intro to in-ear monitors
Understanding the wonderful world of HiFi Earphones
New to the world of HiFi earphones or just looking to refresh? We've got you covered! Learn all about wonderful world of IEMs with Campfire Audio.
What is an Iem?
In-ear monitors are high-performance earphones, that sit 'in-ear' rather than 'over-ear' as seen in full-size, traditional headphones. They use wired connection and high-quality internal and external components to create incredible detail and present music in a powerful and engaging manner.
In-ear monitors began as a compact solution for live performance monitoring, and other pro audio applications. Their convenience and high level of performance soon caught on with music lovers and audio enthusiasts. Today, the world of IEMs offers a wide range of sound signatures and styles, creating a wonderful world of exciting and engaging experiences bringing listeners to a deeper connection with music.
Earbuds, Earphones, iems?
Earbud is the common term used for basic, consumer level, wired or wireless earphones. Earphones generally refers to any music listening device that sits 'in-ear,' juxtaposed to larger headphones, which rest 'over-ear' and are typically connected by a headband. In-ear monitor is generally used by audiophiles and audio professionals to refer to higher performance earphones that are focused on pure audio fidelity.
What is a driver?
A driver, or transducer, in the context of IEMs is a compact speaker. There are a wide range of driver types, with different mechanical functions, and each with their own strengths and limitations. These function by taking in an electrical signal into a magnetic coil, the signal creates variations in the magnetic field which then creates physical mostion in the drivers diaphragm. The movement of the diaphragm creates air pressure waves that we percieve as sound.
Drivers are sometimes employed as a single, full-range driver, meaning it covers the full frequency range from bass, to mid frequencies, and into the upper registers. Often, IEMs feature an array of drivers, which specific drivers handling segments of the frequency range.
Learn more about driver types, IEM configurations, and Campfire's engineering approach below:
frequency response
Frequency response refers to the relative volumes across the audible (and somtimes inaudible) frequency spectrum. Human hearing ranges from 0 Hz to 20kHz, though few can hear this full range. Some IEMs are capable of producing response beyond 20kHz as well.
Seen here, an FR graph charts the volume of an earphone across the frequency range (it's 'tuning'), these are used as a rough guide to get a sense of an IEM's sound signature, though certain aspects of an IEM's sound are not reflected by these charts.
why wired?
Wireless products have come a long way, and offer great functionality, convenience, and in some cases, can sound great too. However, at this point in time, wireless technology can't match the fidelity achieved with a wired, analog, connection. A wired connection can transfer information at a rate that is orders of magnitude higher than the ceiling of current wireless technology.
A high-quality wired connection can create a depth and quality of performance that many are surprised is possible. First time users of HiFi IEMs are often shocked to discover new details in their favorite tracks, and a deeper appreciation and connection to new artists and genres.
more on cables
Cables take on a range of styles, components, and termination types. Key features are the type of metals used and their purity, gauge of wire used, and number of overall conductors. There are several types of connectors on the earphone side and different styles of termination to connect to your devices.
On the earphone side Campfire IEMs use custom MMCX connectors, and with Andromeda 10 we have started to transition to the use of 2-pin connectors.
On the termination side, the 3.5mm single-ended connection is the standard 'AUX' cord termination many are familiar with. There are also balanced terminations in 2.5mm and 4.4mm, which most audiophiles find preferable in terms of sonic performance. Balanced connectors use two separate grounds for the right and left channels, while single-ended terminations use a single ground.
More IEM Terms
These are terms used to describe the mental picture created by an IEMs presentation.
Soundstage is the overall sense of space, the 'room' that an IEM presents the music within.
Imaging is the positioning of the different instruments and elements of a track within that space.
Layering is the space and depth presented between the different instruments and elements.
When drivers handle different segments of the frequency range, the points at which their frequency response are handled by 'crossovers' or passive components that ensure seamless transition from one driver to the next.
Extension refers to how far an earphone can reach into the lowest lows and highest highs. While many appreciate an earphone with a capacity to reach deep bass or sparkling highs, preferences for low/high extension are generally subjective.
Putting sound to words can be a challenging endeavor. Terms like warm, bright, airy, etc. are used by listeners to convey aspects of an earphones sound signature. Some may prefer earphones that are smooth, dark, and warm, while others, may want crisp, neutral, analytical performance. Earphones exist on a spectrum with many points in between, making categorization and inexact science.