News is belated here, but Meze Audio has recently announced a new in-ear monitor called ALBA.  ALBA means ‘first light’ in Romanian, and the product represents ‘the world of elevated audio enjoyment’.  The key to these wired, noise-isolating ALBAs is a custom-made USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter).  This allows listeners to reconnect with their smartphones in an enhanced, wired experience.

ALBA comes with silicone ear tips in the usual variety of sizes. Meze claims a frequency range of 15Hz—25kHz and an SPL of 109dB.

Vlad Toca, Meze’s Product Manager, says;

It was a combination of factors that brought ALBA into existence. Coming from a musical background, having maintained direct contact with our customers daily, and being an audiophile myself for the better part of a decade, really helped me understand the expectations for a complete and immersive listening experience designed for those who dance to their own beat, for the curious and the free-spirited, ALBA comprises a perfectly accessible and qualitative introduction into the world of elevated audio enjoyment.

ALBA earphones will be available from June 20, 2024, on mezeaudio.com. They are priced at £139,

About Meze Audio

Meze Audio is a high-end audio brand founded in 2011 and renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and commitment to sonic excellence. Blending timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, Meze Audio crafts premium headphones and earphones that refine the listening experience. Each meticulously engineered product reflects a passion for art, comfort and superior sound, bringing musical emotion to audio enthusiasts everywhere. Winner of multiple audiophile industry awards, Meze’s current product range also includes: 99 series headphones (99 Classics, 99 NEO), 109 PRO, Liric 2nd Gen, and the two open-back Isodynamic Hybrid Array headphones, Empyrean II and Elite.

ALBA in-ear monitors

ALBA, beautiful detail

ALBA with 3.5mm jack and USB-C DAC adaptor