Meze Alba - White

Description

First light of the Meze Audio world

Meze Alba (Romanian for "first light") is the entry point into the Romanian brand's catalog, designed to make the Meze sound signature accessible to listeners on the move. Playback prioritizes musicality and warmth rather than analytical aggression: a fluid, natural reproduction that avoids treble edge, with no fatigue even during long listening sessions. Meze describes the signature as neutral with a touch of warmth — capable of vividly emphasizing both the rain and the thunder in your favorite songs.

Single 10.8 mm dynamic driver

At the heart of each earpiece: a single 10.8 mm dynamic driver that generates a surprisingly spacious soundstage, controlled bass and natural treble. Extended 15 Hz to 25 kHz frequency response; high 109 dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1 kHz; 32 Ω impedance; total harmonic distortion under 0.1% at 1 kHz. This combination makes the Alba particularly easy to drive: no oversized external amplifier is needed to reach an optimal listening level, even from a low-output smartphone.

Zinc alloy and anodized aluminum shell

The shell geometry was optimized to sit naturally inside the ear concha, creating effective passive noise isolation against ambient noise. Construction combines a dense zinc alloy with anodized aluminum parts: excellent rigidity to limit internal resonances, while keeping the weight down to just 14 g per earpiece. The iridescent pearl white finish evokes morning light — a direct nod to the model's name and a reflection of Meze Audio's signature industrial design language.

Detachable braided SPC cable and included USB-C DAC/AMP adapter

The main cable is a 1.2 m braided SPC (silver-plated copper) cable, detachable via standard 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors and terminated with a gold-plated 3.5 mm mini-jack. This modular design allows replacement in case of wear, or an upgrade to an aftermarket balanced cable (4.4 mm or 2.5 mm) for use with an audiophile digital audio player. For connectivity to modern smartphones without a headphone jack, Meze provides a custom-designed USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter — it houses its own digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier stage, with an LED indicator that lights up when properly connected.

Complete accessories for everyday comfort

The box includes four pairs of silicone ear tips (sizes S, M, L, and XL) to guarantee optimal acoustic seal across all ear shapes, and an elegant eco-leather carrying pouch to protect the Alba in a bag or pocket. The flexibility of the tips contributes significantly to comfort during long commutes and extended listening sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why choose the Meze Alba?

The Alba are Meze Audio's entry-level in-ear monitors, engineered for mobile high-fidelity. They stand out with a single 10.8 mm dynamic driver that produces a warm, natural, non-fatiguing sound signature. High sensitivity (109 dB) and 32 Ω impedance make them easy to drive directly from a smartphone. A USB-C adapter with built-in DAC/AMP is included for connection to modern smartphones without a headphone jack. They have accumulated audiophile-press awards since their 2024 release (Best Budget IEM, Bang for Buck).

What is the purpose of the included USB-C adapter?

Most modern smartphones no longer feature a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The provided adapter solves this by housing a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier stage right in the connector. Simply plug it into the USB-C port of your source device to enjoy clean, dynamic audio without any bulky external equipment. An LED indicator confirms the connection.

Can the original cable be replaced?

Yes, the design is fully modular. The cable attaches to the shells via standard 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors — one of the most widespread standards in the audiophile IEM world. This allows easy replacement in case of wear, or fitting an aftermarket cable: for example a 4.4 mm or 2.5 mm balanced cable to pair them with a high-end audiophile digital audio player (DAP).

Are they comfortable for long listening sessions?

Yes, it's one of the strong points. The light weight (14 g per earpiece), the ergonomic geometry designed to fit the ear concha, and the four pairs of silicone tips (S, M, L, XL) included allow adaptation to nearly all ear shapes. The balanced sound signature without treble aggression avoids listening fatigue even after several hours of continuous playback.

What's in the Box

Meze Alba in-ear monitors

1.2 m detachable braided SPC cable (2-pin 0.78 mm to gold-plated 3.5 mm)

USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter with built-in DAC/AMP

4 pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L, XL)

Eco-leather carrying pouch

Documentation