Etymotic Research ER2SE Studio Edition In-Ear Monitor

The ER2SE 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 frequency response of the ER2SE will appeal to sound professionals and audiophiles alike. The ER2SE 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 ER2SE 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 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.

Key Features

• Studio-Flat Frequency Response: Accurate 20 Hz to 16 kHz reproduction tuned to Etymotic's proprietary target curve for perceptibly flat response at the eardrum
• Exceptional Noise Isolation: Provides 35-42 dB passive attenuation (35dB with silicone tips, 42dB with foam tips) for detailed listening in any environment
• Single Dynamic Driver Design: High-performance moving coil driver delivers accurate sound without crossover complexity
• CNC-Machined Aluminum Construction: Precision-engineered anodized aluminum shells with tight tolerances ensure durability and consistent acoustic properties
• Low Impedance for Easy Driving: 15-ohm impedance at 1kHz enables direct connection to phones, tablets and portable devices without requiring amplification
• Detachable MMCX Cable: User-replaceable 4-foot cable with 3.5mm gold-plated stereo plug and secure MMCX connectors
• User-Replaceable Filters: ACCU-Filters protect drivers from earwax with easy replacement capability
• Comprehensive Ear Tip Selection: Includes 4 dual-flange silicone pairs (S, M, L, XL), 2 triple-flange pairs (Standard, Large), and 2 foam pairs for optimal fit
• Custom-Fit Option Available: Can be converted to custom-molded in-ear monitors through authorized providers

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 16 kHz
• Transducer Type: High-performance moving coil dynamic driver
• Noise Isolation: 35 dB (silicone ear tips), 42 dB (foam ear tips)
• Impedance: 15 Ohms @ 1kHz
• Sensitivity: 96 dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
• Maximum Output SPL: 120 dB
• Cable Type: Detachable with MMCX connectors
• Cable Length: 4 feet (1.2m)
• Connector: 3.5mm gold-plated stereo plug
• User-Replaceable Filters: Yes (ACCU-Filters)
• Shell Material: Anodized aluminum, CNC-machined
• Warranty: 2 years
• Custom-Fit Option: Available

Package Contents

• In-Ear Monitors: Etymotic ER2SE earphones with attached cable
• Detachable Cable: 4 ft. cable with 3.5mm gold-plated stereo plug and MMCX connectors
• Silicone Ear Tips: 4 dual-flange pairs (S, M, L, XL) and 2 triple-flange pairs (Standard, Large)
• Foam Ear Tips: 2 foam pairs (Standard)
• Replacement Filters: Filter removal tool and replacement ACCU-Filters
• Accessories: Shirt clip for cable management
• Storage Case: Zippered carrying case