Q: Why does Future Sonics use dynamic speakers vs. armature drivers?
A: Atrio Series™ products, and all of our professional earphones, price out much lower then any two/three way armature device and we offer ours with better quality of sound -- even in our universal products which will outperform any of the armatures which cannot accurately or effectively reproduce frequencies below 150Hz. Our dynamic product achieve these deeper tones naturally and without any "bass boost," or "extended bass" tricks found in some other brands.Future Sonics had multiple driver products and abandoned them after our original MG4™ (and now our MG4plus™) transducer far surpassed the performance, reliability and side-by-side testing when our clients heard why using a dynamic transducers produce smoother, more even transitions, warmth and natural tone. Our own so-called "hybrid" devices didn't even match the accuracy and dynamics from our custom Ear Monitors® brand products. We listened to the pros in the field and simply eliminated those two, and even three, driver configuration possibilities from our product line and are very proud to stand behind our dedication to 100% armature-free dynamic pro-audio products.


Q: What if the sound doesn't seem correct or there is not enough bass?
A: Fit is essential to the successful use of our products. While our complete custom-made products are not returnable as such, we guarantee our custom products for proper fit for 30 days from the date of purchase. Please call us if you have any questions.

In our Atrio Series™ products, Future Sonics offers a 30 day audio satisfaction guarantee*.

*Please note that we do have a 15% restocking fee since return items cannot be resold nor reused; however, and I'm pleased to report, it seldom occurs. We are very proud of our audio signature and, while it is subjective, we do strive to simply create the best possible sound quality.


Q: What's the difference between soft and firm canals for Ear Monitors® brand products?
A: The differences are fairly simple. Future Sonics only recommends soft canals for specific needs and/or fit situations depending on the individual. So-called "soft canals" may be the option for those with very sensitive canals and/or a particular turn or bend in the ear canal. Soft materials do not tend to last as long as firm materials for many performers; sometimes getting stiff over time. The seal and fit may be better maintained with a firm canal material and, ultimately, may provide better results. It is also just a matter of preference and we are happy to provide either type for your particular needs.


Q: Is it really safe to use professional earphones for stage, studio, broadcast, gaming, DMP, mp3 players, DVD players, laptops, etc.?
A: Our staff has applied our original concepts and technologies for over 20 years and it has become particularly popular the last 10 years. There are more musicians now using this concept successfully to hear themselves on stage, studio and for their portable players than ever before, but there is some responsible listening required.

The safest way to use the "personal monitoring" concept is for all musicians in the same band to use the concept and not use any backline speakers or monitor speakers. Every individual has different sound pressure level (SPL) tolerances and (usually) hears things differently or subjectively. This is a very controlled environment and all players listen to the levels and the mix they are comfortable with. In fact, this approach offers studio quality sound and has the ability to add audience or room sound at comfortable levels. This "safest approach" requires a separate monitor mix (preferably in stereo) for each musician. This is how Future Sonics approaches the concept; however, not every musician can afford their own equipment or the rentals of proper monitor mixing consoles and other equipment to have CD quality sound on stage.

Eliminating monitor wedges and backline speakers on stage reduce the competing sounds for the house mix, as well. I will bet the house sound to be 101% clearer and more enjoyable if you have ever been to a concert where a band uses the "personal monitoring" technology.


Q: Is there anything I should do first?
A: It is possible to try this "personal monitoring" technology before you purchase or invest in a system for your tour, studio, house of worship, station, etc.. There are systems you can rent and universal / generic ears that allow you to check out the concept in your stage environment. It is best to ask many questions, talk to other users, and be sure you have the right universal earphone. The final stage of any system is the earphone. Choosing the right reference earphone (for you) will help you choose equipment, microphones, instruments and how the other players perform or blend in your mix.


Q: Why don't you publish more specifications?
A: For Future Sonics, making the concept of personal monitors successful is our first concern - even before whatever brand you choose based on your preference in the audio, our mission is about providing the best possible sound quality as the first priority. Charts / specs are very subjective and usually do not represent the actual audio curve once in the ear. We have had more confusion regarding charts (especially bass response) and what people think they should see rather then hear. Listen for yourself the difference between armature (hearing aid) transducers compared to our custom miniature dynamic transducers that are in our universal MG5pro™ in our new Atrio Series™ or our MG4plus™ in our Ear Monitors® brand. Our experience tells us that listening will tell the tale of dynamics for most people.


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