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.
FEATURED PRODUCT: Shure Axient Digital PSM
Axient Digital PSM extends Shure audio performance and high wireless reliability to digital in-ear monitoring, bringing flagship platform benefits and reliability to every show. Axient Digital PSM’s flexibility and agility lets users maximize critical performance or expand channel count* — while ensuring every show is delivered with clarity and precision.
With Axient Digital PSM’s Spatial Diversity transmitters and True Digital Diversity bodypack receiver, each channel digitally combines four discrete RF signal paths for greater coverage while defending against multipath interference. Plus, no more chasing down the talent, as Axient Digital PSM’s ShowLink lets you remotely change any bodypack setting — instantly, without any interruption. Coordinate frequencies for the entire in-ear wireless system and monitor battery life, volume level, and headphone connect status in real-time from the monitor mix position or elsewhere. *Available in planned firmware update, date TBD.
www.shure.com/adpsm NAMM Booth 15608
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
www.64audio.com; NAMM: #11706
Advanced Sound M5-4D
- Fit: Custom
- Transducers: 4 balanced armatures
- Impedance: 17.5 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 108 dB/1mW
- Isolation: Not stated
- Color: Multiple color options
- Cable: Detachable 1.5 meter
- Price: $799
- 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: $1,749
- Notes: Hybrid design with quad electrostatic HF drivers
www.alclair.com; NAMM: #17710
Campfire Audio Bonneville
- Fit: Custom
- Transducers: 4 (LF/MF/2HF)
- Impedance: 29 Ohms
- Color: Several available
- Price: $1,399
- Notes: Dual-magnet dynamic LF driver; Knowles dual-diaphragm armatures
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: Has standard and Juba Premium cables
- Color: Multiple color options
- Price: $2,599
- Notes: Five-way (split dual LF/split dual MF) crossover
www.cleartunemonitors.com; NAMM: #14004
Empire Ears Legend X
- Fit: Custom and Universal
- Transducers: Seven (2LF/2MF/3HF)
- Impedance: 14 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 102 dB/1mW
- Cable: 26AWG UPOCC Litz copper cable
- Color: Multiple color options
- Price: From $2,299
- Notes: 10-Way synX Crossover System
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: -18 dB (±2 dB)
- Cable: Estron T2 cable connectors
- Color: Multiple color options
- Price: $1,519
- Notes: ADEL variable isolation system
www.inearz.com; NAMM #7226
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: $3,100
- 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
- Isolation: 26 dB
- Cable: Detachable
- Color: Multiple color options
- Price: From $1,850
- Notes: Drivers designed with Knowles Electronics
Perfect Seal PS8
- Fit: Custom
- Transducers: Eight (2LF/2MF/2HF/2XHF)
- Impedance: 12 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 114 dB
- Cable: Detachable
- Color: Multiple color options
- Price: $900
- Notes: Three independent sound bores
www.perfect-seal.com
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
www.sensaphonics.com; NAMM #11906
Ultimate Ears Pro UE Premier
- Fit: Custom
- Transducers: 21 tuned drivers
- Impedance: 15 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 126 dB/1mW
- Isolation: -26 dB
- Cable: Detachable 50” SuperBax cable
- Color: Multiple color options
- Notes: Ambient feature adds 12 dB of stage bleed; Knowles Super Tweeter extends HF to 40kHz
- Price: $2,249
https://pro.ultimateears.com; NAMM #11720
