Custom Vs Generic Ear Plugs

MarkyDynaBass · #1 09-15-2011, 06:50 PM

Searched and read the sticky but surprisingly couldn't find a difinative answer to this question.

I'm currently have Hearos HiFi and Ety er-20s (prefer the er-20) and have been on the brink of getting customs for a while. I want to know if customs really do provide better sound quality and evenness of db reduction? I'm ok with the comfort side of the generic plugs, but not entirely happy with the sound.

rockstarbassist · #2 09-16-2011, 08:18 AM

IMO they're more worth an investment than custom-molded IEMs because you can get more use out of them.
I used to use the crappy $20 Hearos from Guitar Center and finally had some custom Westone plugs made at -9db and they're just incredible. I should have had a pair made years ago.
And honestly I started with a -20db filter on mine but it was way too much. A -9 or -10 filter is plenty since no additional sound is getting "in" besides what goes through the filter. They're a game-changer for me.

Sliderbass · #3 09-16-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkyDynaBass

Searched and read the sticky but surprisingly couldn't find a difinative answer to this question.

I'm currently have Hearos HiFi and Ety er-20s (prefer the er-20) and have been on the brink of getting customs for a while. I want to know if customs really do provide better sound quality and evenness of db reduction? I'm ok with the comfort side of the generic plugs, but not entirely happy with the sound.

Get the custom moulded plugs! I keep a set of ER-20's on my keychain just in case I'm not playing and out listening to a band or some other loud environment.

I keep the moulded custom plugs in my gig bag and use them at every show. I use the 15db inserts but have the 25's just in case.

The custom plugs will sound much better than the ER-20's! Their response is much smoother as well.

Unless it's a very quiet band(acoustic only) I always wear my plugs!

brianrost · #4 09-16-2011, 09:21 AM

Like Sliderbass, I own both ER20s and custom plugs. The customs do sound better, more definition mainly. Your mileage may vary.

Keep in mind custom plugs are $$$$$...I paid over $125 and that was years (10???) ago. Add in more money if your health insurance doesn't cover ear checkups. Expensive if you lose them

The ER20s are definitely the best choice in generic plugs...it's worth having a few sets, keep one in every case/gig bag for emergencies

rockstarbassist · #5 09-16-2011, 09:39 AM

My Westone's (including the buds and molding) were like $80, but maybe I got a deal?

Eublet · #6 09-16-2011, 09:43 AM

Having molded plugs with interchangeable inserts is the way to go if you want the best experience. The sound is much better and even, and if you get a couple different inserts you can control the amount of reduction you want. The ER20's do a good job of reducing volume but the sound sucks. Hearo's are even worse. Molds are pricier, but if you use plugs a lot then I can promise you that you won't regret it. It makes concert going much more enjoyable.

Sliderbass · #7 09-16-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

My Westone's (including the buds and molding) were like $80, but maybe I got a deal?

I think mine were like $250 all in but i do have them going on ten years now.

Getting the mould of your ears is the most expensive part followed by the attenuators themselves.

Still, what price can you put on hearing loss? We all buy gear and spend a fairly decent amount on it. Why not protect yourself in the best way possible?

Eublet · #8 09-16-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sliderbass

but i do have them going on ten years now.

I just wanted to point out that this kind of longevity is highly atypical and not to be expected. It's not that the molds break necessarily, but the human ear is one of the few things that continues changing shape as we age no matter what we do. The canal reshapes, bends, enlarges, etc. Most audiologists will tell you not to expect more then 3-5 years on any mold.

MarkyDynaBass · #9 09-17-2011, 04:25 PM

Thanks all. I'm convinced! Booked myself in for an audiologist next week.

fourfinger · #10 09-17-2011, 04:28 PM

You won't regret it! You'll hear the difference, during AND after playing.

I have westones -25, but if I had it to do over I would get the 15s.

treekiller · #11 09-17-2011, 04:34 PM

I have had my custom-made filters for a couple of years now and won't play without them! They just take everything down a notch without sounding muffled, after playing with a couple of 100w Marshalls screaming at me from the opposite side of the stage, I would have a much more severe hearing loss without them and only wish I had gotten them sooner!!!