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Universal IEMs — hifisoundgear
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Universal In Ear Monitors

noble audio ronin iem front view on black background

Universal In-Ear Monitors, or UIEMs are mass-produced in-ear monitors designed to deliver the best fit and sound for as many people as possible. UIEMs are the most common type of IEMs on the market, with many IEM manufacturers pumping out various models with unique driver setups and sound signatures. 

Our collection of Universal In-Ear Monitors from brands such as Noble Audio, 64Audio, FiR Audio, Empire Ears, and THIEAUDIO feature some of the best universal IEMs you can get right now. Browse through our collection of single-driver, hybrids, and TWSs and buy the right IEMs for your tastes.

What are the different types of IEMs?

Universal IEMs mainly pertain to shell shape and size. UIEMs use a universal mold, which results in a shell that follows whatever the manufacturer believes to be the most comfortable shape for the masses.

Aside from the shape, Universal IEMs differ in the type of drivers used and how these drivers are configured for each IEM. Generally, you’ll find single-driver IEMs and multi-driver IEMs, where the former uses just one driver, while the latter uses multiple driver types to produce the manufacturer's intended sound signature. 

Single-driver IEMs, as the name suggests, use a single driver to produce bass, mid-range, and treble frequencies. The most common single-driver IEMs use a dynamic driver, which is essentially a miniaturized speaker. 

On the other hand, multi-driver IEMs use multiple drivers of various types to produce sound. These IEMs might use dynamic drivers to handle bass frequencies, then rely on balanced armatures and electrostatic drivers to drive mid-range and treble. 

And then there are wired and wireless universal in-ear monitors. Wired IEMs come with swappable cables and multiple terminations for the best compatibility. Wireless IEMs, on the other hand, utilize Bluetooth to transmit music from phones, tablets, and laptops. 

64 audio custom iem transparent shells front and back view

How many drivers do I need in IEMs?

The number of drivers in an IEM shouldn’t be your primary concern when buying your next in-ear monitor. Sound and fit is more important.  

When tuned well, single-driver IEMs, like the FiR Audio Electron 12, can produce an exceptional sound that easily rivals or bests multi-driver IEMs. On the other hand, well-tuned multi-driver IEMs, like the 64Audio U12t, can deliver top-tier sound quality as well. Multi-driver IEMs use dedicated drivers to reproduce low, mid, and high frequency sounds. Manufacturers can mix and match drivers and assign the best driver types for each frequency to deliver high-quality sound throughout the entire frequency range. 

There’s also shell size to consider. Single-driver IEMs are generally smaller than multi-driver hybrid options because manufacturers only need to fit one driver in these IEMs' shells. Meanwhile, multi-driver in-ear monitors are typically bigger and bulkier than single-driver alternatives. This makes sense since manufacturers need to make space to fit as many drivers as possible. 

Whether you go for a simple single dynamic driver IEM or those impressive 18-driver monstrosities, choose the best IEM based on your preferred sound signature and fit for the best music enjoyment.

64 audio a6t transparent shell front view with gold lettering

HiFiSoundGear Recommended Universal IEMs

Noble Audio Viking Ragnar, Ronin, Spartacus, and Stage 3 IEMs

noble audio viking ragnar iem front view on transparent background

Noble Audio Viking Ragnar IEM

Price: $4,000.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription

VIEW NOBLE AUDIO VIKING RAGNAR IEM
Noble Audio Ronin IEM front view

Noble Audio Ronin IEM

Price: $3,900.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription

VIEW NOBLE AUDIO RONIN IEM
noble audio spartacus front view flipped

Noble Audio Spartacus IEM

Price: $1,800.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription

VIEW NOBLE AUDIO SPARTACUS IEM
noble audio stage 3 front view

Noble Audio Stage 3 IEM

Price: $600.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription

VIEW NOBLE AUDIO STAGE 3 IEM

Enjoy the best sound with universal IEMs by Noble Audio

Noble Audio produces some of the best premium universal in-ear monitors you can buy. The Noble Audio Viking Ragnar, Ronin, Spartacus, and Stage 3 IEMs all deliver the clean crystalline sound that Noble Audio is known for but each one delivers sound with a slightly different flavor to suit every audiophile or music lover's needs.

The Viking Ragnar is one of Noble Audio's high-end offerings, boasting endgame clarity, resolution, and soundstage performance.

The Ronin delivers some of the flattest, most balanced tuning profile of any IEM, making it perfect for picking out every detail in vocal-centric and instrumental music.

If you're looking for a fun listening experience, the Noble Audio Spartacus is the one to get. The Spartacus brings a big, thick sound that will make any music sound more powerful and enjoyable.

Last but not least is Stage 3 - Noble Audio's affordable yet very competitive triple-driver IEM. The Noble Stage 3 produces a well-balanced sound typical of Noble Audio IEMs and is tuned to deliver outstanding vocal and instrument clarity.

Whichever universal IEM you choose, you can't go wrong with Noble Audio's offerings. Enjoy crystal-clear sound with top-tier build quality with Noble Audio's universal IEMs.

Best Wireless Universal IEM

Noble Audio FoKus Prestige

noble audio fokus prestige in ear monitors in black

Price: from $540.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription*

Multi-driver TWS delivers big bass and satisfying clarity on the go

The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige is a three-driver Universal TWS IEM that utilizes one 8.2mm Dynamic Driver and two Knowles Balanced Armature drivers to deliver exceptional wireless sound. 

The FoKus Prestige is bassy yet vocal-friendly and detailed. You hear a lot of bass, but it is not some low-quality bloated, or boomy mess. The bass is detailed and tight-sounding, so bass kicks and drums get some nice punch. 

The mids sound clear and detailed. Vocals and instruments are given some emphasis and sit somewhere in the middle of the mix rather than way back, like in most other TWS. There’s good resolution and clarity for vocal-centric tracks, but they never overpower other frequencies. 

The treble on the FoKus Prestige is a bit laid back compared to its bass and midrange. Still, there’s enough treble extension so you hear a good sparkle in your music. 

The FoKus Prestige’s feature set is as impressive as its sound. You get Qualcomm TrueWireless Mirroring support with cVc noise canceling tech for ultra-clear phone calls, Voice Assistant support, Touch Controls, Fast Charging, 10-hour battery life, and an improved PCB for seamless connectivity. 

The best part? You can adjust the FoKus Prestige’s sound signature to get your preferred sound through the FoKus App.

Some of the drawbacks of the FoKus Prestige are its relatively large shells and the fact that it uses lossy Bluetooth wireless codecs to play back music. The shell size is expected from an IEM with multiple drivers, and the wireless playback quality is a tradeoff you’ll have to live with on every wireless IEM.

noble audio fokus prestige in ear monitors wireless case and iems on white surface
Pros
  • Multi-driver TWS with exceptional bass and soundstage performance.
  • Gorgeous aesthetics.
  • Long battery life.
  • Effective EQ through the FoKus App
Cons
  • Large shells might not fit everyone.
  • One of the most expensive TWS.

Best Universal IEM for Bass Heavy Music

64Audio Volür IEM

64 audio volur iem faceplate view angled to show ear tips

Price: $1,999.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription*

State-of-the-art dual dynamic drivers deliver mind-boggling bass

The Volur is 64Audio’s newest universal IEM - a 10-driver hybrid in-ear monitor that combines two 9mm dynamic drivers with 8 Balanced Armature drivers. 

Bass frequencies are where the Volur shines. The dual dynamic drivers produce incredible bass quality. The bass on the Volur sounds big, but there’s enough control to keep low frequencies sounding tight and natural. The generous bass quantity adds a sense of weight and thickness to your music, but never to the point where things sound veiled or muddy. 

The 64Audio Volur’s midrange is a bit recessed compared to the bass frequencies, but there’s enough emphasis here to make voices stand out in the mix. The instruments sound detailed and accurate, and there’s enough midrange oomph to give male and female voices satisfying weight and power. 

The treble on the Volur is well-extended, courtesy of the dedicated Tia high driver. The extended high frequencies give music a shiny sound. Female vocals and cymbals sound crisp and sparkly but never to the point of sounding sharp or shrill. 

Moving on to build quality and comfort, the Volur dons the familiar 64Audio U-series industrial shell design. New for the Volur are the beautiful purple abalone faceplates and the matte black shells. 

Despite housing ten drivers, the Volur’s shell is quite small, so fit shouldn’t be an issue for audiophiles with smaller ears. Comfort is great with the Volur - the shells are lightweight, and the Apex Modules provide added comfort for long listening sessions. 

The only real drawback with the Volur is its high price. At $1,999, the Volur is easily one of the most expensive universal IEMs from 64Audio. If you can get around the hefty price tag, the Volur will give you top-tier bass perfect for listening to RnB, Hip-Hop, Pop, and EDM.

1964 audio volur iem back view
Pros
  • Top-tier bass with excellent detail and control.
  • Customizable sound through Apex Modules.
  • Comfortable to wear even for smaller ears.
Cons
  • Price is a bit high.
  • Lackluster accessories package.

Best Universal In-Ear Monitor for Vocals

Noble Audio Ronin IEM

Noble Audio Ronin side by side view

Price: from $3,900.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription*

Ultra-balanced studio-reference tuning for exquisite vocal performances

Looking for top-tier vocal reproduction from a universal IEM? Look no further than the Noble Audio Ronin. 

The Ronin is a 12-driver hybrid universal IEM that uses four Sonion EST drivers for the high and super-high frequencies, four Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers for the mid-range, and four Sonion Balanced Armatures for the bass and sub-bass frequencies. 

The overall sound signature of the Ronin is well-balanced with a midrange emphasis. 

The bass of the Noble Ronin is outstanding despite being tuned to produce a mid-forward presentation. You get a strong bass impact from the Ronin, with a tight and controlled presentation. The sub-bass is a bit laid back - so no head-shattering rumble here. But the overall sound is very detailed and balanced. 

The mids is the Noble Audio Ronin's strongest suit. The instruments and vocals sound lifelike, presented with great accuracy and insane detail. Vocals are pushed to the forefront, which creates a pub-like environment where you hear the singer singing in front of you. Instruments come through with so much detail you hear fingers sliding through guitar strings - the mids on the Ronin is that good.

The Noble Ronin’s treble is top-notch as well. There's a good extension in the treble region, which gives the music a clear and airy feel. Cymbal strikes are detailed but never sound splashy or thin. 

Like its sound, the build quality of the Noble Audio Ronin is nothing short of exceptional. The IEMs are built using high-quality clear-coated resin material and look stunning with their blue marble-esque design. 

While the Ronin sounds and feels great, there’s much to be desired with its fit and comfort. There’s just no getting around those twelve drivers - the Noble Ronin’s shell is huge and relatively heavy, which can make fit and comfort a challenge for listeners with smaller ears.

Noble Audio Ronin back view
Pros
  • Outstanding tonal balance and tuning.
  • Very high resolution capabilities.
  • High-quality build with gorgeous shell design.
  • Good accessories package.
Cons
  • Shells are big and heavy.
  • Very expensive.

Best Single-Driver Universal IEM

FiR Audio Electron 12 IEM

FiR Audio Electron 12 front view

Price: $1,799.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription*

Expertly-tuned single dynamic driver IEM loaded with innovative features

Where most premium IEM manufacturers are content with stuffing multiple drivers in their IEMs, FiR Audio opted to push the limits of what is possible with a single dynamic driver with the Electron 12. 

The Electron 12 is the only single-driver universal IEM in this collection, featuring a relatively big 12 mm dynamic driver to cover bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. 

The E12 is a sub-bass-focused in-ear monitor. There’s enough bass to satisfy bassheads, but the overall presentation is tight and controlled. You’ll hear a satisfying amount of rumble and slam when listening to bass-heavy music with the E12, making it great for listening to Rock, EDM, and RnB/Hip-Hop. 

The mids on the E12 are great. The sub-bass emphasis gives lower mids and midrange frequencies satisfying warmth and thickness. Instruments like guitars sound detailed and weighty, while vocals sound powerful and clear. 

Smooth is the best word to describe the FiR Electron 12's treble response. There’s enough clarity to capture high-frequency sounds like cymbal strikes, but never to the point of sounding sharp or piercing. 

The Electron 12 is tuned well for a single-dynamic driver and delivers exceptional sound quality. But what really makes the E12 stand out is the host of technologies that FiR Audio ships with the Electron 12. 

One of its most interesting features is the Tactile Bass technology, which pumps bass frequencies directly into the E12’s shell for improved bass performance and bass that you can feel. Other nifty features include the modular SwapX tech and the comfort-enhancing ATOM Venting technology.

There's very little to fault with the Electron 12. If you're in the market for a single-driver premium IEM, it doesn't get better than the FiR Audio Electron 12.

FiR Audio Electron 12 driver view
Pros
  • Bass reaches deep and delivers good punch.
  • You can feel the bass through Tactile Bass tech.
  • Very comfortable build enhanced by ATOM Venting tech.
Cons
  • Expensive for a single-driver setup.
  • Might lack treble for treble lovers.

Best Universal In-Ear Monitor with Hybrid Drivers

Noble Audio Viking Ragnar IEM

Noble Audio Viking Ragnar front view

Price: $4,000.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription*

Exceptionally tuned with eye-opening resolution and massive soundstage

The Noble Audio Viking Ragnar IEM is a 10-driver IEM that combines two Dynamic Drivers for the bass, two Balanced Armatures for the midrange, two Balanced Armatures for the Treble, and 4 Electrostatic Drivers for the ultra-high frequencies. 

The Viking Ragnar is a highly detailed IEM, with slightly lean but fast bass, crystal clear mids, and sparkly treble. 

The bass on the Viking Ragnar is outstanding. While there is less bass presence than warmer IEMs like the 64 Audio U18t, the bass on the Viking Ragnar comes through nicely when called upon. The presentation is a bit leaner than bass-heavy sets, but there’s good detail and rumble depending on the track. The bass on the Noble Viking Ragnar is more punchy rather than boomy, making it great for listening to busy tracks like EDM or Rock. 

Mids on the Viking Ragnar are excellent. Vocals and instruments sit in the middle of the mix rather than in front - a consequence of the well-extended treble. While this might seem like a deal-breaker for vocal lovers, you'll be happy to know that the Viking Ragnar presents its midrange with exceptional clarity, separation, and detail. You’ll hear vocals and instruments come through with outstanding realism and tone.

Treble is the Noble Audio Viking Ragnar’s forte. There’s a generous amount of treble extension from the upper mids to the upper treble. This results in a very resolving sound where high-frequency sounds are presented with crystal clear clarity. The Viking Ragnar’s extended high frequencies give music an airy and spacious feel, and, by extension, a realistic 360-degree soundstage.

Whether the Viking Ragnar fits your ears perfectly depends on how big or small your ears are. The Noble Viking Ragnar’s shells are a bit on the larger side, and the nozzles are quite wide, but they are well-built and relatively lightweight. With the right ear tips, comfort shouldn’t be an issue. 

Noble Audio Viking Ragnar cable with IEMs
Pros
  • High-quality hand-crafted Damascus steel face plates.
  • Eye-opening resolution capabilities.
  • Well-balanced tuning with punchy bass, clear mids, and extremely clear highs.
  • Loaded with accessories in the box.
Cons
  • High price tag.
  • Treble might be too much for some listeners.
  • Shells are big.

Most Comfortable Universal IEM

64Audio U12t IEM

64audio u12t front view

Price: $1,599.00

*comes with 1-Month TIDAL HiFi Plus Subscription*

Tried-and-true tuning recipe with good comfort and great build quality

There’s more to comfort in IEMs than their inherent shell shapes and designs. The most comfortable IEM must sound smooth, and free of any harsh peaks, and their shells must be lightweight and ergonomic so they can sit in the ear comfortably. 

The 64Audio U12t not only produces top-tier smooth sound and possesses a comfortable shell design, but its innovative Apex Modules work to reduce in-ear pressure, too, allowing you to enjoy your music for hours on end without a hint of discomfort.

64Audio’s U12t is a 12-driver universal IEM that utilizes an assortment of Balanced Armature drivers to deliver its renowned sound. There are four Balanced Armature drivers for the bass, six for the mids, one for the upper-mid, and a special Tia high driver for the ultra-high frequencies. 

Bassy yet well-balanced are the best words to describe the U12t’s sound. In terms of presentation, the U12t is more sub-bass focused, which means kick drums, toms, and low-end beats sound big, thumpy, and weighty, rather than precise, punchy, and fast. 

The mids on the U12t sound lush and full, thanks to the generous lift in the lower-mids. This gives instruments and vocals a thick and weighty sound with zero loss in clarity or resolution. 

Treble is one of the high points of the U12t’s sound. The Tia high-driver works its magic here and gives the U12t great extension at the highest frequencies. The result is a ton of air and sparkle. Despite the elevated treble frequencies, the U12t manages to deliver a smooth and detailed sound. 

Moving on to build and comfort, you’ll find no issues with the U12t. The U12t possesses the same 64Audio industrial shell design that’s relatively small, lightweight, and well-built, so fit won’t be an issue. 

Comfort is exceptional with the U12t. The small, lightweight shells, combined with 64Audio’s ear-pressure-relieving Apex Modules make it an IEM that you can easily wear for hours without discomfort.

64audio u12t iem package contents view
Pros
  • Bassy balanced tuning profile suits any genre.
  • Top-tier resolution and cohesiveness.
  • Outstanding bass quality and presentation from a BA set.
  • High-quality build.
  • Apex Modules improve in-ear comfort significantly.
Cons
  • Treble is a bit uneven and can introduce weird tonality in the highest frequencies.
  • Might be too bassy for some listeners.
  • Poor accessories package for the price.
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