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Johnny Rabb I use Westone ES5 in-ear monitors live with BioDiesel and Collective Soul, in the studio for nice isolation and full range EQ mix and for everything else, including iPod, iPad and home recording. My Westones are a harder mould, which I love. The fit is perfect and I have had no irritation from wearing them for long shows or recording sessions.
These in-ears isolate a lot of stage volume or outside noise. I like the isolation as it means the monitoring doesn’t have to be extremely loud like a wedge.
The best thing about my IEMs is that they provide an all-round great mix. They offer a full range of lows, highs and mids. The low end is completely clear and does not distort at all. I use a lot of dance bass drum and sub bass with total clarity. In other words, these in-ears handle all frequencies. You know they are working right when you don’t think about them until after the gig. When you have them shorting out (other brands I have tried in the past) and blowing drivers, you really can lose focus and get frustrated. I have used the same pair for an entire year full of live shows, studio work and clinics. The durability has been the best I have ever used. I have tried other companies and ended up having many repair and wire issues. These have been totally roadworthy. After each use, I use the included brush/loop cleaner to just get out any loose wax. We all have wax and it does take very easy maintenance to keep your IEMs in shape. Since the ears are so small, the canal from the drivers (speakers) is very narrow. Cleaning literally takes a minute.
Westone ES5
Sensitivity: 120 dB @ 1MW Frequency response: 8 Hz - 20 kHz Impedance: 20 Ohm Driver: Five balanced armature drivers with a passive three-way crossover Inclusions: Deluxe monitor case, cleaning tool, desiccant drying compound, cleaning cloth, bottle of Oto-Ease Warranty: 2 years Street price: $900 digitalDRUMMER, MAY 2013
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