INTRODUCTION

   Whenever i find the time to go for a walk around where i live (or around where our lab is) i see many people using wired headsets to answer calls and listen to music (especially on the Metro/Subway). Now although i do prefer wireless headsets because i find wires quite annoying while on the road i do carry around with me a wired headset (especially during the spring/summer) but since i happen to cherish audio clarity a lot i never use the basic, low-cost models that come bundled with smartphones and tablets. Unfortunately most people i see around do use those models because it seems that the majority (for some strange reason) believes that good audio quality wired headsets are not affordable. Well since i don't believe that's always the case today we are going to take a very thorough look at a pair of the brand new and budget-friendly IEB6+MIC HiFi Headphones by first harmonic which promise exceptional audio quality.

   first harmonic® was started by award-winning audio engineer, Aaron Fournier and Mike Tunney. After developing numerous critically-acclaimed products over the years for thinksound; we wanted to try something new. High-fidelity sound doesn't have to mean a high price tag. Often times, audio products that have a lower price usually mean a compromise was made somewhere in the development process. The sound quality or build quality (or both) are typically pretty poor. Corners were cut. We don't do that. We develop the drivers and voice our products to make sure they sound great. Our first product, the IEB6+MIC, is a tiny earbud that really packs a punch. We invite you to audition a pair of first harmonic® earbuds to see what we're talking about.

   The IEB6+MIC HiFi headphones use two mini 5.5mm dynamic drivers that feature a frequency response of 9Hz-20KHz and an in-line microphone (with an answer/end/play/pause button) which can be used to answer calls on compatible Android and Apple devices (unfortunately no details on the microphone are currently available). First harmonic has used good quality materials for the IEB6+MIC including aluminum for the two driver housings, cable splitter and in-line microphone, silicon for the ear tips, PVC-free rubber for the tangle resistant cable and in-line button and gold plating for the 3.5mm plug. Can the IEB6+MIC however produce exceptional audio quality as first harmonic claims? Let's find out.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The IEB6+MIC arrived inside a small black cardboard box that has a large product picture at the front right over the company name and logo.

Turning the box over we see the specifications list and contact information for first harmonic.

Contained in the box are the IEB6+MIC HiFi headphones, carrying/storage pouch, small bag with extra ear tips, small bag with a shirt clip inside and a warranty paper.

THE IEB6+MIC

Along with the pre-fitted flexible silicon tips first harmonic bundles a total of 5 different ones for all ear sizes (xs/s/m/l/xl).

First harmonic has used a 1.4 meter long PVC-free tangle-resistant cord with the IEB6+MIC.

Both driver housings are tiny and made out of aluminum (the black/blue color combo is not bad either).

Left and right markings are printed at the base of both housings.

The company logo is printed at the rear of the housings.

We've seen larger drivers and larger housings than the ones used with the IEB6+MIC but size sometimes matters not.

First harmonic has also placed their name on the aluminum y-splitter.

The in-line microphone is also housed inside an aluminum housing but here we also have a play/pause/answer/end call rubber button.

The 1.4m long cord features a gold plated rubber coated plug at the end angled at 45 degrees.

CONCLUSION

   I've been testing headphones produced by first harmonics founder Aaron Fournier for many years now and if there's one thing I’ve come to expect is from his products is excellent tuning something which also applies for the IEB6+MIC. Vocals are clear, highs and mids are accurate and crisp, bass is quite rich and warm (for such a small headset) and in terms of soundstage things are quite balanced. The in-line microphone on the other hand could be better since in most calls the people on the other end said we sounded like we were far away but this happens a lot and with most headsets so we really can’t complain. Build quality is also very good (so is the color combination) not to mention that it was a nice change to see Aaron go from elegant wooden headsets (thinksound) targeted towards demanding consumers and even audiophiles to an aluminum one which can attract younger audiences on a tight budget.

   The most attractive thing about the IEB6+MIC HiFi Headphones by first harmonic is their price tag which is currently set at USD29.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 37Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Of course much like with every single electronic device if you’re willing to spend more on a pair of headphones there are many models in the market for you to choose from (better ones in terms of audio and build quality) but in the sub USD40/40Euros price range the IEB6+MIC by first harmonic represent the best of what you can get and that’s why they receive our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Aluminum Housings)
- Audio Quality (Accurate & Crisp Mids & Highs)
- Good Bass
- Tangle-resistant 1.4m Long Cable With Gold Plated 3.5" Plug 
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- None