All musicians should take care of their hearing. If you’re a bass player, you probably have had experience playing live in different areas – and suffered from it. While the combination of a lively crowd and your own music is fun, the constant exposure to live, loud music can be painful.
It can also lead to a whole host of disorders!
To protect your hearing, try to use in-ear monitors. It reduces the need for loud amplifiers and stage wedges. As a result, you also reduce excessive noise exposure and vulnerability to tinnitus. Just as long as you’re conscious of what the volume for your headphones is, you can reduce your risk! Plus, sound engineers can control the mix better with IEMs.
Now you know that IEMs are the answer, look through our list of IEMs for bassists below.
Our Top Five Recommended In-ear Monitors For Bass Players
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1) Fender FXA9 Pro
One thing the Fender can guarantee is its ability to deliver natural bass. The bass and sub-bass drivers collaborate within the discrete compartments and port design, plus exclusive tuning. Its six-driver BA system has the perfect harmony you need!
The engineering of this in-ear monitor can fit 95% of all ears. We trust this probability! The manufacturers managed to 3D-print the universal shell fitting. It also has six HEXAD balanced armatures and 24k gold plated nozzles for three sound bores. The latter separates low, mid, and high frequencies.
If you’re hesitant about the 3D-printed feature, don’t worry. It actually created an enhanced bass effect! You also reduce ambient interference, making the in-ear monitor much more effective.
Despite having a universal fit, the 3D-printed tips manage to feel like custom-fit ear tips! They filter out all unnecessary noise, so you can focus on the crucial audio.
Have your audio lifelike and distortion-free! It also comes with a deluxe carrying case and cleaning tools.
2) Mackie MP Series (MP-240)
Like the previous Mackie models, the MP-240 features the same dual hybrid driver count.
Expect more detail and clarity with your audio! This MP-240 in-ear monitor has a balanced armature driver and a custom crossover.
The latter manages to do some magic with sound as it splits frequencies between the two. The cable has a shielded, braided design for extra durability. You also get detachable cables that can swivel as you like!
If you prefer to have boosted bass, this is your best bet. It’s not quite overpowering, and the rest is as balanced as possible.
Plus, you also get a carrying case to keep your IEMs safe! If you want to experiment with ear tips, this model is your chance. You can choose between memory foam, dual flange, and standard gel tips.
3) BASN Metalen
If you want high-quality audio with a stellar performance, you can consider the BASN Metalen. The enhanced bass is heavy and the audio is fast and accurate! The low and mid frequencies have the full body of the audio you want, while the IEM extends the highs. However, it doesn’t boost the highs that far. It’s just the perfect balance.
These in-ear monitors also have two balanced drivers and two dynamic drivers. It can guarantee the most flexibility with adjustable memory wires, sweat resistance, and detachable cables. Swap out cables whenever you wish to do so. Upgrade as much as you want to!
As a universally fitting ear monitor, this model is still comfortable. Everything is memory foam, while the ear tips are made of silicone. It can fit various ear sizes with a good seal.
It guarantees blockage of 85% of background noise. Wherever you are, you can make sure your full attention is on the audio and the audio alone.
4) Audio-Technica ATH-E40
Audio Technica promises powerful, balanced frequencies. Expect heavy bass and full emotions whenever you’re wearing these in-ear monitors! If you want your audio to have a clear, accurate sound, you can count on Audio Technica’s dual-phase push-pull drivers.
Like other high-end in-ear monitors, the cable loops feature memory, longevity, and flexibility. It feels like a custom fit in your ears! You don’t have to worry about stability, either. They stay put even as you jump, dance, and run around on stage.
Every frequency is present and balanced. It also has maximum isolation, so you can no longer worry about outside noise. If you wish to upgrade or replace your cables, you can do so! The memory cables are all detachable.
It also has its own carrying case and adapter. If you want something durable, go for this model.
5) Shure SE215
At first glance, it’s the name that first catches our eye. Shure has been around in the audio production world, and it’s established as one of the best. Their SE215 model delivers exceptional audio!
With this in-ear monitor, you can block up to 90% of ambient noise. If you play somewhere with a lot of noise or need help focusing on the audio, this is the ideal choice. The detachable cable is also thickened! You can swap and upgrade cables at any time, with a guarantee of durability.
Though this model only uses one driver, it’s still reliable. Whether you use it for professional or personal use, it’s sure to deliver the best quality.
If you have issues with the fit and comfort of the in-ear monitors, the SE215 has Fit Kits to solve your problem. Play around with small, medium, and large sizes and black foam sleeves! Keep everything in a place with a soft-zip carrying case.
How To Maximize The Monitoring Quality of IEM for Bassists
Use Bass Amplifier
If you want a more lively experience, consider using a bass amplifier alongside your IEMs. Bass amplifiers allow you more control over your sound. You can make bass frequencies and stage vibrations, which IEMs alone can’t create.
Instead of blocking out low frequencies, IEMs tend to focus on the highs. Forcing your IEMs to do both might just lead to more complications. You don’t want distortions happening all of a sudden. Use a bass amplifier to create bass frequencies instead! Remember, they’re more felt than heard.
Get A Headphone Amp
If you get a headphone amp alongside your in-ear monitors, you can plug them into soundboard outputs. You can have a digital sound deck and amplify everything! This tip allows for more scope with your IEM mix. Make sure everything is functional, and you’re good to go.
Be Patient – And Willing to Learn
The best gear still can’t trump knowledge and experience. Good music production is more than the price tag or brand of your equipment. Focus on learning!
We know using IEMS, whether for the first time or for the 100th one, is jarring. You might have gotten used to stage speakers. Your chosen IEMs may be uncomfortable. All you have to do is learn as much as possible with audio mixing and production, plus the best IEMs you can have for your budget. You benefit from greater clarity and reduced volume later on.
The Verdict
That wraps up our guide to the best in-ear monitors for bass players! Remember, you’re buying it for your protection! Plus, you can maximize your performance and comfort. Don’t get blinded by shiny price tags. Know what works for you! If you can, try to ask around. People with more experience with IEMs can guide you in the right direction. Try it out!
Steven Londhe says
What would be the ideal receiver unit used for the bass guitar player
Or does it depend on only ear phones to be manipulated
Thank you