I recently reviewed InEar’s ProPhile 8 Reference IEM, which is a pure, professional reference tool. Today, I listen to the ProMission X, which InEar says is “not just for the Pros… but for those who want alien sound”. Given how precise and analytical the ProPhile is, just how fun can the ProMission get? Let’s find out, in the InEar ProMission X Review.
InEar ProMission X Review
Unboxing
Like the ProPhile, the ProMission comes in a plain black box adorned only with the purple InEar logo. Inside, we get a manual, the plain leather case, silicone tips from SpinFit (nice), foam tips from Comply (also nice), a 1/4″ adapter, and 2 sets of changeable earwax filters. Both packaging and accessories reflect the efficiency and professionalism of the company as a whole.
Design
Fitting the intergalactic theme, the ProMission abandons the all-black look in favor of a swirling, sparkly finish. The color is split between blue and purple to represent the sky during the day and night, with splashes of white throughout representing clouds and stars. It’s a welcome artistic flourish from such a pragmatic company.
Fit
The molded fit is light and comfortable, although I wish the ProMission had a ‘Small’ size option like the ProPhile does. Compared to some other IEMs, the ProMission felt on the larger side. But overall, still very comfortable and lightweight.
Sound
Unsurprisingly, the ProMission has a similar level of even-handedness as the ProPhile, but with a definite bias towards pleasure instead of reference. The result is sound profile that is as neutral and clear as it is fun to listen to.
The 10 balanced armatures (per side) lean towards the warmer side, with a strong but contained bass presence. Both the midrange and high-end are clear, uncolored and incredibly resolving. It’s as if InEar took all the precision of a reference IEM but made it a touch livelier. No frequency is boosted too strongly, and not a thing sounds out of place.
But what really impresses is the soundstage and sense of space. Music sounds deep and wide with vivid stereo imaging. Listening to the instrumental separation is like looking around a room.
Here’s a list of quick comparisons I did to give you a better impression of the sound signature:
(The ProMission X retails for $2499)
vs. Tia Trio ($2299)
The Tia Trio has a more engaging upper midrange, and more sub-bass than the ProMission X. However, the high-end borders on sibilant, and the excitement in the upper-mids comes at the cost of lower midrange balance. The Trio hones in on a select few frequencies and does them well, but the ProMission brings a more balanced package.
vs. Empire Ears Wraith ($3499)
The Wraith was louder and more intense, with a significant boost in the bass and vocal range. It has less high-end detail than the ProMission X, and a much narrower soundstage. By comparison, the ProMission feels gentler, more balanced and much wider.
vs. Campfire Solaris ($1499)
The Solaris is more intense than the ProMission, but more subtle than the Wraith. The high-end on the Solaris actually extends further than the ProMission, but the soundstage still doesn’t come close (though the Solaris is more spacious than the Wraith). Midrange balance is about even, but the ProMission still delivers more balance and clarity overall.
vs. Jomo Trinity ($2799)
The Jomo Trinity has the most bass and sub-bass by far out of all the contenders. However, it doesn’t bring the same high-end detail as the ProMission, and the extra bass does slightly recess the midrange.
vs. AAW Canary ($1999)
The Canary from AAW was the only competitor I tried that I actually liked better than the ProMission. The sound profiles of the two are incredibly similar; both impeccably balanced. But the Canary has a slightly more musical (?) feel to it, probably due to the hybrid design that incorporates a dynamic driver, balanced armatures and electrostatic tweeters.
Note: (I also tried the Noble Khan, but thought it was so much worse than the ProMission X that I didn’t even bother listing it).
Conclusion
The ProMission X is an impeccable IEM. It combines the precision and imaging of a reference IEM with the engagement of a pleasure IEM. Returning to the ProMission X from my comparisons, I was again and again impressed by the balance, and especially the soundstage.
If you like your IEMs with a stronger personality, you might prefer one of the models listed above. If you like one or two frequencies boosted aggressively, you should go for something else. But the ProMission X offers a Zen-like balance that made it my favorite next to all of them (except the Canary). InEar has a great track record so far; I highly recommend you check these out.
Pros- Supremely balanced and engaging, great soundstage, works well with all genres.
Cons- Not as exciting/aggressive as some other options.
Get one at the best price at Audio46.
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