In this review we will check out the all-new 64 Audio Aspire 4 – the company’s most accessibly priced IEM selling for $899 USD.
Disclaimer: 64 Audio provided the Aspire 4 at no cost for this honest review. 64 Audio is not a site advertiser and in no way related to Headfonia.
64 Audio
Vitaliy Belonozhko founded 64 Audio in 2010, has become one of the leading innovators in the high-end in-ear monitor (IEM) market. Originally named 1964 Ears, the brand is based in Vancouver, Washington, and was born from Belonozhko’s desire to craft a custom monitor for his wife, which eventually led to the development of the company’s now-renowned IEMs.
Since their creation 64 Audio has kept pushing the envelope with new technologies. They introduced their tia drivers, which are openly radiating balanced armature drivers. Aside from that, they also introduced LID (Linear Impedance Design) and apex. LID basically sets an almost linear impedance curve throughout the entire frequency range, while apex helps mitigate ear-fatigue with a viscoelastic open-cell foam to control the rate at which air can pass through the vent. This is an open module that eliminates pneumatic pressure that builds up in an otherwise closed room.
64 Audio’s focus clientele-wise however is not necessarily audiophile based. They work with many renowned artists, such as Beyonce, John Mayer, Nathan East, Black Eyed Peas or Bon Jovi. Just to name a few.
Their product range goes from the A2e dual drivers up to the whopping 18 driver A18t and A18s.
One thing that sets 64 Audio apart from the competition, is their all tube-less IEMs. They were the first to ever launch an IEM that did not use a single tube in it. This specific IEM has been sitting at the top of their lineup ever since its introduction – of course you know I am speaking about the all mighty Tia Fourté! An IEM that still holds up to its competition, even though it has been launched almost nine years ago. How time flies!
Today we are checking out their latest product, the Aspire 4.
Aspire 4
The 64 Audio Aspire 4 is a new entry in the company’s lineup of universal in-ear monitors (IEMs), promising an ideal combination of performance, affordability, and innovative technology. With a focus on delivering high-quality sound and a comfortable fit, the Aspire 4 is designed to appeal to musicians, audio professionals, and discerning audiophiles.
The Aspire 4 implemented many of 64 Audio’s proprietary technologies, like Apex Core, Waveguide and LID.
Apex (Air Pressure Exchange) is one of 64 Audio’s most integral technologies. It relieves the pneumatic pressure that’s built up by traditional sealed IEMs. This air pressure exchange basically opens up the IEMs and simulates a secondary eardrum. By doing this, the fatigue of the human eardrum is taken away while the listening experience over extended use becomes more comfortable. Unlike most of 64 Audio’s universal IEMs, the Aspire 4 features Apex Core – which is a non-user-replaceable version of Apex. You will not be able to change the sound of the Aspire 4 by swapping out Apex modules.
The Waveguide technology basically is a 3D-printed pathway for the drivers, here specifically for the treble BA driver. 64 Audio implemented Waveguide as a replacement for their typical tia drivers, which isn’t found in the Aspire 4.
Aspire 4 is a hybrid design, which uses one individual dynamic driver for bass, two BA’s for mids, and a single BA for treble. Its rated frequency response is 10Hz – 20kHz. With a sensitivity of 108dB/mW and an impedance of 12 ohms, it won’t have problems running through any portable gear.
The Aspire 4 sells for $ 899 and can be purchased directly from 64 Audio or one of their global retailers.
Package
When the Aspire 4 arrived at my doorstep, I was pleasantly surprised by the packaging. Even if the other IEMs from 64 Audio come in a more premium package, the Aspire 4 still delivers.
You get a wide selection of ear-tips (silicone and foam) as well as a cleaning tool, a shirt-clip, a 6.35mm adapter and a small transport box. Included is also (of course) a cable, which is terminated to a single ended 3.5mm jack. There are no options for balanced connectors available.
All in all, I think it’s a good package, even if it doesn’t ooze luxury.
The review continues on page two!
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