MX2-Pro In-Ear Monitor (Stage Headphones)

I'm often asked about in-ear monitoring for bassists; not all "earbuds" are created equally, and they're hard to test out because they're generally not returnable for sanitary reasons. Having a tiny earbud that can reproduce bass frequencies without totally distorting - at a price the "weekend warrior" can afford, at least - is a trick, to be sure. So, in the past, I've mostly not looked too deeply at providing in-ear monitoring supplies. The working pros are getting top-shelf systems from a specialty music store, and most of the "regular Joes" (and "Josies") are just making due with traditional floor monitors. 

Meanwhile, another thing that folks have been occasionally asking for is the ability to self-monitor - a self-contained, (separate from the band's monitor system) way to just get their own instrument into their own ears, to help with hearing their intonation or to improve their confidence onstage. We once had a small headphone amp (it tapped into the speaker cable) that worked for this purpose, but it was somewhat unwieldy to use, and was discontinued by the manufacturer, so we haven't had anything for years.

Until now! I recently came across a nifty "headphone tap" (see related items) that could be perfect for players who just want to do just that. Sweet! But I wasn't about to offer that unit in our store without including an option for a set of stage earbuds that work well with it; that's not how we roll here at Gollihur Music! I want to give you everything you need to make it work in one box, not just give you half of the solution and send you on a hunt to complete the system elsewhere on your own!

So that got me looking (once again) for headphones that will work in that context - they pair perfectly with the HP-1 Personal In-Ear Monitor Amplifier, and could also be used separately if your band is doing in-ear monitors and you need a new set of buds. And these buds are what I found - the perfect blend of pro-grade performance and reasonable pricing that make them worth using if you're one of those players I described above.

MX PRO in-ear monitors blur the line between universal and custom in-ears with a fully modular design that allows all parts, customizations, and accessories to be changed or upgraded independently. It comes with 4 sets of interchangeable silicon eartips PLUS a pair of special memory-foam tips that gently mold to your ear canal. The cable is detachable; the earbuds arrive with the standard in-ear cable connected - but you can easily switch to the included optional cable that adds a built-in mic for use with smartphones, tablets, and more.

Designed for extended listening sessions, the MX PRO monitors have flexible over-the-ear "memory wire" to keep the earbud in place without tape, providing a secure fit for all ears and eliminating the need to constantly re-adjust your earphones. What's "memory wire?" The wire at the end is "bendy" rather than "floppy," which allows you to wrap it over and around your ear for a comfortable, secure fit that stays put! The sealed in-ear design and included Comply™ T-Series memory foam eartips reduce outside noise, enabling safer listening volumes.

These MX2 Pro earphones are tuned specifically for bassists and drummers, with enhanced bass and a dedicated subwoofer driver. It's why I chose this specific model! (I tested the less expensive MX1 phones as well, and they just didn't have the bass response to pull it off.) The MX2 uses a dual driver design that features a hybrid speaker system; a moving coil subwoofer for satisfying bass response, and a balanced armature to cover the mids and highs. They sound great - I've tested them with the HP-1, plugged into an amp's output jack, and played multiple bass instruments through it and been able to hear my bass clearly. 

Of course, there are practical limitations to the itty-bitty drivers that are in earbuds - if you boost the heck out of the bass frequencies to get your bass sound, you very well may overload these little guys and get distortion. But if you favor a mostly natural tone, you should get clear, useful self-monitoring. 

Specs and Other Useful Information

driver type

• balanced armature + moving coil hybrid

impedance

• 34 Ohms @ 1 kHz

frequency response

• 20 Hz to 20 kHz

maximum input power

• 30mW

sensitivity

• 104±3 dB (1 mW @ 1 kHz)

Included - Optional Headset Cable with Mic & Remote

• The included headset cable features a built-in omnidirectional microphone and remote, letting you seamlessly take calls and control media playback with phones and tablets.

ear coupling

• intraaural (in-ear)

water resistance rating

• IPX5: An IPX5 rating indicates that a device is protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. It is suitable for heavy rain, sweat, and cleaning under a tap but is not fully waterproof or suitable for submersion. IPX5 devices survive 3-minute tests against 12.5 liters of water per minute from 3 meters.

cable length

• 51 inches (1.3m), DC detachable

cable connector

• 3.5mm, right angle plug (1/4" adapter included)

What's in the Box

• MX PRO In-Ear Monitors,
• Stereo audio cable,
• Stereo headset cable,
• Carrying case with carabiner,
• Comply™ memory foam eartips,
• Silicone eartips (4 pairs),
• Shirt clips (2 pairs),
• ¼” (6.3mm) adapter,
• User Manual

This product is covered by a 1 year warranty. If you are not satisfied with your product, contact MEE audio to help resolve your issues.

A lifetime warranty program is available for this product. Visit MEEaudio.com/LRP for more information or to request a replacement.