FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Who is ASI Audio?

ASI Audio x Sensaphonics is a joint venture between Sensaphonics, inventors of the Active-Ambient™ IEM technology, and Think-A-Move Ltd., a developer of speech recognition, and headset products for high-volume military and first responder applications. ASI Audio x Sensaphonics is the inventor of the 3DME Active-Ambient™ In-Ear Monitor System.

What is 3DME?

3DME is the world’s most innovative and powerful tunable in-ear monitoring system. 3DME stands for three-dimensional music enhancement. The 3D Music Enhancement System combines universal-fit Active Ambient IEMs with a small bodypack mixer and smartphone app with EQ and limiter, allowing musicians to create a truly personalized monitoring experience.

When used without a monitor feed, the 3DME becomes the world's most flexible high fidelity earplug system, with customized sound signature and active level control. The FREE ASI Audio App allows you to customize the Mic Level, Limiter, and 7-band EQ to your personal preference. All these settings can be adjusted with left and right channel controls joined or separated.

How does the 3DME IEM System compare to other IEMs?

Traditional IEMS (and headphones) can isolate the musician from the crowd. 3DME removes that barrier putting the musician in full control of a tunable, audio experience that includes much of your surrounding ambient sound as you desire with full 3-dimensional binaural reproduction.

3DME is the only in-ear-monitoring system designed by world-renowned Audiologist, Michael Santucci.

3DME is not just an IEM. It is a complete in-ear personal monitor system you tune and customize to your hearing and signature sound.

What is Active-Ambient™ Technology?

The 3D Active-Ambient™ technology was conceived by renowned audiologist and founder Dr. Michael Santucci of Sensaphonics for its legendary 3D AARO IEMs, used by touring pros around the world. The magic comes from tiny embedded binaural mics that bring room ambience to your monitor mix as a discrete signal while enhancing sound quality and protecting from excessive sound levels.

Orders

How do I check my order status?

You should have received an email with the tracking information when you placed your order. If not, please contact customer service at: customerservice@asiaudio.com or call us during regular business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time. US Toll Free: 833-274-2244 or 1-216-970-7873.

Can I order replacement ear tips or other accessories?

Yes. Click here to purchase accessory items.

Returns

What is ASI Audio’s return policy?

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase and you purchased your product directly from ASI Audio, a request for refund can be made within 30-days of purchase.

Click here to learn more about ASI Audio’s 30-day Return Policy.

Where do I send my 3DME IEM or Bodypack for repairs or replacement?

If your 3DME is not operating as you think it should, look at our troubleshooting section or contact us. If your 3DME IEMs or bodypack is determined to need repair, here are instructions.

How can I find out about the status of my return?

Contact us at customerservice@asiaudio.com or 833- 274-2244 or 1-216- 970-7873 between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. (US).

Offers and Upgrades

Can I get a custom ear tip for my 3DME?

Yes. Custom-fit soft silicone ear tips are available from Sensaphonics. Click here for more details.

Can I upgrade my original 3DME with the new Bluetooth version?

Yes. There are two upgrade options available: 1) return bodypack and Kindle. No charge to upgrade + free return shipping, or 2) return bodypack only; $50 upgrade charge + free return shipping.

Click here for Return Form and Instructions.

ASI Audio App

How do I download the ASI Audio App?

You can download the FREE ASI Audio 3DME app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon Appstore. Visit our Support Page for more details.

Do I have to pay for the ASI Audio App?

No. The ASI Audio 3DME app is FREE!

Is the ASI Audio app compatible with my iOS device?

The ASI Audio 3DME BT app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Mac.

iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch: Requires iOS 12.0 or later.

Is the ASI Audio app compatible with Android devices?

The ASI Audio 3DME app is compatible with Android devices.

Original 3DME (Android, USB only): If you purchased the original 3DME, then you will need to download the ASI Audio 3DME app. The original 3DME uses a programming cable to connect the app to the 3DME bodypack. Requires Android 5.0 and up.

Bluetooth 3DME: If you purchased the new 3DME with iOS/Android compatible with Bluetooth control (launched January 2021), then you will need to download the ASI Audio 3DME BT app. The new version uses Bluetooth connectivity. Requires Android 7.0 and up. You will need to turn on Bluetooth and enable location services before connecting to 3DME.

How do I know which ASI Audio 3DME app to download to my Android device? I see two versions in the Google Play and Amazon Store.

If you purchased the original 3DME (USB, Android only), then you will need to download the ASI Audio 3DME app. The original 3DME uses a programming cable to connect the app to the 3DME bodypack. Requires Android 5.0 and up.

If you purchased the new 3DME with iOS/Android compatible with Bluetooth control (launched January 2021), then you will need to download the ASI Audio 3DME BT app. The new version uses Bluetooth connectivity. Requires Android 7.0 and up.

You can upgrade your original 3DME bodypack to the new Bluetooth version. Click here to learn more.

3DME System

General

How does the 3DME IEM System compare to other IEMs?

Traditional IEMS (and headphones) can isolate the musician from the crowd and their bandmates. 3DME removes that barrier putting the musician in full control of a tunable, audio experience.

Unlike traditional IEMs, 3DME was created by the world’s top audiologists, Michael Santucci of Sensaphonics for musicians.

3DME is not just an IEM. It is a complete in-ear personal monitor system you tune and customize to your hearing and signature sound.

Can I use the 3DME bodypack with a wireless bodypack receiver?

Yes. You can connect and use the 3DME bodypack with a wireless bodypack receiver. The input mini-jack (3.5 mm) is located on the left side-panel of the 3DME bodypack. To make the connection, you can use the 12-inch stereo jumper cable that is supplied with the 3DME (audio cable with male 1/8-inch stereo plugs) or you can use your own audio cable, plugging into the earphone jack of the receiver, just as you would a conventional IEM earpiece.

Can I use the 3DME bodypack with a mixing console?

Yes. You can connect and use the 3DME bodypack with a mixing console. The input mini-jack (3.5 mm) is located on the left side-panel of the 3DME bodypack. To make the connection, you can use the 12-inch stereo jumper cable that is supplied with the 3DME (audio cable with male 1/8-inch stereo plugs) or you can use your own audio cable.

Can I use the 3DME without connecting to a monitor feed?

Yes. When used without a monitor feed, the 3DME becomes the world's most flexible high fidelity earplug system, with customized sound signature and active level control. The FREE ASI Audio App allows you to customize the Mic Level, Limiter, and 7-band EQ to your personal preference. All these settings can be adjusted with the left and right channel controls joined or separated.

Can I use other IEMS with the 3DME System?

No. The 3DME bodypack mixer requires 4 audio paths to combine the Active-Ambient embedded mic outputs with the outside sound source. Similarly, you cannot use the 3DME earphones without the 3DME bodypack.

How much Amplification or Reduction in sound can be provided with the 3DME?

The Mic Level control provides up to a 12 dB boost over "transparent" ambient sound feedthrough, or up to 24 dB of ambient attenuation, and off. The 7-band graphic equalizer provides for an additional + or - 12 dB adjustment of both ambient and monitor input signals each band. The idea is to provide a reference that you can tune to your own preference.

How do I update the firmware?

Connect the app and turn on the bodypack. Tap the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner of the app. Click Help. Click Update Firmware.

Active-Ambient Microphones

Are the Mic Level and Monitor In Signal Level set independently of each other?

Yes. The 3DME Mic Level and Monitor In Signal Level are set independently of each other. The Mic Level setting in the ASI Audio app, along with the bodypack +/- buttons, set the binaural ambience level, and have no effect on the Monitor In Signal Level. The Monitor In Signal Level is set externally, by typically a wireless bodypack receiver and the monitor mix feeding it.

How does the EQ, Limiter, and Monitor Input Signal affect the microphone signal?

The microphone signal (after the Mic Level control) is mixed with the Monitor In signal, after which the graphic EQ and the limiter are applied to the combined signal, acting on both signals equally.

How does the EQ, Limiter, and Monitor Signal affect the 3DME microphone signal?

The microphone signal (after the Mic Level control) is mixed with the Monitor In signal, after which the graphic EQ and the limiter are applied to the combined signal, acting on both signals equally.

Can I have one setting for performances (low mic gain) and one for conversations (high mic gain)? Can I easily toggle between them?

Yes, Preset Mode converts the +/- bodypack buttons into an A/B toggle switch between 2 ambiance mic settings – one can be used while performing, while the other for conversation between songs.

Bodypack

Do the Mic Level settings in the app reflect changes from pressing the +/- buttons on the bodypack?

No. The bodypack was not designed to automatically send those changes to the app. Closing and re-opening the app will trigger it to read the complete status of the bodypack.

How long does it take to fully charge the 3DME bodypack if there is no charge?

The charge time to a full charge from the "shutdown" point is about 4.5 hours using the supplied charger. An 85% charge is reached in about 3 hours. We recommend charging the 3DME bodypack after each use.

What is the mini jack on the bottom of the 3DME bodypack used for?

The jack on the bottom of the bodypack is the output mini jack (3.5 mm). The output signal is useful for monitoring your listening level and for binaural recording. The output signal directly reflects the total signal reaching your ears, including both the Microphone and Monitor In signals modified by the Mic Level, EQ and Limiter.

Can the 3DME bodypack be used while running from a power source?

Yes. The 3DME bodypack can be used while running from a power source. A USB jack of a computer, etc. is the preferred power source in this instance, as it may be less noisy than a wall charger.

Limiter

How does the 3DME Limiter work? How is it different from other limiters?

The 3DME Limiter limits the short-term average SPL for loud sounds at the ears to about the dB-SPL threshold level selected, for safety and comfort. It does this in a manner that minimizes the squashing of dynamics and maintains the life of the music. Limiting begins between 84 and 105 dB-SPL in 3 dB increments. Maximum volume reduction is 20 dB.

L/R Limiter Action, Link/Unlink:

Once one or both ears have decided that they need to limit, the limiting action (gain reduction) may be Linked so that both ears’ gains are reduced equally, as determined by the more demanding ear. This maintains the binaural balance and avoids unnatural shifting of the sound field to one side. There may be situations, though, where it is desired that a loud sound on one side does not reduce the level any more than needed on the other side, as determined by its limiter sensing. Then the L/R Limiter Action can be Unlinked so that limiting (gain reduction) on one side does not induce limiting (gain reduction) on the other side, maintaining total independence of the two ears.

Linking Action is independent of the Join/Separate function used for setting the Ambient Mic Level, Limiter Threshold and EQ.

When the 3DME Limiter is active, does it affect the 3DME Ambient Microphone and Monitor In Signal equally?

Yes. The Limiter, when active, does affect the combined microphone and monitor in signals equally, without changing their predetermined relationship. Likewise, the EQ, when active, acts on the combined signals equally.

EQ

How does the EQ, Limiter, and Monitor Input Signal affect the microphone signal?

The microphone signal (after the Mic Level control) is mixed with the Monitor In signal, after which the graphic EQ and the limiter are applied to the combined signal, acting on both signals equally.

Function & Compatibility

How does the 3DME Bluetooth connection work?

The 3DME bodypack is designed with Bluetooth connectivity and is only for control and use with the ASI Audio app. The 3DME bodypack cannot send or receive audio over Bluetooth.

Is there a cable to connect my original 3DME (USB, Android only) to an iOS device?

No. The original 3DME is USB, Android only and cannot be used with an iOS device. You can upgrade your original 3DME bodypack to the new Bluetooth version. Click here to learn more.

Are the Mic Level and Monitor In Signal Level set independently of each other?

Yes. The 3DME Mic Level and Monitor In Signal Level are set independently of each other. The Mic Level setting in the ASI Audio app, along with the bodypack +/- buttons, set the binaural ambience level, and have no effect on the Monitor In Signal Level. The Monitor In Signal Level is set externally, by typically a wireless bodypack receiver and the monitor mix feeding it.

How does the EQ, Limiter, and Monitor Input Signal affect the microphone signal?

The microphone signal (after the Mic Level control) is mixed with the Monitor In signal, after which the graphic EQ and the limiter are applied to the combined signal, acting on both signals equally.