Introduction

Effect Audio is a Singapore-based brand with over a decade of experience. It is primarily known for its aftermarket audio cables. Their team of engineers has come up with some novel designs and material uses, especially for IEMs, and there are cables from $99 all the way to a whopping $5000. The so-called ConX system is especially intriguing to me as it allows users to easily switch between IEM connections on their cables using low-profile, swappable top-end connectors. Keeping all of this in mind, Effect Audio having recently come out with an actual set of IEMs—two, in fact—was even more interesting. Plenty of teasers on social media and audio-centric websites talked about sustainability and more engineering prowess. A loaner tour was also announced with the launch of these IEMs, which is how this review happened. Thanks to Effect Audio for sending the all-new Axiom my way, as well as providing a loaner cable.


Why a loaner cable, you might ask? Part of the sustainability is that it does not actually ship with a cable in the box! I'll preempt the analogy with mobile phones and chargers to save you the trouble, but this is a bigger deal since wired IEMs obviously can't function without a cable. Effect Audio's justification is that those spending the money on the Axiom already likely have a cable of their preference. However, a rotating pairing of select Effect Audio cables is on discount when purchased with the Axiom for those who still want one, and one of these was included as part of the loaner tour. See those two extra pieces in the middle? That's where the modular aspect comes in, and we will dig deeper into this and plenty more in this review which begins with a look at the product specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

Unlike a more traditional product loaner tour, such as with the Meze Audio Liric headphones we saw recently, the Effect Audio Axiom review package shipped directly from Effect Audio and was sent back to them. As this is how you would receive the IEMs, we begin with a look at the shipping packaging. Given the Axiom also came with a cable, both items shipped in identical cardboard boxes with branded tape. These came inside a DHL plastic bag that thankfully hid all of this from public view. Each of these boxes opens up in the same manner to reveal the actual product box in a plastic wrap.


The Axiom packaging is simple, but layered, which really goes against the eco-friendly, sustainable Effect Audio marketing. The glossy outer plastic layer goes through different shades of green depending on the incident light, with a demo sticker on one side and printing on all sides indicating product name and type, as well as some salient marketing features. You then have to peel this layer off to get to the inner cardboard box with more geometric patterns and remove the lid to get to the contents. But even here is more waste in the form of two cards glued to a pamphlet, none of which is necessary. At the same time, a barebones packaging might have received complaints since the Axiom is a premium product, so Effect Audio really dug themselves a hole here.


One of these two cards is a warranty card with a QR code that takes you to a registration page, and one year of warranty is once again not in line with the sustainability approach. I would have liked 2–3 years at least if the goal is to have the Axiom be a long-lasting product. The other card's QR code is supposed to take you to this URL, which does not work because Effect Audio has since changed the URL to take you here. However, there is currently very little of note there, certainly no promised user manual. These are all adding up to a poorly executed lofty goal. Underneath is more cardboard, with layers instead of foam or plastic adding protection in the first move from Effect Audio I agree with. The individual IEMs are in shaped holes that snugly hold them in place, and you now get a multi-sensory experience in the form of touch, sight, hearing, soon to follow with the IEMs, and smell with loose tea powder from the SG-based Gryphon Tea Company in a bag that is not meant for consumption, only the pleasant aroma during unboxing. I appreciate the love given to a local company, but more relevant are the various accessories in individual compartments. These include a precision Phillips head screwdriver, two modules we will examine over the course of this review, and ear tips, of course.


Effect Audio is going minimalist in more ways than one as there is only one ear-tip type in sizes S, M, and L. These are silicone ePro Horn-shaped ear tips employing a wide bore and are designed to enhance the higher frequency sound signature while retaining the highs and mids. These cost $14 for the set. While IEM pricing plays a role in what to expect when it comes to ear tips, I would have still liked an additional type at least—be it memory foam or otherwise. Relying on a single type in three sizes to accommodate the fit and HRTF preferences of a global audience is a massive gamble.