When looking for headphone options to use as a stage comeback, you might come across custom in-ear headphones (CIEM or custom in-ear monitor), which are called personalized in-ear headphones in Brazil. However, when doing a brief research, it is noticed that this type of headphones can be very expensive, although it has several advantages for the purpose, including the preservation of hearing health due to the high level of noise isolation that they are capable of. provide. But there is an overseas company located between Southeast Asia and Australia that aims to bring affordable ICES from US$99 (approximately R$550).
Founded by Alvon, Avara Custom is a company located in Indonesia that develops in-ear custum headphones since 2011. The company’s idea is to bring products that are cheap enough for people who don’t have a high enough financial power to pay BRL 3000 on a custom earphone molded to the shape of the ear canal.
Why use custom in-ear headphones (ICES)?
There are several advantages to using custom in-ear headphones. The first is the certainty that you will have the best possible fit in your ear, allowing sound reproduction without interference. [1] that headphones that use ear tips (“tips”, “rubbers”) may end up having due to the shape of people’s auditory canal.
If there is not a good fit, the low frequencies (bass) are the first to suffer a drop. In addition, there is also the reduction of isolation from external noise, which is crucial considering the use on a concert stage. When using a custom in-ear headphone, the artist will be sure that he will not suffer from any of these problems, which usually occur with universal in-ear headphones (which use ear tips) or on-ear headphones [2].
By achieving good isolation and a tight fit in the ear, ICES generally deliver superior sound quality compared to universal in-ear headphones (with ear tips). In addition, we still have the use of high-performance drivers (speakers) such as, for example, balanced armatures (BAs or balanced armatures), electrostatics (EST or Electrostatic Tweeter), magnetic planars, among others. Some of these driver technologies can be used together, giving rise to hybrid designs. [3].
Although not exclusive to ICES anymore, they were the ones who started the idea of using detachable cables in in-ear headphones. Through MMCX and 2-pin connector systems, it is possible to change the cables of custom in-ear headphones [4]whether due to poor contact or simply to get something more robust, well-made.
[1] Article “Eartips and earpads: How do they influence the sound of the headphones?”
[2] Article “What types of headphones exist”
[3] Article “What are hybrid in-ear headphones? Are they always the best choice?”
[4] Articles “Does 8, 16 or 24 cores (colors) cables for headphones have advantages?” and “How do I get strength and comfort from in-ear headphones with a new cable?”
How much does a custom in-ear headphone (CIEM) normally cost?
Normally, if you search through the existing options on the market, the average price of a custom in-ear headphone is US$ 600 (about R$ 3250). However, Avara Custom, the company mentioned at the beginning of this article, offers headphones from US$ 99 (about R$ 550). Check out some examples of models offered by the Indonesian company below:
How to buy and make a custom in-ear headphone?
It is not enough to enter the website of a company that manufactures custom in-ear headphones, place the order and pay for the purchase. It is necessary to take the impression of your ear canal and send it to the company’s laboratory. To better understand the process, visit our article dedicated to explaining in detail what ICES are.