Empire Ears announced the closure of their business on February 27th, 2026. While you can no longer purchase Empire Ears, you can browse our collection of IEMs. The Empire Studio Reference - ESR - has invariably found its way into the hands of recording and mixing engineers the world over. Endorsed by professionals from every corner of the globe, the ESR was the detail-king of the Empire Ears line-up, and now the MKII version's inclusion of a dual EST array raises the bar even higher. Presenting with a much larger soundstage and absolutely ludicrous resolution, the ESR MKII's exceptionally linear sound signature gives the listener a pristine image of every element in the music - every detail is highlighted and positioned with extreme accuracy across the frequency spectrum. Delivering with a mathematical authority more reminiscent of a scientific instrument than a personal listening device, the ESR MKII has set a new standard for those seeking resolution and detail. The ESR MKII comes dressed to deliver surgical precision with its Brushed Silver faceplate. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 5 Drivers - 1 Low, 1 Mid, 1 High, 2 Ultra-High 4-way synX Crossover Network EIVEC A.R.C - Anti-Resonance Compound Alpha-IV Bespoke 26AWG UPOCC Copper Litz Cable 111 dB SPL @ 1kHz 10Hz - 100kHz Frequency Response 3.9 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedence Designer's Notes “If you need the whole truth and nothing but the truth, look no further than the ESR MKII. Designed to deliver the absolute bottom line in realistic representation, the ESR MKII is the true-to-source authority for the professional and the passionate alike. The class leading instrument separation and detail retrieval are driven by the dual electrostatic drivers and are delivered with such smoothness as to never fatigue the ear.How do you follow up one of the most renowned studio IEMs on the market? You present the same flat sound signature with an unrivaled realism, with a coherency and timbre that are second to none.” Jack VangVP of Empire Ears 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 a 3.5mm right angle. 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. Precision Balanced Armature Drivesr 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. 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.
