Custom Molds

[bellsprout]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeAmEye /img/forum/go_quote.gif Note: If you are getting custom tips for Shure or Ultimate Ears universal IEM's, the custom mold will ONLY be the impression of your ear canal (basically a custom tip). Ety's get a full mold, atleast from what I've seen on the website.

i see the full mould on the website too. but since u ordered it and only get the tip moulded, perhaps that's just the way it is. why would er-4 be different?

do the impression-taking putty go both in and outside your ear canal? cuz if the mould goes in ear and out, they should just make exact same thing as the mould right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeAmEye /img/forum/go_quote.gif I purchased a kit very similar to the one Kramer posted from earplugstore.com for Shure E500. After a few poorly made impressions (didn't go deep enough into canal), I got it right on the third try. Sent the molds in and received the custom molds yesterday (2 week turnaround). The tips fit very comfortably and create a good seal. If you fail to create a good impression, earplugstore sends you additional kits free of charge.

how do you know wether u made the moulds correctly? do u put them back in the ear after it sets and see if it fits?

 

[bellsprout]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenxcactus /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just got a quote from an audiologist, everything including shipping for a Westone custom mold for style 34 (ER4) is 134US. That includes one visit to get the impression and one visit (about 2 weeks later) to fit. In my opinion, this is a better deal than the earplugstore.com in yahoo (that runs 114US with free impression kit (u have to do urself) and free shipping. Besides the fact that u get an audiologist to help u to get the impression right, you get to select a much more extensive selection of materials and color (The otoblast clear is getting my attention). Now I am hesitant because I am trying to find a way to tilt the ER4S so that I can hang it over my ears to reduce the microphonics. Anyway, good luck with ur custom. btw: go to westone website to check out the color http://www.westone.com/hhc/hhp_colors.html also, u can look for the audiologist that do westone custom mold on their website and shoot them an email to see how much they charge you.

can't find style 34 - westone does not mention they do custom for er-4

also, the price includes a free visit to an audiologist? that's only for US residents yea?

 

[tom10167]

Honestly if you're planning on buying $200 headphones and already plan on getting custom tips I'd really recommend buying UE-5c phones and be done with it.

People have said that when using custom tips the sound has been altered(in a negative way) -- I'd imagine this is because the drivers are not placed where they should be like they are in a factory custom.

I just think you'd be ultimately happier and it's not like you're spending *that* much more money.

 

[Greenxcactus]

Go here and look for style 34

http://www.westone.com/hhc/hhp_earmolds.html

The price I got quoted are from the audiologist including materials+labor+shipping.

And to my understanding, only US residents only.

 

[bellsprout]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenxcactus /img/forum/go_quote.gif Go here and look for style 34 http://www.westone.com/hhc/hhp_earmolds.html The price I got quoted are from the audiologist including materials+labor+shipping. And to my understanding, only US residents only.

so u got urs thru ur audiologist rather than thru westone who referred u to an audiologist?

i guess it's not for me then, because there are no westone certified audiologists in my town

 

[EyeAmEye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellsprout /img/forum/go_quote.gif i see the full mould on the website too. but since u ordered it and only get the tip moulded, perhaps that's just the way it is. why would er-4 be different? do the impression-taking putty go both in and outside your ear canal? cuz if the mould goes in ear and out, they should just make exact same thing as the mould right? how do you know wether u made the moulds correctly? do u put them back in the ear after it sets and see if it fits?

ER-4 is different because of the shape, I guess. It's a narrow tube, whereas the Shure E500 already nestles in the ear and doesn't stick out. That's my guess.

The impression putty goes in and out of the canal. It could be used to make a full custom IEM (UE-10).

Yes, I put the molds back in my ear several times to make sure. The seal was very tight with no discomfort. I tried shaking them out to see if they were loose fitting, no dice. Have to do a bit of prying with my fingers to get them out. I don't know how much different an audiologist made mold could be, because the kit gave me the only two things a mold should do: full seal and comfort.

 

[EyeAmEye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenxcactus /img/forum/go_quote.gif In my opinion, this is a better deal than the earplugstore.com in yahoo (that runs 114US with free impression kit (u have to do urself) and free shipping. Besides the fact that u get an audiologist to help u to get the impression right, you get to select a much more extensive selection of materials and color (The otoblast clear is getting my attention).

Doesn't Westone make the final mold? The choice of colors and material isn't from the audiologist, but from Westone, so, if they accept it (not sure if they do), you could purchase the DIY impression kit and send them your mold.

Not saying it is a better deal, but it's an option for those who don't wish to go to an audiologist to get the impressions done or simply can't for whatever reason.

 

[PJL10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom10167 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Honestly if you're planning on buying $200 headphones and already plan on getting custom tips I'd really recommend buying UE-5c phones and be done with it. People have said that when using custom tips the sound has been altered(in a negative way) -- I'd imagine this is because the drivers are not placed where they should be like they are in a factory custom. I just think you'd be ultimately happier and it's not like you're spending *that* much more money.

Ok ok, I see where you're coming from. Is there anywhere to find these cheaper than $550 or is that the bottom line for the ue-5c?

How do I get a mold made for these? Will it require a trip to the audiologist which will just set me back another $100?

Are there any other dual driver customs comparable to the ue-5c?

How is the quality on these suckers? I used the **** out of my Shure E3's and though I'm upset that they're starting to break down, they've held up fantastically for what I put them through. I want to make sure if I spend the $550 to get these customs, that I'll have them for at least 5 years.

I know the se-310's will satisfy me fully, but if I can afford it, I'm going to try and go for the gold with a set of customs.

 

[bellsprout]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeAmEye /img/forum/go_quote.gif Note: If you are getting custom tips for Shure or Ultimate Ears universal IEM's, the custom mold will ONLY be the impression of your ear canal (basically a custom tip). Ety's get a full mold, atleast from what I've seen on the website.

i just got this message from the earplugstore:

There is a difference and because the ER-4 is so fragile, the full-shell mold is
required. Any time we have ever tried to do the canal-only for the ER-4 the stem on the earphone breaks eventually.

seems reasonable. and good for er-4 owners like myself contemplating this purchase

on the other hand, it seems to suggest theres little difference between canal and full mould sound wise.

 

[skev13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJL10 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ok ok, I see where you're coming from. Is there anywhere to find these cheaper than $550 or is that the bottom line for the ue-5c? How do I get a mold made for these? Will it require a trip to the audiologist which will just set me back another $100? Are there any other dual driver customs comparable to the ue-5c? How is the quality on these suckers? I used the **** out of my Shure E3's and though I'm upset that they're starting to break down, they've held up fantastically for what I put them through. I want to make sure if I spend the $550 to get these customs, that I'll have them for at least 5 years. I know the se-310's will satisfy me fully, but if I can afford it, I'm going to try and go for the gold with a set of customs.

Take a look at that 'Livewires' Thread, it looks very promising.

 

[54469]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just got this kit the other day. Haven't had a chance to use it yet. My wife is a dentist, and used to working with dental compounds and impressions, so I'm confident it will go smoothly. I have some DIY IEM ideas brewing Theres a void in the under $300 custom IEM market. I'm hoping to break into that segment with some DIY alternatives.

The in home kits are great for audiophiles and serious poders....Remember what the #1 reason should be!! for custom IEM's on a pro level is Hearing Protection!! from surrounding Loud Noise!! The in home kits are great for a shallow impression of the ear to hold the earpiece in and block ambient outside noise. They really work well if you take your time and read the instructions. But! If you are a pro dont mess around with the in home kits. Your hearing is more valuable than the 45-70 bucks you will spend at a Hearing Health Care Professional....I have been fitting a lot of MC Riders, and Shooters with IEM's and in these situations you need maximum depth of the ear impression for the greatest NRR (noise reduction rating) as well. Bottom line.....if you will be exposed to LOUD ambient noise get Professional Impressions, to move up from buds in the ears in home kits are great!!

 

[warrior05]

Quote:

Originally Posted by INEARZ.com /img/forum/go_quote.gif The in home kits are great for audiophiles and serious poders....Remember what the #1 reason should be!! for custom IEM's on a pro level is Hearing Protection!! from surrounding Loud Noise!! The in home kits are great for a shallow impression of the ear to hold the earpiece in and block ambient outside noise. They really work well if you take your time and read the instructions. But! If you are a pro dont mess around with the in home kits. Your hearing is more valuable than the 45-70 bucks you will spend at a Hearing Health Care Professional....I have been fitting a lot of MC Riders, and Shooters with IEM's and in these situations you need maximum depth of the ear impression for the greatest NRR (noise reduction rating) as well. Bottom line.....if you will be exposed to LOUD ambient noise get Professional Impressions, to move up from buds in the ears in home kits are great!!

Great advice! Thanks much!