My studio is a one room setup. Most of the work I do there is mixing, but I also track a fair amount of overdubs, and for projects on a slim budget I'll even do full sessions there. I enjoy the open feeling of working this way, and communication is easy without using a talkback system. When tracking louder instruments – such as drums or electric guitars through cranked up amps – I rely on closed-back headphones like my trusty Audio Technica M50s [Tape Op #63] or Audeze LCD-S20s [#167]. I even use in-ears, such as the Ultimate Ears series which I reviewed in issue #161.
Recently, Sony has entered the IEM (in-ear monitor) world and is now offering the IER-M500. The set came in a simple package with the headset in a slim, zippered fabric carrying case, and is accompanied by several ear tip sizes and seals to customize the fit for individual users. The IER-M500s feature a single 5 mm dynamic driver, have an impedance of 16 ohms, 103 dB/mW sensitivity, and claim a frequency response of 10 Hz to 40,000 kHz. Each earphone weighs about 7 grams without the cable, which terminates to a standard 1/8-inch gold-plated plug.
Once I swapped tips and got these monitors seated properly in my ears (uh, initially I had them upside-down!), I plugged them into my laptop and listened to some of my recent mixes as a test run. I liked the sound right off the bat. The top-end is un-hyped, the bass is respectfully tight and focused, and the fit is comfortable for longer listening sessions. The IER-M500s are made primarily for stage use, but they are also great for musicians tracking in the same room as a drummer when they want extra mix clarity and an opportunity to keep volume in check while tracking or playing live. [One trick I recommend is to wear unplugged over-the-ear headphones on top of the IEMs for even more isolation. -Ed.]
I was looking forward to getting these into the studio, especially while tracking electric guitars on a current session. I found an adapter (not included, unfortunately) and got rolling with the IER-M500s. The isolation was excellent, even better than my typically employed closed-back headphones. I was able to hear more clearly what was being captured as opposed to the recorded signal plus some of what was happening in the room. I found myself using the IER-M500s more and more over the course of the session, and I feel I worked a little faster overall.
In-ear monitors will not replace my main monitors or the various sets of headphones I use for nuanced listening, but I like having another option ready and will certainly use them regularly when recording electric guitars or tracking with drums in the same room. At a street price of $119, the IER-M500 is a solid choice for touring musicians on a budget who want to use in-ears on stage, and a low-risk option for engineers working in an open studio environment while looking for a little extra isolation when tracking. Recommended!