Gear Used: Sennheiser EW 300 wireless IEM pack/Taylor 416ce acoustic guitar/Sennheiser E835 cardioid microphone (dynamic microphone)/Made in Mexico Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass/Sansamp Bass overdrive pedal
I have here a pair of Eartech Music Triple Drivers from Eartech in Johnson City, Tennessee. I purchased these monitors independently and have been using them for over a year while leading worship at my church. I’m also a clinical audiologist, so throughout this review I’ll be hitting on topics that discuss the audiological results and implications of the monitor as well as my own personal thoughts related to the accessories, build, price, and customer service. From an objective perspective I will be breaking down the lows, mids, and high frequencies using verification and calibrated pink noise and discuss my findings.
Accessories and Case:
The case that came with these IEM’s is a pelican-like case (I don’t see a name brand on it). It does not come engraved with your name on it but does have the Eartech Music logo on it. It came with a nice simple cleaning tool, as well as a DryCaddy Disc. I’m very appreciative of this. A lot of time, and regular musicians that use IEM’s will know this, moisture and cerumen buildup are an IEM’s worst enemy and it kills the drivers if it collects excessive amounts of these substances. While these typically last 2 months, you can purchase them through Eartech’s website for a reasonable price. They also included a collar clip with the kit. These are typically used to keep the cable from working its way up, behind your head. I personal do not use one, but I know a lot of drummers who are not on wireless packs that use them to keep the cable down.
Eartech also gives you a free T-shirt with your IEM’s. I think that’s a wonderful idea. I know I’ve worn mine out and about, and have had a lot of questions about the shirt and it’s been a nice promotional piece for my clinic as well as Eartech Music.
Build:
The build on these monitors is fantastic. This is a nice medical grade Lucite material. I have had these re-shelled into the clear faceplate and shell with the black cable that you see currently. Previously I had a white faceplate and a white shell, however, was dissatisfied with the colors I had chosen. It had nothing to do with the build in the slightest. Eartech hand makes every part within the monitor. It is a nice clean finish and each driver has their placement. I have large ears so it wasn’t too difficult to fit all the parts in! At times when you look at an earpiece it can seem as if the manufacturer stuffs as much as they can into one mold and it looks like poor planning. This is not the case with these IEM’s.
Fit:
I have 16 pairs of IEM’s. I have extremely expensive devices, and not so expensive ones and the Eartech triple drivers were the first pair I have ever pulled out of the case and it fit perfectly. My left ear has a unique bend in the middle portion of my canal that makes all of my IEM’s sink in at the intertragal notch. This pair sat evenly on both sides while still staying profile to the face. Some IEM companies I have dealt with see my unique bend and end up making the monitor stick out like a BEATS headphone on the left side and bend inward in the right ear (ok I’m exaggerating about the BEATS headphone). In all seriousness, I have never made a single modification to these IEM’s. I have never ground down on them, thickened them, or replaced anything on them to make them fit better. The fit is 100% perfect. Of the ones we’ve done in our clinic, I have also never had to adjust the fit on those. It doesn’t get much better than that! For my technicians in our clinic, this means a lot because it saves them from having to do extra work on a new device.
Subjective Technology Review:
I’ve worked in an audiology clinic for the last 8 years and of those 8 years I have worked as a clinical audiologist for 2. My everyday patient’s deal with hearing loss, but on the side, I work a lot with musicians. Prior to going back to school, I was a full-time musician. I toured the world playing guitar and singing and really enjoyed myself. I knew I wanted to stay in music some way, and IEM’s have provided that avenue for me. I like trying different products to get a true feel on what a patient might see while using IEM’s, both live and as an audiophile.
Before buying my Eartech Music Triple Drivers, I had read some reviews that said that Eartech IEM’s were great but that they were more of a “starter product” for musicians looking for their first pair of IEM’s. As I’ve stated in other reviews that I have written for head-fi and other resources, I’m not easily swayed by marketing ploys or price point. Just because you pay $2000 plus for your IEM’s doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a massive step upward from the $300-500 market IEM’s. By no means am I disrespecting those companies, and I do have pairs that cost that much and they are great IEM’s. I also know the musician life and understand that price is always a factor in any purchase!
Low Frequencies:
From a subjective perspective I did not think these were “starter pack” IEM’s in the slightest. In fact, I was blown away by the sound. I noticed massive increases in the way I heard the low end of my guitar. I’m not a capo guy, I prefer to make the guitar sound as big as possible, and a way to do that is to not capo. I was hearing the low end of my guitar at an incredible response level. I didn’t feel like I was adjusting my mix too much. Just like my pedal board for my guitar: I want it set and then I don’t want to have to mess with it too much.
Don’t forget that changing the anatomical structure of the ear, i.e. a good seal with the fit of the monitor, is also going to increase the low frequencies. Because the fit was so incredible, from a strictly personal view, I’d have to say that this enhanced the tonality of the low frequencies. Just because you might put in 10-12 drivers throughout the monitor, do not forget that fit is king! It makes all the difference in the world!
Middle Frequencies:
The mids were one of the highest points of these IEM’s. There is a nice warmth to them. One example I can think of offhand is playing in the key of B, which is a higher register on my guitar. When I get to that point on my guitar I tend to see a distortion aspect set in through the monitor. In the case of these monitors I did not get that distortion when it came to the mids. I was very pleased with this. I thought that maybe with extra burn-in that the monitors might wear over time in the mids, but they are still one of the strongest features of this monitor.
High Frequencies:
The highs were adequate. I tend to have a lot of lead guitar in my mix while playing, and I did notice some slight distortion when the guitar player was playing past the 12th fret, but again, I’ve had monitors that this has occurred in. Nothing a little adjustment on the board can’t fix. By no means was this a major issue, it’s just something that I noticed subjectively.
Additional Subjective Findings:
I find the concept of headroom very interesting mainly due to the idea that we are told that more drivers will equal more headroom. I’ve found this to be the case most of the time, but when I truly measure the frequency response, it’s not always true. From an output level, I felt very comfortable with the headroom available on this monitor. As you’ll read in the objective section, I found the highest level of output in the middle frequencies was 111dBSPL, which is what I would expect to see (read on down for extra details). I never felt the occlusion feeling one might feel after plugging up their ear with a device. We’ve heard of the ambient ports that allow crowd sound in, etc. and frankly, I felt that these monitors held their own nicely and I never had to take a monitor out to hear myself or my guitar. I go to a larger church with a very large stage. Typically, I get a very airy sound, and with the output level I was getting at 111dBSPL and the openness of the monitor, I have to say that I felt like I could open up the monitor even more to really push them without getting a mass amount of distortion (outside of the high-pitched tones related to the lead guitar). To get a full view of the monitor I played bass on a few occasions and really pushed the low end to see if distortion would occur. They never once distorted in my ears, nor made me feel that I was missing any bass presence from the keys or my own instrument.
Objective Technology Review:
In our clinic, we use the Verifit by Audioscan, a Canadian company, that helps determine the fit of hearing aids appropriately. We use this mechanism for frequency response testing of an IEM by coupling a binding adhesive to a 2cc coupler and presenting our IEM’s with calibrated pink noise. Unfortunately, due to HIPPA regulations, I cannot put a photo up of the audiogram and the sound pressure level (SPL) output that the monitor presented. I will, however, break it down to an extent.
Most IEM's that I look at when measuring the OSPL90 curve (full on gain as you would with a hearing aid, with no restrictions) have the highest peak in the middle frequencies (2000Hz-4000Hz), which is what we expect. Check out a picture of a Fletcher-Muson Curve to find out more. Total peak in those middle frequencies was around 111dBSPL, which is a great amount of gain. The low-frequencies did not have as much SPL, which is also what we would expect to see. Now, the high-frequency responses tend to taper off as we pass 8000Hz, which again, is what we expect to see when it comes to output. In this case, my subjective opinion was correct in seeing how it is possible that I am getting distortion. This is due to the fact that output is going back down. Once again, this is typical in most IEM’s, no matter how many drivers you put in, you’ll see that tapering occur in the high frequencies. Let's not forget, however, that the highest instrument is a piccolo flute, which only reaches up to 3300Hz, therefore, the added frequency response is associated wit the headroom of the device.
Price:
One of my favorite things about seeing IEM patients in my clinic is when they come in with the idea that you have to spend an arm and a leg on custom IEM’s to get quality. I put my Eartech’s in their hands and they feel the weight, see the monitors and how they fit, look at the build and notice that there are quality solutions for a fair price. Of course, we run a frequency response test to show them varieties of monitors, but Eartech is always in the running because of the quality of the monitor and its great response. Total cost for a triple driver is $399.99 plus $13 for shipping. You’re out the door with a quality monitor that is less than $500 and that will change the way you hear your music.
Customer Service/Turnaround Time:
The rep I have worked with most often was Richard. He is an absolute gem of a guy. He keeps you up-to-date with where the IEM’s are in the process, is always quick to respond, as well as working with you on what would be the best product for your goals you’re looking to achieve. I’m very appreciative of that!
Typical turnaround time that I’ve seen with the orders we’ve put in for Eartech is around 4 weeks. That’s a pretty common turnaround time for many IEM companies, however, I’ve seen plenty of companies that are 6-8 weeks on turnaround time and that goes for repairs as well! When I did my re-shell, it took around 4 weeks as well.
Conclusion:
You don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for a good, quality IEM. In fact, your decision might be easily made by looking at what Eartech has to offer. Yes, sound is the number one priority and Eartech’s IEM is nothing short of a great sound, but they also make great looking shells to accommodate the creative side in musicians. You can do whatever you want on them while still keeping the cost very low.
I understand the allure of big companies. I mean, there’s a reason why they’re big companies. They know what they’re doing. But I also understand the musician budget. And of course, as an audiologist, I know that hearing is the greatest asset for a musician. Sure, you can spend a fortune and get a great product, but you can also choose to NOT do that and still get a great product that will perform equally as high as the expensive devices.
I have here a pair of Eartech Music Triple Drivers from Eartech in Johnson City, Tennessee. I purchased these monitors independently and have been using them for over a year while leading worship at my church. I’m also a clinical audiologist, so throughout this review I’ll be hitting on topics that discuss the audiological results and implications of the monitor as well as my own personal thoughts related to the accessories, build, price, and customer service. From an objective perspective I will be breaking down the lows, mids, and high frequencies using verification and calibrated pink noise and discuss my findings.
Accessories and Case:
The case that came with these IEM’s is a pelican-like case (I don’t see a name brand on it). It does not come engraved with your name on it but does have the Eartech Music logo on it. It came with a nice simple cleaning tool, as well as a DryCaddy Disc. I’m very appreciative of this. A lot of time, and regular musicians that use IEM’s will know this, moisture and cerumen buildup are an IEM’s worst enemy and it kills the drivers if it collects excessive amounts of these substances. While these typically last 2 months, you can purchase them through Eartech’s website for a reasonable price. They also included a collar clip with the kit. These are typically used to keep the cable from working its way up, behind your head. I personal do not use one, but I know a lot of drummers who are not on wireless packs that use them to keep the cable down.
Eartech also gives you a free T-shirt with your IEM’s. I think that’s a wonderful idea. I know I’ve worn mine out and about, and have had a lot of questions about the shirt and it’s been a nice promotional piece for my clinic as well as Eartech Music.
Build:
The build on these monitors is fantastic. This is a nice medical grade Lucite material. I have had these re-shelled into the clear faceplate and shell with the black cable that you see currently. Previously I had a white faceplate and a white shell, however, was dissatisfied with the colors I had chosen. It had nothing to do with the build in the slightest. Eartech hand makes every part within the monitor. It is a nice clean finish and each driver has their placement. I have large ears so it wasn’t too difficult to fit all the parts in! At times when you look at an earpiece it can seem as if the manufacturer stuffs as much as they can into one mold and it looks like poor planning. This is not the case with these IEM’s.
Fit:
I have 16 pairs of IEM’s. I have extremely expensive devices, and not so expensive ones and the Eartech triple drivers were the first pair I have ever pulled out of the case and it fit perfectly. My left ear has a unique bend in the middle portion of my canal that makes all of my IEM’s sink in at the intertragal notch. This pair sat evenly on both sides while still staying profile to the face. Some IEM companies I have dealt with see my unique bend and end up making the monitor stick out like a BEATS headphone on the left side and bend inward in the right ear (ok I’m exaggerating about the BEATS headphone). In all seriousness, I have never made a single modification to these IEM’s. I have never ground down on them, thickened them, or replaced anything on them to make them fit better. The fit is 100% perfect. Of the ones we’ve done in our clinic, I have also never had to adjust the fit on those. It doesn’t get much better than that! For my technicians in our clinic, this means a lot because it saves them from having to do extra work on a new device.
Subjective Technology Review:
I’ve worked in an audiology clinic for the last 8 years and of those 8 years I have worked as a clinical audiologist for 2. My everyday patient’s deal with hearing loss, but on the side, I work a lot with musicians. Prior to going back to school, I was a full-time musician. I toured the world playing guitar and singing and really enjoyed myself. I knew I wanted to stay in music some way, and IEM’s have provided that avenue for me. I like trying different products to get a true feel on what a patient might see while using IEM’s, both live and as an audiophile.
Before buying my Eartech Music Triple Drivers, I had read some reviews that said that Eartech IEM’s were great but that they were more of a “starter product” for musicians looking for their first pair of IEM’s. As I’ve stated in other reviews that I have written for head-fi and other resources, I’m not easily swayed by marketing ploys or price point. Just because you pay $2000 plus for your IEM’s doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a massive step upward from the $300-500 market IEM’s. By no means am I disrespecting those companies, and I do have pairs that cost that much and they are great IEM’s. I also know the musician life and understand that price is always a factor in any purchase!
Low Frequencies:
From a subjective perspective I did not think these were “starter pack” IEM’s in the slightest. In fact, I was blown away by the sound. I noticed massive increases in the way I heard the low end of my guitar. I’m not a capo guy, I prefer to make the guitar sound as big as possible, and a way to do that is to not capo. I was hearing the low end of my guitar at an incredible response level. I didn’t feel like I was adjusting my mix too much. Just like my pedal board for my guitar: I want it set and then I don’t want to have to mess with it too much.
Don’t forget that changing the anatomical structure of the ear, i.e. a good seal with the fit of the monitor, is also going to increase the low frequencies. Because the fit was so incredible, from a strictly personal view, I’d have to say that this enhanced the tonality of the low frequencies. Just because you might put in 10-12 drivers throughout the monitor, do not forget that fit is king! It makes all the difference in the world!
Middle Frequencies:
The mids were one of the highest points of these IEM’s. There is a nice warmth to them. One example I can think of offhand is playing in the key of B, which is a higher register on my guitar. When I get to that point on my guitar I tend to see a distortion aspect set in through the monitor. In the case of these monitors I did not get that distortion when it came to the mids. I was very pleased with this. I thought that maybe with extra burn-in that the monitors might wear over time in the mids, but they are still one of the strongest features of this monitor.
High Frequencies:
The highs were adequate. I tend to have a lot of lead guitar in my mix while playing, and I did notice some slight distortion when the guitar player was playing past the 12th fret, but again, I’ve had monitors that this has occurred in. Nothing a little adjustment on the board can’t fix. By no means was this a major issue, it’s just something that I noticed subjectively.
Additional Subjective Findings:
I find the concept of headroom very interesting mainly due to the idea that we are told that more drivers will equal more headroom. I’ve found this to be the case most of the time, but when I truly measure the frequency response, it’s not always true. From an output level, I felt very comfortable with the headroom available on this monitor. As you’ll read in the objective section, I found the highest level of output in the middle frequencies was 111dBSPL, which is what I would expect to see (read on down for extra details). I never felt the occlusion feeling one might feel after plugging up their ear with a device. We’ve heard of the ambient ports that allow crowd sound in, etc. and frankly, I felt that these monitors held their own nicely and I never had to take a monitor out to hear myself or my guitar. I go to a larger church with a very large stage. Typically, I get a very airy sound, and with the output level I was getting at 111dBSPL and the openness of the monitor, I have to say that I felt like I could open up the monitor even more to really push them without getting a mass amount of distortion (outside of the high-pitched tones related to the lead guitar). To get a full view of the monitor I played bass on a few occasions and really pushed the low end to see if distortion would occur. They never once distorted in my ears, nor made me feel that I was missing any bass presence from the keys or my own instrument.
Objective Technology Review:
In our clinic, we use the Verifit by Audioscan, a Canadian company, that helps determine the fit of hearing aids appropriately. We use this mechanism for frequency response testing of an IEM by coupling a binding adhesive to a 2cc coupler and presenting our IEM’s with calibrated pink noise. Unfortunately, due to HIPPA regulations, I cannot put a photo up of the audiogram and the sound pressure level (SPL) output that the monitor presented. I will, however, break it down to an extent.
Most IEM's that I look at when measuring the OSPL90 curve (full on gain as you would with a hearing aid, with no restrictions) have the highest peak in the middle frequencies (2000Hz-4000Hz), which is what we expect. Check out a picture of a Fletcher-Muson Curve to find out more. Total peak in those middle frequencies was around 111dBSPL, which is a great amount of gain. The low-frequencies did not have as much SPL, which is also what we would expect to see. Now, the high-frequency responses tend to taper off as we pass 8000Hz, which again, is what we expect to see when it comes to output. In this case, my subjective opinion was correct in seeing how it is possible that I am getting distortion. This is due to the fact that output is going back down. Once again, this is typical in most IEM’s, no matter how many drivers you put in, you’ll see that tapering occur in the high frequencies. Let's not forget, however, that the highest instrument is a piccolo flute, which only reaches up to 3300Hz, therefore, the added frequency response is associated wit the headroom of the device.
Price:
One of my favorite things about seeing IEM patients in my clinic is when they come in with the idea that you have to spend an arm and a leg on custom IEM’s to get quality. I put my Eartech’s in their hands and they feel the weight, see the monitors and how they fit, look at the build and notice that there are quality solutions for a fair price. Of course, we run a frequency response test to show them varieties of monitors, but Eartech is always in the running because of the quality of the monitor and its great response. Total cost for a triple driver is $399.99 plus $13 for shipping. You’re out the door with a quality monitor that is less than $500 and that will change the way you hear your music.
Customer Service/Turnaround Time:
The rep I have worked with most often was Richard. He is an absolute gem of a guy. He keeps you up-to-date with where the IEM’s are in the process, is always quick to respond, as well as working with you on what would be the best product for your goals you’re looking to achieve. I’m very appreciative of that!
Typical turnaround time that I’ve seen with the orders we’ve put in for Eartech is around 4 weeks. That’s a pretty common turnaround time for many IEM companies, however, I’ve seen plenty of companies that are 6-8 weeks on turnaround time and that goes for repairs as well! When I did my re-shell, it took around 4 weeks as well.
Conclusion:
You don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for a good, quality IEM. In fact, your decision might be easily made by looking at what Eartech has to offer. Yes, sound is the number one priority and Eartech’s IEM is nothing short of a great sound, but they also make great looking shells to accommodate the creative side in musicians. You can do whatever you want on them while still keeping the cost very low.
I understand the allure of big companies. I mean, there’s a reason why they’re big companies. They know what they’re doing. But I also understand the musician budget. And of course, as an audiologist, I know that hearing is the greatest asset for a musician. Sure, you can spend a fortune and get a great product, but you can also choose to NOT do that and still get a great product that will perform equally as high as the expensive devices.
