In-ear monitoring systems have significantly impacted the way concerts are presented. With that in mind, we decided to look at some current offerings in custom earpieces for professional monitoring applications. Although we focused mainly on models that require impressions of each user’s ears, most companies also offer less expensive options (including many in universal, non-custom versions) and URLs are provided should you require more information.
64 Audio A4S
Fit: Custom
Transducers: 4 (LF/LMF/MF/HF)
Impedance: 11 Ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB/1mW
Isolation: -20 dB with Apex m20 module
Color: Multiple color options
Cable: Detachable; 48” or 64”
Price: from $1,099
Notes: Combines Tia, LID, Apex and 3Dfit technologies
Advanced Sound M5-12D
Fit: Custom
Transducers: 12 balanced armatures
Impedance: 9 Ohms
Sensitivity: 109 dB/1mW
Isolation: Not stated
Color: Multiple color options
Cable: Detachable 1.5 meter
Price: $1,399
Notes: Neutral sound signature; silver-plated copper cable
Alclair Audio ESM 13 Driver
Fit: Custom
Transducers: 13 (4 LF/4MF/MHF/4HF)
Impedance: 30 Ohms
Sensitivity: 110 dB/1mW
Isolation: -26 dB
Cable: Silver cable with 24AWG silver Litz wire
Color: Multiple color options
Price: $2,499
Notes: Hybrid design with quad electrostatic HF drivers
Alien Ears G16
Fit: Custom
Transducers: 8 (4LF/2MF/2HF)
Impedance: 18 Ohms
Sensitivity: 124 dB/mW
Isolation: 26 – 30 dB
Cable: Detachable silver-based 64”
Color: Multiple color options
Price: $810
Notes: Includes DIY impression kit
Campfire Audio Solstice
Fit: Custom
Transducers: 5 (2LF/MF/2HF)
Impedance: 12.8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 112.8 dB/mW
Cable: Custom beryllium/copper MMCX connections
Color: Black
Price: $1,500
Notes: Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber extends HF
CTM (Clear Tune Monitors) Da Vinci X
Fit: Custom and Universal
Transducers: Ten (4LF/4MF/2/HF)
Impedance: 43.8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 117 dB/1mW
Isolation: 26 dB
Cable: Includes standard and Juba Premium cables
Color: Multiple color options
Price: $2,599
Notes: Five-way (split dual LF/split dual MF) crossover
Empire Ears Legend X
Fit: Custom and Universal
Transducers: Seven (2LF/2MF/3HF)
Impedance: 14 Ohms
Sensitivity: 102 dB/1mW
Isolation: Not Stated
Cable: 26AWG UPOCC Litz copper cable
Color: Multiple color options
Price: From $2,299
Notes: Ferrofluid-damped drivers
Future Sonics MG6 HX
Fit: Custom
Transducer: Single 13mm driver
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 114 dB/1mW
Isolation: 26 dB
Cable: Detachable 50” cable; optional 64” silver cable
Color: Numerous color options
Price: $1,299
Notes: HX Helix vent for 26 dB Ambient Noise Rejection
Inearz Audio Utopia with ADEL
Fit: Custom
Transducers: 10 (4LF/2MF/2HF)
Impedance: 12 Ohms
Isolation: 26 dB (±2 dB)
Cable: Estron T2 cable connectors
Color: Multiple color options
Price: $1,799
Notes: ADEL variable isolation system
JH Audio Ambient Pro
Fit: Custom
Transducers: Eight (2LF/2MF/2HF/2XHF)
Impedance: 12 Ohms
Sensitivity: 117 dB @ 1 mW
Isolation: 26 dB
Cable: Detachable; OFC 4N silver-plated Litz wire
Color: Multiple color options
Price: From $2,799
Notes: DPA Core mic capsules capture ambient sound; requires Lectrosonics DCHT/ DCR822 transmitter-receiver pair
Noble Audio Kaiser Encore
Fit: Custom or Universal
Transducers: Ten (2LF/2MF/2HMF/2HF/2XHF)
Impedance: 30-35 Ohms
Sensitivity: Not stated
Isolation: 26 dB
Cable: Detachable
Color: Multiple color options
Price: From $2,099
Notes: Drivers designed with Knowles Electronics
Perfect Seal PS8
Fit: Custom
Transducers: Eight (2LF/2MF/2HF/2XHF)
Impedance: 12 Ohms
Sensitivity: 112 dB
Isolation: Not stated
Cable: Detachable
Color: Multiple color options
Price: $900
Notes: Three independent sound bores
Sensaphonics 3DME Custom Tour Gen2
Fit: Custom
Transducer: Two; quad drivers optional
Impedance: N/A
Sensitivity: N/A
Isolation: 37 dB average
Cable: Detachable silver or black
Color: Clear or optional colors
Price: From $2,000
Notes: Features Active Ambient, 7-band EQ and limiter controls
Ultimate Ears UE Live
Fit: Custom
Transducers: 8 (6 balanced, 1 TrueTone+, 6mm sub)
Impedance: 10 Ohms
Sensitivity: 105 dB/1mW
Isolation: 26 dB
Cable: Detachable 50” Superbax cable
Color: Multiple color options
Price: $2,299
Westone ES80 Elite
Fit: Custom
Transducer: Eight (2 LF/2MF/4HF)
Impedance: 80 Ohm
Sensitivity: 111 dB/1mW
Isolation: 25+ dB
Cable: Detachable 52” MMCX cable
Color: Multiple color options.
Price: From $1,899
Notes: Includes Pelican storage case
