# 3D-Printed Earphone Converters JC Karich's Ear Adapter v2 Turns Earbuds into Headphones By Meghan Young | Published 2012-05-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ear-adapter-v2 References: [ohgizmo](http://www.ohgizmo.com/2012/05/15/you-can-now-print-your-own-earbuds-to-headphone-adapters/) & [karich.cl](http://www.karich.cl/) Earbuds can become very uncomfortable after being worn for a long period of time (headphones can as well), so the Ear Adapter v2 provides a great solution. It is a [3D printed creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maker-hardware-ttd3000) that converts [earbuds into headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neo-hybrid). It allows people to wear either one depending on the situation and ultimately what they feel most comfortable using at any given moment. Conceived and created by Chilean-born, Paris-based designer JC Karich, the Ear Adapter v2 is essentially a do-it-yourself project. It requires access to a 3D printer, but instructions and files are available on Thingaverse. Light and compact, the Ear Adapter v2 is a great alternative to owning two sets of earphones. Not to mention that headphones are becoming increasingly more expensive while [earbuds are more affordable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pearlclip). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Customizable Earphone Accessories:** The trend of 3D-printed earphone converters allows for customizable and comfortable accessories that transform earbuds into headphones. - **Do-it-yourself 3D Printing:** The trend of do-it-yourself 3D printing provides opportunities for people to create personalized and cost-effective solutions like the Ear Adapter v2. - **Affordable Headphone Alternatives:** The trend of using 3D-printed earphone converters as an alternative to expensive headphones offers cost-saving options for consumers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can explore disruptive innovation by incorporating 3D printing technology to produce customizable and versatile earphone accessories. - **Additive Manufacturing:** The additive manufacturing industry can leverage the trend of do-it-yourself 3D printing to create new opportunities and products for consumers like the Ear Adapter v2. - **Audio Equipment:** The audio equipment industry can capitalize on the trend of affordable headphone alternatives by offering innovative solutions that enhance comfort and convenience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bespoke 3D-Printed Ear Tips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ear-tips.md) - [3D-Prinited Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campfire-audio.md) - [Hybrid Overear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oscene-ear.md) - [Detachable Dual-Mode Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/streamline-hybrid-earphones.md) - [Earring Earbud Concept Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zhang-yunxib.md) - [Fashion-Forward Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openear-earbud-concept.md) - [3d-Printed Headphone Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tangled-headphones-1.md) - [Industrial Earbud Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teenage-engineering-bd1.md) - [Hybrid Wearable Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neckphone-tri.md)