Future Sonics is the originator of the in-ear monitor -- their development and research brought not only their signature custom-fitted Ear Monitors brand, but the critically-acclaimed EM3, FS-1, and Atrio Series universal-fit products.
With a strong commitment to both hearing conservation and superior audio reproduction for stage, studio, and personal listening, Future Sonics' products, both custom and universal, have won over listeners worldwide.
When Atrio was released, critical acclaim followed. Atrio offered superior sound and comfort in a value package, with performance far outweighing the cost.
With a strong commitment to both hearing conservation and superior audio reproduction for stage, studio, and personal listening, Future Sonics' products, both custom and universal, have won over listeners worldwide.
When Atrio was released, critical acclaim followed. Atrio offered superior sound and comfort in a value package, with performance far outweighing the cost.
Meet Atrio, Version 2
Future Sonics is well known for their constant research & development work; while very proud of their work, they're always looking for ways to improve the quality of their products for their users.
Atrio version 2 was released at summer NAMM 2008, offering many improvements over the first version; at first glance, though, Atrio retains it's stylish black or cobalt blue exterior; in fact, the only difference between M3, M5, M8 and M9 is the exterior color.
That's where the similarities end; under the hood, the Atrio version 2 offers vast improvement.
Atrio version 2 was released at summer NAMM 2008, offering many improvements over the first version; at first glance, though, Atrio retains it's stylish black or cobalt blue exterior; in fact, the only difference between M3, M5, M8 and M9 is the exterior color.
That's where the similarities end; under the hood, the Atrio version 2 offers vast improvement.
Signature Sound Quality
Future Sonics has built their reputation on stellar sound quality. Using Future Sonics' proprietary dynamic driver technology, the Atrio version 2 offers an extended frequency response -- down to 18hz -- when compared to the original version.
Bass is the most important and most abundant element of the Future Sonics experience. Full, rich, three-dimensional bass surrounds the listener. Bass has impact and tone at low volumes, which makes listening to Atrio fun and engaging. Bass is not, however, overwhelming in the sound signature. It represents a very solid fundamental on which the sound signature is built.
Mids are pushed forward and are of very high quality, with great texture. Vocals and strings pop out with lifelike accuracy. Mids interact very well with the lows, especially on kick drum and bass guitar.
Highs are a little recessed, but are much better represented than on previous models. I found that, depending on the sleeves used, the high end could be decreased or increased.
While I've generally dismissed the idea of burn-in, I found a noticeable difference after playing uncompressed pink noise at standard listening volume for close to 48 hours. I found the lows and low-mids to open up quite a bit, and the highs became more fluid. A friend who also obtained a pair of version 2 Atrio did the same, and noted similar experiences.
Bass is the most important and most abundant element of the Future Sonics experience. Full, rich, three-dimensional bass surrounds the listener. Bass has impact and tone at low volumes, which makes listening to Atrio fun and engaging. Bass is not, however, overwhelming in the sound signature. It represents a very solid fundamental on which the sound signature is built.
Mids are pushed forward and are of very high quality, with great texture. Vocals and strings pop out with lifelike accuracy. Mids interact very well with the lows, especially on kick drum and bass guitar.
Highs are a little recessed, but are much better represented than on previous models. I found that, depending on the sleeves used, the high end could be decreased or increased.
While I've generally dismissed the idea of burn-in, I found a noticeable difference after playing uncompressed pink noise at standard listening volume for close to 48 hours. I found the lows and low-mids to open up quite a bit, and the highs became more fluid. A friend who also obtained a pair of version 2 Atrio did the same, and noted similar experiences.
Build & Fit Quality
Version 2 of Atrio has improved build quality, compared to the originals. Future Sonics eliminated the memory wire from around the ears -- a weak point in the previous design -- and improved the cable quality.
The new cable is much more durable and much less prone to tangling (which is especially good for clumsy people like myself, who tend to tangle their earphone wires).
Fit quality is the same as the previous Atrio series. The Atrio comes with several options for fit; their ComfortFit foam sleeves are my personal favorite option, for both isolation and comfort. You'll also find their EarFills dual-flange sleeves in various sizes (which are also comfortable and effective, but for my ears, the foam worked better). You can also upgrade to custom-molded sleeves, called the SofterWear, for an additional fee, plus your audiologist's fees for shooting impressions. That option offers the best comfort and isolation, and can offer the ability to get into a custom product with great sound quality for a low price.
The new cable is much more durable and much less prone to tangling (which is especially good for clumsy people like myself, who tend to tangle their earphone wires).
Fit quality is the same as the previous Atrio series. The Atrio comes with several options for fit; their ComfortFit foam sleeves are my personal favorite option, for both isolation and comfort. You'll also find their EarFills dual-flange sleeves in various sizes (which are also comfortable and effective, but for my ears, the foam worked better). You can also upgrade to custom-molded sleeves, called the SofterWear, for an additional fee, plus your audiologist's fees for shooting impressions. That option offers the best comfort and isolation, and can offer the ability to get into a custom product with great sound quality for a low price.
Overall Impressions
At $199, Atrio is one of the best values you can find in exceptional sound reproduction. If you're looking for something that will transition from stage to studio to personal listening and do each of those tasks very well, the Atrio is a great match.
Future Sonics continues to impress me, as the people behind the company continue to strive for high-quality products offering an exceptional value, while offering products that, when used responsibly, promote hearing-healthy practices on and off stage.
Future Sonics continues to impress me, as the people behind the company continue to strive for high-quality products offering an exceptional value, while offering products that, when used responsibly, promote hearing-healthy practices on and off stage.