Наушники — 64 Audio Aspire 3

The Aspire 3 is a universal-fit in-ear monitor from 64 Audio, the American maker of professional custom and universal in-ear monitors. The Aspire series was developed for musicians and live-sound professionals - performers new to in-ear monitoring, those who need a backup to custom moulds, or those who prefer a generic fit - and it runs from the single-driver Aspire 1 to the four-driver Aspire 4. The Aspire 3 is the three-driver hybrid model, priced at launch at about USD 650.

Key specs that matter

The Aspire 3 combines one dynamic driver for the lows with two balanced-armature drivers, one for the midrange and one for the highs. Frequency response is 20Hz to 18kHz, sensitivity is 107dB at 1kHz for 1mW, and impedance is 12 ohms at 1kHz. Passive isolation is about -20dB. The shell is moulded ABS with a stainless-steel nozzle, and the detachable 1.2m IPX cable ends in a 90-degree 3.5mm plug. Accessories include a carry case, foam and silicone tips, oval foam tips, a cleaning tool, a 6.35mm adaptor and a shirt clip.

Engineering and use context

A hybrid design assigns each band to the driver type best suited to it. A dynamic driver moves more air for bass, while balanced armatures - small, efficient drivers with a tiny reed-driven diaphragm - handle the midrange and treble with fast response in a compact space. The high-frequency armature carries 64 Audio's waveguide, a custom acoustic structure that directs and focuses its output for greater efficiency. APEX Core, 64 Audio's patented pressure-relief system, is built into the shell. It provides a controlled acoustic leak through filters, releasing the air pressure that builds up when a sealed earphone is inserted, which reduces listening fatigue without giving up isolation, and it replaces the pneumatically interactive foam of 64 Audio's traditional apex modules. LID (Linear Impedance Design) is a patented circuit that corrects the uneven impedance of multi-driver earphones. Without it, sources with different output impedances - smartphones, stage body packs, DAPs and headphone amplifiers - would change the frequency balance of the earphone, and with it the response stays consistent across sources. The stainless-steel nozzle has a flange that holds the ear tips securely and a mesh grille that keeps debris out of the sound bore.

Pairing

With high sensitivity and a low impedance, the Aspire 3 is easy to drive from wireless stage packs, phones and portable players, and LID keeps its balance consistent regardless of their output impedance.

Alternatives

64 Audio's own Aspire 4 adds a second midrange armature for four drivers in a three-way crossover.