UE 11 Pro

Rating: 8.3
Sound: 8.2

Intro
The UE 11 (4*BA) has been given similar sound reproduction tools as the 7 Pro (3*BA). This is especially noticeable in the upper mids and highs. But the big difference is the bass presentation, on which the 11 Pro clearly focuses and which results in a corresponding boost.

UE 11 Pro was provided by R + R SonicDesign.



Handling
>> Identical to all tested models of Ultimate Ears <<

The UE 11 Pro is basically a custom IEM, but can also be manufactured as a universal IEM. If you decide on the custom variant, you will receive an individually adapted in-ear based on a personal ear impression, which is also only "compatible" with your own ear canal.
With universal IEMs, there is no way around a silicone or foam attachment (which is of course included in the scope of delivery in this case), but this can influence the sound characteristics and the sound can be falsified both positively and negatively.
The scope of delivery consists of a cleaning tool for the sound tubes, a removable cable, which was especially developed for stage use and the IEM itself. All this is in a screwable, round and black metal case, or square folding case, where the respective name of the owner is engraved.

Ultimate Ears relies on a specially developed IPX connector in their products. This connector is not compatible with MMCX or other connectors. I personally find it better than the one I know so far. It's more compact, sits bombproof and is easier to detach than the MMCX. The tight closure of the two connections (male/female) prevents moisture or dust from entering the connection, which is very important for stage use.
The cable is available with or without ear-loop, clear or black, and with a length of 125 or 160cm. There is also a balanced version (4-pin 2.5mm mini-jack) and a Bluetooth cable incl. remote for telephoning and controlling the Smartphone / Player.

With a custom IEM you don't have to worry about the fit, comfort and isolation. No matter which acrobatic exercises you perform, the IEM will not move from the spot and will also isolate you almost completely from the outside world. If something does pinch, or an adjustment is necessary, you can have it done free of charge by the respective distributor, or directly by Ulitimate Ears.

The cleaning tool is not only practical, but also really necessary, because as with many universal IEMs by now, there is no protection (mostly by a metal grid) in the sound tube, so earwax and dirt can get into the in-ear more easily. For the careful user cleaning is certainly not a foreign word, but it should be mentioned nevertheless.

The design of the UE 11 Pro is individually left to each user. What remains the same is the transparent 3D-printed housing with a view of the inner workings, but with the faceplate you can let off steam to your heart's content and the ear side is individually made to ear impression anyway.



Sound
The 11 Pro is intended to serve as a tool for bass players, drummers and DJs who prefer a dry BA bass to the pressure of a dynamic driver (UE 6 Pro). Where my preferences lie should already be clear (DD).

Like the UE 7 Pro, the 11 Pro uses a BA bass, but with much higher output levels than the 7 Pro. Thus the neutral signature of the 7 Pro slides into a more bass-emphasized, warmer V-signature. This makes voices and the midrange appear noticeably duller and more in the background. But this to no great extent.
It doesn't sound as tight as before, but more bloated, although UE's BA basses are generally of the softer variety.
It has the better sub-presence and definitely the higher fun factor. But what I also clearly distinguish from the bass of the 6 Pro is not only the dynamics but also the missing, clearer separation to the mids.

Unfortunately, the mids are somewhat constricted by the bass and get too much warmth. Especially men's voices sound more distant and lack the natural timbre. But this is even more pronounced with UE Live. The 11 Pro is better able to control the sibilants than the 7 Pro and in general the 11 Pro is subjectively more relaxed in the upper range. Subjectively, because this is also favoured by the more dominant bass and the additional warmth and is therefore positively overshadowed. If you restrict yourself to a very vocal-heavy song, especially with female voices, you'll soon notice that our hearing plays a slight trick on us and the 11 Pro is not quite as relaxed, but all in all I can still underline this. After a small adaption from the brighter Pro 7, the 11 Pro, which seems a bit more pressed at the beginning, can open up, but a small feeling of tightness still remains in the middle, especially concerning the interaction of voices and electric guitars.

The highs convince me more and are on the same level as the 7 Pro. In the subjective perception a bit darker. The quality is extremely good. They also don't tend to get tired very quickly, and that with a similar presence as with UE 7. I find them more relaxed and natural, but details don't jump directly into the face in comparison. I would also call them a bit thinner compared to the 7 Pro.

Compared to most of the other models, I would describe the Pro 11 as most intimate in stage presentation, even if intimate is a very strong word here. That's simply because it's not so easy for me to separate everything cleanly anymore, especially when it gets a bit hectic and especially with rock music. The 11 Pro loses its strength of conviction, which I admired so much in the UE models. Please don't get me wrong, we are still in a very good range here, which is also reflected in the grading, but you have to be just as fair, also to other competitors outside the UE universe.



Outro
Well, as UE has indicated, the UE 11 Pro gives me a more dominant bass and therefore also the most powerful bass when it comes to the BA models. This provides a higher fun factor, but not more quality. I find this better on the 18+ Pro, or RR.
The 11 Pro has more or less the same target group as the 6 Pro, but with a similar quantity, the bass is more bloated and gives the signature too much warmth. The 6 pro also has slightly lower mids, but these have a better clarity and assertiveness. I would always go with the 6 pro, but if you like it a bit warmer and more voluminous in the bass, you might feel more at home with the 11 pro.
Compared to the 6 Pro, the UE 11 Pro needs less output level to play with confidence.

!!! The pictures do not show the original product, but are specially made universal demo receivers from Ulimate Ears !!

https://www.sonicdesign.ch/ue/de/

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This is my second UEpro purchase.  I started with the UERM as I was hoping for an Etymotic ER4S with bass sound signature.  Well, that wasn't found with the UERM.  The diffuse sound field signature of the ER4S is unique and I've accepted the fact that an ER4S sounds like, well, an ER4S.  Back to the UERM, I was very excited to receive it after waiting less than 2 weeks from the time my complimentary impressions were taken by the UE reps, courtesy of Mt. Hood Hearing of Portland, OR.  I paid the extra for custom art and the final product was nothing short of outstanding.  
 
Long story short, when I received the UERM, I was excited as a candy-deprived kid in a a candy store, but it wasn't the product I had hoped it to be.  The fit was perfect....but the sound signature was slightly different from the that of the universal I heard for only 20 minutes just weeks before.  So, I learned that there can be a degree of differences between universals and the custom made model. And like any purchase close to a grand, you try to convince yourself that it was money well spent with little to no compromises against buyer's remorse.  After a few months with the UERM, I was impressed with the imaging and details that the UERM is known for, but it lacked any musicality that's essential for long term, non-fatiguing listening experience.  I believe if one is searching for the perfect studio monitor sound, the UERMs are for you.  If one is looking for a stage monitor or loud speaker sound, look elsewhere.
 
Then came the UE11pro.  I have to hand it to UE pro with their direction of manufacturing.  Unlike most custom in-ear companies, UE digitizes the ear impressions as silicone impressions can deform and shrink over time.  Knowing that UE already had my perfect impressions on file was another reason why I returned to UEpro.  The folks at Mt. Hood Hearing hooked me up with a nice discount on the purchase of my UE11pro monitors.  Custom options are the only compromise with UE due to the digitized processing, but I always get clear shells and customized faceplates are the extent for me. Again, less than 2 weeks after my order was placed, I received my UE11pro with translucent royal blue faceplates.  
 
Since the fit on the UERM was perfect, so was the UE11pro. Its sound is the polarity opposite of the UERM.  Nothing is flat, cold, or analytical.  I have the UE11pro paired with my AK100, and contrary to the overblown belief of high output impedance (22 ohm) being bad, IMO, the sound is just sublime. The bass and mid regions sounds unaffected, but the treble sounds a little enhanced, which is a good thing for my ears.  I don't listen to bass heavy genres, but when there is bass, the UE11pro displays it in all its glory without mud, grain, or seepage in the upper frequencies.  The UE11pro sounds great with everything without fuss.
 
In the end, if I could do all over again, sure I would have gone with just the UE11pro and saved a lot of dough.  The major difference between the UERM and UE11pro, is that the former is to dissect music, the latter is to enjoy it.  However, my personal experience with Mt. Hood Hearing, UE pro, and the final product, I have no buyer's remorse.  Both are great products, and I'm very happy with my UE11pro. 
 
The only con I have with the UE11pro is its price.  There's no hiding the fact that it's one of the most expensive quad driver monitor on the market.  Similar products with enhanced low end can be found for hundreds less.  But price shouldn't be the only consideration when buying luxury level products - service, speed, consistency, stream-lined end to end process all has their qualitative value.
 
Thanks for reading.

this is a super high quality IEM, very comfortable and isolating, with sparkly and punchy sound that lends itself best to bass-intensive recordings - whether this means reggae or rock, church organ or rhythm&blues is up to you to decide. it's a little less dependent on amplification in my opinion than the UERM. you'll be surprised to listen to a piano, for instance, on this one: it acquires bigger stomp without being thrown off balance completely. really good also with some classical recordings of big orchestras. watch the volume control, this is a very dynamic IEM!