S6E11: Pro Tip - DIY Custom Molded In Ear Monitors (version 2.0!!)

Published 2023-01-21
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KZ ZSN Hybrid Dual Driver buds - amzn.to/3GFABHx 
Radians ear plug kits - amzn.to/34HSzbW 
Dremel Tool kit - amzn.to/3GxN394 
Glue Dots - amzn.to/3iexdKc 

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If you've been thinking about trying some custom molded in ear monitors for your live playing, or even in the recording studio, we've got the pro tip for you. One of our channel's most popular videos was a couple years ago, when I took you through the process of creating your very own custom molded in ear monitors at a very affordable price point. This video is an updated version of that original one, with a couple new tips and techniques. So, if you've ever asked the following questions, we've got the answers for you!
Have you ever wondered what kind of in-ear monitors professional musicians use? There’s a good chance that they’re using earpieces that have been custom molded to their specific ear canals. Although it’s certainly possible for people to go out and pay for companies to make them for you, there’s a REALLY good chance you’re going to pay an arm and a leg for them (~$1000 or more)!! However, for the savvy Hobby Musician, with a ten dollar ear plug kit and a little craftiness, you can create custom molded tips for whatever monitors you might already have! In this episode, I’ll take you through the process from start to finish, giving you tips and advice along the way.
By the end of this video, I hope you can see how simple and affordable this whole process is! Thank you so much for watching and as always, until next time...play on my friends, play on!


00:00 Intro
1:14 Items/Process Overview
4:22 Initial Monitor Prep
7:52 Molding Process
13:58 Drilling Final Holes
19:02 Outro

All Comments (21)
  • @kota_imagery
    I was going to do this in a specialty shop but I do believe you just saved me at least 150 EUR. Thank you good sir!
  • @jaaxxone
    This is indeed one of the best videos on this topic on YT! I have one tip that might be helpful. Before you drill/dremel/carve the sound port, pop them into a ziplock in the freezer for 30 minutes or so. Stiffens them up, making them quite a bit easier for forming the holes with precision. If you really freeze them good, you can even do some light sanding on the outer perimeter.
  • @CNMaye2023
    Excellent! The best explanation and demonstration I've ever seen! Well Done!!!
  • @alphacharlie3856
    I’m not a musician but I enjoy music and want to make my wireless headphones more comfortable. This video is very detailed and I look forward to giving it a try. Thanks for your help.
  • @adamp137
    I could have spent $600 for my 10 yr old drummer getting in-ears only to have to get them again multiple times as he grows. I did exactly as you laid out in this video (I wound up taking a dental floss pick and perforating where the in-ear would have come out and pulling that plug out after 5 minutes of pulling the mould out of his ear. I didn’t have a dremel tool and this worked great. I spent about $45 total and they work PERFECTLY! They sound great (per my son) and they fit snug. I would recommend to have someone else administer the process instead of doing it solo, like I did with my son. Thanks so much!!
  • @FranckBassist61
    Thank you sir!!! Ran into your video just in time! I was going to contact a company nearby that makes those professional moldeds iem's. For me as a bassplayer, standing next to the drummer for almost my entire musical life, started at age 16 and now at 62, I should be glad that I still can hear! I will mould me some KZ's and a SE215 and give it a go!
  • @user-de8iv1js3y
    I did this quite a few years ago using some pretty nice Sennheiser earbuds (just for listening to music, I can't play anything). I used the Decibulls heat molded inserts and was generally pleased with the results. I was a bit disappointed in the final fit after some time. I like the tip you've included about doing the molding with your mouth open to open the ear canals a bit more. I'm getting ready to do this again with a couple of pairs of bluetooth earbuds and stumbled across this video. Thanks for the tips.
  • @johndickason3599
    This an amazing technique that I’ve been doing even with just off together shelf earbuds. I found that this technique, used with Skullcandy Fix old school earbuds is awesome. For me, this technique works better with earbuds that do not use silicone tips. That type of earbud requires an airtight seal on the ear canal. Even though these DIY molds are good, the ear canal seal isn’t totally airtight.
  • @RichelleHeacock
    Thank you so much! I’m going to try this I’ve been wanting custom in ear monitors for some time but they’re so darn expensive! I don’t need $900 monitors, I just want a good fit. Very excited to try this method so thank you very much. You were very clear in yourdelivery and instructions and I really appreciate that
  • @DougCRood
    Great video! Im a bass player, and for IEMs, I use a set of KZ ZS10 Pros and Comply foam tips, but I have small ear canals and they dont fit well. Last gig was a pickup gig. House provided PA and monitors, so didnt use the IEMs. Big mistake! I realized during the show I needed a set of IEMs, and wantwd to go molded, but $$ was.out of sight. Ran across your vid, and now I'm gonna mold a set for my KZs. Thanks for the info!
  • This is fascinating! I just bought KZ AST's and I need better fit to get more bass out of them. Very tempted to try this. Just fearful of shoving that stuff in my ears.
  • @jhm3462
    Great video! Very useful. I'm looking forward to starting rehearsals with everyone on in-ears. Do you have a setup recommendation for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate 5 band members, preferably connected to a wireless in-ear monitor mixer?
  • I Will try this in my tinhifi t2, since i bought this iems im having so much problems with the eartips because i cant find any that are comfortable for me, so i hope this gonna help me a lot with that, ty so much :)
  • @trubadyr99
    It's just a great, helpful guide. Thank you, sir! Thumbs up! You only needed to use a word “anatomically” instead of “physiologically”.
  • @kevinmcd112
    I have the Shure se215's, and my ear canals are different sizes ... like noticeably different. This might be the way to go. I'll keep you posted.
  • @redshot17
    For owners of IEMs that have filters on the sound ports: ALWAYS USE THE PLASTIC WRAP TECHNIQUE!! If you don't, the moisture from the putty will be absorbed by the mesh, permanently blocking the sound and will leave you no choice but to remove it! This happened with my ATH-E70's, I had to remove the tiny 1-2mm diameter filters. That being said, I tried this method years ago with some Sennheiser in-ears and worked really well.
  • @sodoberman
    Just Did this on my KZ KQS I actually used half of a half.... quarter? Per ear And I don't have tiny ears I WOULD ADVISE doing the Saran Wrap thing on your Monitors before your mold I pulled off the cover of one monitor when extracting the IEMs from the mold I'll get it back on but the 10s of extra prep saves you possible problems later Other than that slight wrinkle It is as straightforward as you said Thanks for the run through 🎉
  • @jamespaul1613
    Just got the KZ's. I bought the ZS10 Pro's for $50. Low frequence response far superior to my $300.00 Shure's. I don't know why the Shure's have a swivel cord connection when the KZ connection configuration makes them far easier to put in your ears. KZ's are far, far better, for 1/6 the price. Can't wait to do the custom molding. Shame on Shure for their overpriced crap!
  • @caseykittel
    I’m going to try this, but I’ll try putting my earbuds in and then cover the outside with the putty. I’m using cheap Sony earbuds that I love the sound and fit of. I just want to block more sound. That sound is coming from the outside.