ESI Audiotechnik - eXtra 10

With the eXtra 10, ESI Audiotechnik offers a hybrid approach to monitoring, combining studio headphones with an acoustic modelling software solution. The aim is clear: to enable musicians, producers and sound engineers to work on their mixes using headphones with a level of reliability close to that of a monitoring loudspeaker system, even when access to a control room is not possible.

The headphones are based on a semi-enclosed design, designed to offer a good balance between isolation and perception of space. The 50mm transducers with neodymium magnets ensure a wide reproduction, with good legibility across the entire spectrum, from low to high frequencies. This hardware base is the starting point for the calibration work carried out with the dSONIQ Realphones ESI Edition software, specifically adjusted to the physical characteristics of the eXtra 10.

The included software can be used to simulate listening in different control environments, by recreating the acoustic response of a studio control room directly in the headphones. Realphones can be used as a plug-in for a DAW or as a stand-alone application, making it easy to check balance, stereo and dynamics without having to set up multiple listening systems. Presets can also be used to simulate alternative listening systems, such as hi-fi speakers or portable devices, to check the translation of a mix to different media.

In terms of comfort, the eXtra 10 has been designed for extended sessions. Its low weight, self-adjusting headband and insulated earpads make it a pleasure to use over time, whether for mixing, editing or critical listening. The long cable and jack adaptor supplied make it easy to integrate into a conventional studio setup.