Westone UM Pro 50 Professional In Ear Musicians Monitor Review

Let’s face it, not all professional musicians have rock-star status. Those that don't are still very talented and provide great entertainment. They just don’t have the deep pockets as the rock stars, but still need professional quality equipment to do their job. To answer that call, Westone has the Um Pro series. They are a universal fit designed for the professional musician. And the Westone Um Pro 50 features a 5 balanced Armature design.

Features and specs:

·         FIVE BALANCED-ARMATURE DRIVERS WITH THREE-WAY CROSSOVER: The UM Pro 50 features five proprietary balanced-armature drivers with a 3-way passive crossover, and is the flagship In Westone’s line of Universal-Fit In-Ear Musicians’ Monitors. Thunderous low’s, combine with a rich, detailed mid-range, and shimmering articulate highs, in a balanced and harmonious presentation that meets the demands of the biggest names in the music industry, and of the most discerning music lover.

·         THE MOST COMPACT, LOW PROFILE, ERGONOMIC DESIGN IN THE WORLD: Designed and built to perform in the most demanding environments, the compact, low-profile, ergonomic design of the UM Pro 50 is incredibly comfortable, and can be worn for hours and hours. Westone’s silicone and comfort foam ear-tips enhance the performance of our IEMs by providing superior noise isolation and ensuring a superb fit.

·         TWISTED MMCX AUDIO CABLE: Westone’s professional-quality MMCX Audio Twisted Cable is manufactured using high-strength, high-flex, ultra-low resistance tensile wire, which is reinforced with a special aramid fiber. Twisted to help reduce cable noise and keep the cable light-weight, flexible, and comfortable, our cable features MMCX Audio Connectors and 3.5mm stereo plug. Built to withstand the rigors of the road, Westone’s MMCX Audio Cable is perfect for use on-stage, or for personal listening

·         TECHNICAL SPECS: The Westone UM Pro 50 features five balanced-armature drivers and a 3-way passive crossover, with 115 dB @ 1mW sensitivity, 20Hz - 20kHz frequency response, and an impedance of 45 ohms @ 1kHz

·         IN THE BOX + WARRANTY: Purchase includes; 1 pair Westone UM Pro 50 Dual-Driver In-Ear Monitors, MMCX Audio Twisted Cable, 5 pair Patented STAR Silicone Ear-tips, 5 pair TRUE-FIT Comfort Foam Ear-tips, Impact-Resistant Monitor Vault, Cleaning Tool, and a 2-year warranty. 

  

 The Westone Um Pro 50 came in a great looking printed box, with it’s features and specs printed on the box. On the front is a clear plastic window so you can see the IEM’s. Opening the box revealed a well protected product, held firmly in place by custom cut-out foam. The materials used in the construction was mostly plastic, with some metal. The quality of materials used was excellent, as was the fit and finish. They are a musicians tool, and they look like they would provide years of use doing it. Also included was a water resistant hard plastic case, additional sized tips, wax loop and owners manual. 

I really like the design of the Westone Um Pro 50. The MMCX audio cable is very high quality. And if you ever wanted to see what balanced armature looks like, it’s easy, just look. The monitors have a clear plastic on the front, and a smoked plastic on the back. This allows you to look in and see the components used. You may wonder why there’s no in-line mic or controls for your smartphone and that’s easy to explain. These are designed for professional musicians. But that also means that we can expect great sound. So, let’s see how they sound!

Eric Bibb: Why are People Like That-Vocals were silky smooth with really good texture and timbre. Piano sounded natural. Bass had really good low end extension, and played well with good authority. Percussion was really crisp and clean with good impact. Harmonica was extremely dynamic.  Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue-Clarinet was really smooth, with plenty of resolution to hear the woodiness of the reed and tonguing technique. Piano sounded extremely natural. Bassoon had good depth and definition of the timbre. Brass was extremely dynamic and not overly brassy. Flute had very good air. Sound was a bit warm overall, imaging was very good, and they threw a big soundstage. Earth, Wind and Fire: Let’s Groove-Vocals were very natural and smooth sounding with excellent timbre and texture. Bass was very deep, very clean, and hit like a sledge hammer with lots of authority. Claps were very crisp and very dynamic. Percussion was also really crisp and clean, and dynamic. Sound stage was pleasantly deep and very wide. Katy Perry: Dark Horse-Vocals were silky smooth with excellent resolution of the timbre and texture. Bass had very good low end extension, that was clean, and hit hard. Claps were crisp and very dynamic.

The Westone UM Pro 50 has a sound that is a bit on the warm side overall, with the performance that musicians expect.  With 5 drivers, they should sound good, and Westone does not disappoint.  Westone is one of those brands that whatever model you buy, you will get great sound.  If you happen to have the funds, the Westone UM Pro 50 will have you smiling ear to ear.  Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, they have earned our Highly Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, checkout their website at www.westone.com.