A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Custom In-Ear Monitors

Custom in-ear monitors are the ultimate companion for both onstage performances and daily listening. Also known as CIEMS or custom IEMS, custom in-ear monitors are ideal for professional musicians, hardcore audiophiles, or anyone else seeking clear, detailed sound.

Custom in-ear monitors provide unmatched isolation and comfort compared to other earphones, offering several advantages over traditional in-ear monitors (IEMs). One of the most significant benefits is the superior fit and comfort. Since CIEMs are moulded to the exact shape of the user’s ear canal, they provide a personalised fit that stays securely in place, even during intense activity or extended use, making them more comfortable than traditional IEMs. This custom fit also leads to enhanced noise isolation, as the tighter seal effectively blocks out external sounds, reducing the need for higher volumes and improving sound clarity. CIEMs are also designed for optimal sound quality, delivering a clearer and more detailed audio experience. They can also be fine-tuned to the listener’s preferences, making them ideal for anyone seeking a more immersive listening experience.

Minidisc specialises in professional custom in-ear monitors, providing a complete service that includes custom fitting based on a 3D scan or physical impression of your ear, thereby ensuring a snug, secure fit. Built from premium materials and using advanced manufacturing techniques, they offer exceptional durability and performance. You can even customise your CIEM design with ambient bleed through or personalised faceplates. Scroll down to learn more, or browse Minidisc CIEMs here.

The first step in your CIEM journey is choosing your brand. Minidisc provides CIEMs from a selection of top brands including 64 Audio, JH Audio, Fir Audio, Bellos Audio, Ultimate Ears, and Unique Melody. It's always advised that you research a brand's reputation and read product reviews before purchasing. When considering a brand, key factors to consider include brand reputation, sound signature, customer support, and of course, your budget. Brands with strong reputations often provide superior customer support and more comprehensive warranties for their IEMs. These companies understand that you're not just seeking an excellent IEM system, but a reliable brand that can offer long-term support and a lasting partnership.Be sure to get in touch with Minidisc if you’d like a demo with any of the above brands. 

The primary main methods for getting CIEMs are ear moulding and 3D ear scanning. Ear moulding involves injecting a silicone-like material into the ear canal to create a physical mould. An audiologist then takes the impressions and sends them to a manufacturer, who uses them to produce precise ear moulds which are then used to craft the custom in-ear monitor. This method was traditionally used to create accurately fitting hearing aids or hearing protection devices for the hearing impaired. 

However, it’s worth noting that improper impressions can affect the final fit, and if they are not conducted by a qualified professional, it may also put your hearing at risk. That’s why many people prefer a newer technique: the 3D ear scan. The 3D ear scan is a safe and accurate method that eliminates pressure on the inner ear while delivering quicker results and a comfortable fit compared to ear moulding. In partnership with Auricle Digital, Minidisc is proud to be the first to introduce 3D ear scans for custom-fit in-ear monitors, earplugs, and eartips. This safe, convenient, and highly accurate method captures the shape of your ears without needing an audiologist visit. The 3D ear scan is a low-contact, 30-minute process that delivers a more comfortable final product compared to traditional impression techniques, as it doesn’t place pressure on the inner ear like the standard material injection method. You can read more about Minidisc’s 3D scanning process here. 

Now comes the fun part: you get to give your CIEM a little personal flair! 

Customise your IEM design with a variety of colours, faceplate materials, and even your own custom logo. After we finalise your order, your in-ear monitors will be manufactured and shipped directly to you.

Depending on your selected design and brand, the manufacturing turnaround can be as quick as three weeks - but if you have a tight deadline and require a rush order, get in touch with us, and we’ll see what we can do!

Over 90% of our customers are immediately happy with the fit and quality of their CIEMs upon revival. However, if your CIEM doesn’t fit properly, simply get in touch with us within 30 days of receiving it, and we will work with you to correct the fit at no additional cost. Over time, your ears may change shape, and should that occur, we can happily facilitate a refitting.

CIEMS are built to last, but they need your help! You can keep them in optimal condition and prolong their lifespan by observing simple routine cleaning to keep them safe from wax buildup and moisture, which are the main factors that can cause problems with your CIEMs.

To clean your CIEMs, use a soft towel or microfiber cloth along with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to wipe down the exterior of the pieces. The alcohol will help dissolve and remove any wax or dirt from the shell while also evaporating any excess moisture.

You may also wish to occasionally disconnect the cable and clean the sockets, as this area is prone to corrosion from sweat. If neglected, corrosion can build up and damage both the socket and potentially the cable. You can clean the cable in the same manner as the outer shells of the earpieces. A soft towel and rubbing alcohol will help eliminate sweat and maintain the cable's condition. Clear cables may eventually turn green due to oxidation, a natural process that occurs with repeated exposure to sweat. This discoloration will not affect the sound quality or performance of the cable. 

CIEMS offer an optimal listening experience in any situation, including: 

• On Stage Performance: CIEMS provide musicians with reliable and accurate monitoring for peak performances. Their custom-moulded shells ensure a secure fit, preventing IEMs from falling out during energetic shows while reducing sound leakage and maintaining a clean mix. With excellent noise isolation, musicians can focus on their music without distractions from ambient sounds. Minidisc IEMs offer various sound signature options and multiple drivers, allowing artists to tailor their audio experience and capture every nuance of their performance.
• Studio Recording & Mixing: In the studio, precise audio reproduction is crucial for effective recording and mixing. Custom in-ear monitors create a tight seal in the ear, preventing sound leakage and ensuring accurate monitoring for musicians and audio engineers. Quality IEMs feature high-quality drivers and advanced tuning options for faithful reproduction of every detail in the music. Their customizable sound signature allows users to tailor the frequency response, achieving either a balanced sound or a more dynamic representation as needed.
• Audiophile Listening Sessions: Custom in-ear monitors offer audiophiles an unparalleled listening experience with superior comfort for extended sessions. The custom-moulded shells create an airtight seal, isolating the listener from external noise and distractions for an intimate listening experience. With high-quality drivers and customizable sound signatures, these IEMs provide precise sound reproduction, allowing audiophiles to enjoy their favourite music with remarkable clarity and accuracy. Users can adjust the sound signature to emphasise specific frequency ranges or achieve a balanced presentation tailored to their preferences.
• Noise Critical Environments: CIEMS excel in noisy settings like concerts or busy public spaces, effectively blocking ambient noise. This allows users to enjoy their music without raising the volume to harmful levels, protecting hearing health while ensuring audio clarity. Minidisc IEMs provide exceptional noise isolation, enhancing the listening experience by delivering a focused and immersive soundstage. Whether at a loud concert or commuting in a bustling city, these monitors create a private audio oasis for uninterrupted enjoyment.
• Personalised Sound Experience: A key advantage of custom in-ear monitors is the ability to tailor the sound signature to individual preferences. This personalization ensures that the custom IEMs deliver the desired sound experience, whether enhancing bass, extending treble, or achieving neutral reproduction.

In our humble opinion: absolutely! But ultimately, the decision to invest in CIEMs comes down to your own personal predilection for superior sound quality and.or concerns about ear health. CIEMs effectively reduce noise, enhance sound quality, and improve the accuracy of auditory stimulation. They provide professional musicians and individuals in high-noise environments with exceptional sound quality and the comfort of a tailored fit. What’s more, are specifically designed to fit your ear and ear canal, allowing for optimization of performance without compromising hearing health. To that end, IEMs also benefit those with tinnitus or other hearing issues by offering a comprehensive solution for hearing care, protection, and relief.

Given their many benefits, CIEMs are a worthwhile investment for anyone who prioritises professional audio quality and hearing health. Minidisc is the first store in Australia to provide complete delivery of professional custom in-ear monitors. We offer in-store or on-site ear scans, demos of custom in-ear monitors from top brands, personalised advice, fast turnaround times, and dependable after-sales service—making us the custom fit experts. With in-store 3D scans, product demonstrations, expert guidance, fast turnaround, and reliable support, Minidisc is your trusted partner for achieving world-class performance. You can learn more about our custom in-ear monitors here, or check out our other quality audio gear here. Got a question? You can get in touch with us here!