Наушники — Letshuoer S12

The S12 is a planar magnetic in-ear monitor made by the Dongguan brand Letshuoer. When it appeared, planar drivers in in-ear monitors were uncommon and mostly expensive, and the S12 brought the technology to a lower price. Its success led to the S12 Pro, a sixth-anniversary edition, and later the S12 Ultra.

Key specs that matter

It uses a single 14.8 mm planar magnetic driver per side. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 30 kHz, sensitivity is 102 dB/mW and impedance is 16 ohms. The earpieces connect through standard 0.78 mm two-pin sockets, and the cable is offered with either a 3.5 mm single-ended or a 4.4 mm balanced plug. The shell is rated IPX3.

Engineering and use context

A planar magnetic driver uses a thin, flat diaphragm with a conductor pattern, suspended between magnets, so the driving force is spread across the whole surface rather than concentrated at a voice coil. This keeps the diaphragm moving as one piece, reduces break-up modes and gives a flat impedance curve. The 14.8 mm diameter gives the S12 considerably more surface area than a typical 10 mm dynamic driver or a balanced armature, which helps it move air for bass in a small shell. Letshuoer describes it as a first-generation custom design. The shells are machined from aluminium alloy on five-axis CNC equipment, and two vents relieve pressure on the diaphragm. Each earpiece weighs about 6 g and has a triangular profile with raised bezels around the cable sockets. The stock 1.2 m cable has 128 strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper. The box holds foam, standard and clear eartips in three sizes and a faux-leather case, colours are Frosted Silver and Nebula Grey, and the list price was USD 149. The standard two-pin connector means the cable can be replaced, and the S12 Pro later added a cable with swappable 2.5, 3.5 and 4.4 mm plugs and minor tuning changes. The IPX3 rating protects against splashes during outdoor use, although the earpieces are not waterproof. The S12 Ultra later moved to an 8 ohm impedance and 20 Hz to 40 kHz response.

Pairing

Phones, tablets and dongle DACs can drive the S12, although planar designs benefit from a source with some current reserve. The balanced version pairs with portable players and desktop amplifiers that offer balanced outputs.

Alternatives

Letshuoer's Cadenza 12 is the hybrid in-ear model with one dynamic and eleven balanced armature drivers.