New in-ear monitor headphones - Sennheiser IE 40 | 400 | 500 PRO in review

Sennheiser, based in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, is one of the most renowned manufacturers of sound transducers such as microphones and headphones. Who in the audio technology, musician or DJ scene does not know classics like the legendary Sennheiser HD-25 headphones?

With the "IE Pro" series, Sennheiser is now launching three new in-ear headphones. We put all three models to the test: the IE 40 Pro entry-level variant, the IE 400 Pro, which are aimed at the mid-range, and the flagship IE 500 Pro.

Features and scope of delivery

All come in a foam-padded cardboard box. The IE 40 Pro comes with a small plastic bag, while the two big brothers come in a padded case with a wrap-around core, zipper and 6.3 mm jack adapter.

All three headphones use newly developed dynamic full-range drivers, rather than the "balanced armature" technology that originated in hearing aid acoustics, as many other professional IEM headphones do. The two more expensive models each feature a 7-millimeter driver, while the IE 40 Pro installed in the IE measures ten millimeters.

Adapters made of silicone or so-called "memory foam" in three different sizes are included for fitting to the ear canal.

The headphones are available in either black (Smoky Black) or transparent (Clear). The cables are routed from the headphones over the ears in a reinforced but highly flexible plastic jacket to the back, where they can be folded and tightened. The IE 40 and 400 Pro are each equipped with a black cable, and the IE 500 Pro with a double-core transparent cable.

The cables are attached to the earphones via a fixed connector and can be easily replaced with spares without tools if necessary.

Differences in the frequency spectrum

All three models have the same external design and cable length (1.3 m). The ear canal adapters can be attached in two positions about two millimeters apart.

For our test, we used the medium-sized silicone piece, but anyone should be able to find a way to wear the headphones comfortably and firmly in the ear with the other two sizes or the "memory foam" version..

According to Sennheiser, the external noise attenuation is 26 dB, which is obviously not quite as much as fitted earmolds, but in testing on a noisy stage, there is enough shielding from backline and monitor wedges.

The earpieces are easy and comfortable to insert and can also be quickly removed from the ear. Even over a longer period of time, we could not feel any uncomfortable wearing sensation or pressing. At the same time, the IE Pro are a pleasantly tight fit.

According to the data sheet, the headphones achieve the following frequency spectrum

The impedance is 20 ohms (IE 40) and 10 ohms (IE 400 / 500). The maximum sound pressure level is specified as 115 or 123/126 dB SPL.

The THD distortion values are below 0.1 and 0.08 percent.

Sound image

The sound of all three models is convincing across the board.

Due to the perfect adaptation to the auditory canal, the bass sounds round and powerful without ever becoming spongy, the low mids pleasantly warm without roaring.

The upper mids are extremely transparent, not tiring even at higher volumes, and the highs sound nice and airy without excessive sharpness.

The sound is very even from very soft to extremely loud, and no distortion is noticeable even at high listening volumes.

The resolution is excellent, stereo imaging and depth gradation are very easy to localize, and the driver can easily handle dynamically demanding, fast transients. Overall, the sound can be described as balanced, nicely open and yet compact.

Vocals, guitars, keyboards, and horns will easily come through depending on the mix, but drummers and bassists will also enjoy Sennheiser's IE Pro series at high volumes.

Whichever model you choose, of course, it's also a question of budget.

Fazit

The new IE Pro series from Sennheiser convinces with excellent sound, ergonomic fit and high wearing comfort.

A slightly longer cable and a strain relief, as known from headsets, would be desirable, so that nothing moves or slips during fast head movements.

The price-performance ratio of the three models ranges from very good (IE 40 Pro) to cheap (IE 500 Pro).

Articles adaptés
Sennheiser IE 40 Pro
Sennheiser IE 40 Pro
95,00 € 99,00 €
Disponible à court terme
Sennheiser IE 400 Pro
Sennheiser IE 400 Pro
à partir de 346,00 € 399,00 €
Disponible à court terme
Sennheiser IE 500 Pro
Sennheiser IE 500 Pro
à partir de 579,00 € 599,00 €
Disponible à court terme