IEM Earbuds: E3 vs. E4 or E5

Check out this site, which lets you compare frequency response for different headphones, including the Shure in-ear monitors. Note that it's the cheaper E2 that has the biggest bass response. The E4 is remarkably flat, not only compared to its brethren but to headphones in general.

Dave... which one of the attachments are you using on the E3's I just bought a set used and don't have all of the optional ear bud things that they offer. I have the clear, back folding ear bud and unless I get them really deep and secure, I lose a lot of bottom in the response. Is that your experience too?

BD

I was correct in my suspicion that I had a polarity problem. I had two bass mixes coming into the phones - a DI track and a Bass Pod Pro model track. One of the polarities where reversed. I eliminated one of the tracks and the bass returned. I will have to create an adapter if I want to use both inputs.

Just wanted to include this post in case it influenced anyone from buying E3s.

The newer Shures are supposed to use standard sleeves, which means you can go to an audiologist -- hearing aid guy -- and have a custom sleeve made that will fit your ear perfectly, just like you'd do with a hearing aid.

It's a removable sleeve, if that's what you're asking. So you can replace them with generic ones when someone else needs to stick them in their ears.

Based on the published frequency response curves (all I have to go on), the E4 is the flattest of them all. Flatter in the low end than most conventional headphones in the same price range. But the E5 isn't as flat, even though it's much more expensive. Between the E2 and E3 there isn't a whole lot of difference to justify the E3's higher price.

(The E2 may be in the process of being retired, as most dealers I checked with did not have them anymore. I think it may have been superseded by the SCL2)

If do I decide to go this route, and I'm leaning that way, I plan on getting the E4s. I'm just trying to get over the idea of 300 bucks for something the size of a #10 screw.

Hi guys,
It's been a while since I've posted here... so I hope I'm not buttin' in. I've owned several models of in-ears and have settled on what I like best. At our church we use the Aviom system and the musicians use the E3s. The leader uses E5s. We also have E4s but I don't have much time with them. I've tested both the E3s and E5s and own some E2s. I have settled on the M-Audio IE-30s. (GC has them) They are the same as Ultimate Ear's super.fi 5 pro. They have great bass, 26db isolation, and fairly flat response. Also, they don't fatigue my ears in a long session.
I liked the response and isolation better than the E3s or E5s. They also have dettachable/replaceable cords. The cords have an embedded wire that holds the shape around your ear for stability( they don't fall out as easily). They can be upgraded with ear molds as well. Check out Ultimate Ear's website - they have a good history.
My subjective opinion:
E2s = midrangey, anemic bass
E3s = Flatter but a bit scooped
E4s = slightly better bass
E5s = better overall but still scooped - marginally better than the E3s
of the E series I thought the E3s were the best bang for the buck

M-Audio IE-30 = Flatter, less scoop in the mids, better and tighter bass, better isolation, not fatigueing

There was a poster above that mentioned communication problems with in-ears. We put a mike on stage and give it a channel for communicating (between numbers).
We also put a mike in the audience and give it a channel for ambience to combat that sterile sound that makes you feel isolated. The Aviom system has 16 channels with an individual mix at each instrument.

my perspective:
have a project studio, played, produced, and arranged a long time, still make money in music

I hope this is helpful.
humbly,
Steve

Dave ... like yourself, I play bass and we use the PSM600 system in the band. I got the E5s several years ago and they are great. You won't be disappointed. Along with the bass audio, the kick really shines and has helped me lock in better with the drummer. I only use one bud, so I guess I'm stuffing $$ down my shirt by not using both!

I use the PA755 triple flange sleeves and prefer them to a custom mold that I had made.

For some genetic reason, I too have a fair amout of ear wax and found that I can soak the sleeve in denture cleaner overnight to take away some of the discoloration. Is everyone's ear wax the same color?