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Campfire Audio Orbit Review

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Campfire Audio is at it again! Only last month they dropped Trifecta – quite possibly the most impressive wired IEM release in decades. And now, finally they turn their exploratory gaze to the world of true wireless. Orbit is Campfire Audio’s first ever true wireless earphone, and I can imagine that this is something fans of the brand have been expecting/wanting for a very long time. Well, now it’s here – and this is what we think about it.

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The Looks

In true Campfire Audio fashion, the Orbit is presented in a beautifully simple and yet visually striking box. There is something quite retro about the colour and font choices for the Orbit, with a very neutral and natural colour palette for the font, box and earphone housings – then there’s a bright splash of green to shake things up a bit. Just a reminder that this is indeed a Campfire Audio product.

Very eco-friendly and also very attractive

The packaging is all made of what looks like recycled cardboard, with no plastic in sight. Very eco-friendly and also very attractive. Open the box and there an explosion of gold which looks like sunbeams coming from out of the centre, with a deep blue box containing all of the goods.
Along with the Orbit, Campfire Audio has included a number of silicone and foam eartips in small, medium and large sizes. There is also a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, user guide and the coveted pin badge.

Campfire Audio Orbit earbuds and charging case

Campfire Audio has designed the Orbit from scratch, resulting in a unique style like no other. The case is nice and small and is finished with a smooth matte finish that feels very pleasing to touch. The two-tone colour style is in all neutral, earthy tones which is new to me – and I really like it. The shape is also interesting, with smooth angled edges along the sides, and the case tapers towards the bottom which makes for easy entry into a tight pocket when on the move. Lift the lid and there’s that lovely green colour again! Nestled in the case are the earphones, which fit very securely and regardless of their compact size. They are easy to remove too.

As for the earphones, their shape reminds me of the Saber with is small housing size and comfortable fit. The Orbit housings are again using the matte finish and two-tone colour style. There is also a stainless-steel sound nozzle which not only looks great – this surely adds to the Orbit’s durability.

The Inside

The Orbit uses 10mm custom full-range dynamic drivers, with a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) film diaphragm. They are also packed with impressive tech: Bluetooth 5.2, AAC and AptX Adaptive codec support handling up to 24bit/48KHz audio, Qi wireless charging and 8.5 hours playtime plus a whopping 30 hours of reserve power from the carry case.

Campfire Audio Orbit open charging case

A Word of Advice

In trying the Orbit, I noticed that the housing shape made it slightly tricky to get that fit right in my ear, so I made sure to move them around until I felt a good seal. Once in place and with the right tips, the Orbit is very comfortable and secure with an airtight seal.

IMPORTANT INFO

When fitting the earphones, first make sure to try all of the supplied eartips in order to get the best fit possible. Getting a good fit is extremely important, as creating a seal between the eartips and your ear canal is what makes or breaks any earphone. If you don’t have the correct fit, sound will come across very thin and lacking in bass. This is not representative of the earphone. Finding the right tip – whether that’s silicone or foam – is the first step, then spend some time adjusting the earphones in your ear so they feel like they are blocking out external sounds. This process may be a bit fiddly at first, but you will get used to it, and be happy you did it as that will deliver the best possible sound.

The sound is massive. It slams when needed with bass that drops low and punches high

The Sound

As for the sound – I had to keep reminding myself that this was a wireless earphone. We know Campfire Audio can create incredible wired earphones, having released some of the best sounding IEMs in history. The Orbit not only manages to carry on this tradition without the need for cables. There is now a Campfire Audio product that delivers their well known bombastic and engaging audio in a more affordable and convenient to use package.

The Orbit makes full use of the custom 10mm drivers, and it is as though they have wrung every bit of quality out of them. The sound is massive. It slams when needed with bass that drops low and punches high. Details come across with crispness and clarity, yet they are still very much a part of the overall listening experience. There has always been an organic quality to Campfire Audio earphones, and the Orbit is certainly this.

It’s hard to imagine that there is just one 10mm driver (per side) creating what sounds like a whole production suite in my head. The higher frequencies appear effortlessly, bringing everything together and helping to create space and depth – which there is plenty. Vocals are smooth and natural sounding, yet very present. They never get lost in the mix, they manage to be the focus when needed and if I didn’t know any better – I would think they were singing directly to me. Words that come to mind are lush, liquid, edgy, smooth, impact, moreish, quick, yum… I think you get the picture.

Campfire Audio Orbit up close

To top things off, Campfire Audio has also developed an app for the Orbit. Here you can view the individual battery levels, edit the touch controls, set the EQ (presets and custom) and update the firmware. This is all done very easily and the app is simple yet visually bold with quick response and connection.

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Campfire Audio Holocene Triple Driver IEM Review

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Campfire Audio have made somewhat of a baby Andromeda with the Holocene. With a focus on control and detail they are perfect for those wanting a more neutral and balanced sound signature.

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Fit and Comfort

Those familiar with Campfire Audio will know the shape. It is common amongst their models with an angular outer shell and smooth inner. With a long-ish nozzle that really helps you get a good fit with them. I find this design works well with most people, they certainly fit me well which is always a bonus.

Once you find the right tips for your ears, the Holocene fit comfortably due to well designed housings and good insertion depth. The cable is also soft and fits over your ears easily without stiff memory wire.

Compatibility

These are quite a picky earphone when it comes to matching them with the right source. Their sensitivity is quite low (94dB SPL @1kHZ – mVrms). However they have very low impedance (5.4 Ohms @1kHZ). This means they need some careful system matching. You really do need a player with less than 1 Ohm output impedance for these. Otherwise they will not sound how Campfire Audio intended them to.

Bass:

The Holocene puts focus on accuracy yet never comes across as thin or lean in it’s presentation. This is when paired with the correct source that is. It is very controlled and articulate and it doesn’t put a foot wrong, even during the most complex of tracks. The low end is expertly separated from the midrange, not allowing it to influence the overall tonal balance. It digs deep in terms of extension but it isn’t exaggerated. Bass guitars are easy to follow in the mix. Kick drums hit with authority and body yet never sound bloated. There is perhaps a tiny bit of added body from the low end, but it is subtle and just makes the Holocene a little more fun and engaging without sounding overly full.

Midrange:

Due to the lack of bleed from the low end, the midrange is incredibly clean and crisp. Male vocals don’t get any added body which helps them cut through with great tonality. I would say the Holocene has a very mild U-shaped signature. The midrange isn’t up-front and intimate and it sits ever so slightly behind the bass and treble, but it isn’t overly recessed. There is excellent detail and layering in the midrange. Things never get muddled and it is always easy to pick apart the different layers within the mix. Contrary to many earphones, the Holocene don’t boost the upper mids. This means female vocals are not pushed to the front. In fact they actually have a slight recession to prevent sibilance. Personally this slight recession in the upper midrange robs them of a little energy but it does prevent them from being peaky and sibilant.

Treble:

The lower treble is slightly muted, which does take away from the sound a little bit of energy. But there is good presence higher up which does add good air and extension. These are not as exciting as the Andromeda and are definitely lacking a little bit of the treble energy of that particular model. However, those looking for a good all rounder that is a little easier on the ears and more forgiving of certain recordings will do well with the Holocene.

Soundstaging and Genres

The soundstaging on the Holocene is good. There is a good sense of air and space around instruments. The layering and instrument separation on the other hand is excellent. The sound is well controlled and this allows you to pick apart the mix with ease, even during complex tracks.

Genre wise these are an excellent all rounder. They won’t appeal to those looking for lots of bass so EDM and the likes are not their main focus. But for metal, jazz, acoustic, alternative rock, indie etc… they all sound excellent through the Holocene.

Who is it for?

  • Those looking for a detailed and clean sound signature
  • Those wanting a good all rounder that isn’t fatiguing

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Campfire Audio Mammoth Hybrid Earphone Review

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Not neglecting the bass lovers out there, Campfire have brought out an affordable model that hits hard, digs deep but is less recessed in the midrange compared to their old Polaris II.

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Fit and Comfort

Campfire Audio Mammoth Review – These have the same for factor as a lot of Campfire Audio’s models, it’s a tried and tested design that fits well in most peoples ears. The new-ish longer nozzle design means they fit more securely without any difference in comfort for me. The shell is angular on the outside but the inner edges are smooth, the size is also great meaning they don’t stick out too far.

Comfort with the right tips is excellent, the smooth inner housing, the soft cable and correct tips will allow you to listen to these for hours on end without any discomfort.

Compatibility

The Mammoth are not hard to drive, however due to their low impedance and high sensitivity it is best you pair them with a high quality source – this will ensure you hear them as they are designed and also reduces the risk of any unwanted background hiss. Ideally you need a DAP with sub 1 Ohm output impedance to help with this.

Sound

Bass: This is a new hybrid model from Campfire Audio, and we all know that means lot of lovely bass, the Mammoth are no different. There is a real emphasis on the bass, and it is quite a broad emphasis, there is effortless sub-bass extension paired with hard hitting and impactful mid-bass presence. The slight downside to this presentation is that there is inevitable bleed into the midrange, and on certain tracks this does lead to lower male vocals sound a bit muffled. For the most part though these are incredibly energetic and engaging and the bass is just fun yet articulate and detailed.

Midrange: The midrange is surprisingly good, it seems to depend on the mix and genre a lot as to whether it cuts through well or sounds a bit muffled and overly warm. These are no way near as v-shaped as the Polaris II, the midrange is well presented with good detail, female vocals are less affected from the bass bleed and thus sound a little more faithful. Electric guitars have sufficient bite to them, and the midrange is well presented when you take in to account the power from the low end. Just remember these are not tuned for those wanting a neutral and intimate midrange, and you should be pretty impressed with them.

Treble: The treble isn’t as boosted as the old Polaris II, it isn’t quite as sharp or in-your-face however it isn’t laid back and lacking sparkle. These have great detail in the treble region and there is plenty of energy and good extension, they do roll off a little which robs them of a little bit of air and space, but the tonality is very good. They are crisp and responsive, they are snappy and clean without being fatiguing or over the top.

Soundstaging and Genres

The Mammoth may have a warm and thick sound but the sound is quite spacious and has good width and air, the treble presence greatly helps these from sounding closed in. There is excellent stereo imaging too, with a very accurate placement of instruments within the soundstage.

Genre wise these work well with a lot to be fair, rock is engaging and powerful, pop is snappy and full sounding, however they wouldn’t be my first pick to jazz/acoustic/classical just due to them having a more engaging sound that doesn’t really suit these genres. EDM lovers will really enjoy the Mammoth – the amount of bass on show without missing out the midrange and treble works wonders with this kinds of music.

Who are they for?

  • Anyone wanting a more fun and powerful sound
  • Those looking to get in to the Campfire Audio sound without breaking the bank

Conclusion

The Mammoth are really fun, they take a lot of the strengths of the old Polaris II but improve the midrange and tone down the slightly aggressive treble. This leads the Mammoth to have a more refined and slightly better balanced sound signature, but make no mistakes these are still tuned to hit hard and deliver a powerful bass driven sound signature. This is definitely one for those who enjoy a fuller and bolder sound signature but don’t want to lose the midrange and treble. The Mammoth is incredibly engaging yet crisp and detailed at the same time, a very accomplished hybrid earphone.

Trusted Reviews Recommend the Campfire Audio Andromeda

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Campfire Audio Andromeda Review

Trusted Reviews Recommends

Trusted Reviews Recommend the Campfire Audio Andromeda

Campfire Audio Andromeda design – An eye-catching look

“The size of the soundstage is the biggest takeaway from the Andromeda. It’s impressively wide, with the staging of vocals and instruments excellent. This creates a vivid sense of depth and scale.”

“They’re a confident sounding pair of IEMs, happy to take whatever music you give them, whether fast-paced or more gentle.”

“vocals are backed up by the Andromeda’s impressive feel for the low-end, as well as an equally impressive stereo image that exhibits the Andromeda’s skill in creating an expansive soundstage.”

Read the full review HERE

 

Campfire Audio Andromeda 2019

Andromeda is the accumulation of Campfire Audio’s earphone crafting expertise and with a refresh this leading monitor earphone goes beyond the classic audiophile realm. With a more refined housing, updated Litz cable and stunning premium leather case the Andromeda aims to be the best monitor earphone out there.

Five balanced armature drivers unite in the 3D printed cavity of the Andromeda to transude an unequalled and authoritative sound on all levels. The driver configuration comprises of five BA drivers that include two high-frequency drivers with a Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber, one mid-frequency driver and two low-frequency drivers. Together the drivers deliver a sound that is usually unachievable using traditional configurations.

In this refreshed version Campfire Audio have updated their original silver-plated Litz cable with a stunning smoky jacket that compliments the visual aspect of the new Andromeda. A change to the earhook design on the cable now replaces the memory wire for an even more lightweight and comfortable experience.

BUY NOW: Campfire Audio Andromeda 5 driver earphones

 

Campfire Polaris 2 IEM Review & Video

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Campfire Polaris 2 Dual Hybrid Driver Earphone Review & Video

Have you met the new Campfire Audio Polaris?

Hey everyone, John here. Campfire Audio is quickly becoming a big name in the world of earphones. Their bold and creative designs really stand out, and whether you look at their artwork, packaging or the products themselves, it’s obvious Campfire Audio love what they do. The Polaris was recently updated with a new cable, design and improved sound quality! Here’s what we think about them.

Build

As is always the case with Campfire Audio products, the build quality of the new Polaris is faultless. The housings have been constructed using aluminium, with a blue anodized finish. Stainless steel has been used for the black sound tubes and then the whole look is finished off with black screws holding it all together. The new cable is a definite improvement. Campfire’s silver plated copper Litz cable has been given a new smoky jacket and feels more flexible than the previous cable. The ear guides on the cable have also changed, scrapping the memory wire and replacing it with a more comfortable coating that can be moulded to fit your ear nicely.

Comfort

The way Campfire Audio has designed the housings on the Polaris makes them very comfortable. They sit nice and snug in my ears and they stay comfortable even after long periods of listening.

Accessories

Included with the Polaris is a number of accessories, including a mixture of silicone and foam eartips of different sizes, small protective cloth bags, a larger blue leather protective carry case, a cleaning tool and a Campfire Audio lapel pin. Thanks to the amount of eartips supplied, you should have no problem finding the right fit. Just make sure you try all of the tips, as getting that good seal makes a huge difference to the sound quality.

Specs

The Polaris is equally impressive inside as they are outside. Campfire’s Polaris has a hybrid driver setup, with each housing containing a balanced armature driver and a 9.2mm dynamic driver. This pairing delivers the best of both worlds, with the balanced armature looking after the higher frequencies, and then the large dynamic driver taking care of the low end. Campfire Audio has developed some of their own technology, and it is present in the Polaris. The balanced armature driver has Campfire’s T.A.E.C. or ‘tuned acoustic expansion chamber’; this helps with treble extension and top end sparkle. Then the Polarity Tuned Chamber brings the most out of the dynamic driver.

Sound Quality

These earphones deliver a high energy sound with plenty of bass power and crisp clarity. These aren’t going to be for those looking for that reference kind of sound, or something neutral. The Polaris has brought fun listening to the high-end audio world.

  • Bass response

Bass is where it’s at with the Polaris. It’s full, weighty and goes really low. Campfire Audio have managed to reign it in enough not to overpower the mids or become bloated: it emphasizes and celebrates bass as opposed to adding more of it.

  • Midrange (instrumental/vocals)

Mids sit very comfortably in the mix. They are crisp without being too forward and gives the bass definition. Vocals nestle nicely in a pillow of low end goodness, coming across clear and well defined.

  • Treble (extension)

Treble on the Polaris extends far, providing space and sparkle. Reverbs tail off naturally and the top end detail makes separation very impressive. There’s a great sense of where instruments are placed and there’s an impressive depth to the sound.

Conclusion

The 4 to 500 pound price bracket has become quite a sweet spot for earphones, with competition coming from the likes of Flare Audio, Final, Westone, Oriveti and Shure. Luckily the Polaris has a lot going for it, and really stands out amongst the crowd. Their bass is like nothing else and Campfire Audio’s design is bold and attractive. If you enjoy good quality bass and want your earphones to deliver a fun and energetic listening experience, then check out the Polaris. Your ears will be happy.

New Products Now In Stock

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Newest Audio Releases

 

 

Releases for 09/05/2019

 

Campfire Audio IO

The newest release from Campfire Audio comes in the form of the Campfire Audio IO, a garnet-coloured IEM with dual balanced armature drivers. The IO features a detachable silver-plated copper cable with smoky tangle-resistant jacket and updated Beryllium copper MMCX connectors. You can also expect the array of accessories you expect from Campfire Audio.

 

 

Campfire Audio Polaris (2019 Edition)

Campfire have updated the legendary Polaris IEM for 2019, aptly titled… yes, you guessed it: the Polaris 2019 Edition. Campfire kept the basic setup of the dual drivers, but everything else has been reworked from the floor up, including the drivers themselves.

 

 

Campfire Audio Andromeda

Campfire’s iconic green anodized IEMs, the Andromeda, have gotten a few tweaks for spring 2019, including a cable update, fresh new accessories, and a change to the connectors. Also given a boost is the earhook design which sees Campfire rid itself of the memory wire previously housed in the cable itself.

 

 

Etymotic ER2-XR

The Etymotic ER2-XR extended response in-ear isolating earphones deliver Etymotic’s iconic passive isolation to block out up to 35dB of background noise. This means you won’t have to blast the volume to appreciate the ER2-XR’s full bass response and detailed sound.

 

 

Etymotic ER2-SE

These guys look similar to their cousins, but the ER2-SE is a powerful flat-response in-ear perfect for studio professionals. It’s called the ‘Studio Edition’ for a reason! No range is altered, giving a crystal clear representation of the original sound.

 

 

Oriveti OH300

Oriveti is dropping two shiny new IEMs, the first of which is the Oriveti OH300. These triple driver IEMs give a beautiful clear, balanced, neutral sound and look incredibly sleek and impressive. Probably the IEMs Batman would own, if he needed to hear crystal clear audio of himself delivering brutal one-liners.

 

 

Oriveti OH500

The Oriveti OH500 houses five drivers (quad balanced, single dynamic) within its gorgeous resin exterior. With those, you get an unfailingly smooth response with some strong low end. Their handcrafted cable of eight-strand braided silver plated wire is second to none, but still detachable for your convenience.