Package
The Electron 12 comes in the same size box as all other FiR IEMs, the content is also pretty much the same.
You get a sturdy box that contains your new IEMs, attached to which is a two-wired, coaxial copper cable terminated to a 4.4mm balanced plug. The cable looks a lot like the one we found on the Radon 6, but of higher wire gauge and in brown.
In the package you’ll also find a FiR Audio iron-on badge, a protective leather case and a mix of silicone and foam ear-tips. Then there’s also a cleaning tool and a small plunger-like tool to remove the E12’s faceplates. Although I never had any problems with just removing them with my fingers, the tool is a nice addition.
Of course there’s also a warranty card and a user guide in the box.
Build Quality
The E12’s shell is made out of aluminum, which is always a great choice in my opinion. Aluminum is resistant and hard to destroy. By today’s standard I’d say the size of the E12 is medium. It fits my ears perfectly, but smaller sized ears could potentially have problem with fitting these. My girlfriend for example (which is a fan of FiR’s sound) can’t use these due to their size.
Overall the build quality is very good, as we are used to from FiR Audio. But one thing has left me a bit surprised, and that’s the lack of wax protection screens. The Electron 12’s nozzle is fully open and there is no mesh screen whatsoever to protect the internals from debris or ear-wax. Sure, the dynamic driver is not in danger (according to FiR) for that, but as a customer I’d want the extra security knowing that there is protection in place.
The opening for the ATOM venting is also not protected by any means. But this opening is a lot smaller compared to the one on the nozzle. On second thought, this could also be the driver vent. Still, there should be some protection.
Other than these two surprises, the FiR Electron 12 is built very well. On the nozzle you’ll find extra grip for the ear-tips, so they won’t slip right off when you’re pulling out the IEMs. That is something that has happened in the past with other IEMs and has always been the cause of a minor shock at first.
The Electron 12 uses a standard .78 2-pin connector, which is built to FiR’s standards. The faceplates can easily be taken off with your fingers or the plunger-esque tool in the accessory box. Underneath the faceplates you’ll find two screws to open up the E12 for maintenance. This of course should only be done by FiR themselves. Seeing that FiR also tries to make service and maintenance easier is also always welcome.
Sound
Here is what you came for. The Sound. Or at least a description of how I hear the Electron 12.
During the past weeks I have used the E12 mainly on the go with one of my DAPs. Most ear-time probably went into the Lotoo PAW Gold Touch and the SR35 by Astell&Kern. I have also used the Electron 12 with desktop sources like the Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 or the Chord Electronics Hugo TT2. But of course, these are a bit overkill and not what most people would use an In Ear Monitor with. I have strictly sticked to the original accessories of the E12 for the review purpose. So the following description is not altered by third party ear-tips or cables. Of course you can tinker with sound by swapping these out for something else that suits your taste better.
Summed up in a few words, I would describe the E12 to have a powerful low-end, with great punch and drive in the bass, combined with an open and transparent mid-range and a slightly more forward lower treble. The E12 shows strengths in displaying a holographic sound and constructing a stage that is nicely wide.
More on page three!
