Campfire Audio's outlandishly named Alien Brain IEMs aim to deliver "precision, detail and emotive quality" from your music

Campfire Audio Alien Brain in-ear headphones
(Image credit: Campfire Audio)

Campfire Audio has announced its latest pair of in-ear monitors, the outlandishly-named Alien Brain. Continuing Campfire's run of hybrid in-ear headphones, the new in-ears tease an "expertly tuned sonic signature" alongside the sort of other-worldly aesthetic for which the Portland-based brand is well-known.

Central to the Alien Brain's sonic performance is a five-driver hybrid design. Chief among these is an all-new 10mm dual magnetic dynamic driver which handles the lower frequencies and features a glass speaker dome and a polyurethane diaphragm.

Complementing the new 10mm driver are two mid-frequency balanced armature units tuned to bring out the "precision, detail and emotive quality" of your music. Rounding out the five-driver array are two high-frequency balanced armatures that strive for "crisp treble and an expansive soundstage".

Housed in a black stainless steel shell, the Alien Brain IEMs look to combine out-there aesthetics with superior durability and excellent resonance control, all while providing a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. The iridescent external dome lid, meanwhile, gives the headphones their cosmically cerebral aesthetic.

Campfire Audio Alien Brain in-ear headphones

(Image credit: Campfire Audio)

The new Campfire Audio Alien Brain IEMs come with a 32-bit/384kHz USB-C DAC dongle for playing high-quality audio with compatible sources. You're also provided with a leather carrying case alongside small, medium and large-sized sets of foam, silicone and high-traction ear tips, as well as a choice of 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced cables.

According to Ken Ball, Campfire Audio's Founder and Lead Acoustic Engineer, “Building on over a decade of earphone design and engineering, we expanded the legacy and boundaries of what is possible in a dynamic-BA hybrid, with the all-new, five-driver Alien Brain”.

Hot on the heels of the more accessibly-priced Campfire Audio Axion IEMs (£249 / $249) launched recently, the premium Alien Brain in-ear headphones will be available later this April, priced at £999 / $999.

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Harry McKerrell
Senior staff writer

Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.