Getting the Perfect Fit with your IEMs
In ear monitors – or IEMs – are specialised earphones designed specifically for live performers, artists, DJs and music producers.
Custom IEMs, unlike your run-of-the-mill headphones, are used to deliver a direct and personalised audio mix so that you can perform with perfect clarity and without the interference of external noise.
When you are playing music or DJing live on stage in a club or at an event, this can be crucial. You need to have direct and clear feedback, without the sound being diluted or drowned out by the surrounding noise.
IEMs are important not just because they allow you to hear every detail of your mix, but they also help to protect your hearing by reducing the need for your audio monitoring to be of a higher (and therefore damaging) volume. Enhanced isolation and clarity through custom IEMs is important whether you’re mixing in the comfort of your studio or performing live in front of a loud audience.
Custom IEMs vs Universal IEMs: What’s the difference?
Whilst there are a ton of good quality, affordable and universal IEMs out there, there is little question that custom IEMs offer greater advantages and benefits.
A custom IEM is an in-ear monitor individually moulded to fit your ear shape and ear canal. The best way to achieve the perfect fit is to visit an audiologist who can take a silicone impression of your ear canal and provide you with the impression from which to have a custom IEM crafted. This process, though more cumbersome and expensive, will deliver an unmatched level of comfort and audio delivery thanks to its secure seal.
Universal IEMs, on the other hand, use standardised shapes. Whilst the shapes are generally suited to most ear canal shapes, and many models include multiple tip sizes to accommodate customers as much as possible, custom IEMs simply offer a level of comfort, isolation and sound quality that off-the-shelf IEMs cannot match.
Benefits of Custom IEMs with a Perfect Fit
1.Fit and Comfort
One of the most obvious and visceral benefits of custom IEMs is its fit and therefore comfort, especially over long-term use.
With the right fit, custom IEMs are far superior devices for using during mixing sessions in the studio or throughout a live gig. Universal IEMs can vary in their level of discomfort, and can become less suitable the longer you wear them.
2. Noise Isolation
The right fitting custom IEMs ensure more effective noise isolation. The reason for this is because the ear canal is sufficiently blocked and sealed off from external noise sources. With universal IEMs that are not as form-fitting, the effectiveness with which it prevents noise penetration is significantly lower.
3. Sound Quality
Custom IEMs don’t just deliver higher sound quality due to the absence of external noise – its delivery of sound can be more consistent and tailored to your ear canal and needs making the entire experience more enjoyable as well as helpful for your music making activities.
Disadvantage of Custom IEMs
Higher Price
The one consideration you need to take into account if you are considering a custom pair of IEMs is the higher price tag. For professional music producers and DJs, the cost is certainly worth it. However, for amateur musicians who are just beginning their journey, this does need to be taken into consideration.
Getting the Fit of your IEMs Right
The fit of your IEMs (or lack thereof) will directly affect the sound quality, effectiveness of the noise isolation, and physical comfort.
A perfect seal ensures that the most amount of noise is isolated so you can mix your music at lower, safer volumes and protect your hearing. Plus, it works the other way around as well. With less sound leakage from your monitors, you will be able to perceive enhanced bass response and overall more accurate sound.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Fit with Custom IEMs
So how do you ensure the perfect fit with your IEMs? One way is to go the long route and visit an audiologist to procure a custom mould and have your IEMs ordered to specification. However, this is not always practical or possible for all DJs and musicians. So, to help you out, here are a few strategies for achieving the right fit with your monitors.
1. Consider the right type for you
Custom IEMs will provide a better fit than universal models, however there is still a spectrum of difference within the world of custom in-ear monitors. It is worth experimenting with different tip materials and different IEM tip sizes to find the one that feels right for you. You might before the feel of foam or the effectiveness of silicone, or even opt for a hybrid. At the end of the day, there is no one right answer for everyone. It is entirely dependent on you and your personal preference.
2. Make sure you are wearing them properly
Proper insertion of your IEMs is important. Always place your IEMs in your ear canal with a gentle twist to ensure that it is deep enough to securely fit. Over-ear cables can help keep the IEMs in place during highly active performances as well. Without making sure you are wearing your IEMs properly, you could be undermining the entire purpose of custom IEMs.
3. Explore custom moulded tips
There are some companies out there that provide custom-moulded tips to replace the tips of universal IEMs. This option allows you to find a middle ground between a fully custom option and a more universal product. If the fit of the tip is perfect and customised to your ear canal size and shape, you can always upgrade to a complete custom solution in the future.
4. Maintain your IEMs
IEMs need to be maintained to ensure ideal fit and optimised performance. Cleaning them regularly to remove the build-up of earwax and debris is not just about hygiene, it can make a substantial difference in improving both fit and sound quality.
5. Monitor the fit over time
Your ears can change shape, even slightly, over long periods of time. So keep an ‘eye’ on your ears. If your IEMs start to feel a little loose or uncomfortable, or if they are beginning to budge a bit during performances, you may want to consider getting them refitted.
6. Try before you buy
While not always possible, if you can, try to demo different IEMs. This will give you a bit of an idea about the different fits and allow you to identify what the right type, style, size and material of IEMs best suits your needs and preferences.
DJ City – Australia’s leading online audio equipment retailer
At DJ City, as one of the largest online retailers for DJ and music equipment, we know a thing or two about custom IEMs.
While we sell a range of in-ear monitors to suit all needs, preferences and budgets, our team is also able to help you find the right custom IEMs to take your music making up a level.
