Unique Melody 3DD-Ti
First on the list is Unique Melody's revision of their classic 3DD - now consisting of titanium elements to complement the IEM's three dynamic drivers.
The 3DD-Ti has an energetic, dynamic, w-shaped presentation. Its stage is decently expanded, but certainly within the confines of the head. The stage is constantly full, but notes sound clean nonetheless as a result of a withdrawn lower-midrange. Imaging and separation are fine, but note size and intimacy certainly take precedence. It’s an up-close-and-personal,
rock out! presentation that’ll serve genres like EDM pretty well. its tonal balance leads toward neutral-warm, with peaks along the lower- and upper-treble adding sparkle and clarity.
Bass impact is rather strong, but isn’t too physical and/or guttural. So, punches are sufficiently felt, but don’t fill the stage. Decay is a touch slow, but the recessed lower-midrange maintains definition for the most part. Sub- and mid-bass are relatively balanced, with rumble to complement each passing punch. But, it’s a darker low-end with minimal melody and clarity. Impact and fun is certainly prioritised over texture, layering and detail retrieval.
The midrange is where I take issue with the 3DD-Ti. It has a strange timbre that sounds like an overtly elevated 1-4kHz range and a 5kHz dip. Vocals sound very chesty, with little headroom or air. Delivery sounds throaty with little articulation or resonance from the mouth; almost as if the mic was placed on the singer's neck, then EQ'ed to sound clear. Clarity and layering is fine because of the 3DD’s treble peaks, but resolution is severely bottlenecked by the strange tuning. There’s a lack of coherence, structure and roundedness to vocals and instruments alike, and it’s certainly the 3DD’s weakest aspect.
The treble contains peaks along 7 and 10kHz. Cymbals and snare drums sound energetic and punchy. Tone is pretty squarely neutral, but it’s a treble that remains mostly smooth, whilst being airy and open as well. Extension is okay, with stage stability and background blackness wavering with busier tracks. But, it still delivers on dynamic contrast. Rock songs sound properly impactful and fun, even if they’re left sounding a touch full. Like the midrange, it’s a treble that requires more coherence and linearity, but it remains relatively problem-free.
At its price, the 3DD-Ti isn’t something I’d wholeheartedly recommend, considering the options available throughout the market. But those looking for an EDM-ready IEM with great energy and decent comfort and fit shouldn’t rule out the 3DD-Ti as a possible option to try.
