IEM Reshell Guide: What It Is, What It Costs and What to Send

An IEM reshell moves the drivers and parts of an in-ear monitor you already own into a new custom shell made from your ear impressions. Our reshell service is carried out by AAW, our sister brand. It starts at USD 219 for models with up to 4 drivers, and the lead time is 7–8 weeks from the day we receive your impressions.

This guide is for anyone with a universal IEM that never quite fits, or a custom IEM with a cracked or ill-fitting shell. It explains what an IEM reshell involves, what the service includes, how to get impressions, what to send, and the risks to weigh first.

What is an IEM reshell?

An IEM reshell is a service that replaces the outer body of an in-ear monitor. The shell is the housing that holds the drivers and sits in your ear. A universal IEM has a generic shell that relies on ear tips for its seal. A custom IEM has a shell moulded to the exact shape of your ears.

A reshell turns the first kind into the second, or replaces a custom shell that no longer fits. The drivers and internal parts move into the new shell, built from impressions of your ears. The result works like a custom IEM, without buying a new set of drivers.

Impressions for custom in-ear monitors are typically taken by an audiologist (Wikipedia). Many custom shells are hard acrylic, while softer silicone shells can sit deeper in the ear canal. If you are still deciding between the two forms, read custom vs universal IEMs.

Which IEMs can be reshelled?

Most IEMs and custom IEMs built on balanced armature drivers can be reshelled. A balanced armature is a small driver originally invented for hearing aids and now used widely in in-ear monitors (Wikipedia). Their compact size makes them easier to fit into a new shell.

Not every design is suitable. If you are not sure whether your IEM can be reshelled, contact us with the brand and model before you send anything. The same applies to models with dynamic or EST drivers; we will tell you whether yours can be done.

IEMs from other brands

We reshell and repair most typical damage found on in-ear monitors, including IEMs from other brands. Tell us what has happened and we will advise. We don't repair cables from other brands.

AAW IEMs

If you own an AAW IEM, two other services may suit you better. AAW flat-rate repair covers a cracked or shattered enclosure, a damaged socket, a damaged driver or a blocked nozzle, for models bought within 3 years. AAW's ownership transfer service reshells an AAW universal or custom IEM to a new owner's ears, or to new impressions of the existing owner. Both are listed, with their rates and exclusions, on our warranty page.

IEM reshell cost and what is included

The price depends on how many drivers your IEM has. These are the tiers listed on the Earphone Reshell Service by AAW product page.

Every reshell includes:

• A 46-inch (about 1.2 m) detachable cable.
• A cleaning brush and cloth.
• An AAW carrying pouch.
• A 30-day refit guarantee.
• A 1-year limited warranty, which excludes the original earphone drivers.

The lead time is 7–8 weeks from the date we receive your ear impressions. Ask us about shell colour and faceplate options when you get in touch. The Custom Builder shows the designs available for AAW customs.

How do you get ear impressions for a reshell?

Ear impressions are moulds of your ear canals and outer ears. They are the template for the new shell, so their quality decides the fit. You have three ways to get them.

At our studio in Singapore

We take ear impressions at our studio for SGD 50. It takes 10–20 minutes. Book first by WhatsApp at +65 8731 5476, and clean your ears beforehand for the best result. The studio is at #01-03, LHK2 Building, 76 Playfair Road, Singapore 367996. Our custom IEM guide for Singapore covers the visit in more detail.

From an audiologist anywhere

Outside Singapore, have an audiologist take your impressions. Email support@null-audio.com first to get our ear impression instructions, and take them to your appointment. Good impressions:

• go past the second bend of the ear canal;
• include the whole concha, the bowl of the outer ear;
• are taken with your mouth open, using a bite block, so the fit holds when you talk or sing.

3D scans

For new AAW customs we accept STL scan files, one per ear, emailed with your order number. The custom IEM hub explains the scan requirements. Other makers work the same way; Ultimate Ears, for example, accepts physical impressions or STL files for its customs (Ultimate Ears). For a reshell, email us before you rely on a scan so we can confirm it will work for your model.

What to send and how to ship it

Email support@null-audio.com before you post anything. Tell us the brand, model and condition of your IEM. We will confirm whether it can be reshelled and reply with instructions.

Once confirmed, send:

• both sides of your IEM;
• your ear impressions, packed in a protective container, if you are not using a scan;
• a copy of your order confirmation.

Post them with tracking to Null Audio, #01-03, LHK2 Building, 76 Playfair Road, Singapore 367996. Items of high value may incur import duty and tax in Singapore, which are borne by the sender. Declare repairs, ear impressions and reshells under USD 200 when sending from overseas. Our Shipping & Returns page has the details, and we return finished orders by FedEx.

What are the risks of an IEM reshell?

An IEM reshell is real surgery on your earphones. It is worth weighing these points before you commit.

• Driver warranty. The 1-year limited warranty excludes the original earphone drivers. If a driver was already weak or fails later, it is not covered.
• The original shell is gone. The drivers are moved out of the old shell, so plan on the reshell being permanent.
• Fit depends on the impressions. Poor impressions give a poor fit. The 30-day refit guarantee covers adjustments, but good impressions avoid the wait.
• The sound can change. A custom shell seals and positions the IEM differently from ear tips. Expect your IEM to sound somewhat different, not identical.
• Time. Allow 7–8 weeks after we receive your impressions, plus shipping both ways.

Choosing a cable after the reshell

Ask us which socket your reshelled IEM will have before you buy a new cable. AAW customs use recessed 2-pin sockets. Our standard 2PIN (0.78) plug fits both flat and recessed 0.78 mm sockets.

Watch out for qdc-style plugs. A qdc plug has its pins inside a raised shroud and won't seat on a standard recessed 2-pin socket (Headphonesty). Our IEM connector guide and the connector reference page show how to tell the types apart.

The cables for AAW page lists what fits AAW shells. Every Null Audio cable is built to order in Singapore with the connector and plug you choose, from the IEM and headphone cable range. To keep it working for years, see how to make your IEM cable last.

Start your reshell

First, contact us with your IEM's brand and model to confirm it can be reshelled. Then book your impressions at the studio, or get instructions for an audiologist. When you are ready, order the Earphone Reshell Service by AAW. If you would rather start fresh, browse our custom IEM models.

Frequently asked questions