FutureSonics and Ear Molds - what to expect

[zemlin]

I have the FutureSonics EM3 in-ears - I bought them mainly for monitoring when setting up location recordings - good sound, GREAT isolation - especially when paired with some 30 dB muffs.

http://www.futuresonics.com/ears/index.html

I've pretty much decided to get custom ear molds made for these things. I've read reports than in-ears sound much "better" with custom molds.

For those who have BTDT, what can I expect for a difference in sound? The only thing I wish for in these things is a little more high end. It would make sense that the foam bits I stick in my ears might absorb some of the HF energy.

Assuming I move forward with my plans, I'll know the answer before long - but I'm curious about what I might be gaining.

My main motives are fit and comfort. Improved sound will be gravy that happens too.

[norman_nomad]

Originally Posted by zemlin

I have the FutureSonics EM3 in-ears - I bought them mainly for monitoring when setting up location recordings - good sound, GREAT isolation - especially when paired with some 30 dB muffs.

http://www.futuresonics.com/ears/index.html

I've pretty much decided to get custom ear molds made for these things. I've read reports than in-ears sound much "better" with custom molds.

For those who have BTDT, what can I expect for a difference in sound? The only thing I wish for in these things is a little more high end. It would make sense that the foam bits I stick in my ears might absorb some of the HF energy.

Assuming I move forward with my plans, I'll know the answer before long - but I'm curious about what I might be gaining.

My main motives are fit and comfort. Improved sound will be gravy that happens too.

I have both, and you will get more high end with the molded future sonics. They come with small rubbery, circular caps which are inserted on the outside of the molds. The caps have a small hole in the middle. The larger the hole, the more bass you'll hear in your in-ears. It allows you, essentially, to tune the in ears to your liking. I think mine came with 3 different cap sizes.

Here's a tip: If you're looking to block out a LOT of outside noise. Buy some swimmers wax, and then roll a small 1 inch snake between your fingers. Wrap the snake around the trunk of the in-ear so that it forms a ring. When you insert your in-ears, the swimmers wax will form an air tight seal around your outer ear, and will block out about TWICE as much sound, as the in-ears normally would. Works great!

P.S. If you get the future sonics, be SURE to get the molded ear-plugs as well. They come with 15db attenuation filters, and they are WAY more enjoyable to wear than the cheap foam plugs. At a show, it just sounds like the volume got turned down, instead of LPF'd.

[zemlin]

Glad to hear about the ability to tune the bass response. These puppies almost have too much, and I was concerned that the molds would increase that. Also good news about the top end.

Thanks.

I looked around the FutureSonics site for the ear plugs and couldn't turn them up. The made a mess of their web site a little while back and it still seems to be s work in progress. tutt

[norman_nomad]

Originally Posted by zemlin

Glad to hear about the ability to tune the bass response. These puppies almost have too much, and I was concerned that the molds would increase that. Also good news about the top end.

Thanks.

I looked around the FutureSonics site for the ear plugs and couldn't turn them up. The made a mess of their web site a little while back and it still seems to be s work in progress. tutt

If you have the molds made for the in-ears, they can produce a molded ear plug set very easily. I think they're around $150. A lot for ear plugs, but considering how they sound, and how you won't mind wearing them ... which means you'll protect your heaing... it's MORE than worth it. I even wear mine in the car to block out the bombardment of road noise.

[Sqye]

Our singer was having problems with other ear molds because her ears are small. So we got a pair custom fitted by our audiologist, and ordered from Future Sonics - their soft in-ear bud sleeves for the Sennheiser ie300k series for $135. Our singer is in HEAVEN with them. Fast service, very nice, and very happy witrh the product. Now we're thinking of outfitting the rest of the band with them. They're comfortable, help to cut room noise a lot, and DON"T fall out!! Definitely a score!!!!

[zemlin]

Originally Posted by Sqye

We got a pair custom fitted by our audiologist, and ordered from Future Sonics - their soft in-ear bud sleeves for the Sennheiser ie300k series for $135.

That 'zactly where I'm headed - except I have the Future Sonics EM3s. The order is going in the mail today, so I should learn what the difference is pretty soon. I will report back.

I was shocked and pleased that impressions were only $5/ear. I don't know if this is a typical charge or not. I just googled for local audiologists and called the first on on the list. At that price I didn't bother looking elsewhere. I was figuring impressions would cost me another $100.

[wwittman]

Impressions DO generally cost 50-100 dollars... you lucked out (IF he did it well... a good fit is crucial)

there is a difference (just for clarity) between the custom modled silicone sleeves they make to fit the EM-3's (for about $150) and the custom molded Ears with the built in drivers that FutureSonics sells for more like $800...

adding the sleeves (i forgot what Marty calls them) will get you a better seal and a more comfortable fit (again, IF done right) and generally better BASS... i'm not sure I think it gives you better highs.

On the other hand, the real-deal high-end Ears certainly have better top, bottom, clariity and EVERYTHING than the EM-3's (naturally!).. and those are the ones with the tunable ports as well.

[Sqye]

Mr. Wittman - what an honor - can you recommend the actual in ears that Cindy and others have used and are using currently?

Which are (in your opinion) the best in ears with tunable ports and wide frequency response/ detail/ outside rejection?

There are a few companies manufacturing them now.

Thank you very much in advance for any information - again, an honor

[SparkyCanada]

Future Sonics Custom Molds

SparkyCanada