Best IEMS for Strings

Benedict Morris (Violin with Talisk)

“The clarity and separation I get with my Cosmic Ears C4A is crucial for me. Every nuance and articulation I use in my playing is crystal clear while also being able to distinguish it from the other musicians I'm performing with live. The range of frequencies are also well balanced so when I'm in a higher register (which is more often than not) it's bright but never harsh or piercing. Above all, I always feel that I'm connected to my instrument and can produce the same level of playing and performance as I would with floor monitors or acoustically, making the C4A best for me as a strings player.”

Kate Couriel (Violin with Seb Lowe)

"Cosmic Ears in-ears give me the authentic feeling of playing live with the band, whilst still protecting my ears. The C4A model is best for me as a strings player."
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Jo Quail (Composer & Virtuoso Cellist)

"As a cellist working extensively with live looping, polyrhythmic structures, and click tracks, the Cosmic Ears C8As provide the clarity and definition I rely on both in performance and in the studio. I notice an exceptional frequency separation—particularly in the low mids—and this allows me to focus on and track multiple layered lines with precision, while still keeping the line I’m playing at that moment in clear isolation.

I also use them for all my sound design and sound modelling work, which form an essential part of my compositions, and my C8As have a consistent and transparent response across the full frequency spectrum, giving me complete confidence that what I craft in the studio will translate accurately to concert halls and live venues.

In addition to my solo and electronic work, I also write for and perform with orchestras and choirs, where I have a different set of monitoring requirements. The C8As continue to deliver here — providing the detail and balance I need to hear nuanced instrumental and vocal textures clearly. They are also brilliant in live band settings when I play a guest spot, where I need to hear my own cello with clarity above a dense mix — often including drums, guitars, backing tracks, bass, subs, and general stage noise. My C8As are also incredibly comfortable, which is essential during long sets, making them the best IEMs for me as a strings player and composer."

Ali Barnes (Fiddle with The Dhol Foundation)

"When I started performing with The Dhol Foundation I realised I needed a far better product than I had, everyone recommended Cosmic Ears and my C6A custom iems have been a complete game changer! As a string player I need to hear the tiny nuances in my instrument, especially when playing traditional music as the melodies in both Irish jigs and reels and Indian Bhangra tunes are so fast and intricate, with the fine ornamentation so key to the style. I wanted to get that sound I’m used to hearing acoustically when the violin is up near my ear, while also needing to complete with the volume from 5 or 6 drummers next to me! And my C6A have been perfect."

Lara Simpson (Violin with B*Witched/Sienna Spiro/Kygo)

"The first time I used my Cosmic Ears C3As on a gig the experience was mind-blowing! The level of comfort and clarity in the sound was unbelievably more clear. It made the whole gig so much easier, allowing me to focus on my playing + performance rather than worrying about not having a clear sound. The signal is crystal clear, and the IEMs are so comfortable. I'm extremely happy with my purchase and I truly feel it will transform my experience as a string player playing with bands, as previously I always struggled to get a good sound - now I can focus fully on my playing, which is ultimately what we need as musicians!"