Closer Examination

I suppose this is as good a time as any to mention that the Effect Audio Axiom is one of two new IEMs from Effect Audio, with the even-higher-end Axiom XP announced at the same time not available for purchase as this is written. It takes things up a few notches both inside and out, which is a hard ordeal considering the Axiom is quite something else for its balance of aesthetics and engineering. If there is one takeaway from this review, it is that Effect Audio executed that balance across its cables and IEMs! The shells employ CNC-machined aluminium alloy given a black anodized matte finish for durability while being resistant to the elements and fingerprints, and the shells have a titanium nozzle with ridges where surfaces mate. On the front cover is a decorative face plate, as well as company branding. The Axiom does it a bit differently since there are two sections, with the top section black aluminium with the truncated logo and Axiom pattern from before and a hand-cut Hetian Jade insert from the Xinjiang province of China meant to bring good luck to the user. A polished chrome surround around the insert wraps around what is effectively the face plate, and it goes over the sides to meet the aluminium alloy shells.


A close-up of one of the Axiom IEMs from the side better shows the natural stone Hetian Jade insert, as well as the glue to keep it in the chromed surround. It's not the typical dark green most think of with jade, but rather far more muted with darker streaks on the surface akin to fauna patterns or even Lichtenberg figures on wood. It's quite unique in a world of IEMs dominated by resin shells using pre-formed face plates, or all-aluminium shells without a dedicated face plate. A look from the side shows the various materials and finishes that go into making the Effect Audio Axiom, as well as the MMCX cable connector fitted to the top piece that is clearly an insert of its own. A vent on the side also provides airflow to the dynamic driver inside while assisting with pressure equalization when the IEM is in the ear, with a smaller vent on the inner side positioned on the titanium nozzle completing that puzzle. L and R markings indicate the left and right channels of these ergonomically designed shells based on the golden ratio. There is a larger hole that is not a vent; instead, it is where a single Phillips screw is removed with the previously seen screwdriver. Once done, open the side to remove this insert, which is best done using finger nails. The four pins electrically connect the insert to the rest of the IEMs. Notice the chrome surround continuing on this side as well, which is nice to see.


We now get a better look at what Effect Audio calls a Modular Unit (MU). For the base configuration, the Axiom comes with two sets of MUs for MMCX and 0.78 mm 2-pin cable connects out of the box. This is where the company markets the sustainability aspect the most, as it means users don't have to rely on MMCX or 2-pin cables if their choice cable only comes in one of the two. Aside from the screw, a guide pin and plastic notch help orient and install or remove these MUs in the Axiom. It can be frustrating the first couple of times, before you get comfortable with the routine, and I found it easier to press down and pull out when removing the MU. In addition to the cable connectors, Effect Audio is also working on other MUs to affect the tonality via a slight electronic cross-over effect with the four pins. A silver-colored MU is already being sampled out to some, but the timing unfortunately did not work for when I had the loaner Axiom.


Let me now direct you to the medical-grade titanium nozzle that seems simple enough, but has been designed with "over 400 ear impressions and 3D scans," have helped with the ridged design angling the nozzle inward and into the ear canal, too. The nozzle is otherwise stubby and one of the narrowest in diameter for IEMs I have seen, making aftermarket tip compatibility more challenging, and the lack of stock ear tip options all the more aggravating. A mesh filter on the end prevents contaminants from entering the acoustic chamber. Fitting the ear tips is simple enough given the bore size matches the nozzle diameter well enough, and the notch in the nozzle secures them in place, and do go around to ensure the tips are inserted all the way. Seen above are the included silicone size M tips installed on these IEMs. Notice the large opening into the ear canal to compensate for the smaller nozzle diameter. Do try out the different sizes to get the best-possible fit, and do not feel as though both ears necessarily need the same-sized ear tips, either.


In addition to the ear tips, you also need to make sure the correct MU is installed when it comes to the cable connector, and soon tonality preferences. Once done, in this case with the Vogue Maestro, the next step is to connect the cable by carefully pushing the connectors in place, which are then held there by friction alone. The 3.5 mm TRS connector then goes to your source. I know there are many who prefer using IEMs throughout, but I like to use over-ear headphones when sitting down and IEMs or TWS earbuds on the go. I paired the Effect Audio Axiom with all the tested portable DAC/amps to date and personally like the cleaner profile and handy EQ options of the Qudelix-5K as the source, in turn paired to my phone or laptop.