Fir Electron 12 (E12) Review – Dynamo

Comparisons –

Soundz Avant (1390 EUR): The Avant strikes as a very similar type of earphone albeit with a bit more mid presence giving it a more W-shaped tonality. Of course, the adjustable bass boost and 10-BA setup give it a different presentation and this comparison will be with the bass boost on. The Avant offers awesome kick and slam for a BA design but cannot compete with the power and physicality of the E12. The E12 has a bit more presence in the sub-bass especially and a thicker, more textured bass. The Avant is quicker and punchier with better separation and as slightly more balanced tuning but a similar thick and bold voicing overall. The midrange is clear, neutrally toned and revealing on both.

The Avant has a more balanced presence and greater clarity in the upper midrange giving it a more open but also slightly strained voicing. The E12 is more laid-back, and its vocals are slightly smaller but they also have a slightly more natural timbre. The E12 has greater note body and is slightly more resolving to my ears. The treble is more present on the E12 by a small degree. It is also more detailed and extended with the Avant having a slightly crisper and more focused lower-treble but rolling off quicker above. The E12 sustains higher and has a bit more upper treble giving it the advantage of resolving power. The E12 also has a larger stage.

Fir M4 ($1899): The M4 sports a more balanced sound profile with less bass and treble emphasis. It skews on the revealing side but balances that out with a bit more lower-mid body and warmth. The E12 has the more powerful, dynamic bass. It has greater quantity and a notably more aggressive attack and slam. The M4 is a bit warmer and cleaner with less sub-bass bias. It is equally well extended and still very dynamic but smoother and more balanced overall. The E12 is slightly more defined with a more aggressive texture than the M4. The M4 has a more present midrange with a slightly warmer and fuller voicing. The E12 is clearer and more neutrally toned but also thinner and smaller.

The M4 has larger, richer vocals with better layering and resolution. The treble tells a similar story, being a bit more balanced on the M4 and more energetic and present on the E12. The M4 has slightly more treble clarity in the mid-treble giving it a crisper voicing. Despite this, the M4 is slightly more detailed, providing better instrument separation and a bit more micro-detail and sparkle in the upper-treble. The E12 has a bit more note body due to its driver type which gives it a slightly more authentic timbre to my ears. The E12 has a slightly larger and airier stage while the M4 offers more accurate imaging and better separation overall.

Lime Ears Pneuma (1800 EUR): The Pneuma has a similar character to the E12 but dials it back a few steps, providing a more coherent, balanced take on energetic. Its bass is more balanced between dynamics and mid-bass texture. It has a tight slam and a quicker, more separated mid-bass but also a lot less quantity. The E12 is far more dynamic and offers more bass in general. Despite this, it also boasts higher note definition albeit as its notes are larger, separation is not as good. The midrange is more present and more balanced on the Pneuma. While it also has a small lower midrange dip for separation and definition, it is much smaller granting more accurate note body and mid presence overall.

The Pneuma is slightly more resolving and a bit more articulate while the E12 is slightly thinner and more laid-back if equally revealing in its voicing. The treble is slightly more present on the E12 due to its more laid-back midrange, but both have a crisp, energetic character. The E12 has a bit more body and texture while the Pneuma is slightly thinner but more defined. The E12, however, does extend further, delivering more presence in the mid and upper-treble. The Pneuma does have a nice sense of air and headroom but an overall darker and more contrasted background. The E12 has greater energy and a slight extension advantage. This gives it a far more aggressive fine detail presentation and it has slightly better separation too. The E12 has a larger soundstage and better separation while the Pneuma has more accurate imaging and layering.

Verdict –

The E12 is Fir’s cheapest IEM but still isn’t a cheap IEM and expectations should suit. I feel that a design of this nature lives or dies on the perception of what a single driver is capable of. It speaks well of Fir’s engineering that I find myself complimenting the E12 relative to the entirety of the high-end market rather than simply commenting that it performs well “for a single dynamic driver IEM”. Accordingly, it is best not to consider the driver arrangement as a detriment but simply a method to an end. Ironically, I found the best part of the E12 to be its technical ability as it is no less resolving than its esteemed premium compatriates.

While the V-shaped tuning doesn’t suit my personal taste for authenticity, the E12 delivers a powerful and wideband sound that draws further emphasis to its technical chops making for a listen that is equal parts headbanging and complex. Add to that Fir’s special sauces which permit minimal wearing pressure, swappable/customisable faceplates and ease of repair down the line, and a high-quality balanced cable out of the box and you have a killer package. Unabashedly coloured, fun and vibrant, the E12 is a paragon of energy, offering a well-realized V-shaped tuning with excellent technical ability.

The E12 is available from Fir Audio (International) for $1799 USD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with Fir Audio and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.

Track List – 

Billie Eilish – dont smile at me

Bob Seger – Night Moves

Courtney Barnett – Rae Street

Cream – Wheels of Fire

Dire Straits – Communique

Dirty Loops – Next To You

Eagles – Hotel California

Elton John – Honky Chateau

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

H.E.R – I Used To Know Her

Jasen – BYE

John Mayer – Continuum

Kanye West – Ye

Missy Higgins – The Sound of White

Radiohead – OK Computer

TALA – ain’t leavin` without you

The Beatles – Abbey Road

The weeknd – After Hours

Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride