Future Sonics Ears Model EM3 Universal Fit Professional Earphone Monitors

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

March 04, 2005

Product Requirements:
A 3.5mm jack on any portable audio/video device

Shortly after I finished my review on the Etymotic Research 6i Isolator Earphones, I received and email from Daniel East, the Marketing Director of Future Sonics, asking if I would be interested in trying out his company's universal fit professional earphone monitors, the Future Sonics Ears EM3. He mentioned that "we know they don't *look* like much," but that "there was a reason..."

I replied that I was "not concerned about how they look – just how they feel and how they sound," and in a few days I had a new set of earphones to try.

It's already been stated that I am not the ideal earbud user, and there are times when a full headset just isn't practical; I have come to realize that in-ear speakers are the best solution for me. But up until now, the 6is were the only ones I had tried, and I really liked them. However, I am always ready to try something new!

For those of you that have never heard of Future Sonics, that is understandable - unless you are a professional musician. According to their site, "Future Sonics was the first company in the world to produce personal monitors and systems. With nearly two decades of experience, development and research, we put all of that knowledge into every aspect of our products, systems and client services. Our online store features those products we prefer and have confidence in so that you get the best out of your Ear Monitors© brand and/or Future Sonics Ears™ products and systems." A list of some of their more famous in-ear monitor clients is located here.

I had heard of Future Sonics, but it had been ages ago when I was the sound engineer for a local band.  One of the musicians had bought a wireless in ear monitor system that used Future Sonics ear plugs. Surprisingly enough, his name was not on that aforementioned list <wink>. All I really remember from the time was that they were expensive, custom fitted, and he truly loved them. I just appreciated that it wasn't an extra feedback monitor on the stage for me to hook up and maintain, and that I could talk to him directly through them. But I digress...

Once I received the package from Future Sonics, I saw that Daniel was right...The Ears EM3s are kind of ugly. The package included one pair of "neutral flesh tone" Future Sonics professional universal earphones connected by the cable to a standard stereo 3.5mm earphone plug, three pairs of foam sleeves (two large, one small), a carry case and the product manual.

Specifications & Selling Points
Isolation: +/- 25 dB ambient noise rejection
Transducer: FSI
Sensitivity: 118 dB
Frequency Response: 40hz - 20 khz
Impedance: 32
Standard 3.5mm Gold Connector - Upgrade any similar system!
Custom Molded Sleeves - avail. as special order direct only (req. ear impressions)

The Ears EM3 is basically composed of a four foot long light brown cable, the 3.5mm plug and two plastic ends that truly aren't much to look at, as you can see here...

Obviously, there is some kind of circuitry inside the plastic that we can't see. But from the outside, you have to admit that they don't look like much. A set of foam sleeves must be added to the prong on the earphone, and then the EM3s will be ready for use.

My first reaction when I saw all of the foam plugs...but no pretty flanged silicone earplugs was along the lines of "eck." Sticking foam into an ear, even a very clean one, just sounds unsanitary and gross. But I got over it and prepared to use the EM3s.

The earplugs are not labeled R and L, instead, there is a red line to signify "right" and  a blue line for "left".

Because a complete seal is needed for the Em3s to properly work, it is suggested that the user start with the larger foam. Once the foam is slid onto the prong, it has to be lightly compressed to make it fit into the users ear canal. Squeezing and slightly rolling the end of the foam gets it to compress into a smaller point, which easily slides into the end of the ear canal. The foam will quickly expand to fit, so it may take a try or two before you get the hang of proper insertion. The foam doesn't go all that deeply into the ear canal, but it is far enough that a good seal is made and they won't fall out.

I quickly found as I was inserting the EM3s that the cable would need to be split a bit further than it came from the factory. This is simply done by pulling the two cables apart until I hit the slider, which was butting up against the collar

The slider is extremely handy because it allows the user to adjust the earphones cable to comfortably fit, whether it is worn in front of or behind the head.

The instruction manual advises turning the volume down to the lowest setting before inserting the Ears and gradually adjusting the volume to the lowest comfortable setting. I had to roll my eyes at that. I mean, even after adjusting my Sony NW-HD1's internal volume (thanks Rich23!) it is still not the loudest player on the face of the planet, but with in-ear monitors I have found it to be substantially louder. So I followed the recommendations and boy...was I glad I did.

The immediate sounds was extremely rich, clear and surprisingly bassy. Ooooh, me likey! Wearing the Ears EM3, I have really discovered the bass that my HD1 is capable of producing. I had noticed a big improvement when using the 6is, but I have to admit that the EM3 seems to pick up where the 6is left off and runs with it. I have been listening to the same song on the same setting with each set of earphones, and it seems that the EM3 sounds deeper and slightly richer.

Now, unlike the 6is that I reviewed, the Future Sonics are not specifically touted as being "noise reducing" or "isolating", but they definitely do that, most likely because of their in-ear design. For example, As I sit here writing with music playing on a medium volume setting, I can't hear the normal clacking of my keyboard. I can't hear myself snapping my fingers. But if I turn the music off, I can hear pretty well (although it is slightly muffled) without having to physically remove the earphones. That is pretty nifty.

I am now presented with a problem: As much as I love the way these in-ear monitors sound, I really don't like the idea of the disposable foam tips. It means I am going to have to order some more of these "comfort tips", because I really don't see using a pair for more than a week or so before they just feel dirty and I have to replace them. However, there is an option - Custom earpieces can be ordered. But first I would have to visit to a local audiologist to have ear impressions made, similar to what they do when fitting for hearing aids. This is a rather pricey process, but if someone were really serious about their music, it would be something to consider. I'll probably just stick to the foam tips, because they certainly don't detract from the sound of these earphones and they really are comfortable when worn for hours on end. I'll just have to get over the "eck" factor.

If you haven't already bought a set of in-ear monitors, but you considered doing so, then I strongly urge you to check out the Future Sonics Ears Model EM3. They are priced less than other in-ear monitors, and I guarantee you that they sound as good or better than any others you might try.

Future Sonics Ears Model EM3 are available here.
Custom earpieces can be ordered here.

Price: $159, Priced at $99 for a limited time

Pros:
Excellent, rich and clear sound
Increased bass
Comfortable
Disposable tips or you can order custom fitted

Cons:
The foam tips will need replacing periodically