64 Audio Aspire 3 Review

The 64 Audio Aspire 3 is the latest addition to the Aspire series, designed to deliver exceptional clarity with a triple-driver in-ear monitor configuration. With a retail price of $650, the Aspire 3 offers an accurate and musical reference sound ideal for professional musicians, studio engineers, and critical listeners. But how does it stack up in real-world use? Let’s break it down.

What Comes In The Box

• Carry Case
• Foam + Silicone Ear Tips
• Oval Foam Tips
• IPX Cable
• Cleaning Tool
• 1/4" Adapter
• Shirt Clip

Design, Fit & Build Quality

The Aspire 3 continues 64 Audio’s minimalist and ergonomic design seen across the Aspire line. With a universal-fit molded ABS shell and stainless steel nozzle, this IEM provides a secure and comfortable fit for long sessions. Its classic in-ear monitor shape ensures a solid seal, enhancing both passive isolation and overall sonic performance.

Like its predecessors, the Aspire 3 features a T2 IPX cable connection. While the IPX connection offers durability and a secure fit, it’s a less common standard than MMCX or 2-pin, making third-party cable replacements or upgrades harder to source and potentially more expensive.

Visually, the red color scheme gives the Aspire 3 a standout look compared to the darker aesthetic of the Aspire 1 and 2.

In terms of noise isolation, the Aspire 3 delivers an impressive -20dB of passive attenuation, helping musicians stay locked into their monitor mix in loud environments—ideal for drummers, vocalists, or multi-instrumentalists managing complex mixes.

Technical Specifications

• Color: Red / Black
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 18kHz
• Impedance: 12Ω @ 1kHz
• Sensitivity: 107dB @ 1kHz @ 1mW
• Isolation: -20dB passive noise attenuation
• Drivers:
  • 1x Low Dynamic Driver
  • 1x Mid Balanced Armature
  • 1x High Balanced Armature
• Shell Material: Molded ABS
• Nozzle Material: Stainless Steel
• Cable: 48” Black Detachable IPX (T2)
• Connector: Right-Angle 3.5mm Jack

Listening Review

Soundstage & Imaging

The Aspire 3 stands out in the Aspire series for its improved width and spatial accuracy. Compared to the Aspire 1 and 2, which offered relatively intimate staging tailored for vocalists and solo instrumentalists, the Aspire 3 expands the listening field significantly. Panning effects are more obvious, reverbs extend farther, and room mic cues are more discernible—making it easier for musicians and engineers to localize instruments in complex mixes.

The imaging is especially impressive for an IEM in this price bracket. While the Aspire 1 offered more centralized focus and the Aspire 2 added some separation in the midrange, the Aspire 3 takes it a step further by delivering greater dimensionality and depth. Instruments aren’t just left and right—they have placement front-to-back as well, which is critical when working with layered arrangements or live recordings.

Sound Signature

The Aspire 3 brings the most balanced and technically refined tuning of the series. It’s clear that 64 Audio intended this model to bridge the gap between stage monitoring and analytical listening, and in doing so, they’ve created a versatile IEM that builds thoughtfully on its predecessors.

Where Aspire 1 was designed for budget-conscious users needing basic vocal clarity, and Aspire 2 added midrange finesse, the Aspire 3 rounds out the package with a more immersive soundstage, tight low-end control, and natural treble that complements its clean, expressive midrange. It’s the model that feels most ready to tackle a full-band mix, whether in a live setting or critical playback environment.

Low Frequencies

The low-end performance on the Aspire 3 is where this model takes a small but noticeable step toward musical enjoyment without compromising its reference character. The dynamic driver introduces a welcome sense of depth and body, giving bass instruments like kick drums and electric bass a more visceral impact compared to the Aspire 1, which tended to underplay sub-bass content.

While Aspire 2 offered more control than Aspire 1, the Aspire 3 strikes the best balance between tightness and warmth. It’s not colored or boosted—it’s measured and well-articulated, giving just enough weight to satisfy rhythm section players while keeping the overall mix clean and uncluttered. For hip-hop or EDM artists, this may not deliver earth-shattering lows, but for most live or studio monitoring applications, it’s a versatile and trustworthy bass response.

Midrange Frequencies – Forward and Transparent

The midrange is where the Aspire 3 really earns its place in the lineup. Vocals are brought forward with more immediacy and presence than in the Aspire 1, which had a slightly recessed mid profile. The Aspire 2 made improvements in upper mid articulation, but the Aspire 3 feels more complete and full-bodied, thanks to its dedicated mid balanced armature driver.

This tuning enhances intelligibility for both vocals and lead instruments. Whether it’s hearing vocal harmonies, guitar phrasing, or synth pads, everything is well-balanced and separated. The midrange layering is also noticeably improved, with background elements remaining distinct rather than blurring into the mix. This makes the Aspire 3 especially useful for mix engineers and musicians who rely on midrange cues for pitch and tone recognition.

High Frequencies – Smooth and Naturally Rolled

In the high end, the Aspire 3 offers a refined and relaxed treble response that’s free of fatigue or sharp peaks. It extends well enough to preserve air and harmonic detail, but like its predecessors, it doesn’t aim to be ultra-bright or analytical in the top register. This is a conscious design choice—it’s clear 64 Audio wanted to avoid the harshness that often plagues brighter-tuned IEMs in stage environments.

Compared to the Aspire 1 and 2, the Aspire 3 provides more treble smoothness and natural decay, especially in cymbal tails, string overtones, and breathiness in vocals. It’s a subtle improvement, but one that’s audible in long sessions, where ear fatigue can become a concern. The top end may feel slightly understated for users used to ultra-detailed audiophile IEMs, but for live performers and producers, the tonal honesty is a plus.

Summary

The 64 Audio Aspire 3 blends studio-level accuracy with a musically satisfying tuning. With enhanced clarity, imaging, and tonal balance, it serves as a fantastic option for performers and engineers who need a reliable and revealing IEM under $700. While the proprietary IPX cable system may not be for everyone, the sound quality and fiteasily justify its price tag.

The 64 Audio Aspire 3 is available today at Audio46.