An IEM case protects your earphones and cable from being crushed, scratched or tangled in a bag. Choose a hard case if your IEMs travel in a backpack or with other gear, and a soft pouch if you want something slim for a pocket. Either way, coil the cable loosely inside and keep the case dry.
This guide is for anyone who carries IEMs every day, whether universal or custom. It explains the difference between a hard IEM case and a soft pouch, compares the three we sell, and shows how to store the cable and keep moisture out.
Key takeaways
- A hard case resists crushing; a soft pouch is slimmer and lighter but protects mainly against scratches and dust.
- The AAW IEM/CIEM Hard Case measures 8 × 8 × 4.5 cm outside and 6.5 × 6.5 × 4 cm inside, sized for one set of IEMs.
- The Null Audio Grey Leather IEM/CIEM Pouch measures 11 × 8 × 2.5 cm and weighs 45 g.
- Coil the cable in loose, palm-sized loops in the case; tight bends break the fine strands over time.
- Our flat-rate repairs don't cover damaged carry cases, so a worn case is replaced rather than repaired.
Why use an IEM case?
An IEM case is a small container that holds one set of in-ear monitors and their cable. Its job is simple: keep the earpieces, connectors and plugs from being knocked, crushed or scratched when they are not in your ears.
IEMs are small, but they are not tough. Shells can crack, faceplates can scratch, and nozzles can collect lint in a pocket. The cable is at risk too. A loose cable in a bag gets kinked, knotted and pulled at the plugs, and the solder joints inside the plugs are the most common failure point.
A case also helps the connectors. If your case is big enough to store the IEMs with the cable attached, you unplug them less often. That matters for MMCX, a snap-on connector that wears with repeated swaps. Shure says the MMCX connection on its SRH1540 and SRH1840 headphones is not designed for frequent use (Shure). Our guide to IEM cable connectors explains the types.
Hard IEM case or soft pouch: what's the difference?
A hard case is a case with a rigid shell that keeps its shape under pressure. A soft pouch is a flexible bag, usually leather or fabric, that closes with a zip or drawstring. Both keep dust and scratches off. Only a hard case stops a heavy book or laptop from pressing down on your IEMs.
| Hard IEM case | Soft pouch | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection from crushing | Good: the shell takes the load | Limited: pressure passes through |
| Protection from scratches and dust | Good | Good |
| Bulk | Thicker and boxier | Slimmer; fits a pocket more easily |
| Best for | Backpacks, travel, gig bags, custom IEMs | Daily pocket carry, desk storage |
Custom IEMs are worth a hard case. A custom IEM is an earphone with a shell moulded to your ears, so a cracked shell means a shell repair or a reshell, not a quick swap of parts.
The IEM cases and pouches we sell
We stock three cases. Each is sized for one set of IEMs with its cable, and the in-stock models ship in 2–3 working days.
AAW IEM/CIEM Hard Case
The AAW IEM/CIEM Hard Case is a rigid case described by AAW as shock-wave proof. It measures 8 × 8 × 4.5 cm outside and 6.5 × 6.5 × 4 cm inside. It has a black base and a frosted clear lid, so you can see what is inside without opening it.
AAW IEM/CIEM Soft Pouch
The AAW IEM/CIEM Soft Pouch is a zip pouch for casual carry of one set. It measures 8 × 8 × 4 cm. The lid has an inner mesh pocket that holds the plug and a few coils of cable apart from the earpieces.
Null Audio Grey Leather IEM/CIEM Pouch
The Null Audio Grey Leather IEM/CIEM Pouch is a soft leather pouch with a smooth-running zip. It measures 11 × 8 × 2.5 cm and weighs 45 g. It is the slimmest of the three, and the easiest to slip into a jacket pocket.
Will your IEMs and cable fit?
Compare the inside space with your IEMs and cable before you buy. The table lists the sizes from each product page.
| Case | Type | Size (L × W × H) | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAW IEM/CIEM Hard Case | Hard | 8 × 8 × 4.5 cm outside; 6.5 × 6.5 × 4 cm inside | Custom IEMs, bag and travel carry |
| AAW IEM/CIEM Soft Pouch | Zip pouch | 8 × 8 × 4 cm | Everyday carry, one set |
| Null Audio Grey Leather Pouch | Soft leather, zip | 11 × 8 × 2.5 cm, 45 g | Slim pocket carry |
Thicker cables take more space. A heavily braided cable with a 4.4 mm plug fills a small case faster than a slim 3.5 mm cable. If your cable has a detachable player end, like Ethos Ultra, you can store the plug separately. Not sure? Contact us with your IEM and cable, and we'll suggest a fit.
How should you store the cable in the case?
Most cable damage happens at bends, so the way you coil the cable matters more than the case itself.
- Coil loosely. Wrap the cable in loose loops about the size of your palm, or use the over-under method.
- Avoid tight bends. Don't wrap the cable tightly around your fingers or force it into a case that is too small.
- Protect the plugs. Lay the player plug and the earpiece connectors flat, not bent sharply against the wall of the case.
- Unplug by the plug body. If you detach the cable for storage, hold the plug, not the wire.
For more on habits that keep a cable working for years, read how to make your IEM cable last.
How do you keep moisture out?
A closed case traps whatever you put into it, including sweat and humidity. In a humid climate like Singapore's, that matters.
Moisture and air slowly discolour the metal in a cable. 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 (Wikipedia). For how the metals compare, see copper vs silver IEM cables.
- Wipe the IEMs and cable with a dry or slightly damp cloth after sweaty use.
- Let them dry before you zip them into the case.
- Add a small silica gel pack to the case in humid weather.
- Store the case somewhere dry and out of direct sun.
- Avoid alcohol and solvents on the cable jacket; they can make it brittle.
Check what came in the box
You may already own a case. Several of our cables, including Lune MKVIII and Aoraki MKIII, come with a premium leather pouch. AAW custom IEMs include an AAW carrying case, and the AAW reshell service includes an AAW carrying pouch.
A case is an accessory, not a repair part. Our flat-rate repairs don't cover a damaged carry case, and the warranty page recommends buying a replacement separately. When you send IEMs or a cable in for warranty service, leave the carrying case at home unless we ask for it.
Choose your case
If your IEMs travel in a bag, pick the AAW Hard Case. For a slim pocket option, choose the grey leather pouch or the AAW Soft Pouch. If it is the cable that needs replacing, use Find My Cable to look up the connector for your IEM, or browse all IEM and headphone cables.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a hard case for IEMs?
A hard case is the safer choice if your IEMs travel in a backpack or with heavy items, because its rigid shell stops them being crushed. A soft pouch is enough for pocket carry and desk storage, where scratches and dust are the main risks. Custom IEMs in particular benefit from a hard case.
What size IEM case do I need?
Most cases are sized for one set of IEMs and a coiled cable. The AAW IEM/CIEM Hard Case is 6.5 x 6.5 x 4 cm inside, and the Null Audio Grey Leather Pouch is 11 x 8 x 2.5 cm. Thick braided cables and large plugs need more room, so contact us if you are unsure.
Should I store IEMs with the cable attached?
If the case is big enough, storing them with the cable attached means fewer connections and disconnections. That helps connectors such as MMCX, which wear with repeated swaps. Coil the cable loosely so there are no sharp bends near the connectors.
How do I stop my IEM cable going green in the case?
Wipe the cable after sweaty use and let it dry before you close the case. Add a small silica gel pack in humid weather and store the case out of direct sun. Green discolouration on copper is a patina formed by moisture and air.
Is an IEM pouch included with Null Audio cables?
Several Null Audio cables, including Lune MKVIII and Aoraki MKIII, come with a premium leather pouch. AAW custom IEMs include an AAW carrying case, and the AAW reshell service includes an AAW carrying pouch.
Can a damaged IEM case be repaired under warranty?
No. Flat-rate repairs don't cover damaged carry cases or other accessories, and the warranty page recommends buying a replacement separately. When you send an item for warranty service, leave the case out unless we ask for it.
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