General FAQs

 What is a driver?

A driver is simply a small speaker. Westone uses balanced armature drivers for our in-ear musicians' monitors. The terms driver and speaker are interchangeable.

What is the difference between a "dual driver" and a "single driver" monitor?

Single driver models like Westone's UM1 and ES1 have one driver/speaker in each earpiece. This one driver/speaker reproduces the full range of frequencies.

With a dual driver design like Westone's UM2 or ES2, a crossover that is built into each monitor splits the incoming signal. The crossover splits the frequencies so that each driver receives only those frequencies it is designed to reproduce. This allows each driver to be specifically selected for the best performance in a specific frequency range.

Most listeners who experience our single driver units are surprised at how great they sound… and truly amazed by our dual driver units.

How can I tell the difference between the models?

We've tried to make it as easy as possible. In each series the number at the end represents how many drivers are used in that model. For example:
UM1 = 1 driver
ES2 = 2 drivers

If you have a universal fit product the shape can help as well. Currently the UM2 has a more round shape to it while the UM1 has a slightly rectangle shape to it. You also be able to see the drivers in the clear shells.

If you have a custom fit product look at the serial number, the first three alpha-numerics state the model. For example:
ES34567 = ES3

Which Monitor is best for me?

The ES1 is our entry-level monitor. It is good for vocalists or brass players due to its flat mid range sound. Single drivers are not recommended for instruments that require lower frequencies like bass and drums.

The ES2 is the flagship. It will handle just about anything you throw at it. The ES2 is great for drummers, percussionists or bassists. The full lows and warm mids and clear highs will deliver the frequency response most need. The ES2 is also great for personal listening.

The ES3 was designed with vocalists and guitarists in mind. The ES3 has a bump in the mid range that helps bring the vocals and the guitar to the front of your mix. Guitarists love it for the tone and warmth it provides. Vocalists love it for helping them with their pitch and reducing vocal fatigue.

How do in-ear musicians' monitors protect your hearing?

All of Westone's monitors are designed to reduce ambient sound. While no hearing protection product can eliminate all sound, Westone Music Products in-ear musicians' monitors are designed to reduce ambient sound by 20 to 25dB. This means stage noise, from the guitarist's blaring amp to the pounding of the drums, can now be significantly reduced. The benefit to you, the musician, is that you can now have more control over the volume at which you hear your own performance.

It is generally acknowledged in hearing care circles that the average person can be exposed to about 85dB for eight hours per day with little or no risk to their hearing. Your safe exposure time is cut in half for every 5dB increase in volume. If the volume goes up to 90dB, the safe exposure time is four hours. At 95dB, it is two hours. Some bands can be well in excess of 105 or even 110dB. This means that safe exposure time is now counted in minutes instead of hours -- 105dB is 30 minutes, while 110dB reduces safe exposure time down to 15 minutes.

In-ear musicians' monitors allow you to reduce ambient sound so that you can increase your safe exposure time.