Announced in International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (IBC2018) held from 13 to 17 of September 2018 in Amsterdam. The IE 40 PRO is the entry model of a new series of professional in-ear monitors from Sennheiser. IE 400 PRO and top-of-the-line IE 500 PRO are expected to be added to the series later in 2019.
Design and Build
Equipped with the company’s latest 10mm broadband dynamic driver, the IE 40 PRO is a pair of single driver configuration In-Ear Monitors (IEMs). According to the company, the new driver delivers powerful, accurate, and most importantly, extremely low distortion at just 0.1% @ 1kHz, 94dB. Neodymium magnets are utilized to add “punch”, with peak sound pressure level stated as up to 115 dB.
Encased in a plastic shell, the Sennheiser IE 40 PRO has a compact and minimalistic design and is available in colour options of Clear and Black. Like all other entry model offerings from Sennheiser, the IEMs are well-built and light-weighted which is critical for prolonged wearing.
Equipped with a detachable cable sporting patent-pending cable ducting designed to reduce the risk of cable breaks as well as patent-pending proprietary connectors designed to detach if the cable gets entangled with something, preventing any damage to the IEMs. The IE 40 PRO offers an ergonomic fit that is extremely secure and comfortable that you would barely notice that it is there.
The proprietary connectors however also ensure that you will not be able to use the IE 40 PRO with existing detachable cables.
Included in the box are a choice of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) and a special ear tip made from memory foam that expands to fit the ear canal. Design wise, it is interesting to note that the IEMs’ nozzle has two rest positions where one could attach the ear tip. This ensures better sealing as the length of the human ear canal varies, often resulting in a better fit to achieve a reduction of ambient sound by up to 26dB. I personally prefer the memory foam ear tips with the IE 40 PRO. Also included in the box is a soft pouch, cleaning tool as well as the quick guide and the safety guide.
Part 1: Introduction, Design and Build
Part 2: Sound Quality
Part 3: Product Specifications
Part 4: Review Ratings, Summary
