IE-40 - High-Definition Professional Reference Earphones with Triple-Driver Technology
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Top Features

stage-proven Ultimate Ears technology > trusted by more top touring acts than any other
triple-driver architecture > same sonic signature as Ultimate Ears’ exclusive custom earphones
patented dual-bore design > unique approach to clarifying frequency ranges
26dB of isolation > hear every detail of your music, even in noisy environments
M-Audio IE-40 reference earphones employ patented Ultimate Ears technology to deliver an unparalleled personal listening experience—like carrying studio-grade reference monitors with you wherever you go. With the same triple-driver architecture, dual-bore design and sonic signature as Ultimate Ears’ renowned custom monitors, the IE-40s provide a premium solution that fits any ear. The earphones operate like professional three-way monitors by splitting the frequency range across three drivers, which allows them to reproduce highs, mids and lows with pristine accuracy and superb balance. And with 26dB sound isolation, the IE-40s transform any location into an ideal monitoring environment—whether you’re on stage, in the studio or traveling through a noisy public space.

Proven Ultimate Ears Technology

M-Audio professional reference earphones incorporate acclaimed Ultimate Ears technology—the same industry standard that has revolutionized live performance monitoring. Many of today’s best-known touring artists and their sound engineers trust Ultimate Ears for the utmost in comfort, accuracy and reliability.

Three Precision-Balanced Armature Drivers with Crossover Network

The rich, full-spectrum sound of the IE-40 reference earphones owes much to the use of three separate high-definition, precision-balanced armature drivers for high, mid and low frequencies. Armature drivers—the same technology used in Ultimate Ears’ premium custom earphones—deliver high efficiency, extended high frequencies, clear, precise mid-tones and superb natural bass. In addition, they are significantly smaller and more accurate than comparable dynamic drivers. The IE-40 audio crossover network routes each frequency of your music to the driver that can best reproduce it—exactly the same principle used in the finest studio monitor design.

Patented Dual-Bore Design

Ultimate Ears’ proprietary dual-bore design delivers a wider sound stage through separate acoustic canals for high and low channels, allowing the sound to be mixed naturally in your ear. In contrast, multi-driver, single-bore designs mix the highs and lows inside the earphone, which narrows the sound, creates audible turbulence and ultimately lowers the fidelity of your music.

Monitor Anywhere

M-Audio is synonymous with the mobile recording and production revolution. Now M-Audio IE professional reference earphones with Ultimate Ears technology give you high-definition monitoring on the go. They’re the perfect companions for any mobile studio—like a Pro Tools M-Powered™ laptop with Transit™ or other M-Audio interface. They’re also ideal for field recording with compact units like the popular M-Audio MicroTrack™ recorder. On stage, you can say goodbye to cumbersome monitors and feedback. And you can even use them to upgrade your personal MP3 player for listening on the go.

Exceptional Frequency Response

Without great frequency response specs, you’re missing most of your music. The IE-40 earphones deliver an amazing 20Hz-16kHz frequency response, allowing you hear all of your music—from soaring highs to tight, deep bass.

Superior Isolation and Comfort

The IE-40 earphones boast 26dB of sound isolation. This greatly diminishes outside noise to deliver a purer listening experience—without the loss of sonic detail that occurs with noise-cancellation technology. The isolation also helps protect your ears because all the nuances of your music are apparent at low volumes. The included universal fit kit allows you to customize the fit, ensuring optimal isolation and comfort for hours of listening.

Professional Ear Loops

The hanging cables in traditional designs can catch on nearby objects and cause the earpieces to loosen or pop out altogether. All IE models feature professional loops that comfortably hook cables over and behind the ear to minimize that problem. And if your 46” detachable cable ever does become damaged, simply replace it instead of your earphones.

Included Attenuator/Limiter

The IE-40 earphones include a flexible attenua-tor/limiter that conditions the output from high-volume sources to a comfortable listening level. This is especially useful when enjoying music and movies on airplanes—the adapter’s limiting function also spares your ears during loud in-flight announcements.

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Reviews
"Having lived with the IE series for a while, I can honestly say that I will never go back to regular headphones for any of my mobile work, period. Laptop producers, DJs, and anyone who uses headphones regularly, absolutely must check out the IE series in-ears. I was utterly blown away, and everyone at Keyboard agreed they were a clear Key Buy winner."
- Keyboard Magazine, 2007
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