This year, Ultimate Ears Pro – part of the Logitech Family – announced its latest innovation, the UE 150, UE 250 and UE350 – a line of universal fit in-ear monitors (IEMs) designed for up-and-coming artists. As well as giving greater access to IEM technology to up-and-coming talent, the new line also feeds into the company’s goal to push the conversation of hearing health to more musicians.
“We’re trying to push ear health awareness early into an artist’s career,” Philippe Depallens, VP and General Manager at Logitech began. “We don’t want people to come to us when it is too late and risk their career when they could’ve been doing it safely this entire time.”
He continued: “The biggest thing is being able to convince somebody to switch from using wedges to ears and that is the exact reason we have manufactured this universal fit. Price can be a limiting factor, and it is not fair, so this is why we’re trying to make it more affordable, creating awareness and giving artists the training wheels to understand why ear safety is so important.”
The line consists of three models, the UE 150, UE 250, and UE 350 that are each available at different price points, $199, $299 and $399, aiming to be accessible for new artists. The UE 150 product features a single dynamic speaker with a neutral clear sound with no enhancement in the high or low frequencies whereas the UE 250 is aimed at musicians who want more of a low end in their mix featuring dual drivers and a two-way crossover for tight bass response and detailed highs.
The UE 350, the most expensive of the three universal fit, offers smoothness across the width of the frequency range and features three drivers and a two-way crossover for headroom and nuance for a more live audio experience.
“Sound quality is very personal so you will never see me or my team telling an artist what to buy,” he commented. “Performances are individual, and an artist can define what is right for them.”
Depallens also shared the company’s procedure for creating the in-ear monitors: “Our claim to fame is to be the first to utilise 3D scanners and 3D printing for in-ear monitors,” he enthused. “We’re inspired by the advancements of the hearing aid industry and adopting it for the live music world.”
With Ultimate Ears named one of Time Magazine’s best 100 inventions in 2023, its growth is not slowing yet with Depallens excited to see where the company will develop further: “Our initial focus for innovation is delivering faster service. Next, we prioritise the comfort of the fit, empowering users to immerse themselves in the hearing experience,” he explained. “Ultimately, our ongoing goal is to enhance sound quality, consistently improving it across all of our products.”
Words: Alicia Pollitt
Photo: Ultimate Ears
