In 1995, Ultimate Ears Pro developed its first pair of professional in-ear monitors to help drummer Alex Van Halen protect his ears and improve his performance. Today, Ultimate Ears Pro delivers superb fidelity and performance with its new flagship UE PREMIER custom molded IEMs. Incorporating an industry-leading 21 drivers per side, UE PREMIER has an ultra-wide 5 Hz to 40 kHz response, resulting in a full-spectrum sound signature built around the most cutting-edge in-ear technology available. Prices begin at $2,999, custom-made from your ear impressions.
The UE PREMIER utilizes advanced dual-diaphragm balanced armatures for the sub-low and mid-low ranges while an optimized quad mid-frequency unit reproduces critical midrange detail. An innovative proprietary True Tone Plus driver delivers upper register harmonics and overtones adding presence and warmth. Finally, a Knowles’ Quad Super Tweeter works in conjunction with the True Tone Plus driver to extend UE PREMIER’s frequency response out to 40 kHz, creating an exceptional listening experience that brings even the most intricate nuances into focus, giving music an open, airy and natural feel.
UE PREMIER’s integral 5-way passive crossover network works with the drivers to deliver incredible detail, separation and full-spectrum response with pristine clarity. A customized waveguide allows for a personalized fit that stays secure and comfortable. The units’ excellent acoustic isolation (-26 dB) rejects undesired stage noise in any environment, enabling users to experience music the way it was meant to be heard.
For those wanting less isolation, an Ambient feature option ($50 additional) lets the user adjust the amount of environmental (stage sound) desired. Removing a small port on the faceplate base allows about 12 dB of stage bleed. Inserting the clear plastic plug seals the opening for full -26 dB isolation. UE Pro does note that low-end resonance is reduced slightly when the Ambient function is enabled.
Well Connected
The UE PREMIER incorporates a waterproof connection system allowing for easy field cable replacement. The rugged SuperBAX cable, available in clear or black, provides lasting durability. Terminated with a gold-plated 3.5 mm TRS right angle connector, the cable is available in 50” or 64” lengths. Integral molded “ear loops” route the cable over your ears for comfort. I chose the shorter cable for mine but am finding the longer cable might have been a wiser choice.
An audiophile balanced IPX Earloop cable is also available, and for those desiring the ultimate mobile phone listening experience, an accessory cable with inline mic and TRRS connector is another option.
Looking as Good as They Sound
UE Pro offers a wide range of faceplate colors, textures, and specialty to suit the customer’s style. For those who can’t make up their mind, an innovative UE SWITCH option lets users swap out faceplates whenever desired. Additionally, faceplates can be ordered with silver or gold initials instead of the standard UE Pro logo.
A Good Impression…
With any customized in-ear headphone, getting a proper fit is critical for a successful listening experience. So, I began the ordering process with a trip to my audiologist to get my ears checked and medical grade ear-mold impressions made. Although 3D ear scan measurements can be used, the preferred method is to inject silicone goop into your ears for accurate casts of the ear canal. Once complete, the impressions were sent off to UE Pro, referencing my name and order number.
An easy-to-navigate online order site allows you to configure UE PREMIER. Simply select “Design Your Own” and choose the look desired. I went with Opaque/Violet faceplates, no border, silver UE engraving, no Ambient feature, 50” IPX Earloop clear cable and a storage case engraved with my name.
In Use
My UE PREMIER’s arrived about 15 business days after I ordered them. Included in the rugged metal, protective case was a small cleaning tool with QR code that took me to a straightforward video on how to clean the earpieces. UE Pro recommends cleaning them after each use and storing them in the protective case when not in use.
Upon closer examination, I was amazed at how UE Pro could pack the 21 driver assemblies into such a small earpiece, a true marvel of miniaturization. The build quality and attention to detail was spot on and the earpieces were not as large as I was expecting. I fitted them into my ears and without playing any audio noticed how good the isolation was. The earpieces fit comfortably in my ears and the pre-formed cable loop was easy to dress behind my pinna.
Next, I connected them directly to my audio interface’s headphone output and played back some symphonic music I was editing. WOW! I immediately noticed more detail and presence in my recording. Along with an impressive stereo image, I was hearing orchestral parts that were buried when I listened to the same playback on my regular studio headphones. I compared them to a set of high-end audiophile Japanese headphones and again found that the UE PREMIER had more detail, open airy highs and solid bottom-end.
Listening to some well-recorded rock music with strong drum parts and hard-hitting bass guitar, the UE PREMIERs handled all the sonic energy with no distortion or overload. And with the -26 dB isolation, I could listen at lower levels and still experience all the sonic depth and detail the music offered.
Outstanding in the Field…
I had a live gig where I was mixing monitors on a loud stage. I tried the UE PREMIERs instead of my normal cue speaker. The excellent isolation enabled me to hear what I was mixing without being overwhelmed by the stage noise and the clarity and detail stood out, helping me manage my mixes without having them too loud in my ears.
I set up an IEM system and used it with the UE PREMIER’s to simulate what a stage performer would use. The cable length was more than adequate to reach the receiver pack and the cable keeper made it easy to dress the cable down my back.
The Choice is Clear
UE PREMIERs are now my go-to monitor phones for all my critical recording and listening gigs. Their balanced sound, rich detail and open, airy top-end enable me to listen for long periods of time at lower volume levels without ear fatigue. The custom earpieces are easy to put in and remained comfortable to wear even after a long session. At the end of a gig, the included tool made quick work of cleaning the earpieces and the protective case was small enough to toss into my gig bag, yet large enough to not get left behind.
Although not inexpensive, for the touring pro, studio/live engineer or discerning audiophile yearning for the ultimate in-ear listening experience, the UE PREMIER is first in class.
At a Glance
True Audio Bliss
Cutting-edge in-ear technology and studio-quality sound let IEM users experience pristine clarity and full-spectrum response of music with unmatched presence and detail.
PROS
- Amazing musical performance
- Extended response with superb detail and clarity
- Superior noise isolation
- Field replaceable cables
- Secure, comfortable custom fit
CONS
- Pricey
SPECS
- Drivers: 21 tuned drivers
- Crossover: 5-way internal passive
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
- Isolation: -26 dB
- Ambient Engaged: 12 dB stage bleed allowed
- Cable: Detachable SuperBAX (50” or 64”)
- Connector: 3.5mm gold-plated TRS
- Base Price: $2,999
MANUFACTURER: Ultimate Ears Pro
CONTACT: https://pro.ultimateears.com
