64 Audio A18t Custom In-Ear Monitors

$5,299.00
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On display at Bay Bloor Radio.

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Description

A18t

Eighteen Driver Custom In-Ear Monitor

Custom-Fit, Custom-Look, Custom-Made

Designed to be the most accurate and highest resolution CIEM in the world and packed with an unbelievable 18 balanced armature drivers per ear, the A18t is a top-of-the-line reference in-ear monitor.

 

This industry-first design pushes the limits of what a reference monitor can be with incredible detail, extension, and unmatched clarity across all frequencies with a powerful low-end and extended sub-bass.

 

The A18t is preferred by critical listeners in engineering, monitoring and mixing, and audiophiles.

 

Detailed and quick like a mastering grade reference monitor. Delicate enough for critical audiophile listeners with the clarity to meet the demands of the most discerning performers.

 


 

Bay Bloor Radio in Toronto makes custom in-ear monitors easy:

 

 

 

 
 

A18t is also available in a universal version, U18t.
 
A co-flagship IEM from 64 Audio, U18t carries the same driver configuration in an elevated solid aluminum shell. It features upgraded packaging and accessories, including all three sets of Apex modules, a premium cable, multiple eartip styles and sizes for fit and sound flexibility, and leatherette case.
 
As UIEMs are not customized to each wearer, multiple people can enjoy the earphones throughout their lifespan. They are also available for purchase with minimal to no wait time.
 

 

SOUND

 

A18t’s driver count is an integral part of its inception; this was not an arbitrary number we were hoping to reach. One of the most impressive traits A18t has is it’s quick, extremely accurate, yet deep bass. We chose to use modified mid-drivers because of that unique characteristic. This required coupling 8 drivers, in the driver pack responsible for lows, in order to achieve the desired amplitude. Filling out the mid frequency band required another 8-mid drivers.
 
With A18t you can get the same level of detail — maybe more — as the world’s best mastering monitors within a pocket-sized package at a fraction of the cost. To our surprise, despite its critically flat nature, A18t was quickly adopted by large scale touring professionals and became a staple among live performers. Its popularity in that sphere led us to also building A18s on the same platform to eventually address some of the rigorous needs of live performance monitoring.
 
In-ear monitor tuning presents a unique set of challenges that don’t exist in traditional speaker design. The main issue is space. While a speakers can be tested in an anechoic chamber and results can be replicated precisely, a human ear cannot be perfectly modelled and results cannot be replicated across test subjects. While there are testing standards in earphone/headphone design, a lot of our development relies on listening tests. Getting diverse opinions and finding a balance between those opinions is the closest we can get to a bunch of people listening to a speaker in a room together.
 
Once the issue of space is addressed, the shape of the human ear has to be contended with. The audio world has had a pretty good idea of sound preferences in speaker design because of research dating back to the mid 80s. Because headphones isolate the ears and earphones isolate the ear canal, your physical interaction with sound is vastly different than if you were to listen to a speaker. In 2013 researchers at Harman finally presented the audio world with a new “flat” measurement curve that compensates for headphone and earphone placement. While IEM testing is still imperfect in many ways, this gave us a target to compare to based on extensive preference research.
 
Using a combination of state of the art measurement tools, the latest acoustics research, and diverse listening tests, A18t is made to be as flat sounding as possible. Just as there are many brands and models of studio monitors, there is still the aspect of preference that should be considered. While we have mutliple reference models to choose from, you also have a suite of apex modules that offer varying degrees of isolation, pressure relief, and low frequency attenuation to help find that sweet spot of accuracy and musicality.
 
 
"My A18t are the best headphones / IEMs I’ve ever used, they’re the only thing I trust other than my big PMCs. It removes the stress when I’m travelling because I can monitor anywhere with total confidence in what I’m hearing."
– Nathan Dantzler (Mastering Engineer at The Hit Lab)
 
"I love the fidelity, I love how accurate they are. It really feels like I’m listening to the record that we made."
– John Shanks (Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Guitarist for Bon Jovi)
 
"I need to have a true representation of what I’m hearing at all times… and be very comfortable hearing the entire frequency range top to bottom. Highly recommend them because I just haven’t heard anything like it in the market."
– Joe LaPorta (Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound)



 

CUSTOMIZATION

64 Audio's custom IEMs are not only customized to the shape of your ears — they're also aesthetically customizable to your personal preferences.
 
 
Along with a number of acrylic shell options, there are dozens of faceplate colours and materials, which translates to hundreds of unique combinations. On top of all those options, you can even add custom artwork to make your IEMs truly one-of-a-kind. Left and right sides can be configured separately. Costs vary based on the options selected.
 
Also offered are a selection of connector types and cable. 2-pin connectors are an industry standard socket for IEMs, opening up more aftermarket cable options, ideal for audiophiles looking for flexibility. IPX (sometimes referred to as T2) connectors are moisture resistant snap-in sockets made by Estron A/S, which have proven to be a most robust choice for live music performers. Along with the socket you can choose between two cable colours and lengths.
 
Finally, each CIEM ships with an aluminum case. You have the option of custom engraving two lines of text (26 character max each). Often it’s a combination of a your name and contact info, or you can leave it blank.
 

 


 

TECHNOLOGY

 

A18t features exclusive technologies that challenge traditional in-ear monitor designs to give you the absolute best listening experience.
 

3D-Fit for Custom IEMs
Exclusive technology preserves the detail of your ear impressions using a new process of digital rendering and 3D-printing. Compared to conventional wax-dip molding, this process reduces distortion in the impression for the most precise and comfortable custom in-ear monitors available. All of our Custom In-Ear Monitors and Custom Earplugs are crafted using this process.
 
The patented process of incorporating acoustical tuning features within an IEM’s shell allows for designs that would otherwise be impossible to build using traditional methods. We incorporate these advanced and uniquely complex features into the shell in order to manipulate the audio produced by the IEM.
 
Final shells are printed by our state-of-the-art 3D-printer using a hypoallergenic acrylic. The colours and materials we use have been specifically chosen for longevity and durability. This process also allows the digital renderings to maintain their detail for optimal comfort. Once shells are printed, our production team refines, smoothes, and assembles the remaining components by hand. This process ensures each Custom In-Ear Monitor is a unique piece of tailor-made art for each customer.
 
 
Tubeless In-Ear Audio
64 Audio's tia is a patented IEM design methodology that aims to reduce unwanted resonance and distortion for a transparent and lifelike sound signature. A18t features two major elements of the tia system:
 
 
The tia driver is an open balanced armature speaker design that brings new meaning to resolution and transparency. It delivers airy, crisp, and microdetailed upper frequencies with characteristics not often found in a headphone or in-ear monitor. By opening a balanced armature, the diaphragm becomes fully unobstructed, unleashing the sound potential of the driver. This eliminates a lot of the vibrations and resonances that are inherent in conventional, closed balanced armature designs. With this new method of producing and delivering sound to the ear, conventional sound tubes and dampers are no longer necessary.
 
 
 
The tia single-bore design is a huge leap forward in eliminating unwanted tube resonance. The large bore itself serves as a sound-shaping chamber and aids the tia high driver in delivering a linear and coherent frequency response. Because of the extremely short sound path of the tia high driver, a remarkable high-frequency extension and smoothness is achieved. The large single bore also helps prevent clogging of the tip and obstruction of sound.
 
Air Pressure Exchange
Apex is a patented vent that releases air pressure in a sealed ear canal all while retaining a level of isolation; this venting alleviates listener fatigue and allows for a much more realistic soundstage. 
 
When you seal a miniature speaker in an ear canal, the air inside becomes trapped. As the speaker produces sound, it moves the air and causes the eardrum to work excessively. The pneumatic pressure exerted on the eardrum causes ear fatigue. Apex relieves this pressure, allowing the eardrum to move naturally, so you can comfortably listen longer.
 
Apex enables air to move freely in the ear canal, which extends the perceived soundstage and allows for a more natural listening experience. Everything from inserting, wearing, and removing the IEMs becomes a much more natural and painless process.
 
 
Apex is implemented in A18t via interchangeable modules, so you can quickly switch between different levels of isolation and sound signatures. Although the modules technically only affect the low frequencies, this psychoacoustically affects your perception of the whole frequency range.
 
  • The m20 module (included and fitted by default, -20dB noise isolation) offers full-bodied warmth with the type of isolation you'd expect from a conventional IEM, minus the ear fatigue.
  • The m15 module (included, -15dB noise isolation) is a popular choice for maintaining balanced bass extension, while allowing you to hear some more of your surroundings.
  • The mX module (sold separately, -10dB noise isolation) lowers the bass quantity, opening up the soundstage and reducing isolation even further for added ambient awareness.
 

 

 

IN THE BOX

  • A18t Custom In-Ear Monitors
  • 64 Audio Personalized Protective Case
  • Dehumidifier
  • Cleaning Tool
  • Shirt Clip
  • 48" or 64" Detachable Professional Cable
  • m20 apex Modules
  • m15 apex Modules
  • Round Sticker
  • Product Manual

 


 

SPECIFICATIONS

 

Driver Type/Count
Eighteen precision balanced armature drivers
 
Driver Configuration
1 tia high, 1 high-mid, 8 mid, 8 low
 
Frequency Response
10Hz – 20kHz
 
Sensitivity
111 dB/mW @ 1kHz
 
Impedance
9Ω @ 1kHz
 
Crossover
Integrated 4-way passive crossover
 
Isolation
-20dB with m20 apex module (included)
-15dB with m15 apex module (included)
-10dB with mX apex module (sold separately)
 
 

 

 

 
Due to their bespoke nature, there are no returns on custom earphones once ordered.
 
When you purchase from Bay Bloor Radio, our expert staff will assist with each step of the custom fit process. Universal demo earphones are available in-store to assist you in selecting the right model.
 
Because of the many variables involved in creating a custom product, sometimes a fit adjustment may be needed. For this reason, 64 Audio offers a 30 Day Fit Guarantee to ensure that your IEMs fit comfortably and retain a proper seal.
 
If a fit adjustment is required 64 Audio will need the IEMs sent back for the shells to either be shaved down or built up in the specified problem areas. 64 Audio may, at their discretion, rebuild your IEMs for which new impressions may be required. In some cases, prior to starting the rebuild process, empty test shells may be sent to you to determine if the adjustments have corrected the fit issueThe cost of two-way international shipping, import, and brokerage for all refits is $49 + tax. Customers may alternatively choose to ship items back to 64 Audio at their own expense. Cosmetic properties such as the height of the IEMs due to space required for drivers, cable connectors or faceplates are not considered a defect and would not be covered under the fit guarantee.

 

Specs

Dimensions

About 64 Audio

Warranty

64 Audio offers a two-year limited warranty on Universal-Fit models. 64 Audio warrants the Universal-Fit models to be free from defects in materials and workmanship on either external shell or internal components for a period of two years from the date of delivery to the end user when purchased directly from 64 Audio or an authorized dealer/reseller. 64 Audio will replace or repair Universal-Fit models within warranty.

64 Audio offers a two-year limited warranty on all current Custom IEM models. 64 Audio warrants all Custom IEM models to be free from defects in materials and workmanship in either the external shell or internal components for a period of two years from the date of fulfillment. 64 Audio will replace or repair custom models within warranty (subject to approval).

64 Audio offers a 90-day limited warranty on all accessories and warrants products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of delivery and will replace any accessories within warranty.

64 Audio offers a 90-day limited warranty on all Professional Cables, Premium Cables, and IEM Microphone Cables, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 90-days from the date of delivery. 64 Audio will replace or repair all cables within warranty.

Warranty does not cover the following:

Physical or hardware damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, water, ear wax, excessive volume, shock, negligence, misuse of ear gel, acts of God, misapplication or cosmetic normal wear and tear.

Damage caused by improperly or incorrectly performed maintenance or service by an unauthorized third-party or person. Unauthorized third party service and/or repair attempts may result in replacement at the cost of the customer.

Damage caused by modifications or alterations without the written permission of the company.

Any defect that is attributable to any failure or damage, which is beyond the reasonable control of the company.

In the case of a broken shell, we offer a remolding service which has a base price plus additional costs for customizations, replacement drivers, and shipping.

Cables are guaranteed not to be dead on arrival and have a 90-days limited warranty from the original shipping date.

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