When asked to choose between quality and quantity, Unique Melody said ‘Yes’
Unique Melody (UM) has introduced its latest in-ear monitor, the Maven II. This new addition to the company’s Titanium series packs a total of 20 drivers housed in what UM calls its smallest shell to date.
The Maven II mark a huge change for UM who used to rely solely on bone conduction and balanced armature drivers in their high-end IEMs.
This time, UM added dynamic drivers for low frequencies and more electrostatic drivers for the extended highs in a single IEM.
Maven II Crescent Features
Diving into the technical specs, the Maven II Crescent seem promising (at least on paper). Each earpiece houses ten drivers, combining different types to achieve a comprehensive sound profile.
For the low end, there’s a dual dynamic driver setup.
Here, UM took what they learned from their MARTIAN and Japan-only MAVIS models from 2014 and made it better.
The result? A vertical parallel bass matrix system combining a 9.8mm and a 6.9mm dynamic driver. This setup focuses on the low and ultra-low frequencies for a bass response that’s both nuanced and authoritative.
But UM didn’t stop there. Four balanced armature (BA) drivers are split evenly between mid-high and high frequencies for better clarity and detail across the spectrum. And, to further extend the frequency response, Unique Melody also added four electrostatic drivers for ultra-high frequencies.
This diverse driver array isn’t just thrown together haphazardly. Unique Melody aims to make the most out of the strengths of each technology.
To do that, a 5-way crossover system manages the sound to make sure none of the drivers’ frequencies overlap and fight against each other. The dynamic drivers provide the punch and body in the low end, while the BA and electrostatic drivers ensure crisp, detailed mids and highs.
All in all, this system lets the Maven II IEMs cover a wide range from 20Hz to 70kHz.
Complementing this driver setup is UM’s custom-tuned Copper M2 RE cable.
Made from OCC copper wire in a 24AWG configuration with a fiber core, this cable isn’t an afterthought. It’s a key part of the Maven II Crescent’s sound, made to get the best performance while staying efficient.
Even with all these drivers, the Maven II Crescent has UM’s smallest IEM shell yet. But it’s not just about size.
The shell shows UM’s expertise in titanium IEM manufacturing. So much so, that the Maven II Crescent is dubbed as its “Masterpiece of Craftsmanship.”
For one, each shell is crafted in UM’s dedicated Titanium Factory using genuine titanium powder imported from Germany. Here, they used advanced 3D printing technology to achieve a thickness of a mere 0.4mm.
The aerospace-grade titanium used in the shell and faceplate also makes the IEMs durable and comfortable.
This isn’t just any titanium, mind you. UM refers to it as “super titanium,” as it’s five times stronger than stainless steel but half the weight.
The result is an IEM that’s not only incredibly durable but also surprisingly lightweight, contouring to your ears for those marathon listening sessions we all secretly indulge in.
And, as an added bonus, the titanium construction is also resistant to scratches and rust. So, your Maven II Crescents will look as good as they sound for years to come.
Where to Buy
The Unique Melody Maven II·Crescent is available now for $1,799. Interested buyers can purchase the IEMs from MusicTeck or directly from Unique Melody’s official website. However, as a limited edition release, only 799 sets will be produced worldwide.