Disclaimer
A big thank you to Meze for sending this product for review. While I received this unit directly from Meze, as always, I’ve crafted this review based on my own honest opinions and experience with it. My goal is to give you a clear and balanced perspective on what this product has to offer.
If you’re interested in purchasing it, you can check it out directly through Meze’s website. And for those in Bangladesh, Geek Mart is a great option if you want a quick, easy way to get your hands on it locally.
Build Quality and Design
The Meze Alba IEM have a small, lightweight design crafted from a mix of zinc alloy and anodized aluminum, giving them premium feel. They remind me of a smaller version of Meze’s Advar model, with that same high-quality, pearl-like finish that feels smooth in your hands. Each shell has the Meze logo and a circular metal piece with the brand name—small touches that make them feel more polished and put together.
One thing I really appreciate is the functional design of these IEMs. They’ve got small vents that enhance the sound quality, and the metal nozzles keep the ear tips firmly in place. Compared to the bigger Advar, these are more compact and lighter, so they’re a breeze to carry around. They fit comfortably and don’t stick out, making them ideal for all-day wear without any discomfort. Overall, they’re stylish, well-made, and easy to slip into everyday routines.
Cable
The Meze Alba comes with two cables, one for a 3.5mm connection and another for 4.4mm, which is a nice touch. Both are lightweight and pretty low-key in design—nothing too flashy—but they’re solid and comfortable to use, which matters more in the long run.
Build Quality: The cables feel durable, and best of all, they don’t carry much microphonics (that annoying rustling sound when the cable moves). They’re thin, so they don’t add extra weight or bulk to the IEMs, which I like.
Connectors: The Alba uses a 2-pin connector instead of MMCX like the Meze Advar. It clicks in firmly, so you don’t have to worry about it popping out by accident.
Y-Splitter and Jack: The Y-splitter and jack are made of metal, giving them a premium vibe without being over the top.
Having two separate cables can be less convenient than a single one with interchangeable ends, but it feels sturdy. Just be mindful if you’re constantly swapping cables, as it might wear down the connectors over time.
Ear Tips
The stock ear tips on the Alba aren’t bad, but they can be hit or miss depending on your ear shape. Personally, they didn’t always give me the best fit or sound. If they don’t sit quite right, it affects both comfort and sound quality, so it’s worth exploring some alternatives.
My Preferred Alternatives:
1. Dunu Candy
- Fit and Comfort: These fit really well, providing a snug seal that helps keep out background noise.
- Sound Impact: They boost the sub-bass and give the mid-bass a nice thump. They also smooth out the highs, so they don’t get too sharp
Overall Experience: Their design makes them comfy for long listening sessions, so if you’re planning to wear them for hours, they’re a solid choice.
2. AZLA SednaEarfit Max
- Fit and Comfort: They’re shorter than some, but the fit is secure and they feel natural in my ears.
- Sound Impact: These give a slight boost to the soundstage and bring out the bass a bit more. They warm up the mids too, which reduces any sibilance and makes female vocals sound fuller.
Overall Experience: They’re great for isolation and long sessions—no discomfort even after hours of wear.
Finding the right ear tips can make a big difference with in-ears. A good fit brings out the best in sound and comfort, so don’t be afraid to try a few different tips to find your match.
Fit and Comfort
Thanks to their compact, lightweight shells, the Alba IEMs fit snugly in your ears without any noticeable pressure. Once you’ve found the right ear tips, they sit securely and comfortably, even if you’re on the go. The ergonomic design means they’re smooth and don’t cause discomfort, even during extended listening sessions.
The Alba has short nozzles with a standard width, and the vents ensure solid airflow without any driver flex issues, which is a huge plus. In terms of noise isolation, the Alba performs surprisingly well—better than a lot of other IEMs in its price range. It blocks out external sounds efficiently, so you can use it in noisy environments and still get clear audio without cranking up the volume.
Pouch
The included pouch is compact, sleek, and very practical for keeping the Alba IEMs protected. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or bag and has a durable, simple design that keeps the IEMs safe from scratches and minor bumps. The white color is a clean, minimalist choice, though it does tend to pick up dirt and stains over time, which might be a downside for people who like to keep their accessories looking spotless.
Included Dongle
The Alba’s Type-C to 3.5mm dongle is a nice inclusion, and it delivers good sound overall. However, I did notice that the bass isn’t quite as tight or impactful as it is through other sources, so the low-end can feel a bit less punchy. That said, it still sounds clear and enjoyable for regular listening. If you’re someone who really cares about bass impact, you might want to pair these with a different DAC/amp.
Overall, though, the dongle does its job well and is a solid addition to the package.
Testing Source
- Cowon Plenue R2
- Astell & kern sp1000m
- ibasso dx180
- cayin n3 ultra
- ibasso dc elite
- Questyle M15
- Cayin ru7
- Ddhifi tc44pro e2
- Moondrop dawn pro
- Hidizs s8 pro robin
- Nicehck TC3
- Kinera cd10
The Bass
Sub-bass
The Meze Audio Alba handles sub-bass with finesse. It’s deep and rich, giving tracks a solid foundation without overpowering. In something like Ariana Grande’s God Is a Woman, the Alba pulls out those low, rumbling notes with such clarity that it just feels immersive—full and satisfying but not overbearing. Then, you’ve got Big Boi’s Shutterbugg, where the Alba keeps that thick bassline under control. It’s heavy, it’s there, but it’s also super well-defined, making the track feel both powerful and refined.
Mid-bass
Now, for the mid-bass, it really shines in keeping everything tight and dynamic. It’s got that punch, especially on tracks with bass guitars and drums. Take Slipknot’s Sulfur—the Alba captures those intense drum kicks and bass riffs with a precision that gives each hit a real impact. Then in A Saucerful of Secrets by Pink Floyd, it enhances the whole vibe, making the mid-bass sound atmospheric and textured, adding depth but keeping that rhythmic flow.
Mid-Range
The midrange on the Meze Audio Alba? It’s clear, natural, and has just the right touch of warmth. It gives music this richness that feels full and satisfying. The bass supports the lower mids, adding a bit of depth that makes things sound lush but still balanced. Instruments and vocals come through sounding real and lifelike—almost neutral, though I kind of wish it had just a hint more sweetness and detail.
Male vocals really shine on the Alba. They sound rich and full—none of that thinness you sometimes get. In Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Freddie Mercury’s voice hits with power and clarity, and you can feel the emotion in every line. Then in Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant’s voice has this natural warmth that really pulls you into the storytelling. The Alba captures every bit of texture and detail, making male vocals sound both engaging and real.
Female vocals have this lively quality with the Alba. They’re bright and a little energetic, which brings out their presence in the mix. Stevie Nicks’ voice in Dreams by Fleetwood Mac just floats over the music, making it the star of the track. And when Adele sings Hello, it’s powerful, emotional—the Alba really does justice to her vocals, adding just a touch of energy that makes them even more captivating. There’s detail and richness here that make female vocals feel vivid and authentic.
Instrument Performance
Instruments on the Alba come through with great clarity and detail. Pianos and strings sound natural, with this sweet, lingering quality that adds a bit of magic. On Playing God by Polyphia, the guitar work is clear, energetic, and never harsh—you can follow every intricate note. And in Dream Theater’s The Dance of Eternity, even when things get complex, the Alba keeps every instrument distinct and clear, giving weight and texture to each note. It makes instruments sound realistic and well-defined.
Treble performance
The treble on the Meze Audio Alba is really well-done. It’s lively enough to keep things interesting but never gets too sharp or fatiguing. The highs are clear and have just the right amount of detail, striking a balance that’s easy to listen to. Sure, it might not capture every tiny, delicate detail up top, but it still has a balanced sound that feels pleasant and enjoyable.
When it comes to things like cymbals or high-pitched strings, you can hear each note distinctly. In rock or pop tracks where the cymbals get a bit of spotlight, every hit is nice and clear without overpowering everything else. There’s this gentle sparkle to the treble—it adds a bit of brightness and richness to the music without ever crossing into harsh territory.
Treble extension, or how far those high notes reach, is decent too. The natural decay means the high notes fade away smoothly and don’t linger too long. This keeps the sound realistic and easygoing, even if it means the very highest notes don’t hang in the air. But even with that, the Alba does a good job of keeping all the essential details in place. In jazz or classical tracks, for instance, the high notes from flutes and violins still come through as clear and well-defined.
Overall, the Alba’s treble is pretty forgiving—perfect for long listening sessions without ear fatigue. It’s a solid choice for anyone who likes a smooth, detailed treble that doesn’t go overboard on brightness.
In summary
The Meze Audio Alba delivers a treble that’s lively and detailed without ever being harsh. It’s clear and comfortable, making it ideal for those long listening sessions. If you’re into a balanced sound that’s detailed but never too sharp, the Alba’s treble has got you covered.
Technical Performance
Staging
IThe soundstage on the Meze Audio Alba feels nicely balanced—spacious enough to give some breathing room, but not so wide that it feels stretched or distant. It’s just right for most music styles, hitting that sweet spot where it doesn’t feel cramped, but also isn’t super expansive. The depth, or sense of front-to-back space, is pretty average, so while it doesn’t create that “surround sound” effect, it still has enough space to keep things lively. For casual listening, it definitely keeps things interesting.
Imaging
This is one of the Alba’s standout qualities. The imaging here—meaning how well it places sounds in space—is on point. You can pick out where each instrument or voice is coming from, which really adds to the experience. If you’re listening to a live recording, for example, you can almost see the band laid out in front of you, with guitars, drums, and vocals each in their own spot. It give you that “right there in the concert” feeling, which adds a lot of realism and makes everything feel more immersive.
Note Separation
The Alba’s note separation is another big strength. It handles complex tracks with ease, keeping everything clear and distinct. Even with layered songs or an orchestra, each instrument holds its own space. This clarity means you can pick up on more of the little details and textures within a track, which keeps you engaged and lets you appreciate the finer points of the music.
Detail Retrieval
When it comes to detail, the Alba doesn’t disappoint. You get a solid level of detail here—enough to pick up on things like the subtle breaths of a vocalist, the vibrations of a string, or those quiet background effects that sometimes go unnoticed. It might not capture every single detail like some of the ultra-high-end IEMs, but for its price, the Alba delivers more than enough detail to keep the music feeling alive and textured.
Dynamics
The dynamics on the Alba—the way it handles the difference between soft and loud parts—is really well done. Vocals stay clear and don’t get buried in the mix, while background instruments have their own space and don’t blur together. This dynamic range adds impact to both the softer and more intense moments in a track, making everything feel more vivid and engaging.
Conclusion
So, if you’re on the lookout for a pair of IEMs that blend style, comfort, and great sound, the Meze Alba might just be a winner. They’ve got this lightweight, refined design that’s easy on the eyes and sits comfortably in your ears—even for those longer listening sessions. The sound is balanced with just the right hint of warmth, making it enjoyable across a wide range of genres, whether you’re in the mood for bass-heavy beats or something more vocal-focused.
Now, it might not deliver the widest or most immersive soundstage out there, but it does bring a nice level of clarity and separation that keeps everything sounding crisp and engaging. So, if you’re a casual listener or someone who just wants quality sound in a stylish, everyday-friendly package, the Alba ticks all the right boxes. It’s a solid choice if you’re after good audio and comfort without getting overly technical.
