EM3 Future sonics: a review
« It may not look like much kid, but it’s got it where it counts » — Han Solo.
More and more companies are getting involved in the market surrounding the iPod, many of which, clearly outside the computing world. Such is Future Sonics, an audio company that’s been around (concerts, recording studios, etc.) for twenty years. To prove how serious they are, their site displays an impressive list of famous clients (including some infamous names): Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears, U2, R.E.M., and the Iglesias tribe (Enrique, Julio, and even Julio, Jr : didn’t know that one)… as well as our “French” rocker Johnny Hallyday.
Although they are more or less a landmark in pro Audio, they’re obviously interested enough in the iPod to dedicate a section of the site to the Mac universe, and contact me for a review. For that, I’m grateful as prior to this, their brand was unknown to me. I must now say – though I wasn’t initially sure it would be the case –the EM 3’s are the earphones I didn’t know I was looking for - for my iPod.
It’s a far cry from the sleek design of Apple’s – today so ubiquitous - earbuds. They’re actually a bit of an eye sore. The photos will perhaps scare the fashion conscious (looks almost like a prosthesis), yet with use, you’ll find their color sufficiently close to flesh tones to makes them discrete.
The shape out of the box is a bit surprising. The protruding tube being different from what we’ve learned to expect. More so with the thermo-formed pads added – however, just a squeeze and roll between your fingers, and they should slide right into your auditory canal. When the pad expands you’ll have a nice formfitting, comfortable earphone in place (we never quite were able to get comfortable with the Apple in-ear earphones).
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About the sound :
Volume - Ever wanted to slap that guy next to you on the plane or subway who had no respect for those around him who potentially didn’t share his same taste in music? He’ll be easy to block out with the EM3s. In the hussle and bussle of an acoustically polluted urban center (Paris for me - Metro included), I never had to push the volume past 30% of my (un-volume-restrained) iPod - the standard European version has a volume limiter. Often this was unnecessarily loud – in accordance with the standard operating procedures as put forth by the manufacturer (leave it to the ProAudio guys to help us protect our ears).
Experience – immersive would be an appropriate adjective – crushing would be another; at least that’s what you’d expect to happen to other earphones with the same lightness of feeling. But not these guys. Ambient noise is significantly reduced, but you’re not left with the sealed in a bubble sensation of other closed pro hi-fi earphones (I’ve also tried out Macally’s Pod Pro). While not totally “closed”, we’d recommend not using them on a bike.
We just savoured the music. But make sure to keep sound check on, as little variances between tracks could blow you out.
iPod owners (ipodlounge being an example) are singing the praises of the brand and welcoming their products. Future Sonics say they’re working on a new “sexier” generation of products aimed at the hip iPod public. You may expect some new products to be released soon, as the brand is soon to celebrate their 20th birthday. However, given that some of this crowed has already got this visibly disappointing product plugged into their sleek white machines speaks volumes for the quality of the product and the experiences that go with its use. I cannot but confirm that statement (as they claim Wozniak says himself).
Daniel M. East, Director of Marketing at Future Sonics, reminds us that « the product was not designed for the consumer marketplace, but as a professional earphone monitor and use in live performance and broadcast applications where the appearance would not only be less visible, but the hue of the stage lighting would absorb some of the color of the piece, itself. We were very surprised by the way the iPod and portable electronics community came to use and embraced our products -- very pleasantly surprised, of course. » I must admit this earphone is perfect for those who fancy singing while listening to their iPod on the street, just like me :)
You can pick up a pair of EM 3’s of your own on Future Sonics’ site: the price is $ 99, and you can charge them online.
Technical specs:
Response: 20 hz to 20,000 hz
Driver: FSI proprietary F/R
Impedance: 32 ohm
Sensitivity: 118dB
Isolation: 25 dB
Cable: 45" standard
Connector: Standard 1/8" Stereo Gold Plug
