In-Ear Monitors - How Do You Choose Customs? (2022)

[Smallmouth_Bass]

So, I have been using some generic universal fit KS7 buds (Amazon "budget" models) for a while. While I do not feel any discomfort and do not dislike them, their purpose was to decide if in-ears would work for me without breaking the bank or committing to anything fancy. I have decided that I really like in-ears and was contemplating moving up to customs.

So, my question is: how do you know what to pick for customs when you really cannot try them? There are so many models and such a wide range. Do you go for a particular brand or design, or do you trust that the number of drivers will give you the range and quality you are looking for regardless of manufacturer? Were you able to easily adapt to acrylic molded in-ears coming from generic fit buds with rubber tips (or ear plugs)?

What I would like is a quality set that delivers a good full range of the entire band that will handle some decent deep bass (5-string). The idea is that I won't have to turn up too loud to hear everything, especially the bass.

I don't have a specific budget in mind, but think $600 - $1200 (+ audiologist fees to take mold impressions) might be the sweet spot.

I see Nathan East has a signature set of 64 Audio N8's which I would expect to be good for bass, but they're also running at $1,699. (yikes!)

I'd love to hear from those that have made the transition from cheaper generics to intermediate customs and how that experience was for you and if you think it was worth it.

Apologies for a subject that probably has been done to death. I figured I would start off a new thread to get the latest (and greatest!) opinions.

 

[s0c9]

I made the switch years ago (on audiologists recommendation) and went from [what I thought was expensive $150] Westone UM1's with half-mold tips to $500+ 1964 Ears Qi's (4 driver) - as they used to be known. That was a HUGE leap of faith, but I was playing a lot and needed to save my hearing! This was before KZ's etc. came along. After using them for 6 yrs I upgraded to the 64Audio A8's (8 driver) and have never been happier.

That said.. I did a TON of research - since one cannot try them (I'm sure there's threads of mine on here somewhere about it) and looked all over the web for feedback!
Budget is a factor.. so get the best one can afford.
I looked at JH, AlienEars, Sensaphonics, lectrosonics, Westone and 64 Audio and a few others who are no longer around, but there's a ton of new companies now.

The one thing that hit me was the nbr of refits some required. I would avoid that, tho' it's likely due to bad impressions vs vendor! FWIW - with both my 64's, I went to same audiologist for impressions and BOTH were a perfect fit first time!
I would NOT buy the N8's (well maybe) but I'm really not gigging enuf right now to warrant the expense.

Look at number of drivers and price of "extras", shell type (most are acrylic), type of tip (extra for silicone, more comfortable but wear out) and so on.
It then comes down to research - try Headgear.org if audiophile input is wanted (they can be REAL picky) and they have lots of reviews.

Then, personal choice.
Also, make sure impressions go to the 2nd bend of the canal + cotton dams and a bite block are used.
Pick an audiologist who has experience doing impressions for IEM's (not just hearing aids) and preferably for a local mega church!
You'll get better results.

My $0.02

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I made the switch years ago (on audiologists recommendation) and went from [what I thought was expensive $150] Westone UM1's with half-mold tips to $500+ 1964 Ears Qi's (4 driver) - as they used to be known. That was a HUGE leap of faith, but I was playing a lot and needed to save my hearing! This was before KZ's etc. came along. After using them for 6 yrs I upgraded to the 64Audio A8's (8 driver) and have never been happier.

That said.. I did a TON of research - since one cannot try them (I'm sure there's threads of mine on here somewhere about it) and looked all over the web for feedback!
Budget is a factor.. so get the best one can afford.
I looked at JH, AlienEars, Sensaphonics, lectrosonics, Westone and 64 Audio and a few others who are no longer around, but there's a ton of new companies now.

The one thing that hit me was the nbr of refits some required. I would avoid that, tho' it's likely due to bad impressions vs vendor! FWIW - with both my 64's, I went to same audiologist for impressions and BOTH were a perfect fit first time!
I would NOT buy the N8's (well maybe) but I'm really not gigging enuf right now to warrant the expense.

Look at number of drivers and price of "extras", shell type (most are acrylic), type of tip (extra for silicone, more comfortable but wear out) and so on.
It then comes down to research - try Headgear.org if audiophile input is wanted (they can be REAL picky) and they have lots of reviews.

Then, personal choice.
Also, make sure impressions go to the 2nd bend of the canal + cotton dams and a bite block are used.
Pick an audiologist who has experience doing impressions for IEM's (not just hearing aids) and preferably for a local mega church!
You'll get better results.

My $0.02

Thanks! I appreciate your input and was hoping you'd chime in.

My local audiologist took impressions for my molded ear plugs and they came out well. I was hoping I could do the same for potential custom in-ears with similar results.

Do you find the apex vent release feature on the 64 Audio models to be helpful? My band often plays 2 sets that run a total time of 3.4 to 4 hours.

The A4's seem to be more in line with my budget. Are those the newer versions of what you had?

 

[s0c9]

My A8’s have the APEX precursor.. ADEL’s.
I keep my volumes real low, so they sort of act like ambient ports.. but also equalize internal pressure, so zero ear fatigue. I’ve worn them for 4 hrs straight!!
One can also buy different dB APEX ports with lower values than the default -20dB if you need to hear more

 

[drpepper]

Were you able to easily adapt to acrylic molded in-ears coming from generic fit buds with rubber tips (or ear plugs)?

Just on this one point, my experience was that it was easy to adapt, but it wasn't instantaneous.

For me, there is a difference that never goes away, but having that difference feel "odd" lasted a very short time (maybe a couple of uses). The difference that seems to remain and be periodically apparent to me is that the sensation of soft tips conforming to my ear canals is different from the sensation of my ear canals conforming to the acrylic. That's what I put it down to anyway, and it's value-free on either side...just different.

Also, the change made me realized that my personal definition of "comfort" with IEMs isn't so much that they feel pleasant or that there is simply an absence of discomfort felt; it's that they are not felt at all. In my experience both customs and well-fitting universals can both fade almost completely from awareness after they're put in. So, allowing for the difference in how they feel, both can essentially be equally comfortable.

Fortunately, it's not the case with my ears, but because of the ways the contours of our ears can vary, some people find that although customs fit the contours of their outer ear, they end up "sticking out", and this is unavoidable due to shell size required to accommodate the drivers. I'd imagine that would feel different in terms of bulk and not be aesthetically desirable but not necessarily be uncomfortable.

 

[jad]

If it's convenient, you can go to a manufacturer's facility to try various universal versions of their product line. Sometimes IEM companies take the show on the road and you might be able to get to one of those. Otherwise, read everything you can and pay special attention to the opinions and experiences of those you're familiar with, like s0c9. After that it's a leap of faith. I'm glad I took a chance on customs. I have Alclair Tours with 3 drivers and they're great. My point being that you don't necessarily need to empty your bank account to get the benefits of customs.

 

[erayser]

It's hard for me to recommend CEIM's because of the cost... and it's hard to guarantee that CEIM's will work for someone. I was blessed that one of the churches I played with paid for our CIEM's under their account with Alclair. I'm really happy with my pair I've been using for 5 years now. The seal is still good, but I'm planning to get new mold impressions done this month... since ear canals can change over the years... and going with 64 Audio's this time. I can't justify the cost of going with CEIM's, but since I've been happy the customs I use now, I'm a lot more comfortably investing the money into new CIEM's.

 

[KaseOfBass]

I've had my CIEM's, Westone EAS30s, for about 4.5 years and they've been great! For me, I had also used generics for several years before deciding to go the custom route. The generics always sealed very well for me and were comfortable enough, but I wanted to take it a step further with customs, just had to convince myself to spend the money.

For me, it's not so much that the sound or seal is better, but my customs are MUCH more comfortable, and I am able to wear them with ease for many hours if I have to.

Initially, I did have to get them refit, due to lack of a proper seal in one ear, but Westone was great at getting them fixed and back to me pretty quickly. I went the Westone route as, at the time, I was using their universal AM Pro 30s and really liked them. Now, 4.5 years later, I don't find I use the ported functionality much at all, if ever. So, I doubt I'd go that route again, but I've definitely been happy with the Westone CIEM's thus far. Curiosity has me wonder about going more drivers next go around, but three have been just fine, though if doing it again today, I'd forego the ambient ports (at least for my particular situation).

 

[Joe Nerve]

There's a LOT of great info in here if you can sift through it all. I wound up going with JH Audio JH11s. I'm very happy with them. More IEM questions. But really...

There's some really important info in the last few pages of that thread regarding getting a proper fit. I was determined, and needed the support of a few of the people here to push until I got just that. I had a really good experience with customer service at Jerry Harvey.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

The good thing is it seems as if everyone was relatively pleased with their choices, regardless of the manufacturer. Some people indicate that they might choose a different model if they were to buy another set, but I am not seeing anyone say they hated them.

 

[Smooth Operator]

I had similar thinking that your having on shopping for custom IEMs. I decided on Company first then the model. I recently got Custom Molded IEMs from Alclair Audio Spire 6driver model. They are phenomenonal in fit and sound. The bass response is insane, any more and it would be too much bass. The Universals(Westone UM30s and Shire se215s) never had enough low end for me. I cant say enough good things about my new Spires, I'll never go back to Universals. Almost went with 64 Audio but they are quite a bit more expensive, are they better? idk, but I have 0 complaints about my Alclairs and their Customer service is top notch. Alclair has a 5driver model geared towards bass players and drummers with 4 low end drivers and 1 high driver. The Spire has 2 lows, 2 mids, 2 highs and has more than enough low end and fantastic instrument separation.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Have any of you had any experience with scanning your ears for the custom mold over having an impression taken with wax(?)?

You can see Brett Shull did a video about in-ear monitors and he had a scan (for Ultimate Ears). I was reading through Joe Nerve's thread and it seems that is the most common issue: getting the right fit and adjustments. I wonder if doing a 3D scan would eliminate that? Though I don't know where you'd get that done.

 

[bikeplate]

JH Audio 11s. You wont be disappointed

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I had similar thinking that your having on shopping for custom IEMs. I decided on Company first then the model. I recently got Custom Molded IEMs from Alclair Audio Spire 6driver model. They are phenomenonal in fit and sound. The bass response is insane, any more and it would be too much bass. The Universals(Westone UM30s and Shire se215s) never had enough low end for me. I cant say enough good things about my new Spires, I'll never go back to Universals. Almost went with 64 Audio but they are quite a bit more expensive, are they better? idk, but I have 0 complaints about my Alclairs and their Customer service is top notch. Alclair has a 5driver model geared towards bass players and drummers with 4 low end drivers and 1 high driver. The Spire has 2 lows, 2 mids, 2 highs and has more than enough low end and fantastic instrument separation.
View attachment 4873884

So, I just thought I would come back and give an update I what I chose and my initial comments. Thanks for all your suggestions; I took a look at them all and it was a tough choice.

I ended up choosing the Alclair Spires. All the descriptions sounded good and the price was right (30% Black Friday discount).

I played them with the band last evening and the sound was great. My bass has never sounded so good! Coming from the cheaper Chinese KZ7's bought off of Amazon - they had a really harsh and piercing high end and not nearly as good bass response. The high end is a lot smoother with the Alclairs and with the great fit, which increased the isolation, I was able to get everything sounding much better at lower volume.

With tight fit and increased isolation, it can make you feel a little isolated from the band and it is a bit harder to hear your bandmates talking on stage. I was getting a fair amount of my stage sound from mic bleed and it might be worth considering getting a condenser mic to set up on stage just to be able to add some ambient sound.

They are a bit bulkier, but the fit and feel is good and I didn't have any problems getting accustomed to the feel of the acrylic. They look good and the fit and finish is good.

So, so far I really like them and would recommend them. Run #2 this evening!

 

[erayser]

So, I just thought I would come back and give an update I what I chose and my initial comments. Thanks for all your suggestions; I took a look at them all and it was a tough choice.

I ended up choosing the Alclair Spires. All the descriptions sounded good and the price was right (30% Black Friday discount).
View attachment 4950653

I played them with the band last evening and the sound was great. My bass has never sounded so good! Coming from the cheaper Chinese KZ7's bought off of Amazon - they had a really harsh and piercing high end and not nearly as good bass response. The high end is a lot smoother with the Alclairs and with the great fit, which increased the isolation, I was able to get everything sounding much better at lower volume.

With tight fit and increased isolation, it can make you feel a little isolated from the band and it is a bit harder to hear your bandmates talking on stage. I was getting a fair amount of my stage sound from mic bleed and it might be worth considering getting a condenser mic to set up on stage just to be able to add some ambient sound.

They are a bit bulkier, but the fit and feel is good and I didn't have any problems getting accustomed to the feel of the acrylic. They look good and the fit and finish is good.

So, so far I really like them and would recommend them. Run #2 this evening!

Congrats!!! Looks good!!! I've had my Alclair Tours for 5 years... and I'm still using them for backup and silent practice at home. I also recently got new CIEM's during the 64 Audio Black Friday sale. After using my Tours for all these years... if I could go back in time... I would've chose a more reference level CIEM... like the Spires.

One thing I recommend... keep them clean and maintain them. I had to send mine in because one side wasn't working because of ear wax. It also happened to another band member... twice... the 2nd time cost him $100.

Good to hear that you really like them. For me... it would be hard to go back to universals after going customs... haha... Enjoy!!!

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Congrats!!! Looks good!!! I've had my Alclair Tours for 5 years... and I'm still using them for backup and silent practice at home. I also recently got new CIEM's during the 64 Audio Black Friday sale. After using my Tours for all these years... if I could go back in time... I would've chose a more reference level CIEM... like the Spires.

One thing I recommend... keep them clean and maintain them. I had to send mine in because one side wasn't working because of ear wax. It also happened to another band member... twice... the 2nd time cost him $100.

Good to hear that you really like them. For me... it would be hard to go back to universals after going customs... haha... Enjoy!!!

I will make sure to keep them clean. I ordered extra 5-pack of cleaning tools.