Two celebrated names from the UK audio scene - audiolab and ACS - have teamed up to deliver a range of British-made, multi-driver in-ear monitors called audiolab M-EAR.
The M-EAR 2D is a two-way, two-driver design, with one driver handling mid/high frequencies and the other dedicated to bass, while the M-EAR 4D is a three-way design sporting four drive units - one for high frequencies, another for midrange and two to handle bass.
Both M-EAR models incorporate balanced armature drivers, which differ from traditional dynamic drivers found in most headphones and earphones. Balanced Armature drivers use an electronic signal to vibrate a tiny reed suspended between two magnets; this movement is transferred to an aluminium diaphragm which generates soundwaves. Balanced armature drivers deliver greater efficiency and are extremely compact, enabling several drivers to be combined in small, and lightweight sound-isolating in-ear monitors.
A feast for your ears
Both M-EAR models feature patent-pending IRIS (Intelligent Resonance In Silicone) technology, created in order to maximise the musical potential of Balanced Armature drivers. Additionally, the M-EAR 4D incorporates a ported design for the bass drivers, with a cavity in the silicone that is precisely balanced to the driver.
Another feature integrated in both M-EAR models is SSI (Sound Stage Imaging). This widens the soundstage and creates more space around individual instruments and voices, enhancing sonic definition and the feeling of being present at a live musical performance.
The result, in the case of the M-EAR 2D, is a pair of discrete IEMs (In Ear Monitors) delivering taut, punchy bass, captivating midrange clarity and crisp, clean high-frequency detail, with no harmonic interference. Invest in the M-EAR 4D and the sonic return is even greater space, scale and dynamic expression.
Both M-EARs are supplied with a high-quality detachable cable with an in-line microphone, included for hands-free convenience when making calls. This is no ordinary miniature mic – it is a Knowles SiSonicTM MEMS-based microphone, selected as a result of ACS’s pro-audio experience for excellent wide-band voice reproduction in noisy environments. To ensure a snug fit and superb noise isolation, the M-EARs come with six pairs of ear tips in three different sizes.
The M-EAR 2D and M-EAR 4D are hand-made for audiolab at ACS’s facility in Banbury, Oxfordshire UK.
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