[ In-Ear Monitoring ] [ Headphones ] custom tuned to the individuals precise acoustic specifications. It also features a proprietary five-way armature design, a three-way crossover circuit with fully independent frequency bands and triple bore sound channels. www.ultimateears.com [6] The ACS T1 Triple Driver In-Ear Monitor uses three drivers, including the largest bass drivers in the ACS range, with integrated crossover. Manufactured from soft medical grade silicone, the earphones create a consistent seal at all times, offering excellent isolation and comfort. The speakers are sealed into the silicone mould, which means that the shape of the ear cannot affect how the monitors sound. There are a selection of bespoke silicone finishes available. www.acscustom.com [7] AKG’s IP2 earphones provide a high performance, full spectrum sound for professional in-ear monitoring, with ‘sharply contoured bass reproductions’. It also offers excellent isolation to suppress high ambient noise levels encountered. An integrated sliding cable tie and the supplied soft-rubber earmoulds in three different sizes enable the earphones to adapt to every shape of ear. The IP2 has an SPL of 121 dB, and a frequency range of 12Hz to 23.5Hz. www.akg.com [8] The SE535 from Shure utilises triple high definition microdrivers – a dedicated tweeter and dual woofers for spacious sound and rich bass. It includes an integrated passive crossover that ensures high and low frequencies remain distinct and defined. It comes with sound isolating sleeves in multiple sizes for up to 30dB of isolation. Cables are lockable for safe connection while in use and detachable for easy replacement. www.shure.co.uk [9] The EP3 Dynamic In-Ear Headphones are equipped with proprietary <strong>Audio</strong>-Technica dynamic drivers, offering a full frequency response and detailed high-fidelity sound. They come with three sizes of flexible earpieces and universalfit foam tips for a custom fit and long-wearing listening comfort. The in-ear design forms an acoustic seal for isolation from background noise. The ultracompact design makes them suitable for on-stage use. They feature a gold-plated locking stereo mini-plug. www.audio-technica.com 44 November 2012 | audiomedia.com 5 headphones, using its new S-Logic Plus technology. They come with a hard case equipped with extra earpads, detachable USC cable and Neutrik connectors. The Pro 750 are also closed-back headphones, with specifically developed velvet earpads to provide comfort for extensive working along with maximum isolation. The PRO 750 comes with one straight and one coiled cord and a spare pair of velvet earpads. The PRO 550 has a 50mm heavy duty driver and a ‘tight and powerful bass’, plus detailed instrument placement. Popular with bass players and drummers, the PRO 550 now has an additional function which enables them to be folded easily. The foldable open-back PRO 2900 uses stiff titanium-plated drivers with an airy and transparent sound. It also has speed-switch ear pads and detachable cables. Then there’s the Signature PRO, based on the luxurious but delicate-looking Edition headphones – all the technology and top class materials of the Edition range, but with minimalist design. The ear and headband pads are made from the leather of the Ethiopian long-haired sheep. It has removable cables and B-Lock connection, and uses the Ultrasone ULE technology, which protects against electromagnetic radiation. www.ultrasone.com 4 [4] The DT 1350 is quite a departure from beyerdynamic’s usual headphone style, lightweight and with a streamlined look. The compact over-ear closed superaural headphones are designed for control and monitoring applications, and for musicians and DJs. They feature highly efficient ambient noise reduction and a maximum sound pressure level of 129 dB. Tesla drivers offer a high degree of efficiency with low levels of distortion, allowing the DT 1350 to produce a well balanced, analytical sound even at very high volumes. The removable ear cushions and flexible split headband design ensure the headphones sit securely and are comfortable for prolonged periods of use. Single-ear monitoring is enabled by the swivelling ear cups. The DT 880 PRO is perhaps a more traditional choice; a reference-class, semi-open studio headphone with specially designed housings. It is a ‘remake’ of the studio classic DT 880, turning it into an ideal studio monitoring headphone with analytical qualities, with improved system equalisation. Another offering is the popular DT 770 PRO; there is currently a Limited Edition version of these available with 32Ω drivers, especially for the 88th anniversary of Beyerdynamic. The newlydeveloped drivers are based on their 80 and 250Ω drivers. www.beyerdynamic.com [5] <strong>Audio</strong>-Technica offer quite a few headphone options. The ATH910PRO is a fullsize, closed-back dynamic headphone, featuring Samarium Cobalt magnets and large diaphragm drivers. Those working with low-frequency sound sources such as drums and bass might want to consider the ATH-D40FS, with its bassenhanced frequency response. High quality components provide very high SPL capabilities while maintaining sound clarity. Exterior design features include sturdy strain-relief cable and comfortable circumaural earpieces that can be rotated 180 degrees to allow one-ear monitoring. It utilises 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils, and comes with a 11-foot cable. <strong>Audio</strong>-Technica’s premium professional ‘studiophones’ are the ATH-M40FS, which offer a flat, extended frequency response for monitoring. The lightweight and compact ATH-M35 was created especially for field recording and studio tracking and mixing. The headphones can be folded up and taken on the road quickly and easily. A 40mm rare-earth neodymium driver is at the heart of each earpiece, while padded circumaural ear cups provide acoustic isolation and comfort for extended listening sessions. www.audio-technica.com 6
Record. Mix. Monitor. Enjoy.