In-ear monitoring systems have made a major impact in the way live music is presented. Custom–fit IEMs are the preferred choice, yet off-the-shelf universal-fit models are an ideal solution when unexpected guest players show up, or performers leave their customs on a plane, hotel room/etc. Besides being less costly, universals are a great backup option in case someone’s custom version gets run over by a forklift. The market for earpieces is crowded, but here are a few models suitable for pro applications.
64 Audio U12t
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 12 (4LF/6MF/2HF)
- Impedance: 12.6 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 108 dB/1mW
- Isolation: 20 dB with Apex m20 module
- Color: Multiple color options
- Price: from $1,999
- Notes: Tia design
ASI Audio/Sensaphonics 3DME Gen2
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: Dual balanced armatures
- Sensitivity: 102 dB for -20 dBV (100 mVrms)
- Color: Black
- Price: $799
- Notes: Bodypack mixer and app wireless control of ambience mic, EQ, levels
Audio-Technica ATH-E70
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: 3 balanced armatures
- Impedance: 39 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 109 dB/1mW
- Color: Black
- Price: $399
- Notes: Detachable cable
Clear Tune Monitors CE320
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 3 balanced armatures
- Impedance: 46.8 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 119 dB/1mW
- Isolation: -26 dB
- Color: Gray
- Price: $249
- Notes: Removable cable
Empire Ears Valkyrie MkII
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 3 proprietary drivers
- Impedance: 3 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/1mW
- Color: Dragonhide multi
- Price: From $1,599
- Notes: Alpha Hybrid-IV copper/silver cable
Etymotic Research ER4SR
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: Single balanced armature
- Impedance: 45 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 98 – 104 dB/1mW
- Isolation: 35 – 42 dB
- Color: Black
- Price: $299
- Notes: Detachable cable
Future Sonics Spectrum Series G10
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: 10mm dynamic driver
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 113 dB/1mW
- Isolation: Up to 29 dB
- Color: Black
- Price: $197
- Notes: Crossover-free design
Galaxy Audio EB10
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: Dual driver
- Impedance: 22 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 120 dB/1mW
- Color: Clear
- Price: $309
- Notes: Cleaning rod included
InEarz Audio Zen 4
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 4 balanced armatures
- Impedance: 28 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 113 dB @ 1 mW
- Isolation: 26 dB
- Color: Black/white
- Price: From $599
- Notes: ADEL variable port technology
Jerry Harvey Audio Roxanne
- Fit: Custom or Universal
- Transducers: 12 (4LF/4MF/4HF)
- Impedance: 15 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 119 dB @ 1 mW
- Isolation: 26 dB
- Color: Black
- Price: From $1,599
- Notes: Variable (0-15 dB) LF control
L-Acoustics Contour XO
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 10 (4LF/2MF/4HF)
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 116 dB @ 1 mW
- Isolation: 26 dB
- Color: Black
- Price: $1,949
- Notes: Variable (0-15 dB) bass control
Mackie MP-240
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: Single dynamic + single balanced
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 94 dB/1mW
- Isolation: Up to 40 dB
- Color: Black
- Price: $199
- Notes: Detachable MMCX cable
Sennheiser IE 500 PRO
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: Single 7mm dynamic driver
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 126 dB/1mW
- Isolation: 26 dB
- Color: Clear
- Price: $599
- Notes: TrueResponse technology driver
Shure SE535
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: 3 balanced armature drivers
- Impedance: 36 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 119 dB/1mW
- Isolation: 37 dB
- Color: Clear or metallic red
- Price: $449
- Notes: Detachable cable; earmold option
Westone Pro X50
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: 5 balanced armature drivers
- Impedance: 45 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 115 dB/1mW
- Isolation: 25 dB
- Color: Clear
- Price: $649
- Notes: Replaceable cable
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