How to Set Up In-Ear Monitors
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To set up in-ear monitors, connect the cable to each earpiece, fit an eartip that seals in the ear, route the cable over the ear, and plug the 3.5mm plug into the source. Check that each earpiece sits in the ear with the cable out of the way, and adjust the fit until the seal holds.
Connect the cable to the earpieces
Line up the cable connector with the socket on the earpiece and push it in until it seats. The CC10X and EW300 use a 0.78mm 2-pin connector, and the KZ cable has a limit slot that keeps the pin from breaking. Check that the cable sits firm in the socket and does not pull free when you move it.
Fit the eartips and set the seal
Push the eartip into the ear canal until it seals, then check that outside sound drops away. Swap to a different eartip size from the set if the fit feels loose or the seal breaks when you move your jaw. A sealed fit holds the earpiece in place and keeps the cable from tugging the earpiece out.
Route the cable over the ear
Bring the cable up behind the ear and let it rest over the top, with the earpiece hanging from the cable. This keeps the cable from pulling on the earpiece when you move, and keeps the plug from tugging at the source. Check that the cable does not catch on clothing or a strap.
Plug in and set the tuning
Plug the 3.5mm plug into the phone, laptop or portable DAC, then play audio at a low level and raise it until the mix is clear. The CC10X has 4 tuning switches for up to 16 combinations, and the EW300 swaps between two nozzle tunings, so set the tuning before you judge the fit. If the sound cuts out, reseat the cable connector and check the plug.
What you need
CLE CLO CC10X Tunable IEM
A 5-driver hybrid IEM with 4 balanced armature drivers and a 10mm dynamic driver, 4 tuning switches for 16 combinations, a detachable cable and an in-line mic.
- Detachable cable
- Driver size: 10 mm
- In-line mic
- Impedance: 10 ohm
- Driver setup: 4Ba+1Dd
- 12-month warranty stated
Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro
A 5-driver hybrid IEM with 4 balanced armature drivers and a dynamic driver, a stainless steel faceplate, a detachable cable and an in-line mic.
- Detachable cable
- In-line mic
- Impedance: 24 ohm
- Driver setup: 4Ba+1Dd
- 1-year warranty stated
Linsoul SIMGOT EW300 1DD+1Planar+1PZT Hybrid Driver IEMs
A hybrid IEM with 1 dynamic driver, 1 planar driver and 1 piezoelectric driver, detachable nozzles with two tunings and a silver-plated cable.
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 28 ohm
- Driver setup: 1Dd
- 1-year warranty stated
Moondrop CHU II High Performance Dynamic Driver
A dynamic driver IEM with a 10mm driver, an 18 ohm impedance, a replaceable brass acoustic nozzle and an interchangeable cable.
- Impedance: 18 ohm
- Driver setup: Dynamic Driver
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Iem, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know the eartip seals?
Push the eartip in until outside sound drops away and the earpiece stays in place when you move your jaw. If the seal breaks, swap to a different eartip size from the set.
Can I change the cable on these monitors?
Yes. The CC10X, KZ ZS10 Pro and EW300 have detachable cables, and the CHU II has an interchangeable cable. Line up the connector with the socket and push it in until it seats.
What do the tuning switches on the CC10X do?
The CC10X has 4 physical tuning switches that adjust bass and mid-to-high frequencies, for up to 16 tuning combinations. Set the switches before you judge the fit, and change them to match the music or the monitoring job.
Ranked in-ear monitors lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.