Shure E5 Earphones

[towndog]

I currently have a wired PSM200 and am using the E2 earbuds. I am considering upgrading to the E5 earphones but the salesman told me it would be a waste to buy the E5's since the PSM200 is only mono. He said I should get the E1's.

Anyway - what are your thoughts ?

[MrKnobs]

There's no significant difference between an E2 and an E1. Not much, anyway. You'd be wasting your money.

E5s sound great, much more low end and extended high end too. You'll cry the first time you break a set where the wire goes into the bud, though.

Terry D.

[Sugarfried]

Kind of a strange tactic by a salesman, borders on sales prevention. E5's will sound notably different than E2's. Low frequencies are very similar, but the E5's shine in the upper frequencies.

As mentioned an E1 and E2 sound similar. Specifically the E2 has a warmer low frequency response and the E1 has a nice smooth high frequency response.

What are your reasons for wanting to upgrade? Are you looking for more highs? Better overall sound quality? Better fit?

[SurrealMcCoy]

Originally posted by MrKnobs
There's no significant difference between an E2 and an E1. Not much, anyway. You'd be wasting your money.

E5s sound great, much more low end and extended high end too. You'll cry the first time you break a set where the wire goes into the bud, though.

Terry D.



Do they tend to break under normal use......if so, are they covered under warranty......or are you just SOL ? :confused: :eek:

[MrKnobs]

Originally posted by SurrealMcCoy
Do they tend to break under normal use......if so, are they covered under warranty......or are you just SOL ? :confused: :eek:

Well, what's normal?

Sunday night I played a show and watched one of the backup singers putting an E2 in her ear. She was rolling the foamie to compress it first (good girl!) but in the process she was brutally twisting the wire right where it goes into the bud! :eek:

I've also seen people get the wire caught on their guitar strap, or drop the receiver, either way ripping the buds right out of their ears by the wires! :eek:

These things can take a surprising amount of abuse before they give up the ghost, but with rough treatment it's inevitable that the little wires will break. I don't think the warranty could reasonably cover that, but I will say that Shure service is very kind compared to other manufacturers I've dealt with.

I've not broken a wire on an E5 yet, but I don't let just anybody use my one pair of E5s. The E2s get used by a lot of people.

After quite a bit of experience and thought, I think it's just like having a teenager driving the family car. "Junior" don't light up the tires if he has to pay to replace them! :D

And, the bottom line is, this is business. There's going to be some operating cost, and if I end up having to replace an E2 once in a while, well, it's only $75. That's like, what, three Duracell Alkaline Max batteries? I go through those damn things like water.

Terry D.

[SurrealMcCoy]

I would be very careful.......;)

[TrickDog]

Hey! I'm a bass player. Did I just hear that the E2 might be a better fit? I'm currently using E1 with the PSM400. Our guitar player used an E2 while his E1 was out for repair. He had to use the high boost feature on the receiver to make it sound right to him. Sugerfried - whaddyathink?

[Sugarfried]

TrickDog: An E1 has more high frequency response than an E2.

Fit is a personal thing - everyone's ears are different. For some, an E2 is like an inverted glove - perfect. For others it won't go in at all. Same thing for E1's, E5's, and just about every other universal fitting earphone I can think of.

Terry and Surreal: If you break a set of E1's or E2's the replacement cost is the same as for an SM57 or SM58, just $55. If it's in warranty and it breaks under normal use there is no relpacement fee. Replacement fee for the E5 is $100. And it's also covered by a two year warranty.
I've had a pair of E1's for the entire 5 years that I've worked at Shure and they still work just fine. Like all gear, if you take care of it you'll enjoy it for a long time.

[TrickDog]

So, fit issue aside, does the E2 have MORE low end than the E1 or does the E1 have MORE high end and the SAME low end as the E2? Hmmm... I need more coffee! I'm confusing myself!

[TrickDog]

And more importantly..... how can I get some E2 carrying cases for my three E1s? I've got two E2s for E1 backup and portable MP3 player use. Love the little zipper thingy.

[J the D]

I'm a bass player that subs in various theaters and shows that use in ear monitors and everyone is direct to the board, with no amps. After trying to hear myself with the house E-1 buds for several shows I bought a set of the E-5s. Like night and day.

This is my personal set and I just plug into whatever Shure receiver unit they give me for my monitor mix (all PS400s and 600s so far). Much easier for me to determine my intonation and tone at lower volumes with the E-5s. When I leave the show, so do my E-5s.

I've used a custom fitted set of ear plugs for many years to protect my hearing and I am going to have a set of fitted ear plugs made for my E-5s. Should I put extra emphasis on stain relief?

[Sugarfried]

TrickDog: The low frequency response of E1 and E2 is almost the same, but many perceive more lows from the E2. It handles kick drums and bass guitars with a bit more of a dynamic response. This is primarily due to the difference in the drivers used. On a frequency graph they look almost identical, but those graphs don't take into account the transient response of the drivers. This is why people perceive more lows from an E2.

Regarding the pouch, we'll probably make it an accessory pretty soon. I don't know when.

J the D: I'm not sure what you mean by extra emphasis on stain relief? Do you mean strain relief?

[MrKnobs]

Originally posted by Sugarfried
J the D: I'm not sure what you mean by extra emphasis on stain relief? Do you mean strain relief?

LOL!

If President Clinton had paid a little more attention to stain relief we'd be living in a different world right now.

He does prefer E5's over E1's, though. ;)

Terry D.

[J the D]

Originally posted by Sugarfried
J the D: I'm not sure what you mean by extra emphasis on stain relief? Do you mean strain relief?

I stand by my previous dissemblence.


I am using the E-5 buds and am getting some custom fitted ear plugs made for them by an audiologist (same guy that made my hearing saving ear plugs). I read the earlier posts regarding the wires pulling out and was wondering if I should have him cast my new ear plugs so they provide some additional st*R*ain relief to the wires.

[Sugarfried]

So the audiologist that made your custom earplugs is making one for your E5's? I am only aware of two companies that make them right now, Sensaphonics and Westone. Is it either of those companies? Or does he actually make them himself?

In any event, I don't think an additional strain relief would be required, but I'm not sure if the mold would be the same as when Sensaphonics or Westone do it. So I don't really know.

[SurrealMcCoy]

Originally posted by Sugarfried
So the audiologist that made your custom earplugs is making one for your E5's? I am only aware of two companies that make them right now, Sensaphonics and Westone. Is it either of those companies? Or does he actually make them himself?

In any event, I don't think an additional strain relief would be required, but I'm not sure if the mold would be the same as when Sensaphonics or Westone do it. So I don't really know.



What does an audiologist charge to make custom earplugs? :confused:

[TrickDog]

I just got back from my local GC with a nice new E5 in hand.

I've got E1s and E2s for my band and am looking forward to trying th E5 this weekend. I suppose I'll have to get some custom plugs now!

Okay now, reassure me. I'm gonna like these a whole bunch??? I'm the bass player and hoping for 'more and better ME!'.

[MrKnobs]

Originally posted by TrickDog
I just got back from my local GC with a nice new E5 in hand.

I've got E1s and E2s for my band and am looking forward to trying th E5 this weekend. I suppose I'll have to get some custom plugs now!

Okay now, reassure me. I'm gonna like these a whole bunch??? I'm the bass player and hoping for 'more and better ME!'.

You won't be disappointed. Just make sure you get a good seal between the foamies and your ears, and you'll have lots of low end. Roll the foamies, Luke!

Terry D.

P. S.. If it's not too rude a question, how much did you pay for those puppies?

[Sugarfried]

SurrealMcCoy: A custom sleeve for an E1 or E5 will cost anywhere from $100-150 depending on who does it and in what state. You won't have a hard time in Central CA. Just call Sensaphonics at 877-848-1714 and they'll refer you to someone in your area that can take the impression. They can give you pricing too.

[J the D]

Originally posted by SurrealMcCoy




What does an audiologist charge to make custom earplugs? :confused:

I paid close to $150 for them in 1978. They are custom fitted to my ears and reduce the SPL by more than 20 dB over the entire frequency range, not just one particular band. He starts at $279 for the same thing now. But my ear plugs are comfortable all night long and I am still able to hear everything, just softer.

I sometimes help to stage the cars at a local dragstrip that has some national meets and have even been the guy that brings them right up to the starting line a couple of years. I can wear the earplugs and be as protected as when I wear my shooters muffs (I use BOTH when I do the line, talk about LOUD!!!!). Much more comfortable in the hot sun and it lets your wear that cool hat without crushing it with the head band.

Regarding Sensaphonics and Westone, this would be his first try to incorporate the Shure buds into his casting. I am paying the regular price and he gets to practice with my units. He plans on charging substantially more for this service. He deals with and sells the expensive computerized hearing aids (one particular unit is $10,000!!!!!) and is used to custom work. I am losing some of the ear plugs' hearing protection with the cavity being created for the Shure buds but the buds themselves have a substantial reduction factor so I will still be protected from the guy still playing a Marshall stack at 11 even with in ear monitors.

[TrickDog]

GC was selling them for $375.00. Good price? I don't know, I'm occaisionally too lazy to shop around.

I'm really looking forward to using them. I've been using the plastic sleeves with my E1s. Have you found the foam to be a better fit? Sheesh.... listen to me "Have you found the foam......." I live in Houston, TX. I must speak properly.

I'm fixin to use them things this weekend. Been having luck with the plastic? Y'all reckon foam being better?

Ahhhhh.... I feel good!

[SurrealMcCoy]

Originally posted by Sugarfried
SurrealMcCoy: A custom sleeve for an E1 or E5 will cost anywhere from $100-150 depending on who does it and in what state. You won't have a hard time in Central CA. Just call Sensaphonics at 877-848-1714 and they'll refer you to someone in your area that can take the impression. They can give you pricing too.




Thanks again Sugarfried..........I'm just about sold on the PSM-400/E5's. :)

[TrickDog]

Our band been using the PSM400s for over a year now. We are a trio and have three of the PSM400 transmitters, receivers, and mixers. The ONLY downside has been the random dropouts and occaisional squelch type noise. We can remedy some of that by ensuring good AC to the units, and changing freqencies as needed. When I first got them, I sent them all back to Shure for a 'dropout tune-up'.

Having said all that, I would NEVER go back to wedges. I love these things.

Sugarfried - any comments or suggestions regarding dropout or 'squeek/swish' noises?

[MrKnobs]

Originally posted by TrickDog

I'm fixin to use them things this weekend. Been having luck with the plastic? Y'all reckon foam being better?


Foam seems to give the best seal and hence the best low end.

Terry D.

[4midori]

Is is possible to get custom earplugs/sleeves, made from a mold, and incorporate an already purchased pair of E1, E2 or E5s into it? Can the earbud be removed from the earplug?

-B

[Sugarfried]

4midori: yes. An E1 or E5 can go between a custom sleeve or a universal one. So you can use your E1 or E5 with a custom sleeve, then take it off, put a foam on and let one of your friends try it.

J the D: Doe this audiologist have a website or anything? I'm interested in how he does his molding.

TrickDog: have you heard of Frequency Locater Mode in PSM400? It helps choose the best frequencies for each location you're in. Here's how:

With the receiver off, hold both of the side buttons down, and turn the unit on (just pact the click, no further) while still holding them. Once doing this you can let go of the buttons. The Antenna signal on the LCD display will start to flash. This means that you're in Locator Mode. Insert 1 earphone into your ear, while keeping the volume all the way down. Once the earphone is in, turn to the volume a tiny bit (it's very loud). Now you can scroll around the 16 frequencies and look for the clearest three (since there are three of you). You scroll around the same way as when you are changing channels. A "clean" channel is one where you hear a consistent white noise. An unclear channel is where you hear intermittent white noise, or no noise at all. The intermittence or lack of signal means that there is something on that frequency that could interfere with your signal. This is usually what causes those little "hits" that you spoke about.
Once you have three clear channels (write them down?), turn the receiver off. Now that receiver is back in regular mode.
Set the transmitters to those three frequencies, and then the receivers, and you should be good to go.

I hope this helps.

[J the D]

Sugarfriend:

No web site. He's just been doing ears for a long time.


Perusing this thread has led me to the Sensaphonic and Westone web pages. I called the audiologist late yesterday afternoon and cancelled my appointment. I'm going to go with the experience and get a Sensaphonic silicone sleeve made rather than using my expensive ear buds as someone's practice. I asked my guy if he did their work but he doesn't. Hoping there is someone closer, he's more than two hours away. Will actually be a little cheaper than what he wanted to do and I'll be dealing with a known product.

[sirdaniel]

New E5's yesterday.
superb! I upgraded from E1. My custom ear molds work for both.
The E5 look, sound and feel like the cadillac of the industry.

currently using a $55 Jensen 900mhz wireless system and am it's been working GREAT. Consumer stuff for sure. I bought it to check out the idea of IEM, but haven't seen a reason to spend the big bucks yet.

E5 are worth it.

[tremendo]

Originally posted by sirdaniel

currently using a $55 Jensen 900mhz wireless system and am it's been working GREAT. Consumer stuff for sure. I bought it to check out the idea of IEM, but haven't seen a reason to spend the big bucks yet.


Does that mean no limiter? No protection from blowing you ears out?

[Jlliu59]

I'm pretty sure that Westone (http://www.westone.com/music/) is the OEM maker of the E5s. At least, I've found the UM-2s to be pretty much the same as the E5s. Westone offers them for a much cheaper price. Also, you get a really nice pelican case with them. The UM2s are $330. The UM1s are $100 and equivelant to the E1s.

Yeah, pretty much only sensaphonic and westone make the molds. I feel both companies are either superior or at least a bteer deal for IEMs when compared to Shure.

Also, sleeves are interchangeble for E1, E3, E5, UM1, and UM2. Westone offers the UM56 that fit all of them. Also, Shure carries a few universal sleeves that Westone doesn't carry.

[lucho_84]

i play drums and have no mic's except for the bass drum. i play loud so it's not a big deal. anyway, i have a monitor and it's alright. i mean if i wanted i'd spend the extra dough for a new one but i don't wanna. so would it be better to get iem's or stay with a wedge? wouldn't iem's make my hearing worse. i use a pair of $10 "hearo's" and i like them. but i wanna know wether the iem's can be heard over the crack f a loud snare and how bad the hearing damage is? i don't know f i wrote this clearly. i'm kinda tired and half asleep. thanx though