In today’s article, I review the Westone Audio AM Pro X30 In-ear monitors (IEMs). The AM Pro X30 is a triple-driver musician’s IEM with ambient patented technology and a removable twisted copper T2 audio cable. It’s priced at $479.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by JackRabbit Media for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Westone Audio AM Pro X30
Specifications
Sensitivity: 124 dB
Frequency response: 20Hz – 18kHz
Impedance: 56 ohms
Driver: Triple balanced armature with 3-way passive crossover
In the Box
- AM Pro X30 in-ear monitors
- Proprietary T2 cable
- 5* pairs of foam eartips
- 5* pairs of silicone eartips
- Impact-resistant monitor vault
Design
The standout feature of the AM Pro X30 is its StageSense filter technology. This technology is designed to let a certain amount of ambient noise in, enabling musicians and live performers to get feedback from the audience or other band members while still being able to hear the in-ear mix and protect their hearing.
Of course, this is not reserved only for pro musicians – it’s a handy feature for anyone who wants to enjoy music while still being aware of their surroundings, whether it be in the workplace or when out and about.
The shell design is the same as the other models in the AM Pro series. It has a transparent acrylic housing that lets you see the 3 BA drivers and StageSense filter within. These monitors are diminutive in size and should fit even the smallest ears. They’re designed to be comfortable for prolonged use and fit snugly in the ears.
The AM Pro series comes with the Linum BAX cable and the proprietary T2 connectors. These connectors are similar to MMXC but are much easier to attach and remove. In addition, they’re sweatproof to enhance their longevity.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the SMSL RAW-MDA 1, Topping E70 + L70 combo and the iBasso DX180. The AM Pro X30 is relatively easy to drive. I would recommend using it with a neutral or bright source because it already has a warm tonality.
The Westone Audio AM Pro X30 offers a warm, slightly dark sound, driven by its relaxed treble. Forward vocals are the star here, with a smooth, laid-back top end that’s perfect for long listening or work sessions.
Bass
The bass is a bit light, with less of a punch, but it’s clean and controlled. It’s quick and agile, never overpowering the other sounds, letting the midrange shine. The bass notes are clear and distinct, but they stay in the background, supporting the overall sound without taking over.
Midrange
AM Pro X30 is all about presenting midrange instruments and vocals. Despite being neutral and lacking an upper midrange lift, vocals still come to the forefront due to its light bass and a heavily attenuated lower treble. However, this tuning also leads to a sense of dullness or lack of detail. The separation of instruments becomes less defined, although they sound tonally accurate.
Treble
The treble is relaxed, typical for a studio monitor. While it offers good extension and a subtle 8kHz peak for added air and clarity, it lacks detail retrieval. This results in a smooth presentation that prioritizes comfort over precision, making it suitable for musicians and long listening sessions but potentially leaving audiophiles wanting more in terms of articulation and brightness.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The stage width is impressive for its tuning, likely enhanced by the ambient openness of the SoundStage technology. However, the overall technical performance of the AM Pro X30 is somewhat disappointing, particularly given its premium price. While this may be a drawback for some, imaging and layering may be less critical for live performers, who are the primary audience for this IEM.
Comparison
Westone Audio AM Pro X10 ($175)
The AM Pro X10 (review here) uses a single BA driver, and as expected, it comes with the usual limitations of that configuration, i.e., it lacks body, note weight and bass impact. AM Pro X10 also lacks dynamics and sounds somewhat flat across the board.
AM Pro X10 has less midrange body, especially in the lower mids. Its treble rolls off more drastically too but this is balanced by the attenuated bass. The soundstage is a little wider than the AM Pro X30 but it has little stage depth or height.
Verdict
The Westone Audio AM Pro X30 IEMs are designed with a clear purpose in mind—on-stage use by musicians—which is important to keep in mind when evaluating them. For seasoned audiophiles seeking a versatile, all-rounder IEM, these likely won’t meet expectations due to their focus on live performance rather than critical listening or hi-fi detail. However, they excel as a dedicated vocal monitor.