What used to be considered a professional audio device-In-Ear Monitor (IEM) has become the mainstream for many years, entering the field of consumer headsets. This trend is mainly due to the rise of general-purpose IEMs that use silicone earplugs, rather than the cumbersome custom molding process that IEM originally required.
However, as the company that pioneered in-ear headphones, Ultimate Ears is not idle, but is clearly determined to bring customized in-ear headphones to the public. Look, this effort led to the birth of the Fitkit and UE CSX series of IEMs-a new ear impression system. The new process of obtaining ear impressions can be done alone at home, which is especially important in the season of lockdown and social distancing.
How does the new IEM compare to classic custom in-ear monitors? Let’s find out.
Revolutionary Fitkit experience
The Fitkit experience is exciting because it is a new and revolutionary experience. We have been attracted by the light shaping method of UE Fits and thought it would be something similar, but the result was different.
After receiving the Fitkit, this is a unique package that contains a Bluetooth adapter cable, a low-power brick and two sealed packages-including two sizes of UE special shaped tips.
Because the patented molding process is novel and unique, it is exciting to enter unknown territory. Although it is unknown-I have never been at a loss because the Fitkit application guides the user step by step through a large number of pictures. The app guides the user through 4 main steps: take a selfie of the ear, select the size of the earplug, record the fit, and shape the earplug. It is very smart because it takes advantage of the fact that almost all UE customers have smartphones equipped with cameras: it is a powerful scanning tool in itself.
After taking selfies with and without the tip of my ears, I clicked the “Start” button to start the 60-second molding process. The sensation described by the app is that the earplugs get hot, which is a surprisingly soothing sensation, and the earplugs form a comfortable and strong seal in the ear.
After the molding process is completed, the molded tip is now molded, and the difference can be seen when compared with the unused tip. Return all items to the package and send the entire Fitkit back with the enclosed return label, all that is left is to wait patiently.
UE CSX Fit and the classic “PRO” Fit
Fitkit’s self-impression system is effective, largely because the UE CSX series is different from the classic custom IEM wearing method. The CSX does not go deep into the ear canal-until the second bend, but only the first bend.
The shallower tentacles provide the same sound insulation effect while bringing a more forgiving fit. More importantly, the absence of deep ears also means that it is less invasive and more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
I found that the only disadvantage of CSX lamination is that even though it is tightly sealed, it cannot be as safe as PRO lamination due to its shallow depth. So when doing the action, I found that the CSX seal is more likely to leak. However, for those who plan to use them at their desks or other sitting positions (such as in flight), this is not a major issue.
CSX 11 sound: significantly enhanced
I have tested a lot of IEMs before, and I am very interested in the performance of the brands that launched it in comparison. After trying UE CSX 11 for a few weeks, I concluded that its advantage lies in the professional tuning of its drivers. Although competing in-ear headphone manufacturers can obtain similar balanced armatures or install more drivers, the CSX 11’s 4-drive, 3-way crossover has excellent tuning. UE’s expertise makes it more musical than other IEMs I’ve heard so far, and the resulting music sounds more “lively” and expressive.
If I were to use a word to describe the sound characteristics of CSX 11, I would say that it has a “forward” sound. Every detail in the song is kept equidistant from the listener like a loud speaker, no sound will be ignored. This is most obvious when I pay attention to the reverberation in the song, and I can hear them clearly even at lower volume settings—this is something other headphones cannot reproduce.
For example, comparing CSX 11 with Sennheiser’s recently released IE 900, UE IEM pays less attention to realism and more attention to clarity. This is the difference between an unplugged concert (IE 900) and placing the Marshall stack around the audience (CSX 11). The sound characteristics seem to be amplified for each instrument, and it sounds more dynamic than those naturally projected into the air. Therefore, CSX 11 is more suitable for music based on synthesizers and electronic amplification.
Due to the closed design of the CSX 11, the stage is narrower. But it has clear instrument separation. Its sound is very suitable as a monitor for live performances and mixed music, and of course it is also suitable for audiophiles who like to capture every little detail in their favorite tracks.
Popular appeal of accessories
UE CSX 11 breaks another model. It includes two cables in the headset: a braided IPX 1/8″ jack with a built-in microphone, and a Bluetooth cable. These are the two you don’t want to get from audiophile headsets. It is an accessory, but it is consistent with CSX’s mission: to bring customized IEMs to the public for them to enjoy throughout the day, not just for special listening courses or professional use.
Using the CSX 11 cable on my mobile phone and making calls through the built-in microphone, I can’t help feeling that using such a good IEM when chatting with my mother is an overkill. But did you know? Being able to plug it into a mobile phone means hearing incoming calls and answering them immediately. The cable itself is of high quality and it sounds great when connected to advanced sound sources such as the FiiO M11 Plus LTD we recently tested.
The IPX Bluetooth cable further promotes the functions of daily use, which again feels weird to pair with a high-quality IEM. The wireless data cable even carries the Jaybird logo-sharing the parent company’s sports headset brand with UE. In terms of performance, they are good Bluetooth headsets. I was particularly impressed by the speed of cable pairing and the fast startup and shutdown times.
But I have to say that the Bluetooth connection does not meet the requirements of CSX 11, because the resolution produced by IEM far exceeds any Bluetooth connection. But again, this is to provide more opportunities for custom molded CSX for daily use. The wireless setting allows CSX to be used for public commuting and can take advantage of its -26db environmental noise shielding.
Personalized service: it feels special
The “C” in CSX stands for “custom”, which is the common point between CSX and PRO series. From the email sent by the Ultimate Ears customization team when registering for Fitkit, to the suitcase with your name literally written on it, to the initials of your name engraved on the IEM—every part makes you feel that owning CSX is like Personalized service.
More importantly, Ultimate Ears now provides a new free service for anyone who has a suitability query, where you can book a virtual suitability assessment. When I wanted my CSX 11 to fit better, I made a reservation. I hardly knew that my video call would be conducted with Noy Soudaly. Noy Soudaly was the first employee of UE. He designed the first IEM in cooperation with the company founder Jerry Harvey. Glancing through my webcam, he diagnosed what needs to be done to improve the fit and ordered a modification to finally make them more suitable for my ears.
Final verdict
UE CSX In-Ear Headphones opens up a new way for custom molded headphones. Through the innovative process of using Fitkit for ear impressions, CSX is a new type of custom in-ear headphones that are more easily available. The earphones are shallow, with built-in microphone cables and Bluetooth cables, this is an extraordinary headset that is very suitable for daily use. UE is an iconic headset manufacturer that makes it easier than ever to own and use a pair of custom IEMs.
Check on UE CSX Ultimate Ear Website.
Sam is a technical writer who has turned from a production engineer to a technical writer. He specializes in finding gadgets that can improve work efficiency while maintaining sharpness. This is a contribution to the ongoing IBTimes business traveler gadget review series.
