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

Want to check out the items from this episode?? Here are some affiliate links:
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
Want to support the channel?
Patreon: / thehobbymusician
Official merchandise: teespring.com/stores/the-hobb...
Follow us on:
Instagram: /
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

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Want to check out the items from this episode?? Here are some affiliate links: KZ ZSN Hybrid Dual Driver buds - amzn.to/3GFABHx Radians ear plug kits - amzn.to/34HSzbW Dremmel Tool kit - amzn.to/3GxN394 Glue Dots - amzn.to/3iexdKc

[@zaprodk]

*Dremel (one m) :)

[@TheHobbyMusician]

You’re right!! Thanks for catching that! Just fixed it now 😊

[@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.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

So glad it was helpful!! I’m sure you’ll love it!!

[@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.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

That is an amazing tip! Thank you so much for sharing that!! I’ll definitely give that a try on my next pair😄

[@CNMaye2023]

Excellent! The best explanation and demonstration I've ever seen! Well Done!!!

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! I’m glad it helped. Play on my friend, play on!!😄

[@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!

[@TheHobbyMusician]

So glad it could help!! Yes, I was looking at my options too and for this little money, and such great quality at the end, you can’t beat it. Thanks for watching!!

[@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!

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I know exactly what you mean about standing next to those drummers!!! I’m sure these will make a huge difference for you…they certainly did for me. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@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.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I’m so glad this helped with the tip about keeping your mouth open! (I also made a set, before this video, without knowing to do that…and it’s noticeably better doing it this way!). Hope you enjoy your new set and thanks so much for watching!!

[@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!

[@TheHobbyMusician]

That’s awesome!! I mean, I’m sorry the gig was rough but I’m sure the new molds you make will change your life. Good luck my friend!!!

[@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!!

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Thank you so much for sharing that!! And you’re right, that’s a great tip about having someone help with the process to make it easier. Thanks again!!

[@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

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! I’m confident you’ll enjoy how good of a fit (and sound) you get with this. I’ve loved mine for a long time. Thanks again for watching!!

[@CVNTGETENOUGH]

Did you end up trying this method? If so, how do you like then?

[@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.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

That’s a great tip!! Thanks for sharing and watching!!!

[@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?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Great question!! Currently, my band uses two main items to accomplish our wireless, in ear setup. We use a Soundcraft Ui24 mixer that is BOTH what we run all of our instrument signals into (which then can be sent to the venue’s sound system and mixed, etc.) as well as use it’s separate Aux outputs to designate a dedicated (monitor) channel to each band member (I think there’s a total of 8 outputs.). The second ‘item’ we use are Xvive wireless transmitters, which we send the Aux outputs wirelessly to each member. Since the Soundcraft can be configured to mix wirelessly, each of us can use our own phones (all at the same time!) to independently mix our own monitor mix!! Check out those items and see what you think. Let me know if you have additional questions about any of it :o)

[@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.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Thank you so much for the tip and sharing your experience!! I’m also glad this has been working for you!

[@michaelvaughn64]

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.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I totally understand the hesitation! If it helps, you can buy a couple packs of the putty and try a progressive approach. The first time, you could only put it in a little bit, until you start to get a sense for how the material works and what the overall process feels like. Then, as you start to get more comfortable with it, you could try again with another pack, going a little deeper. Overall, I can say that I’ve always had a really good outcome with these and have not had a bad experience. (I have a lot of different earbuds so I’ve done this a lot of times!!). Hope that helps and let us know how it goes!!

[@withoutkarma991]

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 :)

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I think this could help you a lot!! Good luck with it and thanks for watching!!

[@trubadyr99]

It's just a great, helpful guide. Thank you, sir! Thumbs up! You only needed to use a word “anatomically” instead of “physiologically”.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Haha, you’re right about the terminology!! Thanks for watching and the kind words!!

[@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.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

You’re right, this could be the answer!! Let me know how it goes!!!

[@rebel2xtreme]

Do you find the custom molds to be superior to the generic options that come with most IEM monitors?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I really do! For me, these block out so much more outside noise and I’ve found that’s a huge factor in the sound quality in the end. Those generic tips you mentioned can do an ok job, but ever since I started using these, I’ll never go back!!

[@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!

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I completely agree on all your points!!

[@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 🎉

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I’m so glad it worked out!! You’re right about possibly needing less putty, I think a lot of the time it will depend on the size of the ‘barrel’ of the particular monitors. If some are skinny, it might take more to get a good seal, or if they’re thicker, maybe less. I’m also glad the Saran Wrap tip worked out too, as they say, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@sodoberman]

I didn't wrap Paying a small price for that So... learn from my lessons kids! 😂😂

[@TheHobbyMusician]

@sodoberman Oh I see now!! I guess i read it too quick the first time but i really am glad it looks like you were able to fix it in the end. Yes, it’s best if everyone takes your advice 😄. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@MrPoppaCap]

is there anything you can add to the putty, that won't effect it, to add color to it?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

That’s a great question!! I personally haven’t tried that (I’ve only ever just used the colors they have available). But I’m guessing you might be able to add a tiny drop of coloring to the material and possibly not affect the reaction…..but I’m just guessing on that!!!

[@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.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Let us know how that method works for you!! In case you want to try a side by side comparison, you could also try this way along with yours, then swap your earbuds back and forth to see which style blocks the most sound. (That’s one of the nice things about these molds, no matter how you make them, they hold their shape whether or not you remove the earbuds!!). Looking forward to hearing how it goes. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@nicholassheppard6171]

What bits did you use for the rotary tool?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I primarily use the round one (it almost looks like a sphere made out of fan blades…) to do all my cutting. However, the one that looks like an ice pick also works well (I’ve used that for previous molds). Of course all those came with the tool itself, so I don’t know if you try to buy them separately. Hope that helps!!

[@bursem123]

2 quick questions: 1. Would you say that the sound signature of your IEM's changed any when doing this? 2. Did you have any issues with the mold getting stuck in the sound port of your IEM's?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Great questions!! First, I notice that the sound character of the IEMs stayed exactly the same, just an improvement in clarity since more outside sound gets blocked. Second, I would recommend taking the time to cover the ports with kitchen plastic wrap just to be safe! Most times I’ve done it, I had no problem at all with no covering. However, one time, a little bit almost got stuck so from now on I recommend being safe😄. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!!

[@MerlePeters]

Do you typically use the permanent glue dots? I see there are removable ones as well.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Good question!! I have always used the removable ones. For me, they still hold strong enough that I’ve never had a problem. Hope that helps!!

[@MerlePeters]

@@TheHobbyMusician dang, I went by the color of the packaging and ordered the permanent ones. Thanks for your reply.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

@MerlePeters Oh no! Sorry about the mix up but I’m sure they’ll work just as well…or even better!!

[@MerlePeters]

@@TheHobbyMusician I’ll let you know. That is if I don’t screw up drilling the holes. I’m letting them cure for a day as you suggested.

[@chemburkett]

@@MerlePeters I’m sure you’ll do it perfectly! Can’t wait to hear how it goes :-)

[@ethagr8162]

hey do you take them off of the monitors connected to the mold while it cures or do you remove them?

[@ethagr8162]

never mind i see it

[@TheHobbyMusician]

No worries!! Depending on how “stiff” they feel after you initially take them out of your ears, you could possibly take the molds off then…but I personally leave them all together overnight! Thanks for watching!!

[@zamSEG]

hello sir, is it possible to make a custom silicone mold for making custom iem resin case using that diy mold? i think that could decrease the thickness and weight for the custom iem with perfect ear canal fit.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Great question! I do think it would be possible (although I haven’t done it myself) because as you said, first you could make the putty molds, then make silicone molds of those, and finally use those to make resin pieces! Now that you mention it, I might have to try it too…🤔

[@zamSEG]

@@TheHobbyMusician yes sir, that might be a great idea for next project/video perhaps. i'm glad it help make some improvement and hope there is tutorial video about it from you sir. have a great day.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

@zamSEG You’re right! I’ll look into it and try to get a nice tutorial up for this if I can make it work. Thanks again for the great idea!!!

[@zamSEG]

@@TheHobbyMusician duly noted and you're most welcome sir. it all sparks and comes from your video sir.

[@WhittakerEntertainment]

@@TheHobbyMusicianhave you had a chance to look into this yet? Would be interested to know your findings!

[@astesvideos]

I did this and honestly, I feel the generic round silicone has more noise isolation than the custom molded paste. Can anybody confirm? Its a bummer :(

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I’m sorry it didn’t seem to work for you!! I know that from ear to ear, things can sometimes be different so maybe the tips just work better for you? Thanks for trying it and sharing your experience!!

[@isaacbugalho]

How long do they last? You play how many hours per week?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Great question!! These last a LONG time! I typically play around 5 hours a week (with a couple hours more, depending on the weekend). I’ve had a set on one of my older pairs of monitors that I haven’t had to change for two years and counting. In other words, they’re really durable!! Hope that helps and thanks so much for watching :o)

[@isaacbugalho]

@@TheHobbyMusician thank you!!!! I think I'm going to try it

[@TheHobbyMusician]

My pleasure!! I’m sure it’ll turn out great!!

[@barneyrubble9309]

just cover the ends with clingfilm...i ruined a good set by not doin gthis and i also used the radians mould kit...i got away with it on a cheap set i tried as a test but not when i tried it on th ebetter set so dont take the chance.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

You’re right! It’s always better to be safe than sorry!!

[@winteraespa9470]

What is the name of the dough I use?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Great question!! I’ve got links to the exact type and brand of the stuff I used in the description of the video (as well as pinned in the top comment for easy access). That way you can be sure you’re using the same stuff!! Hope that helps😄

[@pedroclarkguitars1819]

Can these be painted or dyed?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Great question!! I haven’t done either of those myself BUT, since they’re really just rubberized plastic, I don’t see why not! Maybe something like iDye Poly (from a craft store) would work?

[@mattmalone4702]

You can buy the mould in multiple colours. I have blue and am ordering red tomorrow

[@michael-jillianfox3049]

Black?

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Thats a good question! I’m not sure about black but I think I’ve seen red, blue, tan, and orange….I do think black would be cool though!!

[@jamespaul1613]

Dude: I'm going to give this a shot. The obscene price that the professional equipment manufacturers get for their custom IEM's is absurd. For less than $100 I'll give the KZ's and Radian ear plugs a try. BTW, I'm a keyboard player in a Motown band.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I know what you mean!! The high prices is exactly what made me look for alternatives like this. I’m sure you’ll love it and always remember you can still use any earbuds you want to make the molds. So if you find some buds you like the sound of better than the KZs, that’s totally fine! (In truth, I’ve personally made three different sets of these, with different brands of earbuds, over the years just to experiment!). Thanks for watching and keep rocking those keys my friend!!!

[@vinnyvince23]

I have a fear of it falling apart in my ear.. I wear IEMs for almost 6 hours a day.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I can totally understand the concern! All I know is that I typically have used these for several hours at a time, and I haven’t had them fall apart yet!! Thanks for watching and I hope that helps!!

[@jlemaster1157]

@TheHobbyMusician THIS DID NOT GO WELL. Admittedly I did not follow the directions. Or the implied directions. I did not like how the putty was sitting in my ear so immediately pulled it out to reinsert it. THIS YOU MUST NOT DO. The tail of the putty -about an inch of it- was left deep inside the canal, and despite my and my wife’s attempts to remove it, we could not. I was required to seek the help of an otolaryngologist, who removed it medically. Over the weekend I just had to live with it obstructing my ear canal and eliminating my hearing on that side (thank heaven I aborted the procedure before inserting on the other side). What the YT presenter did not say is that once the putty is inserted you MUST leave the whole block in place for 10 min and UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES attempt to remove or even pull it out a bit to reseat it. Doing so risks finding yourself in the mess I found myself in - BE WARNED.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

I’m sorry this didn’t go well for you! As you pointed out near the beginning of your comment (albeit, after using all caps about how it didn’t go well), not following either the written directions on the package, or the presented directions from the video, certainly can lead someone to an unfortunate result like yours. I’m glad it eventually was able to get resolved for you! Would you consider updating your post, to still tell your story, yet emphasize following the directions? I ask only because the very strong implication in your comment is that somehow the video itself contributed to this (you mention the presenter, me, didn’t tell the viewer all the things they shouldn’t do…all the while, everything included in the video does show the correct process, which you pointed out wasn’t followed…). Perhaps you could start with a strong encouragement for viewers to make sure they follow the steps, then go on to include the story of what might happen if they don’t? Thanks for considering and again, I’m glad you were ok in the end!

[@mrbeaker8188]

Good information to have... Way to take one for the team

[@specopbookie]

It’s on the written directions. You improperly used the product, that has nothing to do with this YTber or the modifications, and everything to do with your ignorance and carelessness. Glad you’re safe and there was no irreversible damage, but this failing is entirely on you.

[@ronnieparfait]

Here’s your sign 🪧 🙄🤘🏼✌🏼

[@lukecarodrums]

maybe you should’ve done it right the first time then bro 😂

[@raynerstuelgalid]

Poor. The topic is DIY IEM but there is not one close up of the subject proper--Just some busy-looking hands.

[@TheHobbyMusician]

Sorry it wasn’t very helpful! I know there are a lot of other tutorials out there on this kind of idea so hopefully you can find what you need!!