HIDIZS MK12 X DUCBLOKE: A Warmer And Smoother Take
HIDIZS is one of the audio companies that is quite active in engagement in the audio market that they cultivate a strong following within the audio community as they recently released some products with a good value proposition. I did a review on the MK12 Turris before in which I find excellent particularly on its rare material that was implemented on its dynamic driver which is made of almost pure magnesium on its diaphragm which is capable of producing a high fidelity sound quality as it delivers a deep and impactful bass, clearer mids and crisper treble response.
What I have here is a variant model of MK12 Turris which is a collaboration project between them and other entities like Divinus for eartips and Timothy also known as DucBloke, a US-based audio product reviewer on Youtube. This is HIDIZS MK12 x DucBloke, and it is more of a special edition model as It is said that it has some modification of its tuning according to the audio reviewer’s tuning target specification in which HIDIZS’ follow through as each tuning profiles has it own distinctive tonal profile.
Like the regular MK12 Turris, it is still utilises a 12mm dynamic driver with a 90% pure magnesium dome-shaped diaphragm which is known for its lightweight, malleability and excellent yield strength (although it still requires some alloying process for better ductility as pure magnesium is quite a brittle material which is also susceptible to corrosion) which is supported with a re-engineered magnetic circuitry with stronger flux density for better sensitivity due stronger drive and precise response. With the material and structural design of its transducer, it will provide a better transient response with great reduction on distortion and unwanted resonance for deep bass, clearer mids and then, a crisper and detailed highs.
The driver is then encased in a solid yet lightweight CNC-milled aerospace-grade aluminium alloy that still follows the design profile of the regular MK12 Turris, albeit it is only available in a single colour choice which is carmine red that makes it even more standout compared to the original model that offers three colour options. As I mentioned in my previous reviews that shell design itself is rather an interesting matter as I don’t see it that it was inspired by aforementioned jellyfish species, but rather more of a chiton of an ancient mollusk called trilobite or some isopods. And also, unlike almost all HIDIZS’ models that I’ve reviewed, it doesn't have detachable tuning nozzle as you will rely mostly on PEQ profile that were provided by them by downloading it on their official site and also, its still uses a 0.78mm bi-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism for attaching/detaching with its demountable stock cable.
When it comes to stock cable, it is constructed with an 8-core structure made of high purity, oxygen-free gold-plated copper with a balanced build and weight on it as it is quite flexible and offers an entangle-resistance that I don't encounter any unwanted microphonic effects or interferences. With the quality of the gold-plate copper wiring, it ensures a seamless pure audio signal transmission without any signal loss or distortion. While it doesn't have a modular termination that allows interchangeability with another plug type, you can choose an option upon ordering on either standard 3.5mm single-ended or 4.4mm balanced.
As for its wearability, like the regular MK12, it offers a similar comfort and fitting as it firmly rests into my lugholes as it also pairs with the stock eartips provided by Divinus which also offers a velvet-like comfortability. With a secure fitting inside my outer ear canal, it gives an excellent passive noise isolation as it is able to block unwanted external noises from the outside surroundings.
The product packaging of this one still aligns with HIDIZS’ initiative on sustainability and recycling on reducing waste on the seas and ocean as they use biodegradable materials of its packaging box and compartment sections. Compared to the regular MK12, there are some noticeable decreases in the amount of inclusions inside of its packaging box but offers it better upgrades for other accessories like new stock cable, a premium eartips and a larger storage case.
These are the following contents inside of its packaging box:
- Pair of HIDIZS MK12 x DUCBLOKE transducer earpieces
- Stock cable with 4.4mm balanced output
- PU-leather carrying case box
- Five (5) pairs of Divinus Velvet balance bore eartips
- Paperwork like user’s manual and warranty card
Driveability-wise, as I mentioned about with a stronger flux density on its magnetic structure of the dynamic driver, this one yields a higher sensitivity and better power efficiency that you only don't need a source with a higher gain output as it only needs a standard gain output enough to amplify this IEM. With enough amplification requirements for this set to be powered with, it will deliver a full range, dynamic and clear Hi-Fi sound.
The HIDIZS MK12 x DUCBLOKE has an interesting tonal profile which is quite in contrast with regular MK12’s three tuning profile as this one takes more of a U-shaped sound signature with a warmish-balanced tonality on it. This type of tuning will cater towards more casual listeners or audio enthusiasts that align more on fun, warm and analogue-ish sound profiles.
My review will focus more on the stock tuning rather than its PEQ’s as I don't really use equalisers or any software tools that adjust some section of the frequency response through boosting and decreasing based on your tonal preferences. But here are some brief information regarding those PEQ profiles provided by HIDIZS:
Neutral Profile - it provides more balanced sound as it enhances sub-bass presence with some noticeable slight lift somewhere between midrange and treble.
Hard Hitting Profile - the overall sound profile will sound more of an L-shaped as it boosts more sub bass with some slight boost on the mid bass section to deliver that full-bodied and rumbly bass response.
Sparkly Profile - the brightest target tuning among the PEQ profiles, it has more sub bass presence while reducing its midbass texture, some noticeable emphasis on the upper-mids and presence section to sound more energetic and shimmering with an improved airy extension due to some boost on the brilliance section.
LOWS/BASS:
The bass quality of this one is quite balanced as both sub bass and mid bass sections are clearly presented on its low frequency region. It has a deep and reverberating effect on its sub bass presence as I clearly physically felt its sensation that were produced from certain instruments on electric, electro-percussives and strings like synthesisers, drum machines, low-tuned bass guitars and double-basses.
The midbass section is relatively well-textured as it has a rich, warm and punchy that benefits more tactility, fullness and impact on bass-clef instruments and low octave male vocals albeit I also noticed that there is some slight bass bleed across the low midrange section. On the bassline section, bass guitars have a mellow and earthy sound on them either on slapping, fretting or fretless on its note strings, double-basses produce a dark and weighty sound and bass kick drums sound full and sonorous on every kick on its drumhead. As for male vocals, both bass and bass-baritones have deep, full resonating sound on them with a dark timbre as they give a dense, wool-y and gravelly sound from their singing voice that you will able to enjoy the deep and strong vocals from Barry White, Peter Steele of Type O Negative and Andrew Eldritch of Sister Of Mercy.
In general, the bass response of this one is impactful, visceral and reverberating that somehow bassheads will certainly enjoy.
MIDRANGE:
The midrange presentation of this one is certainly recessed on its overall frequency response but due to some mild midbass smearing across the lower mids section, it adds more warmth, rich and voluminous as it adds more depth and fullness on most male vocals, a contralto on female vocals and instruments, particularly on brasses and percussives, and it has a balanced upper-mids section just to give enough energy on some female vocals and instruments like woodwinds and strings although they sound less spacious, a bit dimmed and rounded.
The male vocals’ foundational dynamics have a rich and warmth as the baritones have a smooth and plush sound on voices, while the tenors have a juicy, warm and full sound which are excellent on both dramatic and heldentenor types, and a tender, graceful and velvety sound from countertenors with their falsettos. On the female vocals, a strong and deep chesty vocals from contraltos as they have those typical rich and husky sound, a lachrymose, musky and velvety sound from mezzo-sopranos, and then, a mild, graceful and rich sound on sopranos in which it will sound more suitable with its subtypes like dramatic and spinto sopranos.
As for instruments, strings have a bit warmer and less crisper sound as guitars sound more buttery and meaty on every strumming on its note strings, violins have a soft and rounded sound on its bowstring, and the cellos have a full and weighty sound on them. Then on brasses, trumpets sound full and dark, while trombones have a rounded and full sound, and then horns have a mellow and velvety sound. Meanwhile on woodwinds as they don't sound expansive or even airy, the concert flutes sound mellow and dull, piccolos have a soft sound but less brilliance, clarinets sound soft and rounded, and then saxophones have a warm and rich sound. The percussive instruments that produce a striking and punchy sound, warm and resonant sound from tom-toms, a hard and dark sound from snares, a sonorous sound from field drums, and then, a warm and velvety on kettledrums. Pianos sound warm, lush and full as it can portray the sound of some antique German and Austrians pianos like Steinweg and Bösendorfer known for their dark and rich tones.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
No doubt that treble response on this one is smoother and relaxed that this will be a tonal anathema for treble-heads as they will find too dark and lethargic on their liking, but if you are into warm and analogue sound profile, this one might fill up your safe treble tuning. It has enough elevation just to give some clarity and definition on the vocal articulation and the attack on instruments and with this type tuning, sibilance and harshness on this one is non-existent that won’t even bother on your listening session especially if you are treble-sensitive.
As for the brilliance section of the treble region on this IEM, it has enough sparkle but its airy extension is rather modest in my liking. On how it affects the timbre and tonal characteristics of these treble-noted instruments, cymbals have a full and soughing sound while hi-hats have a dull and soft tone on is chick-y sound, celestas have a soft and mellow sound, and then glockenspiel have a lustrous and rounder sounds.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
It seems that the perceived soundstage presentation of this one is rather intimate as it has a moderate sound field size as it has a reasonable width on its lateral span from the left to right channel, but it has good height and excellent depth that makes them a bit less proportionate within my aural perception. At the same time, it also projects a concave-like stereo presentation on its imaging capability as it also has a fairly layered acoustic landscape with good separation of musical elements in which I can locate their placement in a sonic canvas precisely.
Driver coherency performance of this one is excellent on how fluid its transient response on its bass attack and decay along with clarity and detail on other parts of frequency response. As for its resolution capabilities, it has firm and engaging macrodynamics as it can differentiate the volume scale from the quietest part up to loudest section on both instrumental passages and chorale lines that provides structural tonal dynamics, whereas on its microdynamics, it has soft and blunted definition on extracting fine details and subtleties from an audio track like vocal delays, instrumental reverb tails and note attacks.
PEER COMPARISONS:
HIDIZS MK12 TURRIS
- The original model and this one was priced a bit cheaper compared to its collaboration variant.
- This model also the first one on using an almost pure magnesium on its diaphragm for its 12mm dynamic driver and it was housed in a pseudo-segmented design metal alloy shell chassis.
- Like all HIDIZS models, it utilises a detachable tuning filter nozzle that offers three different sound profiles but the latest variant has a three PEQ settings that offers different tuning targets.
- On its accessories, it offers three types of eartips, a PU-leather storage pouch and a 2-core stock cable.
- Due to its detachable tuning filter nozzles, it offers three sound signatures; a “balanced” mild U-shaped, warm U-shaped and a bright U-shaped in which I will compare the MK12 X DUCBLOKE with a warm U-shape nozzle setting.
- Compared to its collaboration variant, it has less rumbly presence while having similar midbass punch response, a bit less warmer but somehow a tad more energetic midrange response, and then a more shimmery and a bit airy extension treble response.
- When it comes to technicalities, this one has a more roomy soundstage presentation, more defined layering on its soundscape with a sharper micro-detail definition.
As I’ve reviewed this IEM, it also comes to my mind on why having another variant of this particular model given how good the previous one is? Well, according to HIDIZS, they provided the majority of its stock tuning with some modification based on Ducbloke’s fine tuning on those PEQ tuning profiles, along with a new stock cable and a premium eartips provided by DIVINUS that it enhances its usability and sound improvements although I’m not keen on using any EQs. As for its tonal performance, it still retains its coloured tuning which has a warm, fun and engaging sound with some analogue-ish vibe on it that defines more musicality as you enjoy every beat on your long listening session, but there are some caveats on its tuning profile like lack of shimmer and lively sound for ardent treble-headed audio enthusiasts and a bit too coloured for neutral heads (unless you use the neutral profile of its PEQ settings). But still, I think that this IEM is still an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts looking for sheer fun and engaging coloured tuning along with excellent build quality and the quality of its content inside of its packaging box.
HIDIZS MK12 X DUCBLOKE is now on HIDIZS' online store on their official website. Check the link below if you are interested to purchase it.
LINK:
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: HIDIZS MK12 X DUCBLOKE
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 111dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz – 45kHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm, 4.4mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER
PROS:
● Solid and lightweight aluminium alloy shell chassis.
● It features a rare dynamic driver as you can only count a few models from both IEMs and headphones that uses almost pure magnesium material on its diaphragm.
● This one is pretty well responsive to its PEQ profiles provided by HIDIZS
● The product packaging of this one is fully packed with a quantitative amount of inclusions.
● Inclusion of high quality stock cable.
● Divinus premium eartips
● Pretty sensitive therefore easy to drive.
● Quite an ear tip depend set
● An easy to listen sound profile due to its fun, engaging and coloured tonality.
● Balanced bass presentation with a punchy and impactful sound with good rumbling presence.
● Full, rich and warm bass for bass-centric instruments and low octave deep male vocal types.
● Warm and smooth midrange response.
● Rich, deep and plush sound to most male vocals and some female vocals particularly on contraltos, sufficiently impactful percussive instruments and full sounding brasses.
● Smooth and inoffensive treble response.
● Firm macrodynamics.
CONS:
● Way too coloured sounding for neutral heads.
● A bit too warm to use as a reference tuning for professional use.
● Less revealing sound quality compared to the tuning of the original MK12 as it sounds a bit veiled and dampened like it loses some of its energy for female vocals, and then, a soft and too warm sounding on strings and woodwinds.
● A treble tuning will be certainly unlikeable to treble heads due to less bright with modest airy extension.
● It has a bit of a narrow soundstage in terms of wideness although it has a good depth.
● Less defined layering and somewhat a bit blunted definition on its detail retrieval on its microdynamics.
TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)
Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *
P.S.
I am not affiliated to HIDIZS nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.
Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to the HIDIZS REPS for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
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