FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IN EAR MONITORS
FAQs About Ordering In Ear Monitors
Can I send my custom in-ear monitors back for a refund if I don’t like them?
Sorry, since in-ear monitors are made custom just for you, we can’t do refunds. We will, however, work with you to make sure everything fits right and sounds like it should. We can help you get the perfect fit with our Sure-Fit Guarantee.
How long will it take to make my custom in-ears?
Your Alclair custom in-ears are made by hand from start to finish. We do our best to get your custom monitors to you within about 4 weeks but production time fluctuates. They won’t leave our shop until they look and sound perfect.
How do I know what model of in-ear I should get?
It can be difficult to select a monitor without hearing them. Try not to look at the number of drivers, but rather ask “Which monitor fits my needs and budget?” We have a couple of resources to help you make the right decision for you.
- Check out our “Best For…” pages on the main menu above.
- Check out our video on selecting an in-ear monitor here: What is the best in-ear monitor for you?
- Reach out to us on socials or email at sales@alclair.com.
What are the steps to getting custom in-ears? How do I buy my Alclairs?
Ordering your new in-ear monitors is pretty easy.
- Go to our designer to pick the model and colors you would like.
- Order online by placing your design into the CART (top of the designer on mobile or bottom on desktop) or by calling our Minneapolis or Nashville retail shops!
- Get your impressions made by Alclair or an audiologist. When you order you will get instructions on what they need to do and how to send them to us. We can take physical or digital impressions
Our How to Buy page is a great resource to get started! In a few weeks, you will be the envy of your friends with your new Alclair custom in-ear monitors!
Can I use my custom monitors as earbuds for everyday music and podcast listening and stuff?
Absolutely! Alclair Custom and Universal in-ear monitors sound FANTASTIC for everyday listening.
In particular, our ST3, Electro, and ESM are favorites for listening but whatever model you choose, the sound isolation and high-quality components will bring out aspects of your music that you have never heard before.
What is a driver? How many drivers do I need?
Alclair in-ear monitors use a technology called a balanced armature driver instead of a traditional moving coil speaker. A balanced armature driver is harder to “blow” in the same way a speaker would blow and has some slightly different sound characteristics. One of the ways they are similar is that there are many “flavors” and sizes of balanced armature drivers. Because of this, its not always appropriate to compare models just by the number of drivers. It would be like comparing guitar amp speakers, or toms in a drum kit. Saying “I have 2 speakers in my guitar amp,” or “I play with three toms,” is not very descriptive. What kind of speaker, what size is it? Or how deep are your toms, how wide, what kind of wood, etc.
This makes for many possible variations in monitor design. One triple driver might be the sonic equivalent of three 8″ speakers, while one might be the equivalent of a 12″ and 10″ and an 8″. Also, it’s tempting to think that more drivers = better. This is not always the case. What’s most important is to get a monitor that fits your budget and your musical needs. We’ve got loads of information on this over on our Resources page.
What is the turn around time?
Your Alclair custom in ear monitors are handcrafted from start to finish. We are currently at about a 4-5 week turnaround time. We do our best to get your custom monitors to you in the time estimated but production time does fluctuate, especially during holidays.
Do you have a RUSH option?
The rush option is for those who need their in-ear monitors faster than our typical turnaround time. Rush service guarantees shipment in 7-10 business days from when we receive your impressions. If you want to rush your order, please call or email the shop to determine the cost and RUSH availability. Rush service may not be available during peak build times.
RUSH STATUS: RUSH orders are currently AVAILABLE.
Do you have a pay monthly or payment plan?
We do! We offer financing through Affirm. At checkout, select Affirm and you can apply for a low monthly payment on your custom in-ear monitors! Affirm is available to US customers only at this time.
Can you send pictures of my monitors throughout the process?
Due to the volume of monitors in the shop, we can’t send you pictures of your custom ears in various stages. Make sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages though as we plan to show the whole process!
Do I need an appointment to come in to get free impressions?
You do not need an appointment to come into the Minneapolis or Nashville shop to get impressions made. If you are in the Nashville area calling for an appointment is helpful to manage traffic. Visit our Contact page for information on retail shop hours.
What connector/cable type do you use?
Alclair in-ear monitors come standard with recessed jacks. This protects the pins of the cable as the termination point is supported by the monitor shell. We do offer flush jacks on request. The flush jack offers less pin protection but can be used with a wider variety of aftermarket cables.
Impression Information
Will you let me know when you get my impressions?
Absolutely. We will send you an email to let you know that we have received your impressions.
Where do I get my impression made?
You’ll need to visit a hearing professional in your area to take impressions of your ears. If you are in the Minneapolis or Nashville area, you’re in luck!
If you are in Minneapolis or Nashville, stop by during our office hours for free impressions (no appointment needed). Refer to our Contact page for contact information. If you’re outside those areas, most hearing professionals can take your impressions for a minimal fee. Do a web search for Hearing Aid Center or Audiologist and make a couple of calls to get the best pricing. They are typically in the range of $75-100 per set. Please let us know if you need help finding someone and we may be able to assist you. Download the instructions for the audiologist here.
Can you send out an impression kit so I can do my own?
We do not offer impression kits. It is very difficult to get a deep enough impression with no voids safely without the help of a trained professional. Audiologists and our own staff are trained on how to safely take ear-impressions. We are happy to help you find an audiologist or take your impressions for free if you live in the Nashville or Minneapolis areas.
Will you keep my impressions or return them?
Once we get your impressions we will scan them and keep the scans on file. Once they are checked in, they will not be returned.
In Ear Monitor Care
Do I need a Headphone Vacuum? What model should I get?
If you are maintaining more than 5 in-ear monitors (especially when used every day), the Pro will be the better option. The rugged case, replaceable hose, and increased suction rate on the Pro model are designed for heavy use.
The Jr. model is perfect for personal use or for those who are cleaning a handful of monitors a week.
Can I use the premium copper and silver cables on stage?
Absolutely! Our premium cables are robust and can be used in nearly any application. All cables wear over time and stage use can increase that wear. When on stage, we tend to move more putting stress on the cable joints. We don’t recommend using our premium cables on stage simply because they are more expensive to replace. Some musicians tend to wear out cables faster and replacing our standard cable is much cheaper.
How do I clean my custom in-ear monitors and hearing protection?
Dirt or wax in the ports of your in-ear monitors can cause loss of sound, distortion, or other artifacts in your audio. Each custom in-ear set comes with a cleaning tool. We recommend using only the cleaning tool to clean your monitors. Using non-recommend instruments or liquids may void the warranty or cause further damage to your monitors.
Replacement tools can be ordered online.
My monitors keep getting wax in them. What can I do?
You can purchase various ear-cleaning kits from most drugstores. Q-tips may push wax further back into your ear and is not recommended. We recommend letting warm water flush your ear canals a few times a week while showering.
In Ear Monitor and Hearing Protection Repair and Support
How long is Alclair’s warranty?
Alclair’s 2-year warranty covers the custom monitors and hearing protection against manufacturer’s defects. Standard cables have a 30-day warranty that covers defects in manufacturing. Premium and Pro cables have a six-month warranty that covers defects in manufacturing.
We also offer a 30-day fit guarantee to make sure your custom monitors fit well.
If you DO need to get them fixed, we offer a $99 flat repair fee. No matter what and no questions asked (unless they are just begging for a story). As long as you have parts left, we can fix them for $99. Of course, if you drop them into a lake or they get stolen, we can’t cover that but any breakage, we’ve got you covered.
Can you reshell my universal or non-Alclair in-ears?
Sorry, we don’t offer a recasing service at this time. There is always a risk that the internal components might break in the process and we won’t be able to restore them. We’d be happy to make you a custom set of Alclair in-ears with Alclair components though!
Can my IEMS be repaired? How much does it cost to repair my Alclair In Ears?
Absolutely! We have a flat repair fee of $99 that covers everything from wax buildup to the infamous in-ears vs. washing machine match-up.
Endorsements, Group Purchases, and Sponsorships
Do you do endorsements or sponsorships? How do I get endorsed by Alclair?
In ear monitors are tools for live musicians and studio artists. Because of this, most of our customers play on live stages and are in bands. Instead of offering discounts to most of our customers, we have built artist pricing into our basic pricing. That is why our pricing is much more reasonable than the competitors.
We do have an artist program for very influential artists who qualify. A typical artist in the program has around 250K social media followers on the low end and over 1M on the upper end. They are signed to a major label, have at least one record released, and tour to support it. Since they are endorsing us to their fans and supporters, they usually already have a set of Alclair in-ears so they know what they are endorsing. We do have an Indie Alley program where we help promote high-quality bands who are just getting started. Through Indie Alley, artists and bands can get some extra exposure. There is no discount with the Indie Alley program, but it is a great opportunity to get some promotion through our social media channels. Indie Alley bands are reviewed with a different set of criteria. To inquire about an application for the program, please contact Artist Relations at artistrelations@alclair.com
Do you do group discounts?
We do have some options for groups. If you have 3 or more folks ready to buy, email us at sales@alclair.com and we can set you up.
Alclair Outdoors and Hearing Protection
Do the EXP Active Hearing Protection models have Bluetooth?
The Alclair EXP PRO does not currently have Bluetooth functionality.We believe that your hearing protection should not rely on a battery that can fail in the field. Replaceable batteries are easy to carry with you so they are always ready to protect you.
Are the EXP hearing protection models rechargeable?
The Alclair EXP PRO uses A13 batteries and comes with multiple replacement batteries. You should get about 150 hours of use from a set of batteries. This will result in the longest life for your Alclair EXPs and insure that they are always ready to go when you need them.
Are the EXP hearing protection models tuned for different pursuits like waterfowl, upland, deer, or turkey?
Each Alclair EXP active hearing protection model offers 3 separate programs so that you can select the program that works best for you. The reality is, when you are out hunting, you need to hear naturally. The Alclair EXP programs are designed to help you hear more naturally, working WITH your existing hearing to give you an awesome experience.
- Mode 1 – Accurate Profile: This mode offers a balanced sound with minimal enhancement, giving you an accurate representation of the sounds around you.
- Mode 2 – Field Focus: This mode offers greater sensitivity to sounds like bird vocalizations and human conversations. Everything is a bit clearer and crisper, especially in the upper range.
- Mode 3 – Clarity Focus: This program removes some of the low end that can cause muddiness so you can focus on important sounds. This is a great profile for those who have been affected by moderate hearing loss.
- Mode 4 – Natural: This mode augments your hearing in a way that feels natural. It minimizes distracting noise and accentuates the sounds that matter, so you can pinpoint their source and gain a real advantage without it ever feeling artificial.
Do I need active earplugs or passive earplugs? Which is better?
Both active and passive earplugs will protect your hearing. With our Impact Defense™ filter system, our passive earplugs let you hear the world around you while blocking harmful loud sounds.
Active hearing protection will amplify the world around you while protecting your ears with Impact Defense. Both provide different experiences so you can get the one that best matches what you need. If you need ALWAYS ON hearing protection, our passive acrylic or silicone earplugs are perfect for you. If you will be spending time in a blind or in fields, you might want our passive protection with Impact Defense filters. Trap and range shooters might want active earplugs so that they can hear conversations while blocking loud sounds. It all comes down to your needs and budget.
What is the difference between the silicone and acrylic hearing protection earplugs?
Silicone hearing protection can be fitted with our Impact Defense™ filters and Impact Defense Switch. For people with hard cartilage in their ears, the silicone earplugs might be a more comfortable, more forgiving fit.
Acrylic earplugs can be made in a variety of color combinations and can also be printed with custom logos and artwork. They are filled with our proprietary sound dampening material so offer incredible noise reduction. Both acrylic and silicone earplugs offer all-day comfort and at least 26dB of noise reduction.
How long will the batteries last on the EXP hearing protection?
A set of new A13 batteries will last around 150 hours. Open the battery door during storage for the best battery life.
What kind of batteries do the EXP models use?
The Alclair EXP PRO active hearing protection model uses an A13 battery. These are readily available and very inexpensive.
I’m getting feedback on my EXP active hearing protection, what do I do?
Feedback can happen if there is not a great seal or sound leakage from the active hearing protection. We may need to do a fit adjustment for you.
Contact our team at support@alclair.com and we can work with you to make sure they are not feeding back.
Do any of the EXP models block the wind?
Our Alclair EXP PRO active hearing protection offers automatic wind noise reduction.
How long should my hearing protection last?
Your acrylic hearing protection or earplugs should last over 10 years. Silicone earplugs might experience some degradation over time, but generally last over 5 years.
FAQ NAVIGATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IN EAR MONITORS
ORDERING
IMPRESSION INFORMATION
IN-EAR MONITOR CARE
REPAIR AND SUPPORT
ARTIST PROGRAM AND GROUPS
ALCLAIR OUTDOORS & HEARING PROTECTION
FAQs About Ordering In-Ear Monitors
Can I get a refund on custom in-ear monitors?
Custom in-ear monitors are made specifically for your ears and cannot be refunded. Every order is backed by the SureFit Guarantee — if the fit or sound is not right, we work with you until it is.
How long does it take to make custom in-ear monitors?
Alclair custom in-ear monitors are handmade from start to finish. Current turnaround is about 4 to 5 weeks, though production time can fluctuate, especially during holidays. Your monitors will not leave our shop until they look and sound perfect.
How do I know which in-ear monitor model is right for me?
The best way to choose is to focus on your musical role and budget rather than driver count. Check out our “Best For…” pages in the main menu, watch our model selection video, or reach out at sales@alclair.com and we will point you in the right direction.
What are the steps to ordering Alclair custom in-ear monitors?
Ordering is straightforward. Use our online designer to pick your model and colors, then add your design to the cart or call our Minneapolis or Nashville shops. After ordering, you will receive instructions for getting ear impressions made — we accept both physical and digital impressions. Our How to Buy page walks through every step.
Can I use custom in-ear monitors for everyday listening?
Absolutely. Alclair custom and universal in-ear monitors sound great for everyday music and podcast listening. The ST3, Electro, and ESM are customer favorites for listening, but any model will bring out details in your music you have never heard before.
What is a balanced armature driver and how many do I need?
Alclair in-ear monitors use balanced armature drivers instead of traditional moving coil speakers. They are more durable and have different sound characteristics. More drivers does not always mean better sound — what matters is how the drivers are tuned and matched to your musical needs and budget. Visit our Resources page for a deeper breakdown.
Do you offer rush production on custom in-ear monitors?
Yes. Rush service guarantees shipment within 7 to 10 business days from when we receive your impressions. Call or email the shop to confirm availability and pricing — rush service may not be available during peak build times. RUSH STATUS: Currently AVAILABLE.
Do you offer monthly payments or financing?
Yes. Alclair offers financing through Affirm. At checkout, select Affirm to apply for a low monthly payment on your custom in-ear monitors. Affirm is available to US customers only.
Do I need an appointment to get free ear impressions at your shop?
No appointment is needed at the Minneapolis location. If you are in the Nashville area, calling ahead is helpful to manage traffic. Visit our Contact page for shop hours and addresses.
What cable connector type do Alclair in-ear monitors use?
Alclair in-ear monitors come standard with recessed 2-pin jacks, which protect the cable pins by supporting the connection inside the monitor shell. Flush jacks are available on request and work with a wider range of aftermarket cables, though they offer less pin protection.
Impression Information
Will Alclair notify me when my impressions arrive?
Yes. You will receive an email confirmation as soon as we check in your impressions.
Where do I get ear impressions made?
You will need to visit a hearing professional to have impressions taken. If you are in Minneapolis or Nashville, stop by our shop during office hours for free impressions — no appointment needed. Outside those areas, search for a local Hearing Aid Center or Audiologist. Impressions typically cost between $75 and $100. Download the audiologist instructions here.
Can I get an impression kit to make my own ear impressions?
Alclair does not offer DIY impression kits. Getting a deep, void-free impression safely requires a trained professional. We are happy to help you find someone local, or take your impressions for free if you visit our Minneapolis or Nashville locations.
Will Alclair return my ear impressions after production?
Once we receive your impressions, we scan them and keep the digital files on record. Physical impressions are not returned after they are checked in.
In-Ear Monitor Care
Do I need a headphone vacuum and which model should I get?
If you are maintaining more than five in-ear monitors with heavy daily use, the Pro model is the better choice. Its rugged case, replaceable hose, and higher suction are built for that level of use. The Jr. model is ideal for personal use or cleaning a handful of monitors per week.
Can premium copper or silver cables be used on stage?
Premium cables are built to handle stage use, but they cost more to replace when they wear out. Stage movement puts extra stress on cable joints over time. We recommend keeping premium cables for studio or personal use and using standard cables on stage, where replacement cost is much lower.
How do I clean my custom in-ear monitors?
Each custom in-ear set comes with a cleaning tool. Use only the included tool — non-recommended instruments or liquids can cause damage and may void the warranty. Replacement cleaning tools can be ordered online. Dirt or wax in the ports can cause loss of sound or distortion, so regular cleaning is important.
My monitors keep getting wax buildup. What can I do?
Ear cleaning kits are available at most drugstores. Avoid Q-tips, which can push wax deeper into the ear canal. Letting warm water flush your ears a few times a week while showering is an effective way to manage buildup.
Repair and Warranty
What is Alclair’s warranty on in-ear monitors?
Alclair covers custom monitors and hearing protection against manufacturer defects for 2 years. Standard cables carry a 30-day defect warranty. Premium and Pro cables carry a 6-month defect warranty. A separate 30-day fit guarantee ensures your custom monitors fit properly after delivery.
How much does it cost to repair Alclair in-ear monitors?
Alclair charges a flat $99 repair fee that covers everything — wax buildup, physical damage, you name it. As long as there are parts to work with, we can fix them. Physical loss or theft is not covered, but any breakage is.
Can Alclair reshell or recase non-Alclair in-ear monitors?
Alclair does not offer a reshelling service for third-party monitors. There is always a risk that internal components could be damaged in the process. We would love to build you a custom set of Alclair in-ears from scratch instead.
Endorsements, Group Purchases, and Sponsorships
Does Alclair offer artist endorsements or sponsorships?
Alclair has an artist program for established artists with roughly 250K to 1M+ social media followers, a major label deal, and at least one released record with touring to support it. We also run the Indie Alley program, which offers social media promotion for high-quality emerging artists. To apply, contact artistrelations@alclair.com.
Does Alclair offer group discounts?
Yes. Groups of three or more are eligible for special pricing. Email sales@alclair.com to get set up.
Alclair Outdoors and Hearing Protection
Do the EXP active hearing protection models have Bluetooth?
The Alclair EXP PRO does not have Bluetooth. Hearing protection should not depend on a battery that could fail in the field — replaceable A13 batteries are easy to carry and always ready.
Are the EXP hearing protection models rechargeable?
The EXP PRO uses replaceable A13 batteries, which deliver approximately 150 hours of use per set. This keeps your hearing protection always ready and never sidelined by a dead internal battery.
Are the EXP models tuned for specific hunting applications?
Each EXP model offers four listening programs you can switch between in the field. Mode 1 (Accurate Profile) delivers balanced, natural sound. Mode 2 (Field Focus) enhances bird vocalizations and conversation clarity. Mode 3 (Clarity Focus) reduces low-end muddiness, helpful for those with moderate hearing loss. Mode 4 (Natural) augments hearing realistically, minimizing distracting noise while accentuating sounds that matter.
Do I need active or passive hearing protection earplugs?
Both protect your hearing. Passive earplugs with Alclair’s Impact Defense filters let you hear the world around you while blocking harmful sound peaks — ideal for all-day wear. Active hearing protection amplifies ambient sound while suppressing loud impulses, making it a better fit for range shooters or hunters who need to hold conversations. The right choice depends on how you use them and your budget.
What is the difference between silicone and acrylic hearing protection earplugs?
Silicone earplugs are compatible with Alclair’s Impact Defense filters and Impact Defense Switch, and tend to be more comfortable for people with harder ear cartilage. Acrylic earplugs support a wider range of color combinations and can be printed with custom logos or artwork. Both materials offer all-day comfort and at least 26dB of noise reduction.
How long do the batteries last on EXP hearing protection?
A set of A13 batteries lasts approximately 150 hours. Open the battery door during storage for the best battery life.
What batteries do the EXP models use?
The EXP PRO uses A13 batteries, which are widely available and inexpensive.
I am getting feedback on my EXP active hearing protection. What do I do?
Feedback usually means there is a fit issue or sound leakage. Contact our support team at support@alclair.com and we will work with you on a fit adjustment.
Do any EXP models reduce wind noise?
Yes. The EXP PRO includes automatic wind noise reduction.
How long should custom hearing protection last?
Acrylic hearing protection typically lasts over 10 years. Silicone earplugs may experience some material degradation over time but generally last more than 5 years.
