Hi I gotten curious on DIY earbuds/iems, particularly earbuds since they seems to be the easiest to make. Is there any guide on how to actually assemble your own earbud and what do you need (besides the drivers and shell)?
Is a kit like this the only tool you need?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07Q4T12PH/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A2NRY4HOWAHJOF&psc=1
I am also guessing that you chose specific drivers that are already tuned to sound a specific way, and you yourself dont actually tune it right?
Lastly...should I not go into the DIY rabbit hole?
TIA
Depends on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go.
I'm sure there is lots of info about soldering. Google/YouTube is probably gonna be your newest friend.
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If you buy drivers, shells with foam installed, and pre built/tinned cables; then maybe all you need may be a soldering iron/solder and some way to hold things while assembling. No tuning may be necessary, of course YMMV.
Others have used bluetac, magnets, tape, etc. I use a modded mini vice.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/diy-earbuds.822327/page-119#post-15612382
If not using pre-tinned cables you will want flux and a soldering heat sink. The heat sink will help prevent the wire/enamel/coating/insulation from melting and also making the wire ends stiff when tinning.
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If you want to play with tuning you'll probably want to order foam and paper 'tuning cotton'. The paper is available in several thicknesses.
3m micropore or 'paper' tape is good for tuning shells as well. It is breathable and you can punch holes with a needle to fine tune air flow.
Cotton balls are a good source for a loose material if you want to dampen resonance/reflections or slow air flow inside a housing.
For placing, positioning and removing all of the above, I'd recommend a pair of curved or angled tip tweezers.
You can also consider getting a small hand drill and drill bits (.6mm, .8mm & 1.0mm) to either add or fine tune the porting of various shells.
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If you want to make MMCX buds, you'll want a set of articulated alligator clips for soldering them. A pick or needle to place a tiny amount of flux on the solder points.
You'll also need a M3 x .5 tap & 2.5mm drill bit or a M4 x .5 tap & 3.5mm drill bit. Or both, for the two different style MMCX connectors commonly used (Long style is M3 x .5, Short is M4 x .5).
You can buy pre-tinned wires, MMCX with wires already soldered, or DIY it. If DIY refer to above about tinning.
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If you are going to mod shells, I'd also recommend some small precision files, a small hobby hacksaw for removing or shortening stems and a medium size fine file for rough shaping.
A dremel or rotary tool can be used but I found it was hard to be precise enough with it.
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Also, a multimeter. This will allow you to check drivers, cables and verify your work. It can also allow you figure out what wire goes where if working with multiple strand cables.