Wow, that is really cool! Thanks for sharing this Jude! I remember this Ultimate Ears "How It's Made" video from years ago, but it was cool to hear you explain the 3D scanning and printing process in more detail compared to the ~10 seconds in that video. Behind the Scenes: Ultimate Ears Custom In-ear Monitors Lab
Another plug for 64 Audio. I tested my custom Rox & Layla on 64’s universal 8’s which are less expensive. The sound stage on the U8 is on another level.
Really cool to see. I've been wanting to jump on the CIEM bandwagon myself for some time, and any changes that can lower the barriers of entry is definitely welcome. Hopefully, more manufacturers will pick up on this. By the way, isn't JHA already doing some work on digital ear impressions?
Great video, great technology. But Jude you didn't mention something. They look the same, the sound the same, but how is the fit? Do the ones made using the new technology fit better?
Great episode. Thanks for the explanation and insight. Question: I looking for a high-end pair of open back, full size headphones to use at home with my AK100 II and Asus Xonar high-end soundcard. My main music is classic and light jazz ... I thought about the Audeze LCD-X, Sennheiser HD-800 (and in closed back the LCD-XC). Would you have other suggestions or what would you advise me to consider? I already have Sennheiser Momentum, AKG 551 and Beyerdynamic DT880 (250 ohm), B&O H3 buds.
For those genres I'd say the best headphone would either be the HD800, or the Beyerdynamic T1 if you want a slightly less clinical sound :) Whilst the LCD-X is good, it doesn't quite have the detail and air of the above mentioned, which I find to be good with those genres.
I wish there was a way to really quantify or qualify the subjective differences between the highest end customs vs high end non-customs. I'm willing to throw down $1200+ and put up with the risk of fit/refit hassles if there are any, but I am wondering if the margin of sonic difference is great enough to warrant the investment/adventure into customs. I hear the enthusiasm. How much of this is confirmation bias and how much is heavenly bliss? I'm torn. I would love to see more extended head to head comparisons. Great job, as always!
I had my UE triple fi's made into customs by Alien Ears and they are fantastic except.....the crappy cable UE uses with the over the counter earphones? After more then 4 new cables (not cheap) I ended up glueing them and keeping my fingers crossed that the cable does not short out. I am now researching where to get them remolded ... any suggestions?
New way for UE, but these technology has being around sometimes now especially for companies manufacturing hearing aids (Siemens etc) , even Unique Melody from China also is using this method for their universal model line ups..
Does anybody know if its possible to redo already bought uerms from the scratch? I mean taking new impressions, sending them together with my uerm to ue and let them do all over?
Hi Jude, you say a custom has always more fidelity as a universal. I use the SE846 unbalanced on a AK240. Is there a Custom out there which has this extra fidelity AND the sub bass from the 846 at any price? Thx
+Liam Podmore What's ACS? I thought Ultimate Ears is the only one that can do 3D scan for Impression? Cause they have a contract exclusively for 3D scan in the USA.
I want to get me an pair of the UERM this year to replace my UE900s but that will cost me about 1300€ with everything included. Do they really have to be that expensive? :)
Before In ear monitors were a usefull thing artists would place large speakers on stage. These speakers are meant to provide the artists with a personal mix so that they can hear what they want and need. A volcalist will listen for example will want to hear guitar or piano and their own voice whilst a bass player will want to hear drums and bass. These speakers were not perfect and are often replaced with in ear monitors. These provide hearing protection, give the artist an even better mix and allow artists to move whilst still hearing their own monitor mix.
I missed this video when it came out. I have a pair of UEs but dismissed them once they got sold to Logitech. I also got a pair of the Logitech/UE headphones lately and they ended up being rubbish. The built in amp died after about a month. But the higher end of UE seems to be intact yet. I do love my IEMs though. I got them in 2008 and they are still my favorites.
i can't forget that 10.000$, 1 meter cable for audiophiles, i just landed here, because i wanted to know if i could craft one of these custom in-ear headset, i've learnt that maybe i can make these out of silicone, and that the audiophile world continues to be simply a semi-useless rich man jewelry world. I didn't want to criticize at first, it came naturally, so i'm sorry for that externation..
Looks like UE is trying to lead the pack in innovating the custom process. It was only a matter of time before 3D printing started to be utilized more in the industry. I'm surprised after Dan Clark started doing the cups with 3D printers on his Alpha Dogs more manufacturers haven't also followed suit. Here's hoping more customs manufacturers look into utilizing 3D printing.
And nowadays even this video is out dated since they can 3D scan your ear and skip the entire silicone process. Supposedly they can get 3x the detail accuracy using 3d scanning vs. using silicone.
Forgot to mention the nonexistant resale value of IEMs that only fit one person. So if you happen to be able to afford something this luxuriously expensive, you buy it for keeps!
I need to try a pair.
Does this mean the labor cost component will be reduced which could lead to cost of these UE CIEMs?
Wow, that is really cool! Thanks for sharing this Jude! I remember this Ultimate Ears "How It's Made" video from years ago, but it was cool to hear you explain the 3D scanning and printing process in more detail compared to the ~10 seconds in that video.
Behind the Scenes: Ultimate Ears Custom In-ear Monitors Lab
Another plug for 64 Audio. I tested my custom Rox & Layla on 64’s universal 8’s which are less expensive. The sound stage on the U8 is on another level.
Thank you. I'm in.
I recognize the person at 1:45. It's Jon Foreman of Switchfoot.
Really cool to see. I've been wanting to jump on the CIEM bandwagon myself for some time, and any changes that can lower the barriers of entry is definitely welcome. Hopefully, more manufacturers will pick up on this.
By the way, isn't JHA already doing some work on digital ear impressions?
headfi you should check out 64 Audio! They print their shells also!
Great job! Thank you!!!
Great video, great technology. But Jude you didn't mention something. They look the same, the sound the same, but how is the fit? Do the ones made using the new technology fit better?
Thanks for the kind words.
The two fit the same. Since my traditionally made ones fit from the get-go, that's a good thing.
Great episode. Thanks for the explanation and insight.
Question: I looking for a high-end pair of open back, full size headphones to use at home with my AK100 II and Asus Xonar high-end soundcard.
My main music is classic and light jazz ... I thought about the Audeze LCD-X, Sennheiser HD-800 (and in closed back the LCD-XC). Would you have other suggestions or what would you advise me to consider?
I already have Sennheiser Momentum, AKG 551 and Beyerdynamic DT880 (250 ohm), B&O H3 buds.
For those genres I'd say the best headphone would either be the HD800, or the Beyerdynamic T1 if you want a slightly less clinical sound :)
Whilst the LCD-X is good, it doesn't quite have the detail and air of the above mentioned, which I find to be good with those genres.
I wish there was a way to really quantify or qualify the subjective differences between the highest end customs vs high end non-customs. I'm willing to throw down $1200+ and put up with the risk of fit/refit hassles if there are any, but I am wondering if the margin of sonic difference is great enough to warrant the investment/adventure into customs. I hear the enthusiasm. How much of this is confirmation bias and how much is heavenly bliss? I'm torn. I would love to see more extended head to head comparisons. Great job, as always!
Thanks. Aran! Very encouraging to get your perspective and the benefit of your experience. Love the personal comment as well. Cheers!
I use a pair of task 20's, work great
I had my UE triple fi's made into customs by Alien Ears and they are fantastic except.....the crappy cable UE uses with the over the counter earphones? After more then 4 new cables (not cheap) I ended up glueing them and keeping my fingers crossed that the cable does not short out. I am now researching where to get them remolded ... any suggestions?
New way for UE, but these technology has being around sometimes now especially for companies manufacturing hearing aids (Siemens etc) , even Unique Melody from China also is using this method for their universal model line ups..
Does anybody know if its possible to redo already bought uerms from the scratch? I mean taking new impressions, sending them together with my uerm to ue and let them do all over?
Hi Jude, you say a custom has always more fidelity as a universal. I use the SE846 unbalanced on a AK240. Is there a Custom out there which has this extra fidelity AND the sub bass from the 846 at any price? Thx
Does the new, less time consuming procedure mean UE products will be more affordable from now on?
IF you go to ACS directly for your moulds as well as the IEM's, i believe their entire process is digital now, even the impressions.
+Liam Podmore What's ACS? I thought Ultimate Ears is the only one that can do 3D scan for Impression? Cause they have a contract exclusively for 3D scan in the USA.
ACS is another IEM brand based in the UK. I know they do the 3D scanning in their uk offices but i wasn't sure about the states.
I want to get me an pair of the UERM this year to replace my UE900s but that will cost me about 1300€ with everything included. Do they really have to be that expensive? :)
I need to try a pair too. Why do celebrities wear those on their ears when they have live shows? Anyone know? What good does it do?
Before In ear monitors were a usefull thing artists would place large speakers on stage. These speakers are meant to provide the artists with a personal mix so that they can hear what they want and need. A volcalist will listen for example will want to hear guitar or piano and their own voice whilst a bass player will want to hear drums and bass. These speakers were not perfect and are often replaced with in ear monitors. These provide hearing protection, give the artist an even better mix and allow artists to move whilst still hearing their own monitor mix.
I missed this video when it came out. I have a pair of UEs but dismissed them once they got sold to Logitech. I also got a pair of the Logitech/UE headphones lately and they ended up being rubbish. The built in amp died after about a month. But the higher end of UE seems to be intact yet. I do love my IEMs though. I got them in 2008 and they are still my favorites.
i can't forget that 10.000$, 1 meter cable for audiophiles, i just landed here, because i wanted to know if i could craft one of these custom in-ear headset, i've learnt that maybe i can make these out of silicone, and that the audiophile world continues to be simply a semi-useless rich man jewelry world.
I didn't want to criticize at first, it came naturally, so i'm sorry for that externation..
Looks like UE is trying to lead the pack in innovating the custom process. It was only a matter of time before 3D printing started to be utilized more in the industry. I'm surprised after Dan Clark started doing the cups with 3D printers on his Alpha Dogs more manufacturers haven't also followed suit. Here's hoping more customs manufacturers look into utilizing 3D printing.
I feel trolled I just got my ue 18s and a few days later, ue announced the ue 18+ 😒
Ill stick with my 1964's, but otherwise id say if they wernt that pricy then id be open to trying some.
And nowadays even this video is out dated since they can 3D scan your ear and skip the entire silicone process. Supposedly they can get 3x the detail accuracy using 3d scanning vs. using silicone.
Who would put thumbs down??
Alien Ears in Florida charge $800 for their top of the range set !!
normal earphones does something similar to this... the three d printing part ;) everything else. not so much.
watch at 1.5x....
Forgot to mention the nonexistant resale value of IEMs that only fit one person. So if you happen to be able to afford something this luxuriously expensive, you buy it for keeps!