$209.99
ER3SE (Studio Edition) is Etymotic’s high-sensitivity in-ear monitor, ideal for portable use. The high sensitivity and low impedance of the ER3SE means it can be driven by any portable audio player, or directly from your phone or laptop. The ER3SE offers professional grade sound reproduction at an affordable price.
ER3SE is the highest-sensitivity single driver in-ear monitor. The IEM shells are made of anodized aluminum, CNC machined with extremely tight tolerances. Using a single Balanced Armature (BA) driver allows for extremely accurate IEM without the added complexity of crossovers, and helps keep the aluminum body small and slim. Included is a user-replaceable cable. Etymotic IEMs are world renowned for their class-leading passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation (depending on eartips used and the depth of insertion). For comparison, most custom IEMs provide approx. 25-28dB attenuation and foam ear plugs attenuate up to 32 dB. The ER3SE is ideal for sound engineers, audiophiles, and consumers on a budget, who are looking for in-ear monitors that are easy to drive while offering accurate audio reproduction.
Which ER3 is right for you?
Both ER3 models, the ER3SE and ER3XR, use the same high-sensitivity low-impedance Balanced Armature (BA) drivers. That means no amplifier is required to drive the ER3 IEMs properly. The only difference between the 2 models is the tuning of the lower (bass) frequencies. The “Studio Edition” ER3SE is tuned to have a flat frequency response. The “eXtended Response” ER3XR is tuned to be high energy with 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 ER3SE. ER3SE is a great choice for audio creators and musicians on a budget, who require a precise and neutral sound reproduction. ER3SE is also the IEM of choice for prosumers who prefer to listen to their music exactly the way it was recorded. ER3XR 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 ER3XR to 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.
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J Wilson (verified owner) –
Excellent earphones
I purchased the ER3SE as a replacement for a pair of Etymotic HF5 and highly recommend them. Midrange definition has been improved, and they retain the bright sound of the HF5s. I chose the SE above the XR model as, for my listening (aotearoa dub, reggae), the SE was balanced whereas the XR seemed somehow exaggerated.
My experience with all Etymotic earphones I have owned (ER6i, HF5, ER3SE) has been heavliy influenced by the choice and fit of the tips, and I would encourage spending time to experiment with differnet types, sizes, lengths and depth of insertion. When you find one that really fits your ears well (fat 2-flange ones in my case), it makes a huge difference to the bass resposne
Erik K (verified owner) –
Nice!
I work at a loud autocollision shop and these help a ton. The sound quality is good and they are comfortable enough where I can have them in all day without my ears hurting. I use them with my smartphone and word recommend getting the USB-C wire over an adapter.
michael starr (verified owner) –
review
Initial problems getting largest ear pieces to fit necessitated using foam tips which are comfortable but require repeated replacement. This initial issue was trumped by the better than expected sonic fidelity of the earphones at a very reasonable price.
Arthur Kaye (verified owner) –
Very good but HF5 sounded better
I bought these to replace a worn out pair of HF5 earphones. These seem to have a better build and replaceable cables will make a difference, but try as I might to enjoy the sound these put out, they are just a little less engaging than the HF5 earphones. I haven’t had them long enough yet to dissect the difference and my HF5s are dead, so I can’t easily do an a-b comparison. I would buy a pair of new HF5s if they were available, and I hope that after breaking these in, using them for awhile, they will either grow on me or will begin to sound nicer. I was disappointed when I saw that the case came with a limited selection of foam ear pieces.
Paul Kinsman (verified owner) –
I Keep coming back
I keep buying etymotic earphones- love how they sound, love the case and adaptable ear sizes. Sounds great and feels good too.
Jeff Luther (verified owner) –
First impression is great!
Using it for Soundgym ear training and was able to clearly hear the nuances in compression that I haven’t been able to hear with other headphones/earphones. If you’re looking for true flat response then these are for you.
Mark T (verified owner) –
Satisfied Etymotic user
I have been using Etymotic products for several years. Excellent isolation and sound quality. I was happy to buy my latest set of earphones at a special price.
Mr. AV (verified owner) –
DIfferent Sound from Original Pair
I’m not as happy with the ER3SE as my original pair (they were stolen!!) These sound very thin.
phil kastelic (verified owner) –
un matched clarity and noise cancellation
It is a beautiful cool day in Colorado. Concrete work is being done but the windows are open. The ER3SE’s are cancelling the cement truck noise, giving me the most clarity I have known with Miles Davis and the most sublime Beethoven Emperor Adagio movement with Alfred Brendel. There is detail here that is rich and rewarding.
Al (verified owner) –
I wrote to you and haven’t heard back! The cord has no volume control so I can’t control the volume
I wrote to you and haven’t heard back! The cord has no volume control so I can’t control the volume, skip songs or stop access to the device. This is critical as I use it while riding my motorcycle. I’ve been a customer for many years have purchase several earphones and Music Pro.
Al (verified owner) –
What happened to the controls?
I’ve been a customer for many years. This is my 4th. set of ETY high quality noise cancelling ear phones & Music Pros. When I got them I found the cord mounted controls were discontinued. I use them mostly when flying & motorcycling (by far the most). now I can’t control the volume pause or advance with access to my music source that’s tucked inside my jacket or on my belt. Ety offers no adapter and when I wrote to them they just ignored me. Looks like we’re parting ways after a decade+!