ETYMOTIC ER3SE
A single BA driver reference In-ear monitor earphone
The ER3SE (Studio Edition) is Etymotic's high-sensitivity in-ear monitor, ideal for portable use. The ER3SE's high sensitivity and low impedance mean it can be driven by any portable audio player, or directly from a phone or laptop. The ER3SE offers professional-quality sound reproduction at an affordable price.
Independent Category
Etymotic acoustic research focuses on noise-isolating, in-ear headphones. The ER4 MicroPro series headphones were the first to be marketed with balanced armature technology, recognized worldwide for their accuracy in sound reproduction and serve as a reference for all other headphones. After more than 20 years, these reference-quality headphones continue to be the most chosen tool by serious sound engineers, audiophiles, and musicians.
The ER3SE is the highest sensitivity single-driver ear monitor. The IEM housings are made from anodized aluminum with CNC machining to extremely tight tolerances. Using a single Balanced Armature (BA) driver allows for an extremely accurate IEM without the complexity of crossovers, and helps maintain the size and sleekness of the aluminum body. The package includes a user-replaceable cable. Etymotic IEMs are world-renowned for their class-leading passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation (depending on the ear tips used and the insertion depth). In comparison, most custom IEMs provide about 25-28 dB attenuation, while foam ear tips can offer up to 32 dB. The ER3SE is ideal for sound engineers, audiophiles, and budget-conscious consumers seeking ear monitors that provide easy manageability and precise sound reproduction.
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 no amplifier is needed to properly drive the ER3 IEMs. 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 deeper bass by 3-4 dB. The other frequencies are virtually identical to the ER3SE.
The ER3SE is a great choice for budget-conscious audio engineers and musicians who require precise and neutral sound reproduction. The ER3SE is also the IEM of 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 during music listening. 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 represents a "perceptually flat" frequency response. Our goal is to achieve a flat frequency response curve when the sound notes reach the eardrum. To achieve this, we must consider the resonance within the average ear canal, as IEMs bypass the structure of the outer ear. As a result, higher SPL is needed in the 2-5k range (lower treble) to compensate for the mentioned resonance. This is the reason for the "bump" in this range.
Accurate Sound Reproduction
When tuning ear monitors to accurately reproduce a live performance recording, our goal is for the sound reaching the eardrum to match 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 signal entering the open ear (2700 Hz) into a high-frequency boosted sound, which is the same response heard at the eardrum in a typical ear. This is why there is a "bump" appearing on the frequency response graph, ensuring that the eardrum perceives a perfectly flat frequency response at all frequencies.
What's in the box?
Main Product
Etymotic ER3SE 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 Reduction:
35dB with silicon ear cushions, 42dB with foam ear cushions
Sensitivity:
102 dB @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
Cable:
Detachable, 1.2-meter cable with MMCX connectors
