Recommend me some ear plugs...

Slimbert

My band play at ridiculous volumes (seriously!) and now I'm getting on a bit, I feel the need to protect my hearing a little. Not very rock and roll, I know, but needs must etc...

I'm looking for something sub £20, just to take the edge off. A few db cut will be fine and no need for anything fancy as we don't play/practice very often any more.

 I've seen some "mold your own" kits for £15 ish but no idea if they're any good?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

not_the_dj

Well done for admitting you need hearing protection, that's the first step. 

The Elacin/ACS ER-20 plugs are a decent universal plug and less than £15. You'll notice some drop off with higher frequencies but preventing any more damage to your ears is bloody important!

I used those for a while before getting some custom mounded plugs from ACS (which were expensive but honestly worth every penny). 

 

simonk

Look at the current Kickstarter campaign for the Flare Isolates. If they're anything like the in ear headphones they did a while back they'll be great!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/584645150/isolate-switch-off-your-ears?ref=discovery

Edit: I should add that I've been using a set of ACS custom molds for 6 years or so and highly recommend them. £150 really is a small price to pay to protect your hearing.

IvisonGuitars

Slimbert said:

My band play at ridiculous volumes (seriously!) and now I'm getting on a bit, I feel the need to protect my hearing a little. Not very rock and roll, I know, but needs must etc...

I'm looking for something sub £20, just to take the edge off. A few db cut will be fine and no need for anything fancy as we don't play/practice very often any more.

 I've seen some "mold your own" kits for £15 ish but no idea if they're any good?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Without trying to sound like a wanker here, is 'sub £20' the actual value you place on your hearing??

Get some proper moulded ACS plugs made, they are around £150, and worth EVERY penny as @not_the_dj has said. These £20 'quick fixes' are just that. 

If if your band are seriously loud as you say, get a pair of the moulded plugs, it'll be the best gear investment you'll make. 

octatonic

I bought a set of £15 mould-yourself plugs.
They didn't really work for me- the fit wasn't quite right and once you've done the mould you can't reset it.

I ended up going for some Read Audio custom plugs (along with their IEM's) and they are fantastic.

ftumch

As the above comments, I tried most of the cheap ones and never even got through one gig with any of them. Bought some acs ones for £140 and the difference is world's apart. Still getting used to them but I'd say don't skimp.

vasselmeyer

I also got the ACS moulded plugs. They attenuate very well, keeping the EQ almost flat but at a significant reduction in volume. I would never gig or go to a gig without them now. At £140ish they're they best value piece of musical gear I have ever bought.

David5150

Another vote the ACS custom (-17db filter in mine)

A case of too little too late but they really help these days