the bass response of the dynamic bass driver, but I play bass. YMMV
 
I use 64 Audio u12’s, not cheap but they’re a stunning set of headphones. They do some lower spec versions, the u6 (I think) I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
 
If I’ve had Shure SE215, SE535, Kz ZS10 Pro, KZ ZS10 Pro X and KZ ZS12 Pro X.

Sound depth, the Shures are better. The SE535 are better tonally than the SE215’s, which you’d expect for the price. Both lack highs.

The KZ ZS12 Pro X (tuneable) have great clarity and separation but need to have a well EQ’d sound going into them and I found them fairly quiet.

The KZ ZS10 Pro clear and good clarity but have a biting top end. They also have a thin sounding upper mids. This is due to the V nature of the inherent IEM EQ.

The KZ ZS10 Pro X is an upgrade to the standard 10 Pro with a more pleasing top end due to the different driver models but can still have the thin upper mids.With a good feed into the KZ ZS10 PRo X they are the best IEM’s from the ones I’ve tried and they’re relatively inexpensive.

I’d like to try something higher quality but not sure what would be better without a significant price jumping.

I’ve read the moon drop blessing 3 are meant to be really good for a mid price point so they might be on the list.
 
If I’ve had Shure SE215, SE535, Kz ZS10 Pro, KZ ZS10 Pro X and KZ ZS12 Pro X.

Sound depth, the Shures are better. The SE535 are better tonally than the SE215’s, which you’d expect for the price. Both lack highs.

The KZ ZS12 Pro X (tuneable) have great clarity and separation but need to have a well EQ’d sound going into them and I found them fairly quiet.

The KZ ZS10 Pro clear and good clarity but have a biting top end. They also have a thin sounding upper mids. This is due to the V nature of the inherent IEM EQ.

The KZ ZS10 Pro X is an upgrade to the standard 10 Pro with a more pleasing top end due to the different driver models but can still have the thin upper mids.With a good feed into the KZ ZS10 PRo X they are the best IEM’s from the ones I’ve tried and they’re relatively inexpensive.

I’d like to try something higher quality but not sure what would be better without a significant price jumping.

I’ve read the moon drop blessing 3 are meant to be really good for a mid price point so they might be on the list.
Dang dude, that’s some serious info! Thank you very much. Let me read it thoroughly and I’m sure I’ll have questions.
 
Fancy hotel bar that wants full control of volume. I’m a loud rocker, but I enjoy playing so much that I don’t even care.

I enjoy playing alot too, but I also have multiple gigs going and can afford to be a little picky

Here's hoping your fancy hotel bar pays you lots!
 
If I’ve had Shure SE215, SE535, Kz ZS10 Pro, KZ ZS10 Pro X and KZ ZS12 Pro X.

Sound depth, the Shures are better. The SE535 are better tonally than the SE215’s, which you’d expect for the price. Both lack highs.

The KZ ZS12 Pro X (tuneable) have great clarity and separation but need to have a well EQ’d sound going into them and I found them fairly quiet.

The KZ ZS10 Pro clear and good clarity but have a biting top end. They also have a thin sounding upper mids. This is due to the V nature of the inherent IEM EQ.

The KZ ZS10 Pro X is an upgrade to the standard 10 Pro with a more pleasing top end due to the different driver models but can still have the thin upper mids.With a good feed into the KZ ZS10 PRo X they are the best IEM’s from the ones I’ve tried and they’re relatively inexpensive.

I’d like to try something higher quality but not sure what would be better without a significant price jumping.

I’ve read the moon drop blessing 3 are meant to be really good for a mid price point so they might be on the list.

Echoing a lot of this --- the KZ line is probably the best bang for the buck. I use the KZ AS16 Pro IEMs and thought they were good for the cost. Changed the eartips to the SpinFit CP240 and it improved the fit significantly for me. Want to get custom molds but $$$
 
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