{"id":134493,"date":"2023-02-26T10:55:08","date_gmt":"2023-02-26T10:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=134493"},"modified":"2024-06-04T17:30:37","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T17:30:37","slug":"best-in-ear-monitors-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/headphones\/best-in-ear-monitors-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Great in-ear headphones worth a closer look"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Pros and cons of the ten best in-ear monitors &#8211; the main instrument of any modern musician, after musical instruments, of course.\u00a0Since each comparison of any technique is, to a large extent, the subjective opinion of the author, I decided to refrain from giving out places and resort rather to a comparison in different price categories, selecting leaders in their segment for any budget.<\/p>\n<h2>1. 64 Audio A3e<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: stunning panorama and the best detail for its price, custom body for perfect fit and noise isolation<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: genre not universality<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Ideal for monitoring any instrument and vocal type.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: one of the best, in my opinion, in-ear headphones for stage monitoring both among the\u00a0<em>64 Audio headphone<\/em>\u00a0models\u00a0\u00a0and among all IEMs in principle, in terms of price-quality ratio, of course.\u00a0And if it is far from always possible to get pleasure from listening to music in them, then\u00a0\u00a0not a single sane person will\u00a0deny the fact that\u00a0\u00a0<em>A3e<\/em>\u00a0are an incomparable working tool.\u00a0The model has a significant disadvantage: if the track is mixed even a little bit differently than the\u00a0<em>A3e<\/em>\u00a0requires\u00a0\u00a0<em>,<\/em> you will get porridge or excessively sharp high frequencies at the output.\u00a0This adds a fly in the ointment, but this model is not designed for versatility.\u00a0It&#8217;s built for performance and flawless panning, which comes at the price of being finicky for a wide variety of music genres.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>2. Sennheiser IE 300<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: high detail low frequencies, pleasant soft sound<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: a lot of low frequencies, proprietary cable connectors<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Optimal for monitoring the rhythm section<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: The\u00a0\u00a0<em>IE 300\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is an upgraded version of the\u00a0\u00a0<em>Sennheiser IE 100 PRO<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0with improved emitters, better housings and a hardened cable covered with thick rubber.\u00a0In terms of genre, they are very versatile, but still preferable are active genres of music demanding low frequencies.\u00a0<em>Sennheiser&#8217;s earphones\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0have always been renowned for their speakers and engineers who have refined their performance for decades, so there&#8217;s no denying this amount of man-hours and experience.\u00a0<em>Senhi<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0are some of the best when it comes to dynamic emitters.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>3. Astell &amp; Kern Billie Jean<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: high detail in the mid and high frequencies<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: lack of bass, 2-pin connectors, specific fit<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Optimal for monitoring vocals and strings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: the younger model of\u00a0\u00a0<em>Astell &amp; Kern headphones<\/em> \u00a0for two reinforcing emitters.\u00a0They are famous for their non-standard fit, but extremely interesting biting sound, especially if you prefer genres of music that are not loaded with bass.\u00a0The two armatures lack a bit of meatiness on the low end, but this is not as critical as long as you do not force them to chew on drum tracks or recordings with rich lows.\u00a0Otherwise, they are excellent headphones with a bright separated top and a detailed middle, incredibly transmitting strings and female vocals, with all the abundance of prevailing high frequencies.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>4. Shure AONIC 4<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: high detail of all frequencies, rich low and high frequencies, armored cable, good equipment, deep insulating fit, flat frequency response<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: narrow sound guides with specific ear pads<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Optimal for monitoring vocals and rhythm sections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: Excellent detailed\u00a0<em>Shure headphones<\/em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0with emphasis on the panorama and nice V-shaped frequency response, without excessive high or mid-range.\u00a0Sufficiently intelligible and rich sound when listening to music, especially if you are demanding on stage construction, but all the subtleties of monitors are revealed to the fullest while working with them.\u00a0In general, the updated model line of the manufacturer leaves a positive impression, so with a competent approach from the\u00a0<em>AONIC<\/em>\u00a0line\u00a0<em>it<\/em>\u00a0will be possible to choose headphones for every taste and for any requirements.\u00a0Aonic 4 &#8211;\u00a0hybrid headphones\u00a0, the line has options with other emitters\u00a0<strong>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>5. Westone UM PRO 20<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: high detail of the high and medium frequencies, excellent fit, good equipment<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: blockage at low frequencies, narrow sound guides with specific ear pads<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Optimal for monitoring vocals and strings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: the second oldest model of the famous brand.\u00a0The sound guides are as long as those of the\u00a0\u00a0<em>Shure<\/em>\u00a0, which has a positive effect on the fit and noise isolation, but negatively on the selection of new ear pads.\u00a0If\u00a0<em>Westone\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0single driver\u00a0\u00a0<em>headphones<\/em>\u00a0may seem completely flat, then for the\u00a0\u00a0<em>UM PRO 20\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0such a description is inappropriate.\u00a0The model is not replete with fat bass, but the way it fulfills the upper and middle frequencies is not easy even for models with a large number of drivers.\u00a0They are popular with vocalists and guitarists who value reliability and maximum straightforward sound.<\/p>\n<p>An extremely rich set with a huge selection of ear pads for any ear canal and use scenario, as well as a branded waterproof case, will not leave anyone indifferent, sweetening the pill of already luxurious monitors.<\/p>\n<p>The manufacturer also has several similar sounding models, but still aimed at slightly different usage scenarios.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>6. MEE audio MX4 Pro<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: high detail, excellent panorama, flat frequency response, comfortable fit, reliable cable, rich equipment<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: proprietary cable connectors, lack of parts at midrange<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Optimal for monitoring vocals, strings and rhythm sections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: senior hybrid model of\u00a0\u00a0<em>MEE audio headphones<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0with two emitters.\u00a0Due to additional fittings on top of the dynamic driver, they add detail and richness to the sound, compared to the younger\u00a0\u00a0<em>MEE audio M6 PRO 2nd Gen.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>By the nature of the sound, they are similar to the\u00a0\u00a0<em>M6 PRO,\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0but they give a significant increase in information content and volume.\u00a0Suitable for those who love the character of the sound typical for this brand, but would like to add a little information content, as well as add fat to the bass.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>7. FiiO FA1<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: high detail of the high and mid frequencies<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: small dip at low frequencies, unusual body shape<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Optimal for monitoring vocals and strings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: not really monitor headphones, but can be used as such.\u00a0In\u00a0\u00a0<em>FiiO headphones, the<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0developers focused their attention on listening to audio, but some successful models can be used for monitoring as well.\u00a0The\u00a0<em>FA1\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0armature transducers have\u00a0\u00a0no problems with recordings with dazzling mid and high frequencies, and, surprisingly, copes well with bass.\u00a0Problems begin only on saturated recordings, but they convey unloaded tracks perfectly.\u00a0Otherwise, this is an excellent choice for fans of the brand and slightly tinted sound.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>8. Shure SE215<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: high detail of all frequencies, rich low frequencies, &#8220;immortal&#8221; armored cable, good equipment, deep insulating fit, flat frequency response<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: narrow sound guides with specific ear pads<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Ideal for monitoring any instrument and vocal type, especially for monitoring the rhythm section.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: the best option under $ 150 for any purpose.\u00a0A versatile workhorse with no genre preference that can enjoy listening to music, with a perfect fit and an indestructible cable &#8211; everything you could want in an aggressive environment.\u00a0I personally have several acquaintances who use this model on a daily basis both for work and for listening to music, and from none of them I have not yet heard anything bad about the\u00a0\u00a0<em>Shure SE215.\u00a0<\/em>A crisp and juicy presentation without dips at frequencies is how this model can be characterized.\u00a0In a professional environment, they are not picky about the quality of the source and instruments, but the most positive reviews about the work of monitors are left by drummers, who are always demanding of high-quality drum transmission.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>9. Sennheiser IE 100 PRO<\/h2>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: flat frequency response with a slight bias in bass, comfortable universal fit<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: low detail of high frequencies, proprietary cable connectors, soft cable<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Optimal for monitoring the rhythm section.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: monitors with classic &#8220;Sennheiser&#8221; sound, with little emphasis on low frequencies and good detail.\u00a0The supplied cable is covered with soft rubber, which can negatively affect its durability.\u00a0The rest of the model is very similar in sound to the\u00a0\u00a0<em>Shure SE215,\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0but with a slightly quieter delivery, less bass and less deep seating.\u00a0Available in\u00a0Sennheiser IE 100 PRO Wireless<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>10. MEE audio M6 PRO 2nd Gen<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/top_10_vnutrikanal_nyh_monitorov_10.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"438\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Pros: flat frequency response, comfortable fit, reliable cable, rich equipment<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Cons: low detail, proprietary cable connectors, cheap body materials<\/li>\n<li>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Optimal for monitoring any instrument and vocal type<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Features: despite the modest, by the standards of monitors, the cost is a chic solution for novice musicians, due to its smooth sound and not exactingness to the source.\u00a0Yes, entry-level monitors are inferior to more advanced models, but you can already work in them and use them for listening, if you are an adherent of the most even sound without pronounced accents and an extremely flat frequency response.<\/p>\n<p>Quite unpretentious cases are more than compensated by two excellent wires that can survive even in the most extreme conditions and rich configurations, with an abundance of ear pads and a transport case.<\/p>\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p>The market for in-ear monitors is saturated with models for every taste and budget, so you can choose the option that suits you.<\/p>\n<p>Follow simple recommendations, listen to the opinion of consultants and compare everything only with your own ears &#8211; and you will easily find both a working tool and headphones for your soul that meet your requirements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pros and cons of the ten best in-ear monitors &#8211; the main instrument of any modern musician, after musical instruments, of course.\u00a0Since each comparison of any technique is, to a large extent, the subjective opinion of the author, I decided to refrain from giving out places and resort rather to a comparison in different price [&hellip;] <a class=\"g1-link g1-link-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/headphones\/best-in-ear-monitors-2021\/\">More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":134505,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[640],"tags":[778],"class_list":{"0":"post-134493","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-headphones","8":"tag-reviews"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=134493"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134493\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/134505"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=134493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=134493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=134493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}