For close to four decades, Westone Audio has been at the forefront of in-ear audio innovation. Having developed balanced-armature drivers for their custom earpieces, Westone created the first custom stage monitors which were used in collaboration with some of the biggest artists at the time such as Rush and Def Leppard.
Designed for performing musicians, the Pro X30 has a soundstage that features powerful lows, articulate mid-range, and sparkling crystal-clear highs. With the performance, power, and output for any stage, from intimate venues to large arenas, the incredible sound of the Pro X30 will meet the demands of the most discerning musicians and music lovers alike. Westone Audio’s proprietary silicone and comfort foam ear tips are provided in five different sizes to ensure a superb fit and provide superior noise isolation. Ambient sound levels are reduced by an average of 25dB, making the Pro X30 the perfect choice for use on stage or in other noisy environments. The Pro X30 is ideal for singers and music lovers looking for a balanced sound signature.
Why IEM over traditional headphones?
If you’re a smart DJ, earplugs are a part of your DJ kit, as protecting your hearing is your number one priority. That being said, wearing earplugs under your headphones isn’t always the most comfortable experience. This is where IEMs come into play. Using earbuds kills two birds with one stone, giving you excellent isolation while also protecting your hearing. If you’re used to wearing a traditional set of headphones, making the switch can be a bit challenging, as we’re so used to taking them off and listening to the booth monitors. That’s where Westone’s StageSense comes into play.
StageSense Technology
Typically, performers have had to choose between a dedicated in-ear monitor mix or an ambient experience. Now, you can hear and feel the energy and input from the audience, fellow performers, and the stage, together with the superior audio clarity, frequency response, and punch that only a Westone Audio in-ear monitor can provide.
The passive StageSense filter system is built into the housings on all AM PRO X models. This provides linear attenuation, reducing external ambient noise by 10dB and providing the user with a clear sense of their environment without jeopardizing audio quality.
Uniquely Suited IEMs for DJs
The AM PRO X range redefines the DJ experience, offering precision, control, and unparalleled sound quality. With the unique StageSense technology, DJs can now immerse themselves in their music while staying connected to their audience and fellow performers, striking a perfect balance between their mix and the ambient atmosphere.
For DJs who crave both audio excellence and connectivity, this product is the ultimate tool, elevating their performances to new heights.
My Experience With The Pro X30
I’ll break this down into two parts. First, from a pure consumer standpoint, these are excellent earbuds. They are comfortable, sit in the ear well, and have a very large sound to them. Like, you can’t even crank them halfway in a normal setting. That’s extremely impressive as most earbuds just do not have that kind of power. The lows are deep and rich. Kick drums are punchy, and the mids are full. Sometimes the highs are a little too crispy for my taste, but it could also just be me being used to other headphones.
From a professional standpoint, I’ve used them in multiple gig settings. In loud warehouses and clubs, there’s definitely a break-in period. As I mentioned earlier, part of using standard cup headphones is taking one cup off to monitor the booth and your surroundings, but with IEMs generally, you leave them in. That in itself is a weird experience. You almost feel isolated from the crowd until you start to get used to them. I found it a bit challenging to get used to the mix levels right, as the booth monitors are loud and the headphones are loud but you can also hear the booth due to StageSense. Like I said, it takes some getting used to. From a purely mixing perspective, the punchiness of the kicks made things easier.
In less noisy environments, say smaller or corporate gigs, they are quite nice to use. In most of those situations, you don’t need to take your headphones off as much, as you’re more in the background anyways. I think I’ll be using these for any of those situations.
It’s also nice that they come with a very rugged case and a bunch of different tips to ensure you find the perfect fit for your ears.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m very impressed with Westone’s Pro X30 IEMs. I was a bit skeptical being so used to traditional headphones. Will I use these in my DJ sets? Sometimes, but I think these would be perfect for live performances, or situations where you wouldn’t want to frequently take them out. I do have one small grip which is that the cable is a bit short. I think it could benefit from an extra 6-12 inches, and maybe a bit thicker, as the included cable does feel a bit like a generic earbud cable from a cheap pair of headphones. Not that that’s a make-or-break, but just an observation.
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