Westone Audio’s legacy goes back long before they started making IEMs. Through acquisition of their Westone Audio business in 2020, Westone Audio obtained a brand legacy that has more than 55 years of experience delivering premium universal and custom-fit solutions for a variety of critical listening applications.
Through the work of our predecessor, Westone Laboratories and their legendary Senior Design Engineer, Karl Cartwright, the first ever design and manufacture of a balanced-armature-driver in-ear monitor was born. This technology continues to live in Westone Audio products today.
The Perfect Choice for Working Performers
The Westone Audio ProX Series incorporates all the innovations and expertise that Westone Audio has developed in over half a century of successful product design. For instance, their proprietary ergonomic technology provides a compact, low-profile, comfortable ergonomic design you can comfortably wear for hours at a time. The Westone Audio sound signature has become a staple in the monitoring world, providing deep, lush low-end frequency response, as well as warm, defined mids and highs. Like all great Westone Audio IEMs, ProX Series models come with a full set of proprietary silicone and foam eartips in five sizes so you can get the best possible fit and superior acoustic isolation.
Custom-fit IEMs for Monitoring and Precision Mixing
Made in the USA and meticulously built by a staff of dedicated artisans and lab techs, Westone Audio’s Elite Series in-ear monitors demonstrate the kind of attention to detail you only get from talented handcraftsmanship. Flex Canal and Dual Bore Technology along with Westone Audio's proprietary ergonomic technology are only a few of the reasons that the Elite Series in-ear monitors are in a class of their own. Designed for onstage use as well as high-end listening and mastering, the Elite Series is perfect for any musician or engineer looking for a custom fit that can be worn comfortably for hours.
Professional Choice for Live Monitoring
Historically, musicians had to choose to enjoy either a dedicated in-ear monitor mix or an ambient experience. Combined with the incredible audio clarity, frequency response, and power that Westone Audio in-ear monitors can provide, the Elite Ambient Series (EAS) lets you hear yourself, your fellow performers, and the audience clearly all at the same time! With Westone Audio’s proprietary technology locking in the low-range frequency, your mix is heard exactly as you intended. Let the world in, and set the stage for the best performance of your life.
History of Westone Laboratories, the Former Owner of Westone Audio
1985 — Westone Audio introduces the first custom-fit earpiece for Walkman-style earbuds, the Style #26.
1990–1991 — Westone Audio starts working with Rush and Def Leppard and becomes the first to use balanced-armature drivers in custom-fit in-ear musicians’ monitors.
1995–1996 — Westone Audio collaborates with Jerry Harvey to design and produce Ultimate Ears by Westone Audio. Westone Audio introduces the first custom dual-driver in-ear musicians’ monitor, the UE5.
1997–1999 — Westone Audio designs the first balanced-armature-driver universal-fit monitor for Shure, the E1. Westone Audio designs the first ambient monitors for Metallica; and created the first universal-fit dual-driver musicians’ monitor for Shure, the E5.
2002 — Westone Audio introduces their own product line, including Universal-fit (UM1 and UM2) and Custom-fit (ES2 and ES3) earphones.
2008 — Weston Audio refines and ergonomically redesigns the LM1 and introduced the first 3-way earphones designed for personal listening.
2009–2011 — Westone Audio introduces a new suite of Universal-fit (UM3) and Custom-fit (ES3X and ES5) products.
2012–2013 — Westone Audio introduces the Online Customizer and redesigned product line, featuring new cables, colors, and materials to W, LM, ES, CR, and AC lines.
2014–2015 — Westone Audio introduces line extensions to the W Series and Elite Series, including the W60, ES50, and ES60.
2016 — Westone Audio introduces new products, including Wireless aptX-powered MMCX Bluetooth cable, the first universal-fit passive ambient monitor (AM Pro Series), and the first 8-driver in-ear monitor (W80).
2017 — Westone Audio defines and improves Universal-fit UM Pro and UM1 and introduces Wx with Bluetooth cable, EAS Elite Passive Ambient Series, and ES80 Elite Series 8-driver IEM.
2020 — Were acquired by Lucid Audio, LLC
Westone Audio
Since acquisition of the Westone Audio business from Westone Laboratories, Westone Audio has continued the following new products:
2021 — Introduced the PRO-X to replace the UM Pro
2022 — Introduced the MACH Series, which is the closest replication of the sonic experience of the Elite Series custom in-ear monitor in a universal monitor