Topic: Upgrading my in-ear monitors from single to triple drivers
Finally got sick of trying to expect my single driver ear monitors (custom molded) to be able to replicate the full harmonic tonal frequency range of my rig plus the other 5-7 instruments/vocals of the rest of the band.
I currently have DRM-XSP1's made by Drmearz www.drmearz.com. Thats custom molded single drive ear monitors with the added option of their "low-end chamber" and also the Ambient mic on one ear.
I just got off the phone with Mitch at Drmearz and he's gonna take my ears and upgrade for me. Shouldn't be too expensive and he said its a quick turn-around.
I originally thought I would possibly be able to use the ambient mic to pick up "live warm" sound of my amp and the band, but its so tiny and can only really pick up the higher frequency stuff which means LOTS OF CYMBALS!! So I never really use it. I usually end up with one in and one out or partially out so I can still, at least to some degree, here/feel the true warmth of my amp and the band. To Mitch's credit, he did tell me that would probably happen. Its not really what the ambient mic is made for. I just figured it was worth a shot since it wasn't too much more money to add it.
Should have just went with dual or triples to start with. No big deal. Hopefully having the Triple drivers with 3-way crossover will allow for much more complex tonal range. My band uses no wedge monitors. Were all on in-ear monitors. Its certainly a give-and-take. With wedges you definitely are able to hear all the nuances of tone. (The mic'ed amp thru wedge and thru house, the straight amp sound from the actually amp/cab speaker, reverberation and slap-back of the room, etc. Just overall much warmer, but have to deal with feedback and ear drum damage.
In-ears are flatter and much less "warm and alive" sounding, but save your ear drums and make mixing MUCH easier
Any of you gigging guitar players in the same boat? Anybody struggle with this, then find the ULTIMATE solution you can share?
BTW, I can't say enough about the quality and service of Drmearz. The problem I am having is no way a reflection of the company and what they recommend and sell. Mitch told me straight up what to expect out of my ears originally. My ears are doing an excellent job for single driver monitors. I only had a limited budget at the time so I went ahead and tried the singles, knowing I could always get them upgraded. If you need custom molded in-ear monitors or ear plugs, check out Drmearz. Mitch is a super nice guy. You'll think you're talking to an old friend or something. His prices are great, turn-around is very fast, and the customer service is excellent.
(((Sorry for the big "company plug" on the post, but I do a lot of business with small manufactures of various guitar/music gear and Im just getting tired of dealing with companies with poor service regardless of what they make. Im getting to the point where I am REALLY beginning to place a great deal of value in the customer service companies provide)))