L-Acoustics and JH Audio have collaborated on a first offering in personal audio, the Contour XO in-ear monitor.
Contour XO comes from the meeting of JH Audio founder Jerry Harvey and L-Acoustics’ Dr Christian Heil. Challenged performers demanding better sound quality on stage, Harvey developed the first custom dual-balanced armature in-ear monitor, while L-Acoustics devised the first object-based mixing technology for live events in L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound.
Designed to reproduce the nuances, emotion and impact of live music, L-Acoustics professional sound systems have their own ‘sonic signature’. Harvey and Heil have combined their R&D teams’ forces to reproduce this signature frequency contour in a 10-driver in-ear monitor (IEM) for use on stage, at the mixing desk, in the studio, or on the move.
Further, the development of Contour XO supports the coming release of new L-ISA binaural object-based mixing software tools currently in beta testing with a select pool of audio professionals.
‘I was impressed by the jeweller-like precision with which JH Audio could tune to match our frequency contour in such a miniaturised enclosure,’ says Heil of the Contour XO. ‘The first time I tried the prototype, I put on my favourite playlist, and it took me 20s to love them. There’s a very generous, deep low-end contour, and a high-end extension that I’ve never heard on an IEM before.
‘The sound is natural and powerful! We recently launched sound systems for private use via our new division, L-Acoustics Creations, allowing music lovers to ‘bring the concert home.’ This IEM extends that lifestyle philosophy further still with the concept of L-Acoustics sound wearables to bring the concert with you, anywhere.’
Harvey was pleased with the new audiophile tech fusion: ‘I’ve been trying to make my in-ears sound like an L-Acoustics PA for years. It wasn’t until their team challenged us that we got as close as we could. The L-Acoustics R&D team has been great to work with,’ he says.
‘It was an exhilarating challenge to collaborate with the fast-paced and talented team at JH Audio on the first L-Acoustics IEM. We knew that the outcome of our joint efforts would need to fulfil criteria that are both measurable and pleasurable,’ explains Christophe Combet, L-Acoustics Executive Director of R&D. ‘The testing process was iterative and uncompromising, right up through the final review and approval from our expert ears listening committee. Contour XO achieves pocket-size portability for our sonic signature, earning the same golden logo that adorns our PAs around the world.’
The newly designed universal in-ear monitors bring listeners inside the music with ten balanced armature drivers and three-way crossover in a quad low, dual mid, and quad high configuration. Contour XO offers control of the low end with bass adjustment of up to 15dB above flat response. Artists, musicians, sound professionals, and audiophiles alike will appreciate the individual care and attention to detail transmitted by the limited edition premium in-ear audio solution, Contour XO.
‘Object-based mixing to achieve natural, spatial audio is the future of sound, L-Acoustics Executive Director of Creative Technologies,’ Guillaume Le Nost elaborates ‘The success of L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology has led us to seek ways to further streamline the production process. L-ISA binaural software tools are scheduled to be released in early 2021. We are pleased to offer early access to this L-ISA binaural software package to first adopters of Contour XO.’
Available now via the L-Acoustics eStore, customers can choose from both universal and custom fit options of Contour XO to bring home the iconic L-Acoustics sonic signature in an innovative personal package. The universal fit model is priced at €1,620 including VAT. Custom fit Contour XO are available for an additional €340 plus tax.
More: www.l-acoustics.com
