ESR MKII (Universal)
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
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.com
Read The Review
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
Proprietary Technologies
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.
Brushed Silver - Keeping It Classy
The ESR MKII features a premium Brushed Silver aluminum faceplate for a sleek, professional design suitable for any environment.
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.
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.
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.
synX advantages
synX powered in-ear monitors have remarkably high stereo separation and smooth phase response, leading to more dynamic realistic imaging and staging for both live and studio use. synX features a myriad of other advantages including:
Ultra-Wide Frequency Bandwidth: The Bravado MKII produces a super-wide frequency range, offering listeners unparalleled sound quality and details that bests even the most high-end headphones on the market.
Best Signal-to-Noise: In order to ensure that all of the industry-leading sound quality is heard in your ears we’ve worked to create a unique combination of handpicked resistors, electrolytic capacitors, and filters in order to ensure the cleanest signal path possible while offering an exceptionally low noise floor.
Low Distortion: Extremely low distortion means that every nuance in your mix will be reproduced faithfully without audible artifacts.
Maximum Signal Transfer: Every driver and crossover is individually wired and insulated with 7-strand, UPOCC Litz wires to eliminate acoustic feedback and further soldered with highly conductive, ultra pure silver and gold Mundorf Supreme for maximum signal transfer.
E I V E C
Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control
The lightning-quick electrostatic drivers accommodates Bravado 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 of the other components while eliminating any signs of phase incoherence and distortion.
Click HERE to read more about EIVEC.
A.R.C. Technology
ARC (Anti-Resonance Compound) is a proprietary conformal coating that virtually eliminates unwanted vibrations and resonance from within IEMs. ARC effectively increases the mass of the components it’s applied to: every driver, crossover, and sound tube. This gives the internals more solidity while serving as a dampener to absorb the unwanted resonance instead of reflecting them out of phase. With A.R.C. clarity is increased substantially, bass is deeper, and the IEM becomes more efficient.
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
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.
