Hey Leftzilla - your posting really interests me. I also use the Audio Technica M2 into my Westone UM10 ear phones. I know it's not the right way to do it, but I take a signal direct from the Helix 1/4" output to the input of my M2. From there it's wireless to my in-ears (XLR goes to PA and side wash for band to hear my guitar). It's not ideal, however, it's the best option right now. Each gig has different sound engineers, different PA's, different amps. I got tired of hearing the horrible sound from most wedges. Also got tired attempting a good stage balance due to 2nd guitar, bass, synth, drums, vocals. If we are not headlining, then it's difficult to get the sound to match whatever happened at soundcheck and it's back to turning up up up. Also, on some bigger stages, once I leave my side and play next to other guitarist - my volume in his wedges is a lot lower so I can barely hear what I'm playing unless I'm using IEM.
That, and trying to save my hearing makes me accept the lower fidelity (doesn't sound as full with IEM). I can hear bandmates in-between songs, but not during a song. If, for example, I'm really screwing up a song by playing a 1/2 step off....well then....that's how it goes! :huh: I can hear the other instruments well enough to not get lost. During solos, I pay a lot more attention to the drummer.
For my next shows I will try using the headphone output and connect a small mic to the aux-in of the wireless receiver on my belt to mix in some outside sounds. I am considering buying some better earphones with 3 or more drivers for a fuller sound.
I would love to hear some comments by other IEM/Helix users.
Cheers,