In-ear monitors make good everyday earphones once you know the trade-offs: the right adapter for your plug, no microphone on the stock cable, a case for the commute and a sensible volume.

An IEM frequency response graph shows how loud an in-ear monitor plays each frequency relative to the others, measured on an ear simulator. Here is how to read the axes, target curves and regions, why two graphs of the same IEM differ, and what no graph can tell you.

Impedance and sensitivity tell you how easily an IEM is driven, but only if you read them together and check the unit behind the dB. Here is what the figures on our Unique Melody product pages mean for phones, dongles, output impedance and hiss.

One well-tuned dynamic driver can be enough, and 13 drivers can share just five bands. We explain what extra drivers and crossovers change, what they cost you and how to read a driver list, using the Unique Melody range from 1 driver per side to 13.

A six-step routine for cleaning in-ear monitors: dry tools at the nozzle, washed silicone tips, a dry wipe for the shell and a moisture check on the 2-pin sockets, plus how often to do it and why tips are best kept to yourself.

Sore ears, IEMs that slip out, a pressure feel and a booming own voice each have a different cause. Match your fit problem to the first thing to try, and see when a custom shell makes sense and when it does not.

How DJs cue with in-ear monitors instead of headphones: split cue and the MIX knob, what pulling one in-ear out costs in volume, the plug and cable for a DJ mixer, tips for a long set, and three Unique Melody IEMs at £279, £359 and £989.

How bass players and guitarists adapt to in-ear monitors: getting the low end back with a deep seal and dynamic drivers, amp in the room or direct, timing cues in the mix, and which Unique Melody IEMs suit string players from £359.

IEMs seal out noise and fit in a pocket; open-back headphones sound more spacious but need a quiet room and often a proper amp. Here is how they compare for listening, mixing and the stage.

Custom in-ear monitors start with ear impressions or a 3D ear scan taken by a hearing specialist near you. Here is where to go in the UK, what to say when you book, how to prepare your ears and what happens after you send them to us.