Sony today announces IER-M500, new in-ear monitors. Refined through years of engineering, these professional-grade in-ear monitors offer a secure, stable fit and high sound isolation as well as accurate, reliable monitoring you can trust on stage. Developed in collaboration with monitoring engineers, these are the perfect partner for amateur, emerging and professional musicians, performers and monitor engineers who require reliable and accurate in-ear monitoring for live performances and practices.
The IER-M500 fills in the gap in Sony’s professional audio line up and strengthens Sony’s offering across the whole creator workflow. Sony operates in every stage of the creator journey from recording with its professional microphone range, mixing and mastering with studio headphones like the MDR-M1, delivery via Sony proprietary codecs such as 360 Reality Audio and now monitoring live performances on stage with the affordable IER-M500.
A fit you can trust
Designed for comfort and stability, with careful consideration of shape and weight balance, IER-M500 feature Sony’s original fitting supporters alongside noise-isolating earpieces to ensure a secure, personalised fit. Four sizes of noise-isolating earpieces are included, allowing you to find the ideal fit for your ears, while a thin polyurethane wall enhances noise isolation, delivers clearer audio and increased wearability during extended monitoring sessions.
To further enhance stability, flexible ear hangers and clips are also provided.
Designed by engineers
Designed using Sony’s decades of engineering expertise, IER-M500 compact in-ear monitors meet the unique demands of the stage, delivering excellent sound isolation and dependable monitoring.
The fully sealed structure, combined with a large acoustic chamber offers outstanding sound isolation, even in noisy live environments. The dynamic driver and a large acoustic chamber, produce deep, controlled bass, while the optimised internal structure refines high-frequency reproduction, to help you nail every cue and harmony.
These in-ear monitors are fully high-resolution compatible and reproduces low to high wide enough for high-resolution definition.
IER-M500 also protect your ears with higher passive isolation that minimises external stage noise and lowers overall sound exposure.
IER-M500 was created in collaboration with some of the top monitor engineers in the industry, including Noel Edwards who works on tours for world-renowned artists.
Monitor Engineer Noel Edwards’ comment:
“I usually use custom-fit in ear monitors, but the sound quality of these in-ear monitors is pretty close for comparison. If you are in a situation where you need universal in-ear monitors and want a reliable pair, these are a great option.”
Durable, stage-ready design
IER-M500 are designed to provide freedom of movement even in the presence of moisture, helping you stay focused on your performance without concern for splashes or sweat.
The approximately 1.6m detachable cable is designed to handle frequent use, including plugging and unplugging. That means whether you’re on stage or in the studio, it won’t let you down.
Available in three transparent colours – clear, black and a combined red and blue option – to complement your onstage outfit and with a clearly marked left and right, these in-ear monitors will help you perform and never get in your way.
Environment in mind
IER-M500 is allocated 35% circular material in the plastics used for the product, contributing to the reduction of virgin fossil–based plastic.
Pricing and availability
IER-M500 will be available in South Africa from October 2026 in Clear, Black, Red & Blue, at a retail price of R1 799.00.