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Hey drummer friends! Today, I’m diving into in-ear monitors with a comprehensive review of the Westone Audio MACH 20.
For transparency, Westone Audio sent me a not-for-sale sample of the MACH 20, but my review will be objective as usual.
This entry-level in-ear monitor (IEM) is part of Westone’s latest series and boasts impressive features. It is priced at $399 and is equipped with dual-balanced armature drivers, delivering a warm and flat sound profile.
2-driver In-ear Monitors with Balanced-armature Drivers, Passive Crossover, T2 Connections, 50" BaX Cable, Ear Tip Fit Kit, Storage Case, and Accessories
The MACH 20 offers excellent sound quality and excels in design and build quality. With a high-quality plastic shell and a narrow design, it comfortably fits large drivers in your ear canal. Plus, it’s a dream to wear for extended periods, perfect for drumming on both the stage and in the studio.
However, it’s important to note that the MACH 20 may not suit everyone’s preferences. While the sound has great depth, the midrange feels slightly scooped, and the treble sounds a bit rolled off. That said, no high-end harshness makes them ideal for cymbals.
Let’s dive into the packaging, comfort, tech, build quality, and sound to get a complete picture of the MACH 20.
Key Takeaways
- The Westone MACH 20 is an entry-level IEM with dual balanced armature per side, priced at $399.
- The MACH 20 has a flat sound signature with fast and precise bass reproduction.
- The midrange is recessed but sounds natural, while the treble is warm and not overly excited.
- The MACH 20 has a good design and build quality, with a high-quality plastic shell with a comfortable fit.
Introduction
The MACH 20 features a proprietary dual-driver system, with a single low driver and a single mid/high driver, allowing for precise and accurate sound reproduction.
The ergonomic design ensures all-day comfort without causing ear fatigue, making these earphones perfect for long playing sessions. The BaX cable, made of thin and ultra-strong silver-plated copper, provides precision and grace in conveying music, allowing you to hear every detail in your favorite tracks.
In terms of packaging, the MACH 20 comes with a custom-designed crushproof case, ensuring that your earphones are protected from any potential damage. The case is well-designed, on the level of Pelican cases for this size.
The package includes five pairs of Westone Audio proprietary foam and silicone tips, allowing you to find the perfect seal and maximum comfort for your ears.
The MACH 20 delivers a top-notch listening experience with impeccable resolution and an accurate sound image. Now, let’s move on to explore the contents of the package and the build quality of these earphones.
Packaging
The packaging of the MACH 20 includes a selection of tips, an IEM cleaning tool, a Pelican-like case, a cable, and the in-ears.
In The Box:
- In ear monitors
- 50″ Linum BaX T2 cable
- 5 foam tips, 5 silicon tips (pairs)
- Impact resistant monitor case
- Westone Audio cloth pouch
- Cleaning tool
- Cable band
The presentation is fantastic, from the box to the foam support holding the product together. The included case is one of the best I’ve seen, similar to something Pelican makes.
The tips are high quality and ensure a proper fit and seal no matter the size of your ear canals. You can use either the foam or silicone tips depending on your isolation needs. Try the silicone first for drums, but if too much outside sound still gets in, switch to the foam.
The case is rugged and durable, providing excellent protection for the IEM during transport. It has a foam insert that securely holds the IEM and prevents damage. The cable provided is thin and lightweight, making it easy to handle and reducing the chances of tangling.
It’s fragile compared to Drumeo’s earDRUM’s thicker, more robust cable. Musicians on stage who are less than gentle with the cable while playing may have to replace the cable more than not. The benefit: you barely know they’re wrapped around your ears.
Comfort
The MACH 20’s ergonomic design ensures a fatigue-free experience, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music without discomfort. The lightweight, solid build quality and rounded aesthetics make these in-ear monitors a pleasure to drum for extended sessions. They fit in my ears nicely right out of the box with the default silicone tips.
The rounded shape of the IEMs fits snugly in the ear canal, providing a secure and comfortable fit. They fit a LOT better than my Drumeo earDRUMS because those are much larger and have a broader connecting point where the tips meet the IEM.
Additionally, the thin and weightless cable can be easily routed behind the neck, enhancing overall comfort. Westone Audio has considered the importance of a good fit, and the MACH 20 comes with various ear tips to ensure the perfect seal and maximum comfort for individual users.
The stock cable is rugged and slim, with an easy locking mechanism that provides convenience and comfort. The MACH 20’s impeccable resolution and accurate sound image create an immersive listening experience.
2-driver In-ear Monitors with Balanced-armature Drivers, Passive Crossover, T2 Connections, 50" BaX Cable, Ear Tip Fit Kit, Storage Case, and Accessories
Tech
The MACH 20’s dual-driver system and BaX cable deliver great sound for the money conveying intricate details while drumming to your favorite music or on stage with your band.
Tech Specs:
- Sensitivity: 110dB @ 1kHz
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz
- Impedance: 96 Ohms @ 1kHz
- Driver Configuration: Single Balanced-Armature Bass Driver, Single Balanced-Armature Midrange/Treble Driver
The MACH 20 features a proprietary dual-driver system with a single low driver and a single mid/high driver, providing excellent resolution and accurate sound. The response is tight and precise.
Here are four key features of the MACH 20’s technology:
- Ergonomic Design: The MACH 20 is designed for all-day use without causing ear fatigue. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit, allowing you to enjoy your music for extended periods without discomfort.
- BaX Cable: The MACH 20 comes with a BaX cable made of thin, ultra-strong silver-plated copper. This cable ensures precision and grace in conveying the music, delivering a high-quality audio experience.
- Proprietary Foam and Silicone Tips: The MACH 20 includes five pairs of Westone Audio’s proprietary foam and silicone tips. These tips provide a perfect seal and maximum comfort, enhancing passive isolation and overall listening experience.
- Mini Monitor Vault: The MACH 20 has a custom-designed crushproof and watertight mini monitor case to protect the IEMs from the elements, ensuring their longevity and durability.
With its advanced technology and attention to detail, the MACH 20 benchmarks superior comfort and sound. Its cutting-edge features make it an excellent choice for drummers who value precise and accurate audio reproduction.
Build Quality
The lightweight design of the MACH 20 features a scratch-resistant finish that ensures long-lasting performance. The build quality of these earphones is top-notch, with a solid construction. The lightweight design adds to the overall comfort.
The MACH 20 is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, making it an ideal choice for musicians, audio professionals, and drummers.
The MACH 20 also features the exact shell design as some of their higher-end in-ear monitors.
Sound
The Westone Audio MACH 20 delivers a warm and flat sound. The fast and precise bass reproduction provides a solid foundation for the overall sound. The midrange has a natural texture; in my tests, I could hear every instrument prominently on most recordings. The treble is warm and a bit rolled-off, making it ideal for drummers (our cymbals are harsh and have tons of overtones in the high-end).
These IEMs are not overly hyped in the top or bottom. These have a present mid-range and are relatively flat overall. The sub-bass is tough to discern.
- High-end: rolled-off and warm sounding
- Mid-range: subdued but still present
- Low-end: full, yet sub-bass is less audible due to the single low, single mid/high dual-drivers
Testing with Steely Dan tracks, as I usually do, is pleasant. I can hear the instruments in the mix perfectly, and nothing jumps out, harsh frequencies in the high-end being the most typical offender in most cases.
The MACH 20 does an excellent job of creating a well-realized space with good depth, width, and height. Instruments and vocals are spaced and positioned naturally, creating an immersive listening experience.
2-driver In-ear Monitors with Balanced-armature Drivers, Passive Crossover, T2 Connections, 50" BaX Cable, Ear Tip Fit Kit, Storage Case, and Accessories
Conclusion
The MACH 20 stands out among other in-ear monitors with its warm and flat sound profile. It delivers fast and precise bass reproduction, ideal for kick drums in a dense mix when playing on stage or with your favorite tracks while jamming. The midrange has a natural texture and is well-suited for instruments and vocals in the lower midrange. The treble is warm and not harsh at all.
The design and build quality of the MACH 20 are excellent. It has a high-quality plastic shell and a tight fit. The narrow design solves the issue of fitting large IEMs in the ear canal. The IEM is comfortable and suitable for performances, making it a versatile option for drummers. The isolation is fantastic, as well.
While the MACH 20 may not fit everyone’s sound preferences, it is a solid entry-level option with good overall sound quality. It can be used for extended periods without causing fatigue, making it suitable for long sessions.
The MACH 20 provides a satisfying sound experience with its bass-focused sound signature and comfortable design. It may offer a different level of detail and clarity than higher-end models, but it is a reliable option for those looking for a warm sound while playing the drums.
Priced at $399, it offers good build quality and a comfortable fit, making it suitable for extended use.
