ER3SE Earphones

ER3SE (Studio Edition) is Etymotic’s high-sensitivity in-ear monitor, ideal for portable use. The high sensitivity and low impedance of the ER3SE means it can be driven by any portable audio player, or directly from a phone or laptop. The ER3SE offers professional-grade sound reproduction at an affordable price.

The ER3SE is ideal for sound engineers, audiophiles, and consumers on a budget who are looking for in-ear monitors that are easy to drive while offering accurate audio reproduction.

Overview

ER3SE is the highest-sensitivity single-driver in-ear monitor. The IEM shells are made of anodized aluminum, CNC machined with extremely tight tolerances. Using a single Balanced Armature (BA) driver allows for extremely accurate IEM without the added complexity of crossovers, and helps keeping the aluminum body small and slim. Included is a user-replaceable cable. Etymotic IEMs are world-renowned for their class-leading passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation, depending on eartips used and the depth of insertion in the ear. For comparison, most custom IEMs provide approx. 25-28dB attenuation, and foam ear plugs attenuate up to 32 dB.

Which ER3 is right for you?

Both ER3 models, the ER3SE and ER3XR, use the same high-sensitivity low-impedance Balanced Armature (BA) drivers. That means no amplifier is required to drive the ER3 IEMs properly.

The only difference between the 2 models is the tuning of the lower (bass) frequencies.

· The “Studio Edition” ER3SE is tuned to have a flat frequency response.

· The “eXtended Response” ER3XR is tuned to be high energy with emphasized bass, adding 1-2dB to the mid-bass and 3-4dB to the sub-bass.

The rest of the frequencies are practically identical to the ER3SE.

ER3SE is a great choice for audio creators and musicians on a budget, who require a precise and neutral sound reproduction. ER3SE is also the IEM of choice for prosumers who prefer to listen to their music exactly the way it was recorded.

ER3XR is favored by those who enjoy the extra bass presence and body when listening to their music. The extra bass is done tastefully without turning the ER3XR to a bass heavy IEM.

Frequency response graphs and Etymotic’s target

Etymotic’s target frequency response graph represents a “perceptibly flat” frequency response. The goal is to have a flat frequency response curve when the music notes hit your eardrums. To achieve that, we need to account for the resonance inside the average ear canal, since IEMs bypass the outer ear structure. The result is the need for higher SPL in the 2-5k region (lower treble) for compensating said resonance. That is the reason for the “hump” in that region. The target curve that Etymotic is using for tuning its IEMs differs slightly from the Harmon preference curve. It was developed in-house more than 20 years ago, leveraging on our human hearing expertise and acoustics research.

Accurate Earphone reproduction

When tuning in-ear monitors to accurately reproduce a recording of a live performance, our goal is for the sound hitting the eardrums to be identical to that at the original performance. To achieve this, the acoustic properties of the ear must be factored in.

With an open ear, the natural acoustic resonance of the ear canal and horn effects of the ear change a flat audio signal entering the open ear into sound with a (2700 Hz) high-frequency boost, which is the same response heard at the eardrum in a typical ear.

Inserting an eartip in the ear affects its natural acoustic features: largely reduces the resonance and eliminates the horn effect. That is the reason for the “hump” in the frequency response graph, which assures the eardrums perceive a perfectly flat frequency response for all frequencies.

· In Ear Monitors – 1 pair.

· Detachable 4 ft. cable with 3.5mm gold plated stereo plug.

· Assortment of eartips:

o 4 Dual Flange Silicone Pairs: S, M, L, XL.

o 2 Triple Flange Pairs: Standard and Large.

o 2 Foam Pairs: Standard.

· Filter removal tool and replacement filters to protect the BA drivers from ear wax· Shirt clip.

· Zippered storage case.

· Channel-Matching Compliance certificate 2.

J Wilson

Excellent earphones

I purchased the ER3SE as a replacement for a pair of Etymotic HF5 and highly recommend them. Midrange definition has been improved, and they retain the bright sound of the HF5s. I chose the SE above the XR model as, for my listening (aotearoa dub, reggae), the SE was balanced whereas the XR seemed somehow exaggerated.

My experience with all Etymotic earphones I have owned (ER6i, HF5, ER3SE) has been heavliy influenced by the choice and fit of the tips, and I would encourage spending time to experiment with different types, sizes, lengths and depth of insertion. When you find one that really fits your ears well (fat 2-flange ones in my case), it makes a huge difference to the bass response

Michael Starr

Initial problems getting largest ear pieces to fit necessitated using foam tips which are comfortable but require repeated replacement. This initial issue was trumped by the better than expected sonic fidelity of the earphones at a very reasonable price.

Arthur Kaye

Very good but HF5 sounded better

I bought these to replace a worn out pair of HF5 earphones. These seem to have a better build and replaceable cables will make a difference, but try as I might to enjoy the sound these put out, they are just a little less engaging than the HF5 earphones. I haven't had them long enough yet to dissect the difference and my HF5s are dead, so I can't easily do an a-b comparison. I would buy a pair of new HF5s if they were available, and I hope that after breaking these in, using them for awhile, they will either grow on me or will begin to sound nicer. I was disappointed when I saw that the case came with a limited selection of foam ear pieces.

Foam Pairs: Standard

Triple Flange Silicone Pairs: Standard and Large

Dual Flange Silicone Pairs: S, M, L, XL