ETYMOTIC ER3XR
A single BA driver reference In-ear monitor earphone
The ER3XR offers a greater bass boost, building on the sound quality of the ER3SE while providing more bass for listeners who prefer a more pronounced low end. We recommend the ER3XR "eXtended Response" tuned model for those who enjoy extra bass presence and richness while listening to music. The extra bass is tastefully implemented without making the ER3XR a bass-heavy IEM.
Independent Category
Etymotic's acoustic research focuses on noise-isolating, in-ear headphones. The ER4 MicroPro series headphones were the first headphones introduced with balanced armature technology, recognized worldwide for their sound accuracy and serving as a reference for all other headphones. More than 20 years later, these reference-quality headphones remain the most chosen tools by serious sound engineers, audiophiles, and musicians.
The ER3XR is the most sensitive single-driver in-ear monitor. The IEM housing is made from anodized aluminum using CNC machining with extremely tight tolerances. Utilizing a single Balanced Armature (BA) driver allows for an extremely accurate IEM without the complexity of crossovers, and helps maintain the aluminum body's small and thin size. The device comes with a user-replaceable cable.
Etymotic earbuds are renowned worldwide for their category-leading passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB of attenuation (depending on the eartips used and insertion depth). For comparison, most custom earbuds provide about 25-28 dB of attenuation, while foam earbuds can achieve up to 32 dB.
The ER3XR is ideal for audiophiles and budget-conscious consumers looking for easy-to-handle in-ear monitors, while delivering precise audio output with stronger bass than the neutral ER3SE.
Which ER3 is right for you?
Both ER3 models, the ER3SE and the ER3XR, use the same high-sensitivity, low-impedance balanced armature (BA) drivers. This means there is no need for an amplifier to drive the ER3 IEMs properly. The only difference between the two models is the tuning of the lower (bass) frequencies. The “Studio Edition” ER3SE is tuned for flat frequency response. The “eXtended Response” ER3XR is tuned for high-energy, emphasized bass, increasing the mid-bass by 1-2 dB and the lower bass by 3-4 dB. The rest of the frequencies are practically identical to the ER3SE.
The ER3SE is a great choice for budget-conscious music creators and musicians who require precise and neutral sound reproduction. The ER3SE is also the IEM choice for professional consumers who prefer to listen to their music exactly as it was recorded.
The ER3XR is favored by those who enjoy extra bass and a full-bodied sound when listening to music. The extra bass is tastefully presented without making the ER3XR bass-heavy in the earphones.
Frequency Response Graphs and the Etymotic Target:
The Etymotic target frequency response graph depicts a perceptibly flat frequency response. Our goal is to achieve a flat frequency response curve when the sound notes reach the eardrum. To accomplish this, we need to consider the resonance within the average ear canal, as IEMs bypass the structure of the outer ear. As a result, a higher SPL is required in the 2-5k range (lower high frequencies) to compensate for the mentioned resonance. This is why there is a "bump" in this range.
Accurate Sound Reproduction
When ear monitors are tuned to accurately reproduce the recording of a live performance, our goal is to match the sound reaching the eardrum with the original performance sound. To achieve this, the acoustic properties of the ear must be considered. The ear’s acoustic resonance and horn effects transform the flat sound input arriving at the open ear (2700 Hz) into a high-frequency amplified sound, which is the same response we hear on the eardrum in a typical ear. This is the reason for the "bump" appearing on the frequency response graph, ensuring that the eardrum perceives perfectly flat frequency response at every frequency.
What's in the box?
Main Product
Etymotic ER3XR Earphones
Accessories
Detachable, 1.2-meter cable with 3.5mm gold-plated stereo connector and documents
Additional Accessories
Silicone and foam ear cushions, Filter removal tool and replacement filters for earwax protection of BA drivers, Shirt clip, Zipper storage case
Technical Specifications
Frequency Response:
20 Hz – 16 kHz
Converters:
A single high-performance, balanced armature for each channel. Precisely matched at 1 kHz.
Noise Cancelling:
35dB with silicone ear cushions, 42dB with foam ear cushions
Sensitivity:
102 dB @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
Cable:
Detachable, 1.2-meter cable with MMCX connectors
