This video reviews the ASI Audio 3DME in-ear monitor (IEM) system, a product designed to solve the common problem of stage isolation for musicians. Its key feature is a pair of embedded ambient microphones in the earpieces, allowing the user to blend their monitor mix with the surrounding environment. Control is managed via a dedicated bodypack and a mobile app. The app provides features like a 7-band EQ, a limiter, and independent control over the left and right channels. The reviewer tests the system at live shows and reports a significantly improved experience, citing the ability to interact with bandmates and hear the audience without sacrificing the clarity of the monitor mix. The primary potential drawback is the necessity of wearing a second bodypack in addition to a standard wireless IEM receiver, though the reviewer dismisses this as a non-issue. The system receives a strong, unqualified endorsement.
The ASI Audio 3DME System: A Review
0:11 Core Concept: The ASI Audio 3DME is an in-ear monitor system with built-in ambient microphones. This allows a performer to hear their surroundings (audience, bandmates) and control the volume of that ambient sound, reducing the feeling of isolation common with traditional IEMs.
2:48 Two-Bodypack Setup: The system requires its own bodypack controller, which is fed by the user's primary wireless IEM receiver. This means wearing two packs. The reviewer anticipated this would be an issue but found it was not a problem in practice.
4:26 App-Based Control: A mobile app connects to the bodypack and provides advanced control. Key features include:
Adjusting the ambient microphone level.
A 7-band graphic equalizer.
A configurable limiter for hearing protection.
Independent control over the left and right earpieces for both level and EQ.
An earbud seal test to ensure proper fit.
5:12 Physical Control Modes: The physical up/down buttons on the bodypack can operate in two modes: "Step mode" incrementally adjusts the ambient level, while "Set mode" toggles between two user-defined presets.
7:48 Specifications and Price: The system has a 20Hz-20kHz frequency response and an 8-hour battery life. The price is $799 for the universal-fit dual-driver version. Custom-molded versions with dual or quad drivers are available for $2000 and $2500, respectively.
8:53 Live Performance Experience: The reviewer used the system at multiple gigs and reports a transformative experience. He could clearly hear audience reactions and communicate with his singer on stage without removing an earpiece, leading to a more connected and engaging performance.
12:13 Third-Party Reactions: The video shows several other musicians trying the system for the first time. Their reactions are uniformly surprised and positive, validating the reviewer's experience. As far as I can tell, the effect is immediately noticeable.
14:34 Broad Appeal: The reviewer, a strong proponent of IEMs, notes that another reviewer who dislikes IEMs (Pete Thorne) also gave the 3DME a positive review. This suggests the product has broad appeal for musicians on both sides of the IEM debate.