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Etymotic Research ER2XR Extended Response In-Ear Monitor

The ER2XR offers Etymotic’s renowned passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation. You will hear all the details in the music with lower volume levels that are safer for your hearing. The flat mids and highs, along with the emphasized bass of the ER2XR, will appeal to consumers and audiophiles who like a little more presence of bass.

The ER2XR shells are made of anodized aluminum, CNC machined with extremely tight tolerances. Using a single dynamic driver allows for a very accurate IEM without the added complexity of crossovers, and helps keep the aluminum body small and slim. Included is a user-replaceable cable.

The ER2XR is ideal for musicians, audiophiles, and consumers on a budget, who are looking for in-ear monitors that are easy to drive, and prefer the added warmth in the bass frequencies.

Which ER2 is right for you?
Both ER2 models, the ER2SE and ER2XR, use the same low-impedance dynamic drivers. That means they are easy to drive, and no amplifier is required. The only difference between the 2 models is the tuning of the lower (bass) frequencies. The “Studio Edition” ER2SE is tuned to have a flat frequency response. The “eXtended Response” ER2XR is tuned to have an emphasized bass, adding 1-2dB to the mid-bass and 3-4dB to the sub-bass. The rest of the frequencies are practically identical to the ER2SE.

ER2SE is a great choice for audio creators and musicians on a budget, who require a precise and neutral sound reproduction. ER2SE is also the IEM of choice for consumers who prefer to listen to their music exactly the way it was recorded.

ER2XR is favored by those who enjoy the extra bass presence and body when listening to their music. The extra bass is done tastefully without turning the ER2XR into a bass heavy IEM.

Frequency response graphs and Etymotic’s target:
Etymotic’s target frequency response graph represents a “perceptibly flat” frequency response. Our goal is to have a flat frequency response curve when the music notes hit your eardrums. To achieve that, we need to account for the resonance inside the average ear canal, since IEMs bypass the outer ear structure. The result is the need for higher SPL in the 2-5k region (lower treble) for compensating said resonance. That is the reason for the “hump” in that region.

The target curve that Etymotic is using for tuning our IEMs differs slightly from the Harmon preference curve. It was developed in-house more than 20 years ago, leveraging on our human hearing expertise and acoustics research.

Accurate Earphone Reproduction
When tuning in-ear monitors to accurately reproduce a recording of a live performance, our goal is for the sound hitting the eardrums to be identical to that at the original performance. To achieve this, the acoustic properties of the ear must be factored in. The acoustic resonance and horn effects of the ear change a flat audio signal entering the open ear into sound with a (2700 Hz) high-frequency boost, which is the same response heard at the eardrum in a typical ear. That is the reason for the “hump” in the frequency response graph, which assures the eardrums perceive a perfectly flat frequency response for all frequencies.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Response
20 Hz - 16 kHz
Transducers
High performance moving coil dynamic driver
Noise Isolation
35dB using silicone ear tips, 42dB using foam ear tips
Impedance
15 Ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity
96 dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Maximum Output (SPL)
120 dB
Cable
Detachable 4 ft cable with MMCX connectors
User Replaceable ACCU-Filters
Yes
Warranty
2 Years
Custom-Fit Option
Yes
What’s In the Box?
In Ear Monitors
Detachable 4 ft. cable with 3.5mm gold plated stereo plug
Assortment of eartips
4 Dual Flange Silicone Pairs
S, M, L, XL. 2 Triple Flange Pairs
Standard and Large. and 2 Foam Pairs
Standard
Filter removal tool and replacement filters to protect the BA drivers from ear wax
Shirt clip
Zippered storage case