FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IN EAR MONITORS
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. 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 from wax buildup to physical damage. 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, which makes them 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.
