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/1 mW
- Isolation: -20 dB with Apex m20 module
- Color: Multiple color options
- Price: from $1,999
- Notes: Tia design
www.64audio.com; NAMM Booth 11006
Alclair Audio UV3
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 3 balanced armature drivers
- Impedance: 27 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 105 dB/100 mV
- Isolation: -26 dB
- Color: Black
- Price: $399
- Notes: Low-profile design
www.alclair.com; NAMM Booth 17505
Apex Electronics HP15
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Dynamic neodymium drivers
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 98 dB/1 kHz
- Isolation: Not stated
- Color: Silver
- Price: $46
- Notes: Detachable MMCX cables
www.apexelectronics.com; NAMM Booth 18107
ASI Audio/Sensaphonics 3DME Gen2
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Dual balanced armatures
- Sensitivity: 102 dB for -20 dBV (100 mV)
- Color: Black
- Price: $799
- Notes: Bodypack mixer; app wireless control of ambience mic, EQ, levels
www.asiaudio.com; NAMM Booth 12111
Audio-Technica ATH-E70
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 3 balanced armatures
- Impedance: 39 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 109 dB/1 mW
- Color: Black/clear
- Price: $399
- Notes: Detachable cable
www.audio-technica.com; NAMM Booth 15314
Clear Tune Monitors CE320
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 3 balanced armatures
- Impedance: 46.8 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 119 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: -26 dB
- Color: Gray
- Price: $349
- Notes: Detachable cable
www.cleartunemonitors.com; NAMM Booth 15913
Empire Ears Valkyrie MkII
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 3 proprietary drivers
- Impedance: 3 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/1 mW
- Color: Dragonhide multi
- Price: From $1,599
- Notes: Alpha Hybrid-IV copper/silver cable
Etymotic Research ER4SR
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Single balanced armature
- Impedance: 45 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 98 – 104 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: 35 – 42 dB
- Color: Black
- Price: $255
- Notes: Detachable cable
www.etymotic.com; NAMM Booth 11110
FlipEars Aisha Pro
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Three balanced armature
- Impedance: 24 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 119 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: Not stated
- Color: Pearlescent
- Price: $488
- Notes: Detachable cable
Future Sonics Spectrum Series G10
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 10mm dynamic driver
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 113 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: Up to 29 dB
- Color: Black
- Price: $219
- Notes: Crossover-free design
Galaxy Audio EB10
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Dual driver
- Impedance: 22 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 120 dB/1 mW
- 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
https://pro.inearz.com; NAMM Booth 7226
Jerry Harvey Audio Sheena Universal
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 8 (2LF/2MF/2HF/2XHF)
- Impedance: 12 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 117 dB @ 1 mW
- Isolation: -26 dB
- Color: Red multi
- Price: $1,799
- Notes: Premium Litz wire cable
K-array Duetto KD6T
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Dynamic 6mm neodymium driver
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 105 dB/1 kHz
- Isolation: Not stated
- Color: Anodizedtitanium oxide or 24k gold
- Price: $288
- Notes: Aluminum alloy body
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: $1,474
- Notes: Variable (0-15 dB) bass control
Mackie MP-460
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Quad Knowles balanced
- Impedance: 15.5 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 118 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: Up to 40 dB
- Color: Clear
- Price: $499
- Notes: Detachable MMCX cable
www.mackie.com; NAMM Booth 14508
MiPro E-8P
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Coaxial dual-dynamic driver
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 106 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: –26 dB
- Color: Gray pearl
- Price: $124
- Notes: Detachable cable
Sam Audio 3D
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 1 dynamic; 2 armatures
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 113 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: Not stated
- Color: 5 available
- Price: $169
www.samaudio.us; NAMM Booth 11536
Sennheiser IE 500 PRO
- Fit: Universal
- Transducer: Single 7mm dynamic driver
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 126 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: 26 dB
- Color: Clear or smoky black
- Price: $599
- Notes: TrueResponse technology driver
www.sennheiserusa.com; NAMM Booth 18711
Shure SE535
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 3 balanced armature drivers
- Impedance: 36 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 119 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: 37 dB
- Color: Clear or metallic red
- Price: $404
- Notes: Detachable cable; earmold option
www.shure.com; NAMM Booth 15608
Sony IER-M7
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Quad balanced armature
- Impedance: 24 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 103 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: Not stated
- Color: Black
- Price: $499
- Notes: Flexible ear hangers
https://pro.sony.com/bbsc; NAMM Booth 14708
Westone Pro X50
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: 5 balanced armature drivers
- Impedance: 45 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 115 dB/1 mW
- Isolation: 25 dB
- Color: Clear
- Price: $479
- Notes: Replaceable cable
www.westoneaudio.com; NAMM Booth 11110
Xvive T9
- Fit: Universal
- Transducers: Dual Knowles balanced armatures
- Impedance: 59 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 120 dB/1 kHz
- Isolation: Not stated
- Color: Clear
- Price: $160
- Notes: Replaceable cable
www.xvive.com; NAMM Booth 4344
