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IEMs for Musicians

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IEMs for Musicians would have never been a thing if only Stephen Ambrose's dad let him play guitar and sing country freely at home. Forbidden from playing guitar or singing country music, Ambrose sought to create a personal listening device to hear himself while playing the guitar at lower volumes - the in-ear monitor, as we know it, was born.

In-ear monitors have since become a must-have for musicians. These small and portable sound monitoring devices give performers and sound engineers the ability to monitor on-stage instruments without subjecting their ears to abuse at live events.

Concerts, shows, and other music events can get very loud quickly. IEMs provide adequate sound isolation from high volumes produced by large speakers, so musicians can listen to their voices or instruments and get a clear idea of how they sound on stage.

A high-quality IEM is something that many serious musicians should add to their arsenal. Whether you're performing in small pubs or large arenas, a good in-ear monitor can give you comfort, fit, and sound that can elevate your on-stage performance.

We know what musicians need from an IEM. Whether you're a vocalist, guitarist, drummer, or bassist, we have featured the best IEMs for musicians, so you can get the best sound, fit, and noise isolation for your next big performance.

What do musicians need from an in-ear monitor?

Musicians spend most of their time rehearsing in the studio or performing on stage, so an IEM that’s comfortable and can provide great sound isolation will be at the top of any musician’s list. There are two types to choose from - Universal IEMs and Custom IEMs. 

A universal IEM is a great option for studio use and for smaller events where you won’t need absolute noise isolation. Universal IEMs are built to fit as many ear types as possible, so fit and noise isolation won’t be perfect, but it will be good enough in most cases. Universal in-ear monitors sound as good as customs and are cheaper as well. 

And then we have custom IEMs. Custom IEMs are custom-built to the exact shape of a musician’s ear. The result is a perfect fit and, by extension, comfort. Sound is better than universal in-ear monitors because of the superior noise isolation. 

In terms of durability, Universal in-ear monitors have great build quality and good after-sales support, but custom in-ear monitors are a step above in build quality. Custom in-ear monitors are built with the kind of precision and care you won’t get with universal IEMs. CIEMs are built to withstand hours of abuse on stage, so you can expect them to last.

While we are on the topic of custom-IEMs, check out our top picks for the best Custom-molded IEMs for musicians below.

Get the best on-stage comfort with Custom-Molded IEMs

manuel-turizo-wearing-an-iem-left-side-view

Any serious performing musician will want the best fit, comfort, and sound from their in-ear monitors. And for that, the best choice is a custom-molded IEM.

Custom-molded IEMs are the last word in terms of comfort and fit. These custom-molded IEMs are made to the exact shape, size, and dimensions of your ears, making them comfortable for extended listening sessions. You also get improved sound, thanks to the enhanced noise isolation.

The only downside of a CIEM is the price. Most custom-IEM manufacturers will put a premium on these custom-made in-ear monitors, making them significantly more expensive than universal options. Still, what you're getting for your money is enhanced comfort, sound, and build quality that you can rely on.

At HiFiSoundGear, getting Custom IEMs has never been easier. Just choose your preferred CIEM, proceed through checkout, and we'll reach out to you with instructions on choosing your custom options. We'll even help find audiologists near you so you can get your impressions done as soon as possible.

Click the button below to explore the wide range of Custom IEMs from HiFiSoundGear. Proceed to checkout with your preferred CIEM model, and we'll handle the rest.

HiFiSoundGear Recommended IEMs for Musicians

64Audio A6t, A12t, A18t, and A18s IEM

64 audio a6t front view orange faceplate

64Audio A6t IEM

Price: $1,299.00

VIEW 64AUDIO A6t IEM
64audio a12t front view wood faceplate

64audio A12t IEM

Price: $1,999.00

VIEW 64AUDIO A12t IEM
64 audio a18t front view carbon fiber faceplate

64Audio A18t IEM

Price: $2,999.00

VIEW 64AUDIO A18t IEM
64 audio a18s front view pearl face plate

64Audio A18s IEM

Price: $2,999.00

VIEW 64AUDIO A18s IEM

Legendary sound from 64Audio

64Audio's A-series in-ear monitors are some of the best custom IEMs you can get for personal or professional use. Artists such as Alicia Keys, Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica, and U2 trust 64Audio's IEMs, and you probably should, too.

64Audio's A6t, A12t, A18t, and A18s in-ear monitors are some of the best custom IEMs you can get right now. All four IEMs are custom-made to fit your exact ear dimensions but each model feature unique driver setups and sound characteristics to suit your sonic preferences.

No matter the model you go for, you can expect to get top-tier fit, comfort, build quality and sound that you can depend on at home, in the studio, or on-stage.

Best In-Ear Monitor for Musicians

64Audio Aspire 4 IEM

64 audio aspire 4 iem front view

Price: $899.00

Best-in-class sound and ergonomics for musicians and live music professionals

The Aspire 4 IEM is the newest in-ear monitor from 64Audio, featuring a brand-new shell and nozzle design, comfort-enhancing technologies like Apex Core, and an updated cable and connector.

Driving the Aspire 4's sound is a quad-driver setup consisting of a single 9mm dynamic driver and three Balanced Armatures. The highlight of the Aspire 4's sound package is waveguide technology, which helps the Balanced Armature drivers deliver pure sound directly to your ears. The result is a big powerful sound while retaining wonderful clarity and precision.

New for the Aspire 4 is an all-black molded ABS shell mated with a stainless steel nozzle. The ABS shells feature 64Audio's Apex Core technology for unmatched in-ear comfort, while the nozzle flange design and mesh grill guarantee the Aspire 4 stays in your ears even as the action heats up.

Lastly, the 64Audio Aspire 4 features an updated IPX cable connector for improved reliability and connection quality. Never worry about debris or sweat getting into the connectors ever again.

Aspire 4 IEM is a solid IEM for musicians or audio professionals looking for an IEM with a comfortable generic shape for general audio monitoring work.

64 audio aspire 4 iem box and accessories top view
Pros
  • Powerful sound with best-in-class clarity.
  • Lightweight and robust ABS shell with stainless steel nozzles.
  • Improved cable connector implementation (IPX vs 2-pin)
  • Plenty of accessories in the box.
  • Great price-to-performance.
Cons
  • Bland aesthetics.

Best In-Ear Monitor for Musicians - Vocalists

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII IEM front view no cable

Price: $999.00

Great midrange tuning to bring out powerful vocal performance.

Musicians will want an IEM that pushes their instruments to the forefront so they can hear themselves more easily on stage. For vocalists, an IEM that sounds clear and produces an accurate rendition of voices is the one to have. For that, we recommend the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII. 

The Monarch MKII is one of the best in its class - a great in-ear monitor for vocalists seeking a faithful reproduction of their voice and its nuances on stage.

With the Monarch MKII, you get a mid-range focused tuning that brings male and female vocals to the front of the mix. Vocals on the MKII are well extended on both ends, meaning male vocals get that thick and weighty sound, while female voices get a great extension at the top end.

Instruments like guitars, drums, and keyboards sound accurate and clear on the MKII as well, allowing you to hear other performers on stage with outsanding clarity.

Whether you’re using it to perform on stage or for listening to music or games, you can’t go wrong with the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII.

thieaudio monarch mkii iem top view with coiled cables
Pros
  • Outstanding resolution and details.
  • Mid-range clarity is phenomenal.
  • Interchangeable cable terminations.
  • Affordable for a top-of-the-line IEM.
Cons
  • Shell is on the bigger side.

Best IEM for Musicians - Guitarists

64AUDIO U12t IEM

64Audio U12t IEM front view no cables

Price: $1,999.00

Tia and Apex technology lets you hear every bit of detail with great clarity.

Guitarists need an IEM that not only sounds good but has a natural and accurate timbre as well. For that, we recommend the 64Audio U12t. 

The U12t exhibits excellent bass response, mid-range clarity, and treble extension. The result is a sound that gives electric and acoustic guitars energy, clarity, and tone. Its impressive resolution can bring out micro details like finger slides, taps, and guitar plucks, giving guitarists a clear picture of sounds they're putting out on stage.

Comfort is also a highlight of the U12t. Its small, lightweight shell will fit just about any ear, and the swappable Apex Modules can prevent pressure buildup in your eardrums from long hours of use.

The 64Audio U12t is an all-around IEM for listening to music. Its top-tier build quality, comfort, and sound make it a reliable on-stage workhorse for professional guitarists. 

64Audio U12t IEM back view no cables
Pros
  • Top-tier resolution and details.
  • Smooth tuning profile.
  • Small shells offer a great fit.
Cons
  • Expensive.

Best In-Ear Monitor for Bassists

Noble Audio Ronin IEM

Noble Audio Ronin IEM front view no cables

Price: $3,900.00

Exceptional speed and resolution for a detailed listening experience.

The Ronin is a neutral-sounding IEM from Noble Audio. A quick look at the frequency response graph of the Ronin, and you’ll see an almost flat line between the bass and the mid frequencies. The result is a studio reference sound with top-tier detail and clarity for bass guitars. 

An IEM with a well-balanced tuning profile can help bassists hear their instrument more clearly from the rest of the mix. Notes sound natural and detailed, and nuances like slaps, taps, and slides sound clear and accurate. This analytical tuning gives bassists the feedback they need to produce the type of sound they want on stage.

Comfort and durability are high points for the Ronin as well. The Ronin's shell consists of two fused resin shells sealed with clearcoat, which means sweat, dust, and other contaminants are non-issues. Its shell, although a bit on the larger side, is comfortable to wear for hours.

Overall, the Noble Ronin IEM is an excellent choice for any bass guitarist looking for an IEM that can reproduce their instrument sound clearly and with great detail.

Noble Audio Ronin IEM rear bottom view
Pros
  • Linear tuning offers a balanced sound signature.
  • Good bass quality and quantity for a BA set.
  • Great aesthetics.
Cons
  • Eye-watering price tag.

Best IEM for Drummers

64Audio A18t IEM

64Audio A18t IEM front view with cables

Price: $2,999.00

Powerful, tight, and impactful bass response.

Drummers will move their heads a lot while playing the drums, so we put fit and comfort as our top priorities for this next pick. 

There’s just no going around it - a custom-molded option is the only way to get the best fit, comfort, and durability from an IEM. With that in mind, we chose the 64Audio A18t as our recommendation for the IEM to get for drummers. 

The A18t is a high-end custom in-ear monitor with top-tier resolution, tuning, soundstage, and imaging. Everything about the A18t screams quality - from its custom-molded shells to its impeccable sound quality. And because the A18t is custom-made to fit a musician’s exact ear shape, fit and comfort are top-notch.

Drummers can bank on the A18t for the ultimate fit and sound, even as the action heats up on stage. 

64Audio A18t IEM box contents top view
Pros
  • 18-driver monstrosity delivers top-tier resolution, details, soundstage, and imaging.
  • Great fit. (custom-molded)
  • Apex Modules offer enhanced comfort.
Cons
  • Long wait time. (custom-built)
  • High price.

Best In-Ear Monitor for Keyboardists

64Audio Volür IEM

64Audio Volur IEM front view with cable

Price: $2,499.00

Bassy tuning gives body and weight to every sound.

Keyboardists are more than just pianists - their instruments cover a variety of sounds such as bass beats, stringed instruments, and even electronic sound effects.

An IEM that can reproduce the entire frequency range with accuracy and detail is the in-ear monitor to get for these musicians - one of the best for the job is the 64Audio Volür.

The Volür is 64Audio's newest in-ear monitor and the first one to feature two dynamic drivers. The Volür's dynamic drivers are configured in 64Audio's isobaric setup that promises improved bass response. The result is deep rumbling bass that's punchy and powerful.

While the bass is the highlight of the Volür, it handles all the other frequencies equally well, thanks to the well-tuned mid-range Balanced Armatures and Tia tweeter driver. This multi-driver setup delivers a clear and accurate midrange and has great extension without sounding shrill or thin.

The 64Audio Volür's high-quality build and comfortable fit make it a great choice for professional keyboardists and other musicians as well.

64Audio Volur IEM front view no cables
Pros
  • Outstanding bass performance.
  • Great resolution, soundstage, and imaging.
  • Beautiful faceplate design.
  • Top-notch build-quality.
Cons
  • High price.

Best IEM for Stringed Instrument Musicians

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII IEM

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII IEM front view no cables

Price: $999.00

Faithful sound reproduction in a fun and musical package.

Stringed instruments cover the entire frequency range from the bass to the upper mids and treble.

An IEM that can reproduce sounds between these regions can help instrumentalists hear every note with clarity and detail.

The Monarch MKII handles stringed instruments well, never sounding harsh or fatiguing at the top end while keeping a thick and weighty sound at the bottom. The result is a full-sounding IEM that delivers a musical yet detailed sound - great for Violins, Cello, Double Bass, and guitars.

Fit is going to be a point of contention here. The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII's shells are pretty big and might pose fitment issues for musicians with smaller ears. Changing ear tips to find the best fit and isolation is a must.

Fit aside, you won't find a better IEM in the same price range than the Monarch MKIII. If you want a musical yet analytical sound with great resolution, the Monarch MKIII is the IEM to get.

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII IEM front and rear view with stamp
Pros
  • Superb clarity.
  • Accurate sound reproduction on all frequencies.
  • Top-of the line sound without the premium price tag.
Cons
  • Large shell might not fit everyone.

Let customers speak for us

from 35 reviews
Noble fokus Rex 5

Amazing customer service. Adam went into great detail with his experience on these IEMs. Would definitely go to him again!

Jason S.
Noble Audio FoKus Rex5
Noble Audio FoKus Rex5
Great place to fill your audio needs.

Good communication throughout the process with fast shipping.

Chet
hifisoundgear
My new favorite audio store - everything I missed in a local store

It's such a pleasure doing business with Adam and Lauren that I am honestly looking for an excuse to buy more equipment there. I don't really have a good personal audio store anywhere around; and while I am not exactly morally opposed to Amazon or whatever, it's so much nicer dealing with real people and a small business. I cannot even imagine what else I could ask for.

Scott G.
hifisoundgear
Every Step of the Way

Great work, to communicate every step along the way. Very personal touch. I will visit the office one day to personally thank them. I love the website. I love the product. I love the state where they are located. Awesome awesome awesome!

LaciMae S.M.
hifisoundgear
Great purchase

Everything went really smoothly and I'm enjoying the headset I purchased. It shipped quickly and arrived well packaged. I had a question about my purchase and received a quick response from the seller. I would buy from HiFiSoundGear again.

Blake Y.
VZR Audio Model One Headphone
VZR Audio Model One Headphone
Unexpected surprise!!

Unexpected as in very pleasantly surprised at the sound quality coming out of these :)

I took my Mega5-EST and hooked em up wirelessly and don't miss the wire sound AT ALL!! IMO the wireless sound was 98% of the wired sound without the PIA of the wire. Unless you have some amazing source gear, which thanks to Adam at hifisoundgear I do, you would be hard pressed to hear a massive difference. Especially with a phone as your source.

I did A/B noble Fokus Prestige vs Go pod w Mega 5 and gotta say l, there is more balanced sound with the Go pod chain then the Prestige on its own. To be fair the Mega 5 punches WAY above its price... so the 2 are a match made in heaven.

I find the connection very stable as well. I've used my iPhone AAC/SBC as well as with FiiO BT11 to get other than Apple codecs and was pleasantly surprised as well.

The ear hooks are very comfortable. Actually prefer them to the wire hanging over my ear with a tie behind my neck. For some reason that's hard to get used to and pulls as I wear loose shirts. The hooks stay in as I like to move around a bit. Also the weight is better distributed than other wireless IEMs as the components are in the hooks. The prestige, unless I have foam tips, which I'm not a fan of, will pop out of my ears when I move around. These stay stable and I do not have to re-seat the IEMs to get that great bass nearly as often with other wireless IEMs.

Battery level has been all day 10 hrs so far with intermittent breaks and still have 28% left.

The case also is deep enough to fit the Mega w hooks as it charges which is very convenient. Some IEMs may be too big but they fit with a tad bit of room to spare.

Of course having the flexibility to swap out your favorite IEMs as needed is awesome!!

5 stars for the Go pod and more importantly 5 stars to Adam and his team for such amazingly awesome customer service!! You guys ROCK!! Thanks :)

Matt
iFi Audio GO pod Wearable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
iFi Audio GO pod Wearable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
Don't believe everything you "hear"

The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 is an absolute masterpiece in the world of portable amps. It delivers an audio experience that redefines what’s possible in a compact, travel-friendly device.

To all the "haters" out there who mention that the 5180mw output is an overstatement and the "balanced" is not a true balanced output... I say whatever... it drives anything I throw at it with aplomb! FostexTH900mk2, ZMF Caldera Open and Closed, ANY IEM my friends and I have tried ...too many to list. If you need more power than this portable titan.... well you may have hearing loss. And it drives all I mentioned without using "beast mode" (they refer to it as Nitro (1 of 3 settings)). If anything, it could use a lower gain option / IEM match for some sensitive IEMs.

The implementation of BT 5.4 (supports all codecs) is a welcomed addition for quality, but in general, the distance it can be from the source is very small for consistency. That is not a Diablo issue, but a BT5.4 issue IMO.

As for the sound quality...simply unparalleled. I have compared this to desktop headphone amps in the same price range and I would put it toe to toe with them. It even ran close to my buddy's Burson Soloist 3x!!! and the Diablo 2 is portable :)

I run it using A&K SP3000T and it oozes warmth and richness in the lows and highs WITHOUT covering/smoothing anything up in the mids, which is my jam.

It is on the heavier side and will still fit in a pocket... barely. built like a brick. At the limit of what I would like to carry but totally worth it! I get about 6 hours of the 8 rated battery with constant listening, no Bluetooth on, hard wired, IEMs / Caldera tested on the battery life.

In conclusion, the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s the ultimate portable amp for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality, power, or versatility. If you’re serious about your audio and want the best experience on the go, the Diablo 2 is the perfect choice.

Shout out to Adam, a massive THANK YOU!!! for your absolutely OVER THE TOP customer service and shopping experience :) :) Seriously, your dedication and attention to detail have been nothing short of exceptional.

M.G.
iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp
iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp
Best service

With all the online ordering over the years, HifiSoundGear provides the best service I have encountered. It was as though they were good friends. They responded so nicely to all my questions about the product and shipment. As it works out, while I liked the IEM's, I concluded they were not sufficiently different from the ones i had been using. Again, for the process of returning and getting a refund, they could not have been nicer. Buying from them was a first rate experience.

M.D.
THIEAUDIO Prestige LTD IEM
THIEAUDIO Prestige LTD IEM
Excellent Service!

Recently had a great experience with Adam and Laura. I requested a price match for the FiR KR5 and it was such a painless process. Adam and Laura’s communication is top notch! Adam even sent me a personal thank you video. In my experience, this level of service is hard to come by these days. I highly recommend going through HifiSoundgear for your audio needs….I know I will be going forward! Thanks Adam and Laura!

Ryan N.
hifisoundgear
Absolutely breathtaking customer service!

The quality of service, level of help provided, and overall customer satisfaction is beyond anything I have experienced. I cannot say enough good things about the people who belong to this company!

As for the U4S, these are my first foray into 64 Audio but I am SO thankful that I got to experience them! My goodness the soundstage, bass response from the m15 module, and overall quality is just great!

Please, buy from these wonderful people! And if you can swing it, get a set of U4S! You will not regret it!

Only complaint is the cable. For the price, I expected better, but it works well and is just fine.

Thank you HiFi Sound Gear! I look forward to purchasing more from you in the future!

C.
64Audio U4s IEM
64Audio U4s IEM
Incredible Product And Service

These are the closest TWS gets to pure IEM listening. You get the wide soundstage. They scale quickly. They have that satisfying bass slam often missing in TWS. The layering is just right and resolution is mesmerizing. Oh yes, you get the convenience of taking them on the go and they are truly comfortable. Noble has achieved a superior status in my eyes with the FoKus Prestige. I look forward to listening to them on my walks when I don’t have to take my DAP. Adam is one of the greats in this business. His commitment to customer service is exceptional. You aren’t a customer, but a client. He helped me after losing my first pair and just went above and beyond to ensure that I was shipped a new pair in less than two days. I am completely satisfied and impressed. You will be too. Thank you and looking forward to my future purchases from your establishment.

Thomas K.
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige

What customers think about the store

HifiSoundGear offers exceptional quality products and unparalleled customer service. Their wide selection of high-end audio gear, including in-ear monitors and amplifiers, are praised for delivering outstanding sound clarity, detail, and an immersive listening...

AI-generated from customer reviews.

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