In this article, I review the Meze Audio Alba IEMs. The Alba (Romanian for “first light”) is an entry-level IEM and one of the more affordable products from Meze’s stable. It features a minimalist pearl finish and a single dynamic driver. At the time of writing, it’s priced at $159.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Meze Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

Meze Audio Alba

Specifications

Transducer Type: 10.8 mm Dynamic

Sensitivity: 109 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz

Input Connector: 2-Pin

Frequency Range: 15 Hz – 25 kHz

Impedance: 32 Ω

Weight: 14 g (0.5 oz.)

Inside the Box

• Meze Audio ALBA IEMs
• Detachable 2-pin cable
• Carrying case
• 4x pairs of silicone eartips
• 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter

Design

One of the things Meze Audio is known for is the exceptional design and aesthetics of its products. The ALBA is no exception, largely inspired by the previous ADVAR model, but this time with an understated pearl finish.

The shells are small and look almost organic rather than manufactured. The housings are lightweight and exceptionally comfortable in the ears. Noise isolation is about average and suitable for most everyday environments.

ALBA comes with a delicate high-purity silver-plated copper cable. It’s very lightweight and supple and handles beautifully, although it is somewhat prone to tangling. It comes with a 3.5mm single-ended termination but it can also be used with the included 3.5mm to USB-C adapter, which features a built-in DAC/AMP.

Sound

Sources used for testing include the xDuoo Link3, iBasso DX180 and Luxsin X9. ALBA is an efficient IEM and doesn’t have any demanding source requirements. You can plug it into whatever you have available or use the included USB-C adapter.

ALBA is tuned with a slightly warm tonality and an inviting sound. It’s all about naturalness and tone, yet it’s also a solid performer when it comes to technicalities. It achieves its warmth from a subtly boosted bass while gaining vocal presence and clarity from a 4kHz lift. Combined with a well-extended treble, ALBA delivers a sound that’s both warm and smooth yet detailed and clear.

Bass

ALBA’s bass is boosted to the north of neutral, giving it rhythm and authority. But it’s not pushed to excess – I would still consider it a “tame” and balanced bass. Part of that comes down to its speed and control, as well as its texture. There’s no sluggishness or overly rounded notes, yet it carries more than enough impact and body. There’s no sluggishness or overly rounded notes, yet it carries more than enough impact and body. And despite being slightly forward, it’s still an airy bass – a contradiction in a sense, but it never sounds heavy or oppressive.

Midrange

By keeping the upper bass and lower midrange in check, ALBA avoids sounding thick or crowded, yet midrange notes still carry a natural sense of body. This also allows the texture of male vocals and acoustic guitars to come through particularly well without sacrificing too much weight.

This is enhanced further by the 3-4kHz lift, which adds clarity and vocal presence to the mix. It creates a transparent sound that maintains enough fullness to avoid sounding thin or shouty. Female vocals are slightly forward and bright but retain enough body to sound natural.

Treble

This is an interesting treble, because it combines a natural, smooth roll-off with an upper treble resurgence. I don’t know how Meze managed to strike this balance with a single dynamic driver – perhaps it’s the quality of the driver combined with the properties of the acoustic chamber, but it works. The result is a warmer treble but one with abundant air and excellent extension. There’s no sharpness or sibilance here, yet it still manages to deliver a hint of sparkle.

Soundstage & Technicalities

When it comes to technical performance, the Alba does really well for a single dynamic driver. Micro-detail retrieval is quite good – maybe not outright class-leading at this price, but it is at least average, if not better than average. You aren’t going to miss much here.

Where it really punches above its weight is the instrument separation and resolution. I don’t know the exact properties of the dynamic driver Meze used inside this acoustic chamber, but it is a really good one. The presentation has that cohesive, organic nature you only get from a single driver, yet it manages to keep lines clean and distinct.

The imaging and positioning are also spot on. I had no problem determining the placement of individual elements within the mix. I did some gaming with the Alba as well, and it proved to be very good for pinpoint directional cues. The soundstage itself isn’t massive, but it feels spacious enough and never gets thick or crowded.

Comparisons

Kefine Quatio

EPZ P40

Verdict

The Meze Audio ALBA surprised me. On paper, it’s a relatively simple single dynamic driver design, yet the end result is one of the most convincing tunings I’ve heard at the price. It strikes a rare balance between warmth, clarity and technical ability while avoiding many of the compromises that usually come with that sort of sound signature.

Add in the excellent build quality and comfortable fit, and ALBA becomes an easy recommendation. It’s an outstanding IEM that deserves a place on our Best IEMs list.