Audiolab is best known for its DACs, CD players and amplifiers. So, when contemplating adding in-ear monitors (IEMs) to its range, they approached ACS – a world-leader in the design and manufacture of in-ear monitors.

Founded more than 20 years ago by musician Andy Shiach, ACS has a considerable reputation in the ‘pro’ world that stretches across live music, broadcasting, motorsports and more. The company’s custom-made in-ear comms and hearing protection equipment is used by a host of big names. Ten years ago, ACS extended its offering with a range of high-end in-ear monitors for consumers, garnering rave reviews across the board.

The result of ACS’s class-leading technologies, developed in collaboration with Audiolab’s design team, is a range of universal-fit IEMs that it says, promises to deliver true high-end performance at competitive price points.

The M-EAR 2D (£429.95) is a two-way, two-driver design, with one driver handling mid/high frequencies and the other dedicated to bass.

Alternatively, the M-EAR 4D (£699.95) boasts a three-way design sporting four drivers – one for high frequencies, another for midrange and two for bass.

Both M-EAR models incorporate balanced armature drivers. This design appears to be getting more and more popular with both designers and consumers. The main difference between these and the ‘standard’ dynamic drivers is that these use an electronic signal to vibrate a tiny reed suspended between two magnets; this movement is transferred to an aluminium diaphragm that generates the soundwaves.

Additionally, both M-EARs feature ACS’s patent-pending IRIS (Intelligent Resonance In Silicone) technology, that is said to maximise the musical potential of balanced armature drivers. IRIS construction methods allow precise acoustic tuning, fusing the crisp, open detail that characterises high-performance balanced armature IEMs with a musical warmth and fluidity.

Furthermore, the M-EAR 4D incorporates a ported balanced armature design for the bass drivers, with a cavity in the silicone that is precisely balanced to the driver. We are told that this is unique to ACS.

Another ACS feature integrated in both M-EAR models is SSI (Sound Stage Imaging) – a tuning technique derived from ACS’s purpose-designed manifold technology. According to Shiach, this widens the soundstage and creates more space around individual instruments and voices. This goes towards to enhancing sonic definition and the feeling of being present at a live musical performance.

Both IEMS come bundled with a high-quality 1.45m detachable cable that is terminated with a standard five-pin connector to plug into the earphones. An in-line microphone is included for hands-free convenience when making calls, but this is no ordinary miniature mic – it is a Knowles SiSonic MEMS-based microphone, selected as a result of ACS’s pro-audio experience for excellent wide-band voice reproduction in noisy environments.

Finally, the M-EARs come with six pairs of ear tips in three different sizes. Developed by ACS and made from memory foam.

Andy Shiach told StereoNET about the collaboration:

Our goal at ACS has always been to find the perfect balance between science and emotion. Musicians know what music should sound like, and our deep and broad experience of working across the music industry has enabled us to become the preferred manufacturer of in-ear monitors for many famous names. Having created Audiolab’s first-ever headphones in the form of the M-EAR in-ear monitors, we hope you agree that we have done this great British audio brand justice.

The M-EAR 2D and M-EAR 4D are hand-made for Audiolab at ACS’s facility in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Both models are available now and come complete with a zip-up carrying case and accessories.

For more information visit Audiolab.