ESR MKII (Custom)

With the Utmost Clarity Every decision made in the recording, mixing and mastering process relies on the truth and that’s explicitly what the Empire Studio Reference (ESR) MKII delivers; Pure, neutral and unadulterated sound reproduction with unrivaled detail retrieval. The ESR MKII is the next generation of the ESR and is consequently the best studio reference in-ear monitor we’ve ever crafted. The ESR MKII features an upgraded 5 driver hybrid configuration, consisting of triple balanced armatures and dual electrostatics, alongside a completely reengineered 4-way synX crossover network driven by EIVEC and ARC technology to effortlessly reproduce the sonic transparency and critical details needed for monitoring, mixing and mastering. The ESR MKII is Empire’s flattest in-ear monitor and it delivers true-to-recording dynamics, ultra-fast transient response and wide dispersion to meet the needs of music, cinema and broadcast production. AVAILABLE ONLY FROM OUR DEALER NETWORK [[SECTION]] Estimated Build Time Build time is currently 4-6 weeks from the date we receive your ear impressions. For your custom IEMs, it is very important to get ear impressions that are correctly made so that we can create the perfect fit. Read More About It Here. If you send us molds that are not up to our standards, it may necessitate a refit and could subject you to additional fees. [[SECTION]] JUMP TO: Technical Specifications | Alpha IV | synX Crossover Technology | Flagship Hybrid | Anti-Resonance Compound [[SECTION]] Our Founder's Vision When creating the ESR MKII, I wanted to craft something that would set a new standard for transparency and precision in monitoring. It's not just about hearing music clearly—it's about feeling every subtle detail and nuance, experiencing sound exactly as the artist envisioned. The ESR MKII embodies our relentless pursuit of acoustic perfection, ensuring artists and audiophiles alike can trust every note they hear. Throughout the development process, we worked hand-in-hand with recording engineers and studio professionals to refine every aspect of the ESR MKII. Their critical feedback was invaluable in tuning an in-ear monitor that faithfully represents their meticulous work. This close collaboration has resulted in a product that delivers uncompromising accuracy, empowering engineers to trust their ears and achieve sonic excellence. --Dean Vang, Founder & Chief Engineer [[SECTION]] Technical Specifications 5 Proprietary Drivers, Hybrid Design 3 Proprietary Balanced Drivers - 1 Low, 1 Mid, 1 High 2 Premium Electrostatic Drivers - 1 High, 1 Super-High 4-Way synX Crossover Network EIVEC - Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control Technology A.R.C. Resonance Mitigation Technology Impedance: 3.9 Ohms @ 1kHz Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz Sensitivity: 111dB @ 1kHz, 1mW Bespoke Alpha IV UPOCC Copper Litz Cable [[SECTION]] Reviewer's Notes “It’s one of the best tunings I’ve come across. And the price? Well, it’s not crazy expensive money in today’s IEM market, so I think it actually has great value. As a result, I recommend the Empire Ears ESR MKII as a great reference monitor. If you’re looking for a true-sounding IEM and had enough of the V-Shaped, fun-oriented gear, this might be your best bet at this point.” Berkhan - Headfonia.comRead The Review [[SECTION]] A Studio Reference Hybrid Equipped with two of the industry’s most advanced driver technologies, the ESR MKII is truly a standout IEM with an uncompromising performance ethos focused on delivering only the most exceptional accurate monitoring experience. BA Drivers ESR MKII comes equipped with 3 proprietary balanced armature drivers divided across 3 separate frequency bands for maximum coherence and resolution. Precision Balanced Armature Drivers Low, Mid, High Dual Electrostatic Drivers High, Ultra-High EST Drivers ESR MKII masterfully manipulates dual electrostatic drivers in unison with our proprietary EIVEC technology to reproduce a remarkable 10Hz-100kHz frequency range. The ultralight moving membrane within ESR MKII’s electrostatic drivers give the most accurate transient response, resulting in unparalleled clarity, separation and detail. [[SECTION]] synX Crossover Technology Legendary Crossover Network Genetically dissimilar from the rest of the IEM world, our synX crossover network truly stands out with countless bespoke methods and technologies protecting it as a unique masterpiece. A marriage of 3 different driver technologies become symphonized by a unique, proprietary 6-way synX crossover network designed to maximize performance from each and every driver. Click HERE to learn more about synX. Ultra-Wide Frequency Bandwidth: The Bravado MKII produces a super-wide frequency range, offering listeners unparalleled sound quality and details that best even the most high-end headphones on the market. Best Signal-to-Noise: Cleanest signal path with handpicked resistors, electrolytic capacitors, and filters for an exceptionally low noise floor. Low Distortion: Every nuance in your mix is reproduced faithfully without audible artifacts. Maximum Signal Transfer: Individually wired and insulated with 7-strand UPOCC Litz wires soldered with ultra pure silver and gold Mundorf Supreme for maximum signal transfer. [[SECTION]] E I V E C Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control The lightning-quick electrostatic drivers accommodate ESR MKII's wide frequency range while remaining balanced and compact. A single bespoke transformer unites the dual electrostats via our proprietary EIVEC technology to all components while eliminating any signs of phase incoherence and distortion. Click HERE to read more about EIVEC. [[SECTION]] A.R.C. Technology ARC (Anti-Resonance Compound) is a proprietary conformal coating that virtually eliminates unwanted vibrations and resonance within IEMs. ARC increases mass on drivers, crossover, and sound tubes for a darker background, tighter transients, and minimal structural coloration—letting the music’s true character shine. [[SECTION]] Alpha IV At Empire Ears we believe that an extraordinary IEM requires an extraordinary cable. We're proud to introduce Alpha-IV (A4); a premium handcrafted 4 core cable comprised of a proprietary 26AWG UPOCC Litz Copper with multi-size stranding. The advantage of multi-sized stranded design within the same encapsulations enables A4 to achieve distinct highs and details due to the signal transmission speed in thinner cable strands, while the thicker size cable strands deliver smoother bass and mids. A4 features a durable, overmolded .78 2-pin connector offered with either a 3.5mm right angle or 2.5mm balanced termination and improves upon the previous cable design. 2.5 to 3.5mm and 4.4mm Empire adapters are available HERE. The ESR MKII features a premium Brushed Silver aluminum faceplate for a sleek, professional design suitable for any environment. [[SECTION]] What's In The Box Included at no additional charge with each order. In Ear Monitor Empire Pandora Case Empire Cleaning Cloth Empire Cleaning Tool Final Audio Type E Tips - SS, S, M, L, LL [[SECTION]] Proudly Handcrafted In The USA Empire Ears has long prided itself for home-grown craftsmanship, with artisans donning lab coats and honing years of OEM factory experience before being entrusted to handle the Empire lineage. While several of our competitors have taken their manufacturing overseas or have turned to automation we’ve remained true to our handcrafted, made-in-USA roots to not only provide jobs to our local community but to ensure that quality is never compromised. Every Empire Ears in-ear monitor is proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in Norcross, Georgia USA.