The Unique Melody 3DT has three captivating elements to wow me.
I have known about Unique Melody and its products since 2011. Two products in particular that caught my attention were the Unique Melody 3DD, triple dynamic drivers IEMs, launched in 2014 and the revision model, the 3DD Ti, in 2018. The 3DD Ti is a stunning-looking set of IEMs.
Unfortunately I’ve not tried them.
Well, why not? Truth be told, they were too expensive for me at the time. Both models were above the $500 price-point, and beyond my reach. Now, I am given a third chance. When I noticed the newest 3DT, priced lower than the previous models on the Musicteck home page, I quickly purchased them.
- Great mid-tier sound
- Excellent clarity
- Balanced and natural sound
- Great transparency
- Excellent build and design
- Decent accessories
- Removable cables feel cheap and can tangle
- Mild driver flex
- Slight recession in the mids
The Unique Melody 3DT have three dynamic drivers. There are two 7mm compound diaphragm dynamic drivers for the bass and one 10mm carbon nano-tube (CNT) dynamic driver for the mids and treble. The housings are composed of stabilized wood layered with pigments and resin.
According to Unique Melody, the 3DT is supposed to give authentic, dynamic bass with stunning transparency and clarity. Is this true? Well, you will find out soon enough.
Company Overview
Unique Melody, founded in Guangdong in 2007, started from scratch. Through producing headphones, Unique Melody gained experience and technology, and established its brand. Leveraging expertise in sound and mold modification, Unique Melody continues to develop many popular headphone audio products for their homeland in China, and abroad.
Technical Specifications
- Form: IEM
- Drivers: x2 7mm compound diaphragm dynamic drivers for the bass and one 10mm CNT dynamic driver for mids and treble
- Impedance (Ohm): 25.4Ω
- Sensitivity (dB): 113dB @1KHz
- Frequency Response (Hz): 20Hz – 20kHz
- Removable Cable: Y
- Source Jack: 3.5mm TRS
- Cup/Shell Jack: 2-pin 0.78mm
- Mic: N
Packaging
Let us start with captivating element number one, the 3DT’s packaging.
I can see that Unique Melody worked very hard to make the packaging unique. The 3DT’s packaging is not only great, but what captures my attention is the color combination on the case, ear tips, and IEMs themselves.
I would say that it is all very well thought out. Inside the box is a warranty card, four pairs of ear tips (six ear tips in total), a Unique Melody-branded cleaning cloth, and a functional 2-pin 0.78mm silver cable.
In the box
- Unique Melody x Dignis case x1
- Unique Melody 3DT x1
- 2-pin 0.78mm silver cable x1
- Warranty card x1
- Ear tips x8
- Unique Melody-branded cleaning cloth x1
Cable
The stock cable is good-looking but rather average in quality. The cable is well-braided but feels a bit thin. The shell jack of the 2-pin connectors and plug are a translucent black smoke color. There is a chin slider, but it’s made out of some tube plastic.
I like the conveniently placed Unique Melody velcro latch that keeps the cable tidy and neat when it’s not in use. The wires above the 2-pin connectors are very flexible and ensure a snug fit for the 3DT. Thankfully, the cable is removable so that you can switch the cable to an appropriate 2-pin 0.78mm cable, if desired. Otherwise, the included silver cable looks good and functions how it should.
Design
Oh, look! Here is captivating element number two, the 3DT’s design.
A closer look at the UM 3DT reveals the resins that make these IEMs look so gorgeous. The dual tones of color give these IEMs character.
The deep blue pigment closely resembles a lapis lazuli gemstone. The golden caramel color reminds me of looking into a hot cup of coffee that I have carefully stirred with a few teaspoons of coffee creamer.
The 3DT have a great blend of colors and shine that makes them quite pleasing to look at.
There are metal caps at the bottom corners of the faceplates. As for the metal canal, it’s built well and looks great, and I find no faults with the build quality.
Nor do I have any problems with the mesh filter. It’s woven in the best way possible to prevent internal ear wax build-up. A CNC machine cut out the shells of the 3DT to fit the contours of the ears as effectively as possible. Finally, I should point out that one shell contains the serial number, next to the metal canal, for warranty purposes.
Comfort
The 3DT fits snug and doesn’t induce any long-term fatigue
As for comfort, I have not found any significant issues with wearing the 3DT. They fit just right, although the only way I can wear them is with the stock SS (super small) ear tips. I can wear the 3DT for hours upon hours with almost no fatigue.
However, there’s something that I must say about the fit of the 3DT. I heard mild driver flex upon insertion. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it can impact proper audio reproduction, so carefully insert the 3DT to prevent this issue.
Internals
Based on the internal schematics, there is a metal cap on the bottom of the faceplate to hold the internals of the IEMs in place. The UM 3DT’s contain three dynamic drivers per shell. Two 7mm dynamic drivers for bass and one 10mm CNT dynamic driver for mids and treble.
The 3DT also contains 3D-printed acoustic tubes for the drivers. These acoustic tubes are designed for each dynamic driver to produce better imaging, and improved synergy.
3DT Sound
The final captivating element, the 3DT’s sound.
The 3DT’s sound is relatively natural and in no way fatiguing. The imaging capabilities they possess are fantastic and well-layered, which makes the listening experience very pleasing. The 3DT are very engaging due to the somewhat intimate soundstage and subtle energy that drives every note.
Equipment used:
- HiBy R6 Pro DAP
- 100 Hours of burn-in
- Tidal (Hi-Fi Quality)
- “Just B Friends” by Pholo, Dyzphoria (Wave), and “Mist” by Ennja (Wave) for Bass
- “Star Sky” by Two Steps From Hell (Epic Scores) for Mids
- “Black Diamond” by The Rippingtons, Russ Freeman (Modern Jazz) for Treble
Bass
Vibrant and smooth.
The power of two 7mm dynamic drivers is heard but not quite as powerful as one might expect. When I saw the 3DT’s configuration, I immediately thought that these were going to be bass monsters. However, after listening to the 3DT during and after the long burn-in, I realized that the bass response is more vibrant than hammering.
Bass-heavy soundtracks like “Just B Friends” by Pholo, Dyzphoria, and “Mist” by Ennja were proper demonstrations of their high level of bass control. I never heard the bass pressing against any other sections higher than the upper bass. What I like most about the bass from these gems is the texture.
The rumble is delicate and smooth like a gentle massage. The bass impact is just right, and no details are obscured in the mix.
Overall, the bass is tight and fast with great depth and texture.
Midrange
Intimate and natural.
Even though the bass doesn’t overshadow the mids, I hear a bit of recession in the midrange. This issue is nothing to fret over, though it’s a bit noticeable in the lower mids. I noticed it during “Star Sky” by Two Steps From Hell. The choir boys singing in the background was a bit relaxed, and I felt that it could have been more distinct.
As for the upper mids, there are no issues here. I can hear all of the instruments with no problems. What’s best about the mids is the abundance of clarity and the clicks I hear with the stringed instruments.
The subtle audible nuances in the background provide a lifelike listening experience. The midrange tone sounds natural too and there are no overly exaggerated characteristics of the mids that would suggest otherwise. Overall, the mids are slightly warm with outstanding clarity and detail that isn’t hindered by the dip in the lower midrange.
Treble
Nice!
If you like listening to cymbals and other percussion instruments, then you are in for a treat. Black Diamond by The Rippingtons and Russ Freeman does this part of the sound justice. I don’t think I’ve ever heard any IEMs in my collection portray cymbals and percussion as well as the 3DT.
As you progress through the soundtrack, you notice more of the musicians playing their part, and it creates a glowing aura in a blank and dark canvas. It is gleaming like a sunrise. Overall the treble performance sparkles, and its radiance gives life to the music.
Seriously though, kudos to Unique Melody for tuning the 10mm CNT driver for excellent performance.
Where to Buy
Conclusion
As I originally stated, “according to Unique Melody, the 3DT is supposed to give authentic, dynamic bass with stunning transparency and clarity”. But, is this true? Definitely! Not only did the 3DT perform well in these two categories, but they even managed to best most of my collection of IEMs that fall within the same price range.
In conclusion, the Unique Melody 3DT are a shining example of fantastic mid-tier audio performance at an affordable price. These IEMs would be great for those who are coming from the lower-end of the mid-tier range or below. If you like engaging, balanced, and lifelike sound and you don’t mind the mild driver flex, then these are the IEMs for you.
