Acs moulded ear plugs

[Not_the_DJ]

Perhaps we should have a sticky to gather all useful product info together and the comments from users.

It is a topic that comes up quite regularly, so would be good adivce for newbies.

I really wish I'd got moulded pulgs years ago, as you can't really repair the damage and I've had tinitus for years, plus I have trouble hearing conversations where there's a lot of background noise (pubs etc).

I also just happen to work round the corner from the ACS lab in Banbury so it was dead easy getting my impressions taken and collecting them. I did however have an issue with the actual filters, in the space of one month they both came apart...but despite being out of the official 12 month warranty period they replaced them without question.

[mudslide73]

I'm still using the generic ones. They might be an idea to see if you like the idea of earplugs. I'll be getting some moulded ones as soon as I can afford it. The generics attenuate a bit too much treble and can get uncomfortable, but I still wouldn't play without them. It's worth it just to hear what the end of your second set actually sounds like!

[Not_the_DJ]

I'm still using the generic ones. They might be an idea to see if you like the idea of earplugs. I'll be getting some moulded ones as soon as I can afford it. The generics attenuate a bit too much treble and can get uncomfortable, but I still wouldn't play without them. It's worth it just to hear what the end of your second set actually sounds like!

Is that the ER-20s?

These:



I used those for a few years before getting my moulded ones. They do a good job, but I did notice the treble drop off which annoyed me, but still better than the industrial foam plugs some people use...and much better than nothing.

It's good that a lot of guys on here use and recomend plugs. Hopefully the macho "what's the matter, too loud for you" brigade are on the wane.

[stickyfiddle]

It's good that a lot of guys on here use and recomend plugs. Hopefully the macho "what's the matter, too loud for you" brigade are on the wane.

Plenty of this! For me it was just after joining my current band. My old were fine, but in the new band we had 2 very loud gigs 2 nights running. The ringing after the second night stopped me sleeping. I can't imagine how bad I'd feel if that became a permanent thing, and obviously if it did I would pay thousands to get my hearing back again. But you can't do that. Once you realise that it's a total no-brainer.

[ChrisJordan]

I use the Pro 17s adn I'll have them on the go at some point over this weekend's Axe-Fest, and certainly if/when Clarky starts using his rig in anger.

To echo what has been said before, I should have got 'em years ago.

[mudslide73]

Is that the ER-20s?

These:



I used those for a few years before getting my moulded ones. They do a good job, but I did notice the treble drop off which annoyed me, but still better than the industrial foam plugs some people use...and much better than nothing.

It's good that a lot of guys on here use and recomend plugs. Hopefully the macho "what's the matter, too loud for you" brigade are on the wane.

Those are the ones, yes. I get more "I won't use them because I want to be able to hear myself" type stuff (which as you know is missing the point somewhat). It doesn't matter how I try to explain it they don't understand... it's like putting a master volume control on your band.

[Guitar_Slinger]

I bought a set of moulded ER15s about 10 years ago after a drumer recommended them. They were great - I used them at workshops, sound checks, trade shows, rehearsals and gigs for years until I lost them a few months ago. Probably worked out about 2p for every hour I used them!

I bought a set of ER17s last month. ACS recommended using them rather than the 15s, because I work at large gigs and amplified play pub rock. Haven't worked out if I need to switch back to 15s yet, as I also work at shows and need to hear/speak to people whil I'm working, which was always posible with the 15s and I could hear the music too.

Wouldn't be without them, but took a few goes to get used to them. If anybody wants to try ACS' cheaper ones as an "in" to earplugs (£13 IIRC), try them. Your ears and sanity will thank you.

[miserneil]

I have used a set of moulded ER-15's for the last 11 years while playing and tech'ing. They are the first thing that go in my gig bag, absolutely essential and top notch bit of kit.

If you are singing or playing with them in, they do take a while to get used to but once you're comfortable with them, you'll be sorted. I don't use any monitors for smaller gigs now, I find I can hear enough of myself 'in my head' to pitch fine.

Best £120 I've ever spent on musical equipment

[bandmaster188]

Just got my moulds done today for pro 17's.
Did ask the bloke to squirt some more stuff in my ears so I wouldn't here the kids screaming when I get in and get a decent nights sleep, but he wasn't very forthcoming
Cheers for all the advice