I want to say that the new Ultimate Ears 3D scanning procedure is “cool” or something, but after peering deep into my own ear canals and seeing what the audiologists have been seeing when they’ve taken the molds for the many, many in-ear monitors I currently have, all I can say is: “Sorry.” And, “ewww.” And, “I had no idea about the jungle in there.” The tech’s nervous chuckle and comment, “I know it’s weird, but I’m just into ears,” rang totally hollow. Just ewww.
But what I did learn, apart from the horror that is the inside of my skull, is that the process is fast, accurate, and entirely pink goop free. All of which is kinda nice, actually, and a much streamlined version of the process that I first experienced back at RMAF in 2014). The tech just has to “wave” a wand at (well, in and around) each ear for about a minute or three, et voilà, c’est finis. Your IEMs will be arrive shortly, Mr Bond.
I was at the UE booth getting fitted for a new set of Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered. These are an update to the legendary-on-Head-Fi Reference Monitor, aka, the UERM. The major difference? Well, aside from the new scanning procedure, the new UERR has a flatter apparent response curve, with greater extension. More than that will have to wait. In the meantime, check out Jude’s update from last fall.
As for me, I’m psyched. My UERMs have been my barometer since they arrived (just over 2 weeks after their fitting at RMAF), and an update that sounds more like “speakers in a real setting” sounds exactly like what the Doctor ordered.