Westone UM Pro 20 vs UM Pro 30

The Westone UM Pro 20’s and UM Pro 30’s are often put next to each other. The question is whether that extra bit of cash is worth the upgrade. When people buy the Westone UM Pro line they are not always buying for live music/monitoring and studio use. Most people want to an earphone that can be both used for listening to music and studio monitoring, while others only want these only for live stage use.

Westone also have the W range (W10-W60) which is aimed at music listening first and foremost – they have a flat response and are tuned very differently. If you are looking for an earphone that is good for live use and music listening then our subjective opinion is the UM Pro line is great for both, whereas using the W range for live music would not be as beneficial and really excels for music listening as it’s primary role.

Let’s have a look at the basic differences of the UM Pro 20 and UM Pro 30 universal IEM.

UM Pro 20 vs UM Pro 30

UM Pro 20

2 x Balanced Armature Drivers Passive crossover
Available Colours: Smoke or Clear
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 18 kHz
Sensitivity: 119 dB @ 1 mW
Impredance: 27 ohms @ 1 kHz
Accessories: Premium comfort tips, mini-monitor hard case, cleaning tool, 2-year warranty

UM Pro 30

3 x Balanced Armature Drivers 3-way passive crossover
Available Colours: Smoke or Clear
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 18 kHz Sensitivity: 124 dB @ 1 mW Impedance: 56 ohms @ 1 kHz
Accessories: Premium comfort tips, mini-monitor hard case, cleaning tool, 2-year warranty
Balanced Armature Drivers

Short of a parametric EQ, we music lovers typically talk in Bass, Mids and Highs (treble) with an audio review. It’s easier to understand as a consumer and it’s generally the three areas that can be reviewed and assessed most easily. The Pro 20 have 2 BA drivers, the Pro 30’s have 3 BA drivers. So right there you have the Pro 30’s that can dedicate a driver to each main frequency. The Pro 20’s have to work with two.

Live vs Music listening

Now, before you assume that means the Pro 30’s win out you have to consider what you are using these for. If you are a vocalist/guitarist using these live (as they were intended by the Westone audio engineers) then the Pro 20’s will be great on stage. The frequencies sit really nicely in those instrument ranges and you might find anything more is not going to help you perform better when used as a personal monitoring IEM. They have good solid bass which will help you feel the music and the mids are great. There is enough separation in the bass and mids that you won’t find yourself losing your notes/pitch on stage.
For music lovers who are listening to a wide range of music types, who are not playing live, and who love an honest less flat frequencies then you might find the UM Pro 30’s might be the stronger choice. You’ll have stronger treble response in the Pro 30’s and the extra money you spend will be worth it. In saying that we really like the Pro 20’s and think they have hit a sweet spot, only short of a little treble.

Conclusion

Treble is lighter in the Pro 20’s and they have a tighter sound stage overall. The separation and sound stage in the Pro 30’s is wider thanks to the extra driver and 3 way passive cross over. That said, if the Pro 20’s is the budget you have then don’t feel like you’re settling for less. And if you’re using them for stage use and music use, and you’re a vocalist, guitarist or keyboard player then you’ll be left with plenty of smiles. If you can afford the extra dollars to stretch for the Pro 30’s you’ll get a little more versatility.

There is no bad choice here. Both are really great IEM’s that you can expect to be satisfied with.

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