UE 18+ Sound Signature Deep Dive

Every UE sound signature is tuned to fit different genres and listening scenarios, but you’re probably wondering which one is the perfect option for you. If you’re looking for high-fidelity audio with a lot of dynamic range, UE 18+ is worth considering. This sound signature is known for its crystal clear sound and incredible accuracy. In this article, we’ll give you a better understanding of what makes UE 18+ a great option and explain what goes into handcrafting the perfect fit.

For over 25 years, Ultimate Ears has been trusted on stages all over the globe. In 1995, we developed in-ear monitors for drummer Alex Van Halen to protect his hearing and improve his performance. Today, we handcraft our UE 18+ earphones and IEMs with the same innovative spirit and have delivered over 100,000 IEMs and earphones to date. The UE 18+ sound signature gives performers and audio engineers the clarity and detail they need to sound great. While it’s great for music professionals, UE 18+ is favored by audiophiles who want to hear every element of their favorite music.  

UE 18+ Pro has six balanced armatures and four passive crossovers for reproducing the dynamic range of your mixes up to 40kHz. Hear all the details in your music, from the quietest verses to the loudest choruses. UE 18+ combines world-class clarity and detail with increased volume and headroom. “With the headroom you get [from UE 18], turning the volume up to forty percent is like screaming in your head—without distortion,” says Service Manager John Talley. When listening through UE 18+ everything is exceptionally balanced. But what gives UE 18+ this incredible sound? The dual low armatures are matched by dual high armatures, resulting in an even sound across all frequencies. UE 18+ reproduces music the way artists meant for it to be heard. For musicians, this perspective is valuable when mixing and producing music. If you’re a listener, you’ll appreciate the high level of detail you’ll hear in every genre from pop to classical. 

When you’re on stage or listening to music in a loud space, background noise can kill the vibe. All UE sound signatures provide up to -26dB of passive noise isolation. This means you can stay focused on your music and block out the world around you. The UE 18+ uses passive noise isolation to block noise rather than active noise cancellation, or ANC. But what’s the difference between passive noise isolation and ANC? To put it simply, passive noise isolation doesn’t cause ear-fatigue by distorting sound like ANC does. Instead, passive noise isolation blocks sound naturally using the form-fitting seal of your in-ears. But what happens when there is too much isolation? Vocalists typically prefer to hear the ambiance of the room to stay connected to the crowd, and if you’re out-and-about you might not want to be so cut-off from the outside world. With this in mind, we offer an ambient port option for the PRO version of UE 18+. The ambient port is a small hole in the faceplate of the earpiece that can be opened or closed. When left open, you’ll be able to hear a modest level of ambiance in addition to your in-ear mix. Closing the port provides the standard -26dB of noise isolation.

A wired SuperBax cable is great for extra durability, while the Bluetooth cable offers convenience off the stage. The good news is that you aren’t restricted to either cable type. The UE 18+ can use the SuperBax cable or the Bluetooth cable. This gives you a versatile listening experience whether you’re on stage or at home. The SuperBax gives you the lowest latency and highest quality audio, while the Bluetooth gives you wireless freedom. The Bluetooth cable is meant for listening only and shouldn't be used for performing. Remember, you don’t need to be a musician to benefit from using the SuperBax cable!