How to Order Custom IEMs

CAYLA MENGES | MOON AUDIO STAFF/

Read Time: Approx. 6 min.

The Quick & Easy Guide to Ordering Custom IEMs

So you've decided to take the big leap and invest in a pair of custom In-Ear Monitors (IEMs). Here at Moon Audio, we offer custom IEMs from Empire Ears, a renowned IEM manufacturer. Ordering custom IEMs is quick and painless, and while costlier than universal fit IEMs, you'll be rewarded with amazing noise isolation and incredible comfort.

Why choose custom IEMs?

IEM fit matters — and it's about more than just comfort. If your IEM doesn't fit properly, meaning the ear pieces do not form a proper seal in your ear canal, your listening experience will suffer. IEM fit impacts sound quality. Optimum fit means better sound, more noise isolation, and improved bass, soundstage, and clarity. Universal IEMs are made to fit a broad range of ear canals. Most people can have an enjoyable fit and listening experience with universal IEMs. Is it going to be as good a fit as customs? No. But with the right silicone tips or foam tips, a good fit is within reach for most users.

For those looking for the utmost fit and comfort, custom IEMs are the way to go. Each pair of custom IEMs is specifically molded for the user's unique ear canal shape. So, you don't need to use ear tips with custom IEMs. Custom IEMs are designed to provide maximum secure fit and sound isolation. This means you get less ambient noise. Their superior fit makes them ideal for exercising, cutting the lawn, traveling on planes, trains, or subways, or if you just need to cut off from the world and concentrate. Because custom IEMs are designed for your ear and your ear only, you never have to worry about sharing them with anyone who wants to listen.

Ordering custom IEMs is easy and we'll walk you through the entire process so you can start enjoying high-fidelity sound in a tiny, compact IEM. Check out our IEM Buyers Guide for information on universal IEMs and more.

IEM Buyers Guide: Universal & Custom In-Ear Monitors

Custom IEMs in 3 Steps

1. Choose your Custom IEM

The first step in your custom IEM journey is to select which IEMs you'd like. We offer Custom IEMs from the renowned IEM manufacturer Empire Ears. Selecting which custom IEM you'd like is no different than picking a universal IEM. You want to pick the IEM that delivers your desired sound. If you love a balanced, natural sound go for the Empire Ears ODIN IEMs. If a big, bold presentation is more your speed, then you'll probably enjoy the sound of the Empire Ears Raven IEMs.

When you have chosen the IEMs you like, go ahead and place your order at moon-audio.com. After that, you will need to obtain your impressions.

empire ears raven iem

2. Get an Ear Impression

After you've placed your order, it's time to obtain your impressions. Please follow the Moon Audio Impression Guide attached to ensure the best possible fit for your custom IEMs. Remember that your ear impressions will dictate the final fit of your custom IEMs. Custom IEMs are crafted using ear molds that have been taken by a professional audiologist.

1. Find an audiologist in your area (Googling an audiologist in your city will provide a list). Make sure you find an audiologist familiar with how to make a "full shell impression including the crus of helix, tragus, and anti-tragus"— that's audiologist speak, they will understand. Molds should cost anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on where you live.

2. Once you've received your molds, email impression photos to sales@moon-audio.com for approval. Take a few photos of your impressions with your phone on a solid color surface and background. Please make sure there is adequate light to provide us with the most detail possible. Please include your full name and allow us 24 hours to review your impressions.

3. After you've received approval for your molds via email, it's time to mail your impressions to Moon Audio. Complete this form with your name, order number, email, phone, and address and mail it with your impressions to:

Moon Audio

1157 Executive Cir.

Suite 101

Cary, NC 27511

3. Await a Music Experience Like No Other

It normally takes 4-6 weeks for you to receive your custom IEMs, but trust us, it's worth the wait. When you order your custom IEMs from Moon Audio, you can also choose to upgrade the stock IEM cable to one of our Dragon Audio Cables.

Why Upgrade your IEM Cable?

Your listening experience is only as good as your gear, and sometimes the weakest link in your signal chain is your cable. When you're investing in a pair of IEMs you want to know you're getting the best listening experience possible. Here at Moon Audio, we're dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality audio cables that will bring you closer to your music. Quality is our number one priority and we handcraft our Dragon IEM Cables to withstand hundreds of listening hours.

empire ears iems with moon audio dragon cables

We've designed three IEM cables, a Silver Dragon, Bronze Dragon, and Black Dragon cable possessing a unique sound signature that allows you to tailor your listening experience and change the coloration of your favorite IEMs. Explore each of these IEM cables further in our Dragon IEM Cables Blog.

Moon Audio Silver Dragon Logo

Silver Dragon IEM Cable

Clear | Detailed

  • 8 x 99.99998% UP-OCC Stranded Silver Conductors with Kelvar reinforcement
  • Available in 2-pin and 4-pin connection
  • Available in MMCX connection
Moon Audio Bronze Dragon Logo

Bronze Dragon IEM Cable

Musical | Inviting

  • 99.99998% UP-OCC Stranded Copper Conductors with Kelvar reinforcement
  • Available in 2-pin and 4-pin connection
  • Available in MMCX connection
Moon Audio Black Dragon Logo

Black Dragon IEM Cable

Warm | Flexible

  • 8 x 15-18% ratio Silver-Plated Pure Copper Conductors
  • Available in 2-pin and 4-pin connection

FAQs

1. How do custom IEMs compare to universal IEMs in terms of fit, comfort, and sound quality?

Compared to universal-fit IEMs, custom-fit IEMs offer a superior fit and comfort. Because custom IEMs are molded to your ear shape, you'll get better noise isolation and a more consistent seal that leads to better sound quality. Universal IEMs are more convenient and less expensive, making them a good choice for some users.

2. How long does the process of ordering custom IEMs usually take?

The turnaround time for ordering custom IEMs usually takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on the manufacturer and the complexity of the design.

3. Are there any additional maintenance or care instructions for custom IEMs?

To maintain your custom IEMs we recommend cleaning them regularly with a soft, dry cloth and avoid exposing them to moisture or extreme temperatures.

4. How durable are custom IEMs, and what is the average lifespan?

Custom IEMs are generally very durable with an average lifespan of 3-5 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

5. Can I customize the design and appearance of my custom IEMs?

Yes, most manufacturers allow you to customize the design and appearance of your custom IEMs, including faceplate color, artwork, and even the material of the shell. All of this is dependent on the IEM manufacturer.

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Cayla Menges

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing" - Benjamin Franklin

For Cayla Menges, combining her passion for writing and love for music is the perfect recipe. Cayla uses her love for storytelling and experience as a former newspaper journalist to create content that informs and resonates with music lovers and audiophiles alike. When she's not at Moon Audio, Cayla enjoys bingeing reality TV, knitting, trying her hand at new recipes, traveling and spending time with family and friends.