Westone Pro X30 IEM Earphones Review

When shopping for in-ear monitors (IEMs) in the medium-to-upper price range ($300-$500), you've got quite a few options. You'll typically see offerings from the likes of Shure and Sennheiser, but a brand that's a bona fide expert in the field is Westone Audio. Here we take a comprehensive look at the Westone Audio Pro X30 IEMs. In this review, we'll dive deep into the design and build quality, sound performance, and overall value of these IEMs. How do they stack up in live performances, studio sessions, and casual listening? Join us as we explore whether the Pro X30s could be your next earphones.

Design and Build Quality

What’s in the Box

When we unboxed the Westone Audio Pro X30 IEMs, we were greeted with a well-thought-out package. It includes the earphones themselves, ten (yes, ten!) different sizes of tips in both silicone and foam, a sturdy carrying case, a soft pouch, and a cleaning tool. The variety in eartips ensures that you can find a comfortable fit, which is essential for optimal sound isolation and comfort during extended use. They have a 1/8" plug, though a 1/4" adapter would have been a thoughtful thing to include at this price point.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Pro X30s is a mixed bag. We have zero complaints about the earphones themselves; they are lightweight and feel robust. Their design is not mind-blowing, though they're attractive enough. They sport that see-through industrial aesthetic that seems to be the norm for IEMs. However, the cable is a bit of a question mark for long-term reliability. It's thin and feels a little fragile. This design choice impacts the overall comfort and fit, so read on.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort and fit are standout aspects of the Pro X30s. With the multitude of included tips, we found it easy to achieve a snug and secure fit. The lightweight design also means they can be worn for long periods without causing ear fatigue. During our tests, we noted that once the right tip was found, the Pro X30s provided excellent isolation (more on that later) and remained comfortable, even during extended listening sessions.

The cable is prone to tangling and does not stay in place well, particularly during active use. We took these for a jog - not because they are meant to be headphones to take to the gym - we wanted to simulate moving around on stage and getting sweaty. We did indeed have to stop a couple times to readjust. The ear pieces never completely fell out of our ears, we think largely because we found the perfect tips for us. We were a little worried since we had read multiple user complaints regarding how terrible the cable is, though after testing it out ourselves we feel this criticism is a little bit blown out of proportion.

Sound Quality

General Sound Characteristics

The sound quality of the Westone Audio Pro X30s is where these IEMs truly shine. The triple-driver setup offers a balanced and clear sound signature that caters well to both professional and casual listeners. We found the sound to be well-defined across all frequencies, making these earphones suitable for a variety of musical genres.

Lows/Mids/Highs

The mids are where the Pro X30s excel, delivering clear and detailed vocals and instruments. Highs are crisp and articulate, ensuring that every nuance of the music is captured without becoming harsh or fatiguing. In our tests, the lows were present but not overwhelming, providing just enough bass to enjoy without muddying the mix. Having said that, if you're a bass player or monitor bass or sub-bass-heavy music, the Westone Pro X30s will likely disappoint.

Overall, their balanced frequency response makes these IEMs particularly good for monitoring purposes, where accuracy is paramount.

Features and Technology

The Pro X30s come equipped with a range of features that enhance their usability. The triple-driver configuration is designed to offer superior sound quality and separation, which luckily it does. After all, you're paying more to get those three drivers versus the Westone X10 or X20.

The earphones also utilize a proprietary T2 connector, which, while offering a secure fit, can be a downside due to the limited availability of replacement cables and their higher cost.

Let's quickly cover their noise reduction. We tested and reviewed the Westone AM Pro X30 IEMs, whose primary differentiator is letting in some ambient sound so you can, for instance, hear the audience as you perform. These headphones don't have that technology, so think of them as the "closed-back headphones" counterpart to the AM Pro X30s, which function more like open-back headphones. However, it's important to note these do not have any kind of active noise-cancelling technology. They rely on their design and fit to block out background sounds, helping you focus on your music or audio, reducing outside noise by up to 25 decibels (according to the specs). That's why it's very important that you try out multiple tips to ensure the most snug and comfortable fit.

Performance in Different Scenarios

Live Performance

For live performance, the Pro X30s perform admirably. Their excellent isolation and balanced sound make them a great choice for stage monitoring. However, as we noted, the flimsy cable can be problematic, as it tends to slip off the ears and get tangled, which can be a distraction during a performance. You can always opt to invest in a more robust aftermarket cable to mitigate this issue, but at this price point that's a bit of a bummer.

Studio Use

In the studio, the Pro X30s are a reliable tool. Their accurate sound signature allows for precise monitoring, making them suitable for mixing and recording. The comfort provided by the lightweight design and customizable tips allowed us to wear them for long studio sessions without discomfort.

Casual Listening

For casual listening, the Pro X30s offer an enjoyable experience. The clarity and balance of the sound make them great for enjoying a wide range of music. However, the lack of extra bass might be a downside for those who prefer a more bass-heavy sound signature for everyday listening.

Conclusion

The Westone Audio Pro X30 IEMs are a solid choice for musicians and audiophiles looking for balanced and detailed sound. They are particularly well-suited for live performers and studio professionals who need accurate monitoring.

For the price, we would say they are a good value. Whether you should go for these, or the AM Pro X30 IEMs depends on how important it is for you to be more in touch with the ambient noise around you. If hearing your bandmates or the audience is a priority, we suggest testing out the AM Pro X30. If more isolation is important to you, these are the ones to go with.

The flimsy cable and lack of strong bass might be drawbacks for some users. If you can look past the cable issues and prioritize sound quality and comfort, the Pro X30s are a compelling option.