Alien Ears

Monitor/Product Questions


Yes — single monitors are available.
  You’ll find them listed at the bottom of our main monitor product page.

When Would You Use a Single Monitor?

Single monitors are typically ordered as replacements for lost or damaged units.  If you’ve misplaced one side or had a monitor fail outside warranty, you don’t need to buy a full new set — we’ve got you covered.

A Word of Caution

We don’t recommend using a single monitor in one ear for regular performance or rehearsal.

Why?  Because it can lead to long-term hearing damage due to unbalanced exposure.  When one ear is protected and the other is exposed to full stage volume, your brain compensates — and that can push your open ear into dangerous territory over time.

Best Practice

If you’re down a monitor, grab a single replacement to restore your full setup.  Your ears — and your mix — will thank you.

Need help matching your model or color? Reach out and we’ll make sure your replacement fits perfectly.

Ambient ports (also called pressure vents) are small tubes built into your in-ear monitors. They run from the outside of the shell down the canal toward your eardrum. We now insert a special filter into the tube to help retain some low-end response — but there are trade-offs.

The Upside of Ambient Ports

  • They let in outside sound, so you don’t feel completely isolated
  • You can hear audience reactions, stage chatter, or cues from bandmates

The Downside

  • Ambient ports only fit in the AE1 and AE2 models due to space limitations
  • When the port is open, you lose almost all low-end response — yes, all
  • Even with our special filter, you’ll still lose a significant amount of low-end

A Better Solution: Ambient Mics

Personally, I use an ambient mic that feeds into my personal monitor mix. It gives me full control and lets me hear everything clearly — without sacrificing low-end.

  • You don’t need a fancy mic for this. Any basic room mic will do.
  • A PZM (pressure zone mic) works well because of its wide pickup pattern
  • Many venues already have ambient mics installed — talk to your sound tech

Pro tip: Bring your sound guy a Starbucks or some kind of peace offering.  It helps. You know what I mean.

One Last Word of Advice

Please don’t waste $1,100 on a belt pack with a built-in mic and limiter marketed as an “ambient solution.”  You can build a better setup for a fraction of the cost — and keep your low-end intact.

Color Options That Reflect You

At Alien Ears, we believe your in-ear monitors should look as good as they sound. That’s why we offer a wide range of free standard colors, plus the freedom to go fully custom — no limits, no cookie-cutter chart.

Free Standard Colors

(Colors may be added — check the color chart for updates)

All monitor shells are CLEAR the faceplate is colored to choice

  • Clear
  • Transparent Light Smoke
  • Transparent Dark Smoke
  • Transparent Black
  • Transparent Ice Blue
  • Transparent Dark Ice Blue
  • Transparent Regular Blue
  • Transparent Purple
  • Transparent Red
  • Transparent Orange
  • Transparent Yellow
  • Transparent Hot Pink
  • Transparent Alien Green
  • Transparent Brown (skin tone)
  • Transparent Beige (skin tone)
  • Milk Bottle White (opaque)

Sparkle Add-On

Want to add some shimmer?

  • Sparkles added to any standard color$15 total (for both monitors)
  • Sparkles added to a custom colorFREE
  • Sparkles for all G series monitors: FREE

What Counts as Custom?

We get this question a lot:

“Where’s your custom color chart?”

Here’s the truth: we don’t have one.  Because custom means you tell us what you want, and we make it happen.

How to Order a Custom Color

Just describe your dream combo in the color box at checkout.  Examples:

  • “Viper red ”
  • “gold sparkles on right and ice blue on left”
  • “Alien green with purple glitter”

If you can imagine it, we can pour it.  We’ve created tens of thousands of monitors over the past decade — in every color combo you can think of.

Premium Faceplate Upgrades

Want something truly unique on the outside?

  • Carbon Fiber, Wood, or Shell faceplates:  → $50 total (for both monitors)

Faceplates are the part everyone sees when they’re in your ears — so make them count.

Questions?

Still unsure? text us — we’re happy to help you design the perfect look.

Find Your Perfect In-Ear Monitor

Choosing the right in-ear monitor isn’t just about specs — it’s about finding the sound that fits you. Whether you’re laying down grooves, leading worship, or shredding solos, your monitor should match your style, your mix, and your role on stage.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

 Entry-Level & Versatile Picks

AE1- Perfect for communications or anywhere you need isolation but still need to hear input.

AE2 – ?  A well-balanced, entry-level monitor with clean response across the spectrum. Ideal for newcomers or anyone needing a reliable, neutral mix.

AE3 – ?️  Dual low drivers and a full-range crossover give this model extra punch in the low end. A great step up for performers who want more depth without losing clarity.

AFR3 (Proprietary) – ?  A triple full-range setup with excellent clarity. Perfect for most musicians — except bassists and drummers who need deeper low-end response.

 Monitors with Enhanced Low-End

AE3
G8 – ?️  Think AFR3 clarity with added warmth. Delivers rich lows and crisp highs — great for rhythm-heavy roles. the work horse of the AE family

G12 (Proprietary) – ?  A powerhouse monitor with pristine clarity and a fat low end. Universally loved — suitable for any musician, any genre.

G16 – ?  Our flagship model. Loud, proud, and sonically immersive. Studio-grade clarity meets massive low-end for a truly elevated live mix.

For Drummers & Bassists

Custom molds offer isolation — which means you’ll start mixing like you’re in the studio. Kick, bass, and full mix need to be present and powerful.

Recommended: G8 or G16 These models deliver the low-end punch and transient response you need to lock in the groove.
you could use an AE3 but for the price difference the G8 is superior in clarity and low end.

For Keyboardists

Church players (pads, piano, organ, strings):  → AFR3, G8, G12, G16 — for warmth, clarity, and harmonic detail.

Prog rockers (Moogs, Mellotrons, ARPs):  → AFR3, G8, G12, G16 — for dynamic range and vintage synth grit.

 For Vocalists

→ AFR3, G12, G16  On a budget? The AE2 is a solid fallback. (We get it — vocalists aren’t always rolling in gear budgets.)

For Guitarists

Heavy players (Marshall stacks, drop D, headbangers):  → AE3 for raw clarity, AFR3 to make your tone pop, G8 for warmth  → Singing too? Go G8,G12 or G16 for vocal space and balance.

Versatile players (clean, crunch, lead):  → AFR3, G8, G12 — the G12 is our top pick for guitarists who want it all.

For Strings (Violin, Fiddle, etc.)

→ AFR3 and the G8 is our top sellers for string players thanks to its clarity and responsiveness.  → Want more low-end body and clarity? Try G8, G12, or G16 depending on how bold you want to go.

 Need Help Choosing?

Adding vocals or switching instruments can change your monitor needs. Reach out anytime — we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your ears, your instrument, and your sound.