I just recently received the Massdrop x NuForce Everyday Carry in-ear monitors to review. Now, there are many ways to listen to music. I’ve reviewed speakers, earbuds, and headphones, but this is my first set of in ear monitors. I’ll admit this is the first I’ve heard this term used for a personal listening device. What are in-ear monitors, or IEMs for short? Are they better? Are they more expensive? Keep reading for the full review of the Massdrop x NuForce EDC in ear monitors.
Specifications
- Driver unit: Single 6mm dynamic
- Driver matching: +/-2 dB
- Housing material: Lexan polycarbonate
- Color: Smoky transparent blue/gray, matte black
- Impedance: 16 ohms
- Max input power: 2mW
- Mic sensitivity: -42dB +/- 5dB
- Frequency response: 20 Hz- 40 Hz
- Sensitivity (at 1 kHz): 90.5 dB +/-3dB
- Cable length: 54.3” (138mm)
- Connector: 2 pin
- Plug: 1/8” (3.5mm) TRS braided cable or TRRS (remote/mic cable)
- Remote/mic cable compatibility: Apple and most Android devices
- Weight: 15-16g
What’s in the Box
- Massdrop x NuForce IEMs
- 2 cables (one braided, one with remote/mic)
- 3 sets silicone ear tips (S,M,L)
- 2 sets foam ear tips (S,M,L)
- Zippered carrying case
Design
The Massdrop x NuForce Everyday Carry (EDC) do not have a design that is going to get you noticed. They just look like a normal pair of earbuds. That is until you notice how far down the ear canal these IEMs sit. And that’s the difference between IEMs and earbuds. IEMs sit in the ear canal while earbuds sit in the outer part of the ear. The NuForce IEMs that I reviewed are the smoky transparent gray color. They also come in smoky transparent blue and a matte black finish. They have a bit of a jellybean shape to them and fit quit nicely into the ear. The silicone ear tips are very comfortable as they sit in the ear canal, while the foam ear tips felt a bit tight, not unlike foam earplugs. They were not uncomfortable by any means; I just preferred the feel of the silicone ear tips.
Sound
And now we get to the reason for the review: the sound. The sound of the Massdrop x NuForce EDC is very natural and balanced. The highs, the mid tones, and the bass are all perfectly balanced. The highs are bright and crisp, the mid tones are well rounded, and the bass punches through without shaking you to the core.
When I test listening devices, I do so with a wide variety of musical styles. While every style of music I tested on the NuForce IEMs sounded great, I found that listening to jazz and classical guitar was especially rewarding on the IEMs. While listening to Adrian Legg, the Bill Evans Trio or Ana Vidovic, I almost felt as if I was in the same room with the artist. To me, it says a lot when you forget that you are wearing in-ear monitors and you start to feel a sense of connectedness with the music. The earpieces do an excellent job of blocking ambient noise from intruding, leaving you alone in a quiet room with your music. Yeah, the Massdrop x NuForce EDC aren’t really at the epicenter of style when it comes to their looks, but I think once you hear the sound they produce, you won’t be thinking about how they look.
Reception/Call Quality
The Massdrop x NuForce EDC enables you to take calls, as long as you switch from the high-performance braided cord to the plain cord with the inline mic/remote. I did this and the calls sounded just fine, I was able to hear the caller just fine, and they said I sounded no different than a normal call. I personally would not bother switching cords for three reasons. First, I do not like taking calls with headphones or IEMs. Second, I would prefer to have the richer sound that the braided cord offers. And third, I would be afraid that repeated changing of the cord would damage the connectors. Not sure if that would happen, but I wouldn’t want to take the chance. But it is nice to know that if you want to take calls you can.
Price/Value
You can preorder the Massdrop x NuForce IEMs for $59.99 USD. I triple checked that price, and it’s correct. $59.99 USD! In my opinion, that is an incredible deal considering the quality of the product and the amazing sound that it puts out.
Wrap Up
If you are looking for a set of in-ear monitors for everyday carry, then you should make sure you check out the Massdrop x NuForce EDC. They offer great sound and comfort at an excellent price.
We were sent a sample of the Massdrop x NuForce EDC for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on June 15, 2017.
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