Westone AM Pro X30 In-Ear Monitors Review

The Westone AM Pro X30 in-ear monitors (IEMs) are the flagship model in Westone's Universal Series. Though pricey, we can confidently say this is one of those instances where you get what you pay for.

As with most IEMs, these are catered to on-stage performers. Singers and instrumentalists such as guitarists, drummers, and keyboardists are in the sweet spot - but don’t sleep on these for producing, mixing, mastering, DJing, or even simply enjoying music.

With a design that merges superior sound quality with ambient noise integration, they’re designed for users who need to stay aware of their surroundings (your bandmates or the crowd) while enjoying an immersive and detailed listening experience.

Design and Build Quality

Unboxing

Unboxing was relatively straightforward. Not exactly as special of a feeling as unboxing an Apple product, but still indicative of premium music gear. Here’s what’s in the box:

• The left and right headphones
• Detachable cable with 3.5mm plug
• 5 pairs of various sizes of foam ear tips
• 5 pairs of various sizes of silicone ear tips
• Carrying pouch
• Hardshell case
• Quick-start guide

The inclusion of a 1/4" adapter would have been nice, but this is a minor gripe.

The AM Pro X30 continues Westone Audio's tradition of crafting low-profile IEMs. They look sleek and minimal, sporting a green and black colorway. As has become common with other IEMs from the likes of Shure and others, these earphones feature a transparent housing that showcases the inner components. One of those components is the StageSense filter prominently positioned in the middle of the faceplate, complemented by the Westone Audio logo, adding a touch of elegance.

Materials and Build Quality

Constructed with high-quality materials, the AM Pro X30 feel both rugged and premium at the same time. The transparent plastic housing is well-crafted, with no visible molding marks. Inside, a green skeletal component securely houses the drivers, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Comfort and Fit

Designed for extended use, the AM Pro X30 fits snugly and comfortably in the ear. The extended nozzle and lightweight body ensure a secure fit without causing discomfort, even during long sessions.

To further enhance comfort and ensure a perfect fit, the AM Pro X30 comes with 10 pairs of ear tips: 5 pairs of foam tips and 5 pairs of silicone tips, each in various sizes. This generous assortment allows you to find the best fit for your ears. Additionally, the included cable is lightweight and flexible, easily draped around the back of the neck to stay out of the way.

Sound Quality

General Sound Characteristics

The sound quality is where the steep price tag is fully justified. The AM Pro X30 has 3 balanced armature drivers for bass, mids and treble.

Not only are balanced armature drivers are prized for their ability to deliver detailed and accurate sound (fun fact - they are used in hearing aids), but compared to other IEMs we’ve tested with 2 drivers, these have an impressively large sound stage, and the lows mids and highs are impressively detailed.

The AM Pro X30 IEMs have a flat sound signature akin to studio monitors and studio headphones, prioritizing accuracy and clarity and ensuring they pick up every detail in whatever is being played through them.

This makes them particularly suitable for professional audio applications where an uncolored and authentic sound is essential, rather than a consumer-oriented signature with enhanced bass and scooped mids.

Low Frequencies

We can best describe the bass performance of the AM Pro X30 as precise. They are not overly bass-heavy, but this is by design. The large balanced-armature driver dedicated to low frequencies ensures clarity and separation without overwhelming the mid and high ranges.

While initially we were underwhelmed by the bass response, keep in mind it can significantly be influenced by the choice of ear tips. Everyone’s ear is a little different, and we weren’t getting the best seal from the silicone tips. Luckily you have 10 total options to experiment with, and once we nailed the right fit with the provided foam tips, we were blown away at how much more clarity and low end we were hearing.

Mid Frequencies

The midrange frequencies are handled exceptionally well, providing clear and detailed vocal reproduction. The neutrality of the mids allows for accurate representation of voices and instruments, making these earphones ideal for monitoring and live performances.

For playback purposes, the mids are so good they are ruthless and unforgiving. If the source material has been recorded poorly, or has not been mixed or mastered well, you’ll hear it with the Weston AM Pro X30.

High Frequencies

Similar to the quality of the mids, we found the high frequencies to sound clean and well-extended, avoiding harshness while maintaining clarity. The treble response is detailed, allowing for the nuances of soprano vocals and string instruments to shine through without sounding brittle.

Features and Technology

One of the standout features of the AM Pro X30 is the StageSense passive sound filtering technology. This feature allows a controlled amount of ambient noise to pass through, enabling users to stay connected with their environment, such as hearing feedback from the audience, other band members playing, or the ambient sound around you.

In a sense, these are in-ear versions of a high quality open-backed on-ear headphone.

The earphones come with a detachable T2 cable system, featuring silver-plated copper wires for enhanced audio performance. The cable is sweat-proof and designed for robust stage use.

Performance in Different Scenarios

Live Performance

For live performers, the AM Pro X30 excels in providing clear and detailed sound while allowing ambient noise to pass through. This feature helps musicians hear their bandmates and the audience, creating a more engaging performance experience.

These IEMs are tailor-made for this scenario, and in terms of price per performance this is the sweet spot, and we would not hesitate to recommend any performing vocalist or instrumentalist to try them out.

Studio Use

In the studio, the AM Pro X30's accurate sound reproduction and clarity make it a valuable tool for recording and mixing. The balanced sound signature ensures that all frequencies are well-represented, aiding in precise audio work.

That said, we have some hesitation in recommending them if this is their primary use-case. If a neutral and detailed response is what you’re after and you want to hear some ambient noise, for the price there are several open-back on-ear headphones to consider.

Casual Listening

For everyday listening, these earphones offer a balanced and enjoyable audio experience. The ability to hear ambient noise while listening to music can be beneficial in situations where awareness of the surroundings is important.

Again however, if casual listening is the primary purpose, they’re quite expensive and you would really have to value the drivers, comfort, and superb sound quality. Consider also they are wired and not equipped with Bluetooth capabilities.

Note: While the AM Pro X30 has a relatively low impedance of 56 ohms, which means they can be driven by most portable devices like smartphones and laptops, using a high-quality audio source can still enhance their performance and bring out the best in their sound quality.

Conclusion

The Westone AM Pro X30 in-ear monitors offer a unique blend of high-quality audio performance and features for professional use. Musicians needing to stay connected with their environment while enjoying detailed sound will find these earphones highly beneficial.

While there are IEMs that cost many times more, their price tag does position them as a premium investment. Having said that, you get what you pay for. If you perform with a live band, the AM Pro X30 should be on your wishlist with their superbly detailed sound quality and patented ambient noise technology.

If you happen to like everything about these but don't need the ambient noise pass-through, you're probably going to like the Westone Pro X30 IEMs, which we review here.