Tag Archives: 64 audio

64 Audio Universal Model Overview

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U12t:

One of the most popular models, the U12t is in the sweet spot for price/performance. The U12t are a superb all-rounder that have enough bass to satisfy most but have plenty of technical prowess too. Almost like a baby U18t, the U12t are 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.

The midrange is crisp and clean, expertly separated from the low end it cuts through the mix with excellent detail retrieval. Layering in the midrange is a highlight, it is very easy to separate different layers in the mix. The highs here are perfectly in line with the rest of the sound, with impact, shimmer and extension all with the signature openness of the tia driver.

The U12t are very well balanced overall and handle anything you throw at them. They have a bit more of an up-front sound stage but with great layering. It’s easy to hear why they are so popular.

 

tia Trió:

This model is probably the one that is most forgotten in the 64 Audio lineup, yet they deserve some recognition. 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 are made for enjoyment, the lows have real dynamic punch to them yet they don’t drown out the midrange or highs. 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.

U18t:

The U18t are for those who love technicalities, cramming a whole 18 balanced armatures per side, the U18t are somewhat of a statement product. If you listen to the U18t 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.

This level of detail does have its downfalls, one being they are very unforgiving so be sure to pair them with a good source and good music files. Once you do this, you will be able to pick apart every recording down to the finest detail, all this information is however delivered in an enjoyable package and the U18t are not fatiguing to listen to.

They don’t have the incredibly wide soundstage of the Fourte, but these are designed as more of a monitor like IEM, whereas the Fourte are geared more towards the audiophile market. If you love a detailed and neutral sound signature, the U18t are incredible and definitely worth a listen.

 

tia Fourté:

This model pushes the boundaries and shows what’s possible with only 4 drivers. This is a hybrid design with an intricate inner shell with chambers that help shape the sound. Nothing sounds overly boosted on the Fourte, but they do have a healthy dose of impact down low. The Fourte are very revealing and will throw up flaws in recordings, but 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.

The soundstage is one of the standout qualities of the Fourte, you can pick out the mixing techniques as vocals can be dead centre then shift to the sides a little.

Everything sounds very cleanly separated, yet the width and height of the soundstage are unlike any other IEM I have heard.

If you are looking for a true hi-fi experience, the Fourte deliver; with a more musical yet well balanced sound signature, effortless, crystal clear highs and impeccable soundstaging qualities, they truly are TOTL. Just try to stick to high quality recordings to hear the best these can deliver.

 

Fourté Noir:

These are a limited edition of the original Fourte, and sound very similar so I won’t go into as much detail. They do however come with a more premium 8-core cable that terminates in a 2.5mm balanced plug and has a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adaptor with it too. The Fourte Noir are a bit more refined when compared to the Fourte with a slightly smoother upper midrange and a little extra body in the sub-bass.

These differences are small but noticeable when you A/B them side by side. If you enjoy the original Fourte then the Fourte Noir may sound a little less exciting upon first listen but over time their smoother sound might be to your liking. If you’ve never heard either, both models are excellent. I would say that the Noir have a slight edge when it comes to the soundstaging too, but only slight.

CanJam 2019 London Interviews

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CanJam London 2019

Hey there audio addicts! If you stopped by CanJam London 2019 you may have seen the Hifiheadphones crew around the Campfire Audio and 64 Audio tables. A few of us also took some time to conduct some on-site interviews! We’ve compiled them here for your enjoyment, so take a look at some of our favourite faces from the world of audio. Check back for each new interview!

The World’s Best Custom IEMs: Vlad Belonozhko and 64 Audio

Used by some of the world’s foremost musical luminaries (Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, etc) and renowned by audiophiles, 64 Audio has blazed a trail straight to the top. Our good friend Vlad Belonozhko spent some time with us at CanJam 2019 discussing the benefits of staying true to your vision, and knowing when to branch out.

How to Get A Perfect Ear Impression: Gisele Flower, Aid2Hearing

Our interview series continues with Gisele Flower, one of the UK’s premier independent audiologists and the titan behind Aid2Hearing. Gisele is entrusted with the ears of some of the world’s favourite artists, including Stormzy, Jessie J, Sam Smith, and the Spice Girls. Here, she gives us an inside look at her process and tips for getting the best possible impression, whether it be for hearing aids, ear plugs, or custom IEMs for rocking out onstage.

How to Create a DIY Headphone Company: Alex Hyland, Hyland Headphones

Our friend Alex Hyland of Hyland Headphones let us grab him for a few minutes to discuss headphone modding, DIY headphone making, and running his own headphone empire.  Ever wanted to make your own headphones? Have a listen to Alex’s advice on getting started and making a name for himself in the world of high end audiophile headphones.

The Granddaddy of All Custom IEMs: Michelle Dailey, Westone Audio

Michelle Dailey of Westone Audio fame gave us a great rundown of the future of Westone’s custom IEMs, Bluetooth earphones, and the success of the Westone W80. Westone are the world’s foremost experts on in-ear audio science, pioneering IEMs and hearing aids.

Fashion Forward Fun with Focal Audio: Megane Montabonel

Our final video from CanJam 2019 features Megane Montabonel from Focal, who describes the  breadth of Focal’s expertise as well as the newer products they’ve introduced to the world of audiophilia. Focal headphones are, as always, available to try in our demo room, so get in touch to book a time slot!

What are custom in-ear monitors?

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What are custom in-ear monitors?

Essentially custom in-ear monitors are, as the title suggests, custom made earphones that are moulded to the shape of your ear. Everyone’s ears are different, and to really achieve the most comfortable fit, along with the best isolation, you have to go down the custom route.

 

Where to start?

So, you are thinking about going down the custom route, first up is the usual research and reading of reviews to shortlist some potential models. The custom industry has grown massively in the last few years, and they are no longer reserved for touring musicians, and there are easily as many audiophile models as there are pro-audio models now.

 

A few of the main brands are:

  • 64 Audio
  • JH Audio
  • Ultimate Ears
  • Empire Ears
  • Cosmic Ears
  • Custom Art

 

Once you have shortlisted some, it is worth looking to see if anywhere near you has demo models you can go and try out. As once you have the custom version, you won’t be able to return them.

 

Next you will need to get some ear impressions done, this is one of the most important parts of the process, due to this we would advise you spend a little more and get them done by someone who is highly qualified in taking ear impressions for musicians. Alternatively most brands will have a list of recommended audiologists, the process is not painful, but it is a bit odd if you have never had it done before.

 

First, they will check your ear canals are clean enough to take the impressions, and then they will insert a foam stopper past the 2nd bend of your ear canal. Then a 2-part silicone mixture is mixed and inserted into a syringe. You are usually given a bite block to take an open mouth impression (recommended for custom monitors) and the mixture is then injected into your ear and fully filling the outer part too. The silicone takes about 5-10 minutes to cure, then the impression will be removed and you are done.

 

 

Now you have your impressions, it’s time to design your monitors (or vice versa)

 

To be fair, you can order your monitors and then get ear impressions, either way the end result is the same. It is however best to send the impressions sooner rather than later as they do change if kept in storage, reducing the likelihood of getting a good fit the first time round.

 

You can go on to most manufacturers websites and design your monitors with their online design tools, these are great fun to use and the number of options varies depending on the brand. A lot of them also allow you to upload artwork if you want a specific logo on them. Take your time and make sure you pick a design you love. There are companies like Custom Art that are happy to surprise you if you don’t know what design to go for, they do some incredible pieces.

 

 

Now the wait…..

 

Your customs arrive, you are keen to try them out, but wait, how do they fit in?

 

Most brands include a leaflet to help you, but there is a technique to inserting custom monitors, you have to twist them in until they lock into place. Here is a great guide on the fitment of Custom monitors: https://theheadphonelist.com/custom-in-ear-monitors-fit-guide/

 

Now you have your own unique earphones that with some care will last you years and give you excellent sound quality, along with increased isolation and comfort when compared to universal models. Happy listening!