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Brand Story: 64 Audio

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64 Audio is an American brand that since 2010 produces custom and universal fit In Ear Monitors. Their product range goes from their most affordable custom A2e (around £600) all the way up to the very high end universal IEM the Fourté Blanc (£3,899.00). Their target market is split in two. First, Custom IEM’s for professional musicians and music makers across the board. (It is known that Beyonce wore 64 Audio Customs for the superbowl performance in 2016!). 64 Audio’s Custom IEM offering has every type of musician covered and the customisation options allow you to personalise your choice until it is a unique, one off. Secondly they aim also at the High End Audiophile market with their universal range, offering most of their Custom IEMs in universal form as well as having a few unique models such as the Nio, Trio & Fourté.

64 Audio Fourté Blanc

About 64 Audio

64 Audio’s Mission/Vision is to ultimately redefine the connection the world has with music & inspire musicians and music lovers to unearth a deeper connection with music through their spectacular product range. Founded by Vitaliy Belonozhko, 64 Audio began their journey in 2010 as 1964 Ears. They have been alive and kicking for over 12 years already! They renamed themselves to 64 Audio in 2015. Along the way to today, they have worked with artists such as Beyonce, Jay Z, John Mayer, Nathan East, Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi and more, Just to name a few.

64 Audio is a provider of custom In-Ear Monitors aimed at the working musician & has a universal range aimed at the High End / Audiophile niche.

64 Audio is a family-owned business, composed of musicians and music lovers who are passionate about the power of sound and premium craftsmanship. It might sound cliché, but as they say on their website “we’re a family”. Together, they are helping artists connect with their work in new and innovative ways. Their focus on working musicians has also had the intended effect of making them supremely popular in the consumer market too. 64 Audio’s didcation to improving and innovating in the audio space has not gone unknown. They have earned recognition worldwide and secured patents for award-winning tech, like tia™, apex®, LID™, and 3D-Fit™ (more info on these below). Over the last decade 64 Audio have essentially reinvented what it means to build IEMs with flagship universal designs such as their tia Fourté™ and tia Trió™.

The team at 64 Audio believes that “when the walls between you and music come down, you do your best work and live your life most truly.” This is reflected by the passion and supreme effort that goes into every single earphone they create.

Product Overview

Their products are classified into two categories: Custom & Universal . Their most affordable option is the A2e, which is a dual driver custom only IEM. In their custom portfolio you will also find the A3t, A4s ( t indicating it uses a tia driver), the A6t (the number after the letter indicates how many drivers..), the N8 (A unique CIEM designed in collaboration with Nathan East), the A12t, the A18t and finally the A18s.

In addition to their custom range, they also offer an extensive list of universal models. Many of which replicate some of their best selling CIEMs but of course, in universal form. Such as the U6t, U12t, U18t & U18s. Unique models include the Duo, Nio, Trio & Fourté.

Custom 64 Audio A12t
64 Audio Duo

The Wonderful World Of Custom IEM’s

The current core business of 64 Audio is custom fit IEM’s. CIEMs are musicians’ work tools and an essential component for live performing. In 2022, there has been an astonishing increase in demand for 64 Audios CIEM’s across the world. This is definitely in part to musicians finally being allowed to play live again post worldwide lockdown and upgrading their gear along with it. But it is also the result of the direction 64 Audio have taken in marketing their product. By changing their categories from Studio, Stage & Audiophile to simply Custom and Universal, they have essentially reduced the veil between the two different markets (Musician/Producer &Consumer/Audiophile) and now everyone seems to want their own. By offering a custom option starting at £600, 64 Audio Custom IEM’s are accessible to anyone who wants them.

64 Audio have reduced the veil between two different markets (Musician/Producer &Consumer/Audiophile) and now everyone seems to want their own Customs.

Should you go for the custom version if you are not in the music industry? In short: It is up to you! Customs are great for those who are using these professionally or who want increased comfort (they are made to fit your ears like a tailored glove). One thing to note however is that Universal models retain resale value should you want to change your equipment in the future, whereas unless you have an identical twin a Custom IEM is for you and you alone. Which is not a bad thing either really, considering how many customization options they have and how you can really create something one of a kind for yourself.

Customization Options

This is definitely one of 64 Audio’s most unique selling points. The plethora of options to choose from when building your own CIEM’s can seem overwhelming at first. Do you go with Ripple Abalone faceplates or your own custom Artwork? Have both earphones the same colour scheme or entirely opposite? Rose Gold or Mother of Pearl? Wood or Glitter? With so many options to choose from, you really can get something created that is absolutely unique to your personality and style.

Have a go at building your own ideal CIEM here: Custom IEM Builder

64 Audio Technologies

As mentioned throughout, ever since their inception in 2010, 64 Audio have kept pushing the boundaries with new technologies for in-ear monitors. They introduced their tia™ drivers, which are openly radiating balanced armature drivers. In addition, they also introduced LID™ (Linear Impedance Design) and apex®. LID™ basically sets an almost linear impedance curve throughout the entire frequency range, while apex® helps mitigate ear-fatigue by simulating a secondary ear-drum. This is an open module that eliminates pneumatic pressure that builds up in an otherwise closed room and can be swapped out for more or less sound reduction based on the user’s circumstances.

Handcrafted Comfort

A new way of manufacturing custom in-ear monitors preserves the details of your ear impressions for the most comfortable-fitting IEMs possible.

Fatigue-Free Listening

This pneumatically interactive vent relieves air pressure in a sealed ear canal, alleviating listener fatigue and opening the soundstage.

Consistent Sound

Enjoy a steadfast sound at any venue. From studio to stage, this proprietary circuit ensures your IEM’s sound signature stays the same no matter what it’s plugged into.

Tubeless Transparency

64 Audio’s industry-first, tubeless technology eliminates sound-altering dampers and tubes. This reduced resonance reveals a new level of resolution and transparency.

Universals & Limited Editions

As 64 Audio has grown over the last decade, it has continuously improved upon its own ideas and technology. In turn, this has led to the development of many different products over the last 12 years (most of which have already been mentioned above). Their Limited edition models, the Fourté Noir & in 2022 the Fourté Blanc are living proof that 64 Audio has the means and vision to tap into their creativity and inspire the High End market as a whole.

The sound signatures are so varied between each model that there is sure to be something for everyone in the High End / Audiophile niche. This is one of the reasons why 64 Audio are so popular, with unique sound signatures across their range as well as high resale value, 64 Audio have something to offer that entices every Audiophile out there.

In some cases you can even edit the sound signature yourself and tweak it to your tastes by changing the Apex models. The U6t, U12t & U18t/s are essentially 3 IEMs in one. Internally, each model is a work of decadent craftsmanship and a physical display of what can be achieved when you put your mind to it. We will not go into a detialed list here, but check out reviews on our Blog or the general internet to see just  how revered 64 Audio Universals are around the world.

64 Audio U6t
64 Audio U12t
64 Audio U18s

There is an IEM VAC for that

We all know the hidden fact behind IEMs. Yes, they get dirty, sometimes really dirty! And such expensive devices deserve the time and effort to maintain and keep in perfect working order. Blocked nozzles from earwax and lint / other debris is one of the leading causes for IEMs to stop functioning properly. Most people are too afraid to acknowledge any blockage when making warranty claims for IEMs or do not even know what to look for (look inside the nozzle, it will probably be dark yellow/brown and potentially a bit crusty). Ahem, Introducing 64 Audio’s IEM VAC. It won’t stop earwax getting on your in-ears, but it will suck it off them! Watch it in action and learn how to clean your own 64 Audio Customs below.

Milestones

  • 2010: Vitaliy Belonozkho Establishes 1964 Ears, LLC. Quad Model released.
  • 2011: 1964 Ears Introduces Real Wood Faceplates as an Industry first
  • 2012: Attend First CanJam
  • 2013: Released the V6 and V6 Stage
  • 2014: Kickstarter campaign lauched for the A & U Series. apex module in development
  • 2015: 3DFit technology introduced, Beyonce & Jay Z join the brand. Rebranded to 64 Audio
  • 2016: apex technology launched, Fourté, A18t & U18t released
  • 2017: A18s & A12t Released
  • 2018: A18t wins best custom IEM 2017 from Headfonia
  • 2020: A18s wins best custom IEM 2020 from Headfonia
  • 2021: The Duo & U6t launched. Fairaudio.de gives U6t “Favourite Award 2021”
  • 2022: Fourté Blanc limited edition launched. Only 500 units worldwide. U18t win Tech Power Up innovation award
  • 2022: Nio is finalist in NAMM tec awards 2022. A18t wins readers choice best custom IEM from Headfonia

Our Top 5 64 Audio Product Picks

1. 64 Audio U12t – £2,149.00

One of the most popular models, the U12t is in the sweet spot for price/performance. The U12t is a superb all-rounder that has enough bass to satisfy most and has plenty of technical prowess too. Almost like a baby U18t, the U12t is very well balanced and even handed with punchy yet dynamic lows, detailed and open midrange and effortless highs. The lows can be tuned with the apex module. The M20 giving a subtle lift in the sub-bass over the default M15. The bass is fast and articulate yet has body and punch too.

2. 64 Audio A18t – £3149.00

The A18t are for those musicians / Audiophiles who love technicalities. Cramming a whole 18 balanced armatures per side, the A18t are somewhat of a statement product. Especially with all the customization options avaliable. If you listen to the A18t for a while, anything else is going to sound veiled and muddy in comparison. They have such a clean and controlled sound signature that is perfect for those who want neutrality. Everything is cranked up to 11. These have headroom to spare and don’t put a foot wrong, whatever you play through them.

3. 64 Audio tia Fourté – £3,599.00

The Fourté pushes the boundaries and shows what’s possible with only 4 drivers. The clarity in the midrange is truly astonishing. What’s even more impressive is how the top end just extends without rolling off at all. Everything sounds very cleanly separated, yet the width and height of the soundstage are unlike any other IEM you will ever hear. If you are looking for a true hi-fi experience, the Fourté deliver. With a more musical yet well balanced sound signature, effortless, crystal clear highs and impeccable soundstaging qualities, they truly are top of the line.

4. 64 Audio U6t– £1,399.00

For the price, 64 Audio have created a brilliant everyday earphone that allows great insight into the recording. With superb clarity and detail retrieval, wrapped up in a smooth, coherent and easy to listen to sound. They are such an easy earphone to live with. Providing a comfortable fit and refined sound that many fail to match, this is proof that 64 Audio really do know what they are doing when it comes to sound. A superb model for the price.

5. 64 Audio tia Trió – £2,299.00

Here we have a very accomplished hybrid design. One that is all about engagement and enjoyment. There is a healthy dose of sub-bass extension helped with great articulation in the mid-bass. This low end gives the Trio a bit of fun factor but without overstepping the line to become fatiguing. The midrange is present, up front and clean, never masked by the more powerful low end. The highs come from the signature tia driver. Which allows effortless extension but they are by no means up front and bright. The highs take a backseat overall. Yet they don’t sound dark, with great detail and impact when called for. The Trio is perfect for those who listen to music with a good bassline to follow. Sound staging is great too, with a good sense of space and perfect imaging. A forgotten gem indeed!

Lastest 64 Audio Updates and News:

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64 Audio U6t Review

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64 Audio are finally offering up their most popular custom IEM in universal form. The U6t has a smooth and balanced sound that makes it a superb everyday earphone for the majority of people.

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Fit and Comfort

64 Audio have used the same universal shape for the U6t as their other models (U12t / tia Trio etc…) and this is a tried and tested design. Offering up smooth edges with a good length nozzle for a secure fit and great comfort. Once you settle on the right size tips for your ear canals, they fit securely with the new included cable being more ergonomic and comfortable.

The U6t fit comfortably in your ears. They are also extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. The new cable is softer and has pre-moulded earhooks which, in my opinion are always more comfortable than stiff memory wire. 64 Audio provide plenty of eartips with the U6t. So try them all to find which suits you best!

Compatibility

Whilst the U6t is easy to drive, and has 64 Audio’s LID technology meaning there won’t be drastic sound signature changes between sources. However, an IEM of this quality still deserves a good source. Lossless tracks and the use of an external DAC/Amp with a mobile phone, or a dedicated DAP would definitely be my preferred choice of source.

Apex modules and tia drivers

64 Audio have a few interesting technologies they employ in their lineup. the U6t uses their apex technology that relives inner ear pressure whilst also allowing a certain amount of noise through. In turn this also tunes the sound slightly. The U6t comes with the m20, m15 and mX modules, which offer -20dB/-15dB and -10dB of noise reduction respectively. The more isolation results in more lower bass response and a warmer sound signature too. Along this logic, you get minor variations in soundstaging too. The more open being the more open sounding. Personally I do find the apex modules reduce listening fatigue and 64 Audio IEM’s are always perfect for long listening sessions.

The U6t also includes a single tia high driver. This high frequency driver is an open-top BA driver which is tube-less too and sits in the nozzle. This provides an increase in air and space in the treble region along with a more realistic treble presentation. Quite a while ago I listened to the original U6 against the new A6t. The tia driver definitely delivers a smoother and more realistic treble response than a typical BA with tube and damper design.

Sound

(M15 module as installed out of the box)

Bass:

The U6t have a nice and full low end that is exceptionally well tuned for a BA model with six drivers. There is enough warmth to add pleasant body to the sound and enough punch to be engaging. But it’s always composed and controlled, there is never excess bass, or unwanted bloat. Bass guitars are articulate. Kick drums hit with impact and have excellent body to back them up. They are not in your face. They also don’t try and impress with overblown bass, instead focussing on making the low end sound accurate and realistic with a little hint of warmth to ease those long listening sessions.

If you want a little more low end than the m15 module, the m20 offers up even more body. This in turn tricks your brain into thinking there is less treble. I.e this module is one for those who prefer a warmer and thicker sound. On the opposite end, the mX module leans out the low end. Making the U6t sound like a more typical reference tuned device. Allowing the mids and highs to cut through a little better with a tighter and slightly less thick bass response.

Midrange:

The midrange is superb on the U6t. It nails the natural yet not analytical presentation, being detailed and nuanced without being clinical. Vocals have an intimate quality without being up-front and central. There is such a pleasant balance overall that nothing sounds out of place or forced. More aggressive tracks have good bite, yet softer tracks have a sweetness that is intoxicating. Heavily distorted or acoustic, it doesn’t matter to the U6t, they can do it all with ease. Something lacking in many earphones. Both male and female vocals sound excellent, with maybe a slight nod to female vocals having the upper hand. The transition from upper mids to lower treble is handled superbly. They are not pushed to sibilance yet there is no discernible dip robbing them of energy and presence.

Regardless of the module used, the midrange is always very well presented. However it does sound warmer with the m20 and slightly thinner with the mX. So take your pick! For most the m15 is probably going to be just right.

Treble:

The treble is airy and well extended. It is also very well balanced in the mix, with the right amount of attack and energy without sounding bright or harsh. The tia driver provides exceptional treble response. One that sounds tonally accurate without nasty peaks or dips. You never lose track of the treble, it simply never gets lost in the mix. Snares are snappy and cymbals crash with authority. Yet, I never find them to be edgy or uncomfortable. 64 Audio are experts of pulling off the correct balance in the treble, and they are not lacking detail at any point either.

If you want well presented treble that isn’t harsh or fatiguing I highly suggest testing one of the 64 Audio models. These are utterly fatigue free. Should you wish for a little more bite, toning down the bass helps the mids and highs cut through a bit better (mX module).

Soundstaging and Genres

The U6t have a wider than average soundstage, but it’s not huge as these are still based on a pro-audio model. They are very accurate with their placement of instruments within the soundstage and everything is very well separated. I.e never sounding congested during complex tracks.

These are a superb all-rounder to be fair. They might not have the bass quantity many EDM listeners might crave, but they lend their hand to most genres. These have a slightly smooth presentation. Meaning they might lack a little energy for some. But on the other hand they are super easy to listen for long sessions.

Apex Modules

With the U6t you almost get 3 different signatures in one IEM. Whilst the core sound presentation will be similar between the three there are distinctive differences which allow you to fine tune them to your preference. The apex modules mainly affect the bass region. But an increase here will lead to a perceived lowering of the treble/midrange so take this in to account.

Using the most closed module (m20) you get quite a thick, warm and laid back sound. One that has good body and warmth overall but still with the signature tia driver an airy top end.

Using the m15 you get slightly less bass. Which in turn leads to a more balanced but still slightly smooth sound that is a great compromise and likely the sound that most users will prefer. It is well balanced but not lacking in punch and body.

The mX module will give you a more analytical presentation. More akin to a studio monitor sound that might be lacking a little body for some listeners. But it is the one that will sound the cleanest in the mid-range and treble due to less body overall.

It is down to each listener as to which module they will prefer, but the overall signature refinement and balance is present over all modules.

64 Audio U6t vs A6t

Should you go for the custom version? In short, not really. The custom version is for those who are using these professionally or who want increased comfort. The universal is much more accessible for the average user and it retains resale value should you want to change in the future. The U6t gives you 98% of the sound of the A6t. The custom version has a tiny bit better instrument separation and the seal means you get a bit fuller low end, but the difference is subtle and not in the extremes.

Who are they for?

  • People wanting a high quality everyday earphone
  • Those looking for a balanced but not clinical sound
  • Lovers of a natural sound that it tonally accurate
  • Conclusion

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Interested in all things 64 Audio? Check out more News and Reviews here!

64 Audio Custom Model Overview

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These demo models come in a universal shell, but they will give you a good idea of what the custom version will sound like.

A2e

Starting off at the bottom you have a simple dual driver model, but don’t let the driver count fool you. If you want a more mid-forward sound with ample bass and treble the A2e are a great starting point. They have good impact down low, mainly focussed on the mid-bass punch. The midrange is very detailed and clean, and the highs are well presented but lack the air and effortless extension of the tia equipped models.

Separation is really impressive on the A2e and accuracy when it comes to stereo imaging is also excellent. These are a great, slightly mid centric monitor that will give you plenty of tuning flexibility on stage. Headroom and dynamics are compromised a little over the more expensive options, but in their own right the A2e are a great performer.

 

A3e

Coming from the A2e you immediately notice more resolution and extension up top with a more natural tone. The A2e is a little mid forward whereas the A3e is perhaps a little more reference like in their tuning, with a more neutral sound signature. This is a very good 3 driver model when it comes to soundstage width and layering.

The lows have enough impact and extension to keep most people happy, whilst the midrange is clean and well separated with excellent layering. The highs are very well placed with good energy and extension, along with great tonality all round. A great entry level monitor for those looking for a more neutral sound signature.

 

A4t

This is the model where the tia driver starts coming in, steering away from the slightly more neutral A2e and A3e, the A4t offer up a meatier low end and slightly fuller bodied midrange. There is a little more focus on the sub-bass offering up a solid foundation for the mid-bass kick, along with a slightly fuller midrange. The midrange is however well detailed and not masked but the increase in the low end.

The tia driver used for the highs give these a more airy and spacious sound with a more rounded sound stage in terms of width and height compared to the more width oriented A3e. The A4t offer up a slightly fuller sound signature, that is a little more fun, but doesn’t compromise on the technical side.

A6t

The A6t offer up a very smooth, coherent and well-balanced sound with perhaps a little added body for added protection against fatigue. They have a very full yet linear bass response digging deep into the sub-bass without faltering, the midrange is a tad warmer than neutral but still allows you to easily hear all the layers of the recording. Up top they have excellent separation and extension, there is no harsh peak in the upper midrange and these are extremely pleasant to listen to.

A favourite for musicians, the A6t is a great go-to monitor, with a well-balanced but not strictly neutral sound. Many prefer this model with the M15 module as it brings out a little added air and aids separation. This is one model you can easily tune to your liking with EQ if you wish.

 

N8

This one is tuned for the bassists out there, with a dynamic driver for the low end it offers more headroom down low than the other models in the line-up. The lows are articulate and hard hitting with a really natural tonality to them. They are tuned to be quite prominent in the mix, but if you are using these in a professional setting it allows you to cut if needed. This is much better than trying to boost lows which can introduce clipping. With all that bass, the midrange still managed to cut through with good authority and quite a pleasant tonality.

Again, the tia driver here really does define the treble, with the signature extension and air. To most, the N8 will be a little too bass oriented, but for those that need the headroom, and also the tonality of a dynamic driver, the N8 does a superb job at allowing you to hear and feel the low frequencies.

 

For the A12t and A18t you can refer to the Universal Model guide here, as those 2 models are the only ones available in a custom and universal shell.