Rock has never been about playing it safe. From the feral energy of Iggy Pop to the stage-commanding charisma of Freddie Mercury, the legends of rock embody freedom, fearlessness, and a very good time. That’s the spirit that inspired the Rock Lobster, a pan-genre, everyday-carry in-ear monitor (IEM) for people who want to take that spirit wherever they go. Plug it into your phone, your laptop, your portable digital audio player (DAP), or your studio rig, and count on it to handle whatever you throw at it, be it punk, prog, or post-rock.

When people talk about rock gear, they usually zero in on bass and treble: big low-end punch and high-end sparkle. But rock lives in the middle. The guitars. The singers. The synths and backing vocals. It all happens in the mids. And that’s where the Rock Lobster shines. Natural, clear mids with enough space to pick out the layers — along with deep, textured bass and shimmering but controlled highs.

At 32Ω (ohms) of impedance, the Rock Lobster is easy to drive. That means you can plug it into just about anything — a phone, a laptop, an old iPod — and it’ll sound great. But don’t mistake “easy” for “basic”. Hook it up to serious gear like a dedicated DAP or the Gremlin/Merlin stack and you’ll hear how much more it can do. 

We tested dozens of ear tips — silicone, memory foam, exotic hybrids — to find the right ones for the sound we’re going for. Many killed the mids, muddied the bass, or made the highs unbearable. In the end, simple silicone tips gave the best balance: strong low-end impact, clean separation in the mids, and no harshness in the highs.

Rock is messy. That’s part of the charm. Too much cable “clarity” can strip away the grit and leave the music cold and sterile — but a bad cable just turns it all into mud. After testing everything from dollar-bin wires to boutique cables, we landed on one that walks the line. Clear enough to reveal detail, forgiving enough to preserve the grit. Available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm.

Like the best rock frontpeople, the Rock Lobster knows when to keep it cool and when to show off. The black “lobster tail” faceplate is understated and office-friendly. But when you take them out, the fiery translucent shell underneath catches the light — bold, alive, and impossible to ignore.

• Designed for lovers of all rock genres — everyday carry IEM
• Natural, spacious mids for clarity in layered mixes
• Deep bass and bright, controlled highs
• Easy to drive at 32Ω — works with phones, laptops, and studio gear
• Scales with better sources and amps
• Tested silicone tips for optimal balance
• Balanced cable with just the right amount of clarity
• Subtle black faceplate with fiery translucent shell

Add the Clamshell Case

Every great instrument deserves a great case. Like a leather hardshell for your prized Fender, this genuine leather clamshell keeps your Rock Lobsters protected and looking sharp. It’s rugged enough to take a beating, cool enough to carry anywhere, and fitted with a metal clasp so you can hook it to your belt loop or backpack.