What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones

With a special design and the ability to bring impressive sound experiences, In-ear Monitor headphones are a special line of headphones often used by artists during performances. So, what is an In Ear Monitor headset, how is this headset different from an Earbud headset? Join TipsMake to find the answer through the article below.

What are In-ear Monitor headphones?

In-ear Monitor (IEM) is a line of in-ear headphones with silicon pads that penetrate deep into the user's ear canal. The unique design helps In-ear Monitor headphones have good noise isolation and a compact size.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 1

You can easily see images of singers using IEM headphones at their performances. The reason they wear IEM headphones is because this device helps them hear and feel their voices clearly as well as the sounds of musical instruments so they can promptly process and adjust. Otherwise, the loud screams and enthusiastic cheers of the fans can overwhelm everything and cause them to be distracted, or even cause unnecessary incidents during the performance. 

In addition, this line of headphones is also used by sound experts, audio technicians as well as music producers to work.

What is the classification of In-ear Monitor headphones?

Currently, In-ear Monitor headphones are divided into two main types: Universal In-ear Monitor and Custom In-ear Monitor . Each type will have unique characteristics as follows:

Universal In-ear Monitor

Universal In-ear Monitor is a fairly popular line of in-ear headphones today. A unique feature of the Universal In-ear Monitor is that the sound duct has a fairly long design, surrounded by a rubber cushion. This structure helps the headset run deep into the ear canal and seal the headset. From there, minimize the sound from outside coming inside while you are listening to music and bring the best sound experience to users.

Currently, on the market there are many types of headphones designed in the Universal In-ear Monitor style, typically AirPods Pro.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 2

Custom In-ear Monitor

Custom In-ear Monitor will be more special than Universal In-ear Monitor in personalization. Specifically, the manufacturer will rely on the requirements of individuals and organizations to create a suitable product. Accordingly, Custom IEM will have a sound box structure designed to match and fit the user's ear shape.

That is also the reason why Custom In-ear Monitor models will not need the support of silicone padding but still ensure sound insulation as well as the quality of transmitted sound.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 3

What is the comparison between Earbud and In-ear Monitor headphones?

Because the intended users of each headphone line will be different, In-ear Monitor headphones and Earbud headphones also have some differences as follows:

In-ear Monitor (IEM) will be made from high-quality materials such as plastic, metal and acrylic. This product will be designed with a special structure so that users can insert it deep into the ear canal, limit noise and give the sharpest sound quality.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 4

Meanwhile, the Earbuds are mainly made from plastic and the design of this type of headset is also quite simple and compact. When using, users only need to attach them on the outside of the ear instead of inserting them deep into the ear canal like IEMs. 

Regarding sound quality, of course there will be a clear difference between the two headphones mentioned above in this aspect. 

IEM is a line of specialized headphones, used for monitoring and testing sound. Therefore, the IEM headphones will have outstanding noise canceling capabilities and provide good sound quality with perfect clarity, depth and clarity. In addition, compared to regular Earbud headphones, the sound of the IEM will also be louder.

Sound experts often advise users to use IEM headphones instead of Earbuds to be able to clearly feel each melody and understand the artist's intention in making music. Meanwhile, Earbud headphones will not be able to clearly transmit the middle frequency range. In addition, it is difficult for Earbuds to convey every rhythm, even the smallest nuance, in music like IEM.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 5

Besides, if Earbud headphones only use dynamic drivers, then IEM headphones can be compatible with many different types of drivers. Specifically, the Earbud's dynamic drivers will have to handle all frequencies themselves, but they can hardly handle high frequencies. Meanwhile, the IEM can handle all frequencies clearly, smoothly and accurately through the combination of many types of drivers.

Thus, IEM will be more suitable for people who work with sound such as music producers, audio technicians and professional singers. Earbuds will be for general customers - those who do not have too high requirements for sound experience but simply wear headphones for work, entertainment.

What are the benefits of In-ear Monitor headphones?

It is no coincidence that In-ear Monito r headphones are loved by music makers and artists as they are today. The reason will come from the outstanding benefits that no other headphone line can do like the In-ear Monitor headphones. 

Good sound insulation and comfortable to wear

In addition to the soft silicone cushion, the In-ear Monitor headphones are also equipped with a hook attached to the ear to fix the headphones and help users comfortably operate without worrying about the headphones falling off. during the performance. This is an extremely useful detail for singers who have to sing and perform fiery choreography.

In particular, In-ear Monitor will provide extremely good sound insulation and noise reduction thanks to the silicon cushion of the headset.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 6

Sound transmission is realistic and sharp

With a special design and impressive sound insulation, In-ear Monitor will bring the most realistic and sharp sound experiences to users. When you insert the headset deep into your ear canal, the sound will be approached at a closer range and ensure high accuracy, no different than if you were listening to sound directly. 

So, by now you have definitely understood what In-ear Monitor headphones are and also the benefits and differences between In-ear Monitor headphones and Earbuds headphones. In the section below, TipsMake will introduce the 5 most worth buying In-ear Monitor headphones models today. Please continue to follow along.

Top 5 popular In-ear Monitor headphone models today

These top 5 headphone models have been compiled and evaluated in detail by TipsMake. Each headphone model will have its own advantages and disadvantages and become the best IEM headphone models today.

1. Behringer SD251-BT In-Ear Monitor Headphones 

Starting the list of the top 5 popular In-ear Monitor headphone models today that TipsMake wants to mention is the Behringer SD251-BT. This is a type of professional studio-grade wireless headset widely used by musicians today. With an over-the-ear design and compact appearance, this product helps users work in the studio or play entertainment games for hours without causing discomfort or heaviness in the head. In addition, the product also comes with a set of 3 soft earbuds to help users wear it to fit their ear shape.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 7

In particular, the Behringer SD251-BT is equipped with a high-end neodymium micro driver, combined with modern technology for low latency. From there, the product is capable of reproducing the sound range from ceiling sound to high sound in a complete, realistic and detailed way.

The product also has a special shielding design to completely isolate surrounding sounds, prevent noise and create conditions for music makers to enjoy their own endless music space.

Not only that, the Behringer SD251-BT is also loved for its music playback time of up to 7 hours when fully charged. In addition, this product will come with a USB charging port capable of fast charging and will have a reminder when the battery is low so you can quickly charge the battery.

2. MO240 Studio Headphones Behringer

MO240 Studio Headphones Behringer is a line of In-ear Monitor headphones capable of delivering realistic sound with extremely wide dynamic range. Thus, you can easily follow the sound flow and create music with your own melodies.

MO240 Studio Headphones Behringer is made from high quality electromagnetic wire with extremely good sound insulation and noise canceling properties. In particular, the product also possesses high-end dual hybrid microphone drivers, capable of delivering full and realistic sound quality. Comes with a Neodymium dynamic driver that supports the bass range and a balanced armature driver that responds to the extremely high frequency range.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 8

In addition, the design of the MO240 Studio Headphones Behringer headphones also makes artists love it because it is compact, smooth and comfortable to wear. This product is compatible and fits your headphones well, and the support of the inline wire slider will keep the headphones secure and prevent tangles.

3. Behringer SD251-CL Studio Headphones

SD251-CL Studio Headphones Behringer is a line of professional studio-level monitoring In-ear Monitor headphones that is quite popular in the music making world today. This product is contained in a zippered box to bring convenience to the listener even when on the go or exercising. 

In terms of sound quality, SD251-CL Studio Headphones Behringer will surprise you because the monitor cable in the headphones is capable of delivering extremely wide dynamic range. At the same time, with its compactness, the product allows you to use it for a long time without causing discomfort or heaviness in the head. In addition, most experts also give many compliments to Behringer SD251-CL Studio Headphones because this product is an extremely good soundproofing headset.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 9

The notable point about SD251-CL Studio Headphones Behringer is that the IMC251-CL comes with an eye-catching gold-plated MMCX locking connector and can rotate 360 ​​degrees for versatility. Thus, users can use flexible connection options with compatible headsets. Besides, SD251-CL Studio Headphones Behringer can also be used as a wireless headset.

4. Headphones SD251-CK Studio Headphones Behringer

The most worth buying headphone model in the top 5 quality In-ear Monitor headphones worldwide would be a shame to ignore the SD251-CK Studio Monitoring Headphones . This headphone model has a quite small and compact appearance. This product can meet all needs, from mixing a recording, checking bass lines to the ability to deliver high-definition sound quality in an extremely wide dynamic range. In addition, the soundproofing and noise-canceling capabilities of this line of headphones are also highly appreciated by experts.

In particular, the dynamic Micro-driver of SD251-CK Studio Monitoring Headphones can also realistically transmit a wide frequency range from 20Hz - 20kHZ . Comes with an extremely safe over-the-ear design, providing high stability and a comfortable, pleasant wearing feeling for a long time.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 10

The next notable point of the SD251-CK Studio Monitoring Headphones is the 160cm long cable that can be detachable from the gold-plated MMCX connector that rotates 360 degrees. From there, users can connect to compatible devices flexibly. In addition, this line of headphones also comes with a zippered carrying case so users can enjoy their music anytime, anywhere.

Thus, you can compose music anywhere and immerse yourself in the music world with your own melodies with just one SD251-CK Studio Monitoring Headphones.

5. Shure SE215 Special Edition headphones

Appearing last in the list of Top 5 best IEM headphones is Shure SE215 Special Edition , this is an In-ear Monitor line that is loved and used by many people in the high-end music playing world. With a beautiful design and many accessories that come with M foam, manual, foam bag box and tips. 

Shure SE215 Special Edition uses a 3.5mm L-shaped jack cord, which comes with a 1m2 cable for user convenience. Accordingly, this product can easily adhere firmly to the ear and completely eliminate surrounding sounds and noises.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 11

In particular, the sound reproduction ability of the Shure SE215 Special Edition is also highly appreciated by experts. Specifically, this line of headphones can deliver extremely good sound quality. In bass, the sound transmitted has high clarity, depth and power. Coming to the mid range, users will enjoy smooth, mellow melodies. Finally, the treb sound quality is also at a sufficient level, not causing discomfort or harsh feeling when used.

What is the role of In-ear Monitor headphones?

Performing artists and singers often encounter the situation of not being able to clearly hear the music, even their own voice, when standing on stage. This causes some problems to occur that affect the program and the watching audience. The appearance of In-ear Monitor has resolved that worry.

Through special ear cushions, In-ear Monitor headphones help the wearer eliminate all surrounding sounds and control the sound of the music as well as themselves. From there, the artist can adjust the sound emitted and send the audience the most complete performance.

What are In Ear Monitor headphones? Compare with Earbud headphones Picture 12

In particular, this type of headset not only provides good sound quality, but also has the ability to protect the ears and provide a comfortable wearing feeling for the artist.

Besides, In-ear Monitor headphones are also an effective support tool in recording studios or practice rooms. At the same time, this product is often used by music producers to check sound and create memorable works.

Who should use In-ear Monitor headphones?

Anyone who has a passion for music and wants to experience the best sound quality can use In-ear Monitor headphones. However, this product will be more suitable for people who work with professional sound such as singers, artists, music producers, audio technicians or sound testers.

Should I buy In-ear Monitor headphones?

The answer would be not necessarily . However, whether to buy or not will still depend on your preferences, style, personality and budget. Because for the needs of listening to music, watching movies and regular conversations, Earbud headphones are enough to meet the user's audio requirements, and have the advantage of being compact and suitable for carrying anywhere. .

In particular, compared to Earbuds, the price of a good IEM headset on the market today is much higher. Therefore, if it is not for work, you should not buy an IEM. Because it is difficult for you to exploit all their features when only using them for common needs, but you have to spend a fairly large amount of money.

Overall, Earbuds will still be a suitable choice for those who do not need to 'touch' the elements related to the in-depth technique of sound. However, you can still buy and own an IEM headset if you are looking for a product capable of delivering professional audio experiences without worrying about price.

In particular, you can also create an IEM model designed specifically for you by scanning 3D ear images and creating a mold that fits your ear.

Epilogue

Above is basic information about what In-ear Monitor headphones are, the benefits of IEM headphones, etc. that you can refer to. In addition, the article also provides you with some popular In-ear Monitor headphone models today. If you are cherishing the dream of following a professional music path, don't forget to buy an In-ear Monitor model to start your journey from now on.

Marvin Fry

Update 03 October 2023