Наушники — 64 Audio Aspire 4

The Aspire 4 is the top model of 64 Audio's Aspire range of universal-fit in-ear monitors, developed by the American company's professional team for stage musicians, engineers and demanding listeners. It is a four-driver hybrid and, as 64 Audio points out, the company's only four-driver model crossed over in three ways - lows, mids and highs - rather than grouping drivers differently. At the launch of the Aspire 1, 2 and 3, its price was reduced to about USD 800.

Key specs that matter

The Aspire 4 uses one dynamic driver for the low frequencies, two balanced-armature drivers for the midrange and one balanced armature for the highs, joined by an integrated three-way passive crossover. Frequency response is 20Hz to 18kHz, sensitivity is 104dB/mW at 1kHz and impedance is 11 ohms at 1kHz. Isolation is roughly -20dB. The earphone uses a lightweight moulded ABS shell with a stainless-steel nozzle and a detachable IPX cable.

Engineering and use context

Pairing two midrange armatures doubles the radiating area in the band that carries most vocal and instrument information, lowering the excursion each must provide at a given level and so reducing distortion at stage monitoring volumes. The dynamic driver takes the lows, where a moving-coil diaphragm moves more air than an armature can. The three-way passive crossover inside the shell divides the signal so each driver type works only in its best range. The high-frequency armature is fitted with a waveguide, a custom acoustic structure that focuses and directs its energy, which 64 Audio describes as the closest alternative to its patented tia high driver used in more expensive models. APEX Core, 64 Audio's patented pressure-relief technology, is integrated into the body - a controlled acoustic leak through filters vents the pressure created by sealing the ear canal, lowering listening fatigue while retaining isolation. Linear Impedance Design (LID) is a patented circuit that flattens the uneven impedance curve of a multi-driver earphone, so that sources with different output impedances, from smartphones and body packs to DAPs and headphone amplifiers, do not alter the frequency response. A flange on the steel nozzle locks the tips in place while its grille stops wax entering the bore.

Pairing

Being sensitive and low in impedance, the Aspire 4 works directly from stage wireless packs, phones and portable players. Foam tips increase isolation for loud stages.

Alternatives

64 Audio's own Aspire 3 is the three-driver hybrid of the same series with a single midrange armature.