Most IEM cable failures come from three things: bending at the plugs, moisture and skin oils getting into the wire, and wear on the connector from frequent unplugging. Coil the cable loosely, unplug by the plug body rather than the wire, and keep it dry. Do that, and a good cable will last for years. When it does fail, most faults are repairable.
An IEM cable is a wear item. It is bent, pulled, sweated on and stuffed into pockets every day. This guide covers how to look after it, why cables change colour, how to tell when something is wrong, and when a repair makes sense.
Key takeaways
- The solder joints inside the plug are the most common failure point, so always unplug by the plug body.
- Green or dark discolouration is a chemical reaction: silver tarnish is mainly silver sulfide, and copper's green patina is mostly basic copper carbonate.
- Shure says its MMCX headphone connection is not designed for frequent use, so swap cables as rarely as you can.
- Null Audio cables carry a 1-year warranty, and flat-rate repairs cost USD 30 or USD 50 for cables bought within 3 years.
- Repairs can fix lost signal and damaged connectors, but not cut cables, a damaged jacket or corrosion.
Why does an IEM cable fail?
A cable fails when a conductor breaks, a joint loosens, or a contact stops making a clean connection. Most of these faults start where the cable bends most, near the plugs and the Y-split. The Y-split is the point where the cable divides into left and right leads.
There are three common causes. Repeated bending at the plug breaks fine strands over time. Moisture, sweat and skin oils can reach the metal at the ends or through a damaged jacket. And frequent plugging and unplugging wears the connector itself.
If you are curious about what a cable can change beyond durability, read Do IEM upgrade cables make a difference?
Daily habits that make an IEM cable last
Small habits do most of the work. None of them cost anything.
- Unplug by the plug. Pulling on the wire strains the solder joints inside the plug, the most common failure point.
- Coil loosely. Wrap the cable in loose loops of about the size of your palm, or use the over-under method. Tight wraps around a phone or fingers create sharp bends that break strands over time.
- Don't let the cable carry weight. Avoid hanging a player or phone from the cable. Keep it from being caught on doors and chair arms.
- Use a case. A case protects the plugs and stops the cable being crushed in a bag.
- Mind the cable noise. Microphonics is the noise a cable makes when it rubs or moves (Sennheiser).
How do you protect the connectors?
MMCX and 2-pin sockets are rated for many cycles, but not unlimited. Each type wears in its own way, so it helps to know which one you have. Our IEM connector guide and 2-pin, MMCX, IPX or Pentaconn Ear explain how to tell them apart.
MMCX
MMCX is a snap-on coaxial connector that can rotate in its socket. Audio-Technica lists loose fit, overly tight fit and dropouts when rotating as known MMCX problems (Audio-Technica). Shure says the MMCX connection on its SRH1540 and SRH1840 headphones is not designed for frequent use (Shure).
0.78 mm 2-pin
A 0.78 mm 2-pin connector is two straight pins that push into the earpiece. Push it in straight and pull it out straight, holding the plug body. Match the marked side each time, because reversing one side puts it out of phase.
Swapping often?
If you swap cables often, a FlexiPlug cable helps. It changes tips at the cable end, which saves wear on your IEM's sockets. FlexiPlug tips include 0.78 mm 2-pin, MMCX, IPX, A2DC, qdc 2-pin and Pentaconn Ear. Pentaconn Ear is a connector from Nippon DICS designed for durability over many insertions (Porta-Fi).
Why do cables turn green or dark?
Discolouration is a chemical reaction between the metal and its surroundings. It happens slowly inside a sealed jacket. Sweat and humidity can creep in at the ends or through a damaged jacket, though.
Silver and copper
Silver tarnish is mainly silver sulfide, formed by hydrogen sulfide in the air (Canadian Conservation Institute). Copper's green patina is basic copper carbonate, or copper chlorides near the sea. "Verdigris" strictly means copper acetate (Wikipedia). Some clear jackets also yellow with UV and skin oils. For more on how the metals compare, see Copper vs Silver vs Silver-Plated Copper.
How to slow it down
- Wipe the cable with a dry or slightly damp cloth after sweaty use, then let it dry before storing it.
- Store it somewhere dry, away from direct sun. A small silica gel pack in the case helps in humid climates like Singapore's.
- Avoid alcohol and solvents on the jacket; they can make it brittle.
Discolouration you can see through a clear jacket is mostly cosmetic. It becomes a problem if it reaches the plugs and causes a poor connection.
How can you tell if your IEM cable is faulty?
Most faults show up as noise or a missing channel. Use the table to match the symptom to its likely cause.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Sound cuts out or crackles when you move the cable | A broken strand or loose joint, usually near a plug or the Y-split | Flex each end gently to find the spot; arrange a repair |
| Crackling only when you touch the earpiece connector | A worn MMCX snap or a loose 2-pin fit | Reseat the connector; try another cable |
| One side quieter or missing | A broken conductor, or a plug not fully seated | Push both plugs fully home; try another source |
| Thin, hollow sound with a vague centre image | One side's 2-pin plug inserted the wrong way round, reversing polarity | Flip that plug so the marked sides match |
| Kinks or flattened sections | Crush damage or tight coiling | Check for exposed wire; stop using it if wire shows |
Before assuming the cable has failed, try it with a different IEM or player. Clean the plug contacts with a dry cloth, and reseat both connectors. If the fault follows the cable, the cable is the problem.
Should you repair or replace it?
Null Audio cables come with a 1-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty is transferable. For products bought within 3 years, we also repair our cables at a flat rate.
- USD 30: Lune, Arete, Ethos (including Ethos Ultra), Aoraki, Epsilon, Hakone, Istana, Moebius, Thera and Tiburon.
- USD 50: Symphonym series.
- Not covered by flat-rate repair: Capri and Brevity.
What we can and can't fix
We can fix intermittent or lost signal and damaged connectors. We can't repair a cable that has been cut, has a damaged insulation jacket or has corroded. A repair may shorten the cable slightly to remove the damaged section. Repairs are usually done within 4 weeks. Full details are on our warranty page.
How to arrange a repair
Email support@null-audio.com with your order number and a description or photos of the fault. In Singapore you can drop it off at our studio at 76 Playfair Road. You can also contact us by phone or WhatsApp.
How we build cables to last
Every Null Audio cable is built by hand in our Singapore studio, where we've made cables since 2008. Because we build and repair in the same studio, what we learn from repairs goes back into how we build.
- Ethos Ultra (from USD 89) is built around a Kevlar core for strength. Its player end is detachable, with 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm and USB-C DAC plugs in the box.
- Moebius also uses a Kevlar core, finished in TPE and a thick-wall nylon sleeve.
- Istana has a graphene coating designed to resist oxidation and corrosion, with 70 strands at 24 AWG.
- Epsilon MKIII uses a yellowing-resistant black sleeve over 504 strands per cable.
- Brevity Pro (from USD 49) uses four 26 AWG copper wires in soft TPE with little memory effect.
Get help with your cable
If your IEM cable has a fault, start with the checks above, then contact us to arrange a repair. If it is time for a new one, use Find My Cable to look up the right connector for your IEM. It covers 400+ models. You can also browse all IEM and headphone cables.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my IEM cable turning green?
Copper reacts with moisture and air to form a green patina, which is mostly basic copper carbonate, or copper chlorides near the sea. Sweat and humidity can reach the metal at the ends or through a damaged jacket. Discolouration seen through a clear jacket is mostly cosmetic unless it reaches the plugs.
Why does my IEM cable crackle when I move it?
Crackling or cut-outs when the cable moves usually mean a broken strand or a loose joint, most often near a plug or the Y-split. Crackling only when you touch the earpiece connector points to a worn MMCX snap or a loose 2-pin fit. Try the cable with another IEM or player to confirm.
How should I coil an IEM cable?
Wrap it in loose loops about the size of your palm, or use the over-under method. Avoid tight wraps around a phone or your fingers. Sharp bends break the fine strands inside over time.
Can a cut IEM cable be repaired?
Null Audio cannot repair a cable that has been cut, has a damaged insulation jacket or has corroded. Intermittent or lost signal and damaged connectors can usually be fixed. A repair may shorten the cable slightly to remove the damaged section.
How much does a Null Audio cable repair cost?
For cables bought within 3 years, flat-rate repair costs USD 30 for Lune, Arete, Ethos, Aoraki, Epsilon, Hakone, Istana, Moebius, Thera and Tiburon, and USD 50 for the Symphonym series. Capri and Brevity are not covered by flat-rate repair. Repairs are usually done within 4 weeks.
How do I clean an IEM cable?
Wipe it with a dry or slightly damp cloth after sweaty use, then let it dry before storing it. Avoid alcohol and solvents, which can make the jacket brittle. Store it somewhere dry and out of direct sun, with a silica gel pack in humid climates.
Sources
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