The new IEMs use a medical-grade silicone called 40 Shore Silicone which was developed in conjunction with ACS. According to the company, it allows the material to maintain a high level of durability without sacrificing its softness or pliability. Those who purchase the A1, A2 or A3 will be referred to an Audiologist who will create the custom moulding of customers’ ears, which will ensure a perfect seal for noise isolation and sound quality.
On the hardware side, the top of the line A3 has separate low, mid and high drivers which utilise a balanced armature design for the most accurate sound reproduction across the 16Hz-20,000Hz frequency response range. The A2 and A1 have two drivers and one driver, respectively. All available beginning this month, the A3 will retail for $US1000, the A2 for $US750 and the A1 for $US500. [Altec Lansing]
Frank
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 7:53 AMIf you are listening to the compressed sounds of MP3 or the like you would be better with an uncompressed sound source and a set of $50 earbuds.
Even these wonders from Altec Lansing cannot make a compromised sound source significantly better.
thetick
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 8:52 AMFrank, this is a professional audio line of products.
I use IEMs when I’m playing a gig.
Having sound isolation from what’s happening outside helps to hear the other singers and instruments without the need for foldback speakers.
A line out is taken from the mixing desk to a transmitter with a body pack receiver on me. These IEMs connect to the receiver.
An absolute must have if you are gigging, and can afford them of course.
Hope that helps.
Thruppence
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 6:48 PMThese articles always bring out the ‘audio-snobs’ who drone on about MP3 and compressed files; enough, already.