Denis Loncaric
MX PRO is a series of budget IEMs made by Mee Audio. Mostly made for musicians, these in-ear monitors go from $59 for the MX1 which is a one-driver IEM up to $199 for the MX4, the quad-driver model.
All models can be customized with custom-engraved faceplates, 3D-printed custom ear tips and various accessories, such as Bluetooth adapters and cables.
Thanks to the modular design of MX PRO models, all parts, accessories and customizations can be upgraded or changed independently.
After closely examining each model and spending more than 48 hours researching their quality, differences, and sound I made this ultimate review of Mee Audio’s MX PRO series which I highly recommend.
ThatScore
MX2
- Separate drivers for bass and mids/highs
- Improved dynamics
- Well-rounded soundstage
ThatScore
ThatScore
ThatScore
MEE Audio MX PRO Review
MX1 PRO Dynamic Driver
MX1 PRO is an excellent introduction to the entire series, and at the list price of $59.99 makes them highly competitive on the mixing and general listening market.
MX1 PRO’s are the entry-level model of the series. Like the name suggests it, they feature a single, moving coil driver.
The official data state that this model is characterized by a balanced audio performance, which was just the experience I had once I gave them a try.
Mids and highs are quite balanced, with highs being pushed a bit more forward giving the entire sound clarity and presence.
The bass frequency is slightly more prominent compared to other frequency spectres.
Bass heads among you would surely expect more to please their taste. Still, the bass prominence MX1 PRO model features nicely rounds the overall balanced audio performance.
These frequency characteristics recommend this model for mixing and general listening, just like the catalogue says it.
However, I would disagree with the recommendation of using them for monitoring, at least not as a universal solution.
The flattened mids and slightly prominent bass deem them inadequate for vocals and guitar monitoring, as well as for all those instruments that are characterized by clear mids and highs and require them to be fully audible and even emphasized when in IEM’s.
MX2 PRO Dual-Driver Hybrid
MX2 PRO’s are clearly more potent and dominant compared to MX1 PRO, which is expected taking into account they are almost twice as expensive. What came as a pleasant surprise was that they are quite competitive to M7 PRO, an MEE series belonging to a higher price range. The choice between these two boils down to the personal taste since the sound and build quality is at an equal level.
The second model of the line features two drivers. One is a Moving Coil Subwoofer, and the other is a Balanced Armature. What does this mean in practice?
The dynamic low-frequency driver provides emphasized bass frequency, but not in a way that it becomes too dominant rather more massive.
This is a very positive characteristic and particularly welcomed since this model is targeted for bass players and drummers.
No wonder then that drumtalk offers a 10% discount for all MX PRO series.
When mids and highs are concerned, the armature transducer does the job just right.
The mids and highs have good dynamics and detailed in most cases, which is just what to be expected with a single driver performance.
The issues become noticeable when the signal features a rich bass that takes dominance over low-mid frequencies.
This narrows otherwise quite an excellent soundstage and somewhat muddles the surprisingly good resolution MX2 PRO provides.
When mid-bass is not muddled, the vocals are resolute and nicely textured, which is something most rhythm section players love having in their IEM’s.
MX3 PRO Triple-Driver Hybrid
For the list price of $149.99, MX3 PRO offers a lot of bang for the buck both for IEM stage use and general music listening.
With this model, the MX PRO series enters the mid-price range, where the competition is probably most fierce when it comes to the overall quality of IEM’s.
This means that in order to become noticed and remain so, the build and sound quality needs to live up to the expectations and preferably exceed them.
So, what the MX3 PRO has to offer?
It features the same moving coil subwoofer as MX2 does. However, it delivers a more laid back bass compared to the cheaper model.
The reason behind is the different treatment of mids that I will discuss in the next paragraph.
This does by any chance mean that the bass is lacking, just that it is of somewhat different nature.
Although not as abundant as MX2, low frequencies are well-rounded, spacey and have a defined place in the sound spectre.
Now, for the innovation MX3 brings to the series, the mids and highs performance.
The micro and macro details that two Balanced Armatures bring to mids and highs resolution are clearly audible to even the most inexperienced ears and clearly make a difference compared to MX2, let alone MX1 model.
Better details and larger headroom are additional attractive benefits. The most noticeable difference is in midrange reproduction.
This makes the model favoured by guitarists and vocalists, just the group MEE targets with this model.
The only possible downside is the fact that the highs are a bit accented, which may not please everyone. For all those among you that are treble sensitive, you should test them before purchase.
MX4 PRO Quad-Driver Hybrid
The bass frequencies are more prominent than those of MX3’s, and slightly less than MX1 and MX2, just the right amount if you ask me. The soundstage is clearly wider and deeper than it’s the case with other models, the mids and highs are perfectly balanced, and the overall listening experience is simply breath-taking. There is no trace of treble excess, and even the most sensitive users could wear them for hours without any burden. They are list priced at just under $200, which makes them very competitive in the upper mid-price range.
We’ve come to the flagship model of the series, the one MEE engineers designed primarily for stage and studio monitoring.
It features a single moving coil subwoofer and a triple Balanced Armature to deliver high-resolution sound, superbly clear and crisp.
Due to construction and the number of featured drivers, MX4 PRO’s are the most expensive model.
They thus enter the IEM market section where every single feature counts in the overall grade a particular model receives and the expectations it needs to fulfil.
Does it?
Quite simply, yes it does, and with flying colors.
This is the most advanced IEM model of the entire MEE catalogue and has earned every right to take the throne. MX4 PRO delivers the perfectly natural and balanced sound, just what is required for stage and studio monitoring.
However, not limited to it. All those musicians who prefer natural and balanced sound will enjoy using them as IEM’s, particularly if they also like the sounds of other instruments delivered directly to their ears during the performance.
Things to know before buy
A Smoother Sound – looking for something that you can use every day for listening to music or your favorite podcast? Then you should look for a kind of glued-together driver. A pleasing and even kind of compressed sound is MX1 best feature!
Overall Mix/Pristine Audio – if you are a mix/sound engineer, or a keyboard player you would want to look for even sounding of the drivers from the bottom to the top of the frequency range. A nice amount of sparkle on the top and very even through the mids.
If You Are a Lead Instrument – lookout for drivers that will stick out your instrument, with a slightly softer high end, making everything sound fat and in-your-face.
Best for The Drummers – drivers who will provide a very present, punchy, and articulate low end. It should really help you lock in together by hearing the thump of the kick and the thump of the bass.
Which model to choose?
Another question that is hard giving a definite answer. It all boils down to what exactly you are looking for in IEM’s and your budget.
Each of the models available has a lot to offer in its price range. The build quality, design and potential customizations are universal.
What makes them different is the character of the sound they deliver.
My personal choice was made in a photo finish. Being a drummer, I have to agree with MEE favoring MX2 model for the drummer’s IEM.
They deliver just the details that a drummer needs to feel comfortable on the stage at all times.
On the other hand, the low-frequency clarity of MX3, coupled with more detailed mids better suits my needs since I also sing backing vocals and need them in my IEMs, as well.
Coupled with the fact that I am an avid music listener outside the stage, gives MX3 a clear advantage in my case.
Therefore, the only viable criteria you should base your decision on are what you plan on using them for and what your ears are telling you.
The best way to choose the right model of the series is to try them all out, and only then make the final decision.
My name is Denis. I am a drummer, percussionist, music enthusiast, and blogger. Drums have been my passion for 15 years now. My idea is to write about the things I like and I am interested in. I want to share my drum passion with fellow musicians who walk, talk, and breathe drums.
Thanks for the reviews of the MX Pro series by MeeAudio. I’ve owned their M6 Pro model for 4-5 years and have loved them, but wanted to upgrade. The problem is that I’m a bass player as well as a sound technician and I was unsure which model to go with between the MX Pro 2/3/4. I read a lot of not-really-useful reviews until I came across yours. Great reviews of this series, I decided to go with the MX Pro 4 for the well balanced IEM mix. I use the Comply foam tips so that should be enough to ensure I’m getting the bass response I want. Glad to use your discount code too. Great work.
Hi Kevin thanks for the comment and I’m glad you like my review. You will not be disappointed with MX pro 4 that is for sure.