PULA Unicrom Review

 

Introduction:

The PULA Unicrom is a single dynamic driver In-Ear Monitor (IEM) with a 10mm beryllium-coated diaphragm, designed to provide a balanced and natural sound profile. Priced at $79.99 USD, it competes in the sub-$100 IEM market, focusing on quality construction and versatile audio performance. Featuring a resin shell with a stabilized maple wood faceplate, a modular silver-plated copper cable, and a practical accessory package, the Unicrom appeals to both casual listeners and budget-conscious audiophiles.

This review evaluates the Unicrom’s design, build quality, and sound performance, offering a clear and impartial assessment of its value in a competitive market.

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank HiFiGo and PULA Audio for providing the Unicrom for review purposes. I am not affiliated with HiFiGo or PULA Audio beyond this review, and the opinions expressed here reflect my genuine and unbiased impressions of the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The PULA Unicrom is priced at $79.99 USD, which had an early-bird discount available using the code 818UNICROM, reducing the price to $69.99 USD until August 28, 2025. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• PULA Audio Unicrom

 

Package & Accessories:

The PULA Unicrom comes in a compact green cardboard box with a textured sleeve, displaying the PULA Audio logo and model name. Inside, a sturdy black box with a magnetic closure organizes the contents efficiently. The unboxing experience feels thoughtful for the price, with a practical presentation that adds value.

The package includes: 

• 1 x pair of PULA Unicrom In-Ear Monitors
• 1 x detachable silver-plated copper cable with modular 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs
• 6 x pairs of silicone ear tips (3 pairs clear wide-bore, 3 pairs blue narrow-bore, in S/M/L sizes; 1 pair pre-installed)
• 1 x green leatherette carrying case
• 1 x warranty card and manual

The carrying case, with a magnetic clasp, is compact yet spacious enough to hold the IEMs, cable, and a small dongle DAC, providing reliable protection for travel. The two ear tip types allow for fit and sound customization, making the accessory package functional and well-considered.

 

Design & Build Quality:

The PULA Unicrom combines practical design with durable materials, using a lightweight resin shell paired with a stabilized maple wood faceplate. The construction is solid, with careful attention to detail that distinguishes it from many budget IEMs. Its ergonomic shape ensures comfort and stability across various ear sizes.

The Unicrom’s faceplate, made from stabilized maple wood laminated with resin, is a distinctive element, offering both durability and visual appeal. The wood’s natural grain patterns vary slightly between units, providing a unique, organic look in colors like green or blue. A glossy finish protects the wood while resisting fingerprints, and the PULA logo is subtly etched for a clean, understated aesthetic suitable for users valuing both form and function.

The top of the earpiece features a 0.78mm 2-pin connector, integrated into the resin shell for a secure and stable connection with the detachable cable. A small ventilation hole near the connector manages air pressure, contributing to comfort and maintaining an open sound profile. The connector area’s polished finish contrasts with the matte resin, adding a refined touch without prioritizing style over utility.

The inner surface is shaped to fit the ear concha comfortably, with a slightly angled resin nozzle for effective sound delivery. The 6mm nozzle includes a metal mesh filter to protect the driver from debris, ensuring consistent performance. The smooth texture reduces irritation during extended wear, and the design accommodates various ear tip sizes for a secure fit.

The Unicrom’s resin shell is lightweight and robust, with a hypoallergenic finish that enhances comfort. The stabilized maple wood faceplate contributes to acoustic dampening, reducing unwanted resonances, while the single vent balances pressure for prolonged wear. The build quality is comparable to higher-priced IEMs, reflecting careful craftsmanship for durability and reliability.

 

Detachable Cable:

The Unicrom’s detachable cable is a high-purity silver-plated copper design with a four-core braided structure, ensuring efficient signal transmission. At approximately 1.2m, it is lightweight, flexible, and resistant to tangling. Brushed aluminum hardware, including a Y-splitter and chin slider, enhances durability and adds a practical finish. The modular termination system offers swappable 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs, each with a sturdy aluminum housing and plastic strain relief. The cable’s low microphonics and pre-formed ear hooks improve comfort, making it a reliable component for a sub-$100 IEM.

 

Fit, Comfort & Isolation:

The PULA Unicrom’s ergonomic resin shell ensures a comfortable fit for most ear sizes, with its lightweight design minimizing fatigue during long sessions. The included silicone ear tips (clear wide-bore and blue narrow-bore) allow customization, with the narrow-bore tips offering better isolation. The single vent prevents pressure buildup, maintaining comfort during movement or extended use. Passive noise isolation is adequate for commuting, effectively reducing moderate external noise, though foam tips could enhance performance in louder environments.

 

Technical Specifications: 

• Model: PULA Unicrom
• Driver Technology: 1 Dynamic Driver (10mm Beryllium-Coated Diaphragm)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
• Sensitivity: 101dB SPL/mW ±3dB
• Impedance: 32Ω ±15%
• Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin Connector
• Plug Type: Modular 3.5mm Single-Ended, 4.4mm Balanced
• Cable Length: approx. 120cm ±0.2m
• Cable: High-purity silver-plated copper, 4-core braid

 

Drivability & Pairing:

The PULA Unicrom has an impedance of 32Ω and a senstitivity of 101dB SPL/mW, which makes it quite easy to drive, performing well with smartphones, USB DAC dongles, and DAPs. Sources like the iBasso FiiO M21 or HiBy R3Pro II enhance its dynamics, but a basic Apple USB-C dongle provides sufficient power. The modular cable’s 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs ensure compatibility across devices, with consistent sound quality. Medium volume levels deliver full dynamics, making amplification unnecessary for most setups.

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• IEM’s              : PULA Unicrom, TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero: BLUE2
• DAP&DAC’s  : FiiO M21, HiBy R3Pro II, ONIX Alpha XI1

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
• Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
• Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
• Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

The PULA Unicrom presents a warm V-shaped sound signature with a slightly recessed midrange. Its 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver provides a consistent and cohesive sound, suitable for a wide variety of genres. This tuning gives priority to a punchy mid-bass and clear, lively female vocals, making it an engaging listen.

For its sub-$100 price, the tuning prioritizes a pleasant, approachable listening experience over highly detailed analysis, making it a practical choice for casual and enthusiast listeners alike. Technicalities are competent, with accurate imaging and solid instrument separation for a single-dynamic-driver configuration, although the soundstage is generally on the intimate side.

 

Bass:

The Unicrom’s bass, driven by its beryllium-coated dynamic driver, delivers a balanced low-end with moderate emphasis, suitable for its price range. In Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, the sub-bass provides a steady, controlled depth that supports the track’s rhythmic foundation without dominating the mix. The mid-bass offers a solid punch, as heard in Gogo Penguin’s Murmuration, where kick drums are clear and present, though less intense than in bass-heavy IEMs. The bass remains clean, avoiding overlap with the midrange, which keeps instruments like bass guitars distinct.

The low-end performs adequately across electronic and jazz tracks, providing energy for the former and texture for the latter. In complex compositions with layered low frequencies, such as orchestral pieces, the bass can feel slightly soft, favoring warmth over sharp definition. The driver’s response ensures reasonable separation, appealing to listeners who prefer a noticeable but not overpowering bass. At this price point, the Unicrom’s bass offers good depth and impact for most genres, though it may not meet the expectations of those seeking the strongest low-end available in higher-end models. Its versatility makes it effective for tracks needing both punch and subtlety, aligning well with its budget-friendly positioning.

 

Midrange:

The Unicrom’s midrange provides a warm and natural tone, delivering clear vocals and instruments in a cohesive manner. In Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me, the lower midrange gives her vocals a full, smooth quality, capturing the jazzy character with sufficient depth. Instruments like acoustic guitars and pianos sound clear and balanced, avoiding any muddiness. The upper midrange has a slight lift, improving the clarity of violins in Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, where string passages are defined without being overly sharp.

Due to the mildly V-shaped tuning, the midrange is slightly less prominent, but vocals, especially female voices, remain clear and expressive. In Come Away With Me, Jones’ voice retains warmth, though male vocals in rock tracks may seem less full. The Unicrom captures basic instrument textures, such as guitar plucks or piano notes, but emphasizes a musical sound over fine detail, which suits its sub-$100 price. Listeners wanting a highly forward vocal presence may find it understated compared to mid-focused IEMs. The single driver ensures consistent frequency transitions, making the midrange suitable for jazz, classical, and acoustic genres, offering a comfortable, non-fatiguing experience for extended listening. For its price, the midrange delivers a practical and enjoyable performance across various styles.

 

Treble:

The Unicrom’s treble is clear and smooth, offering detail without harshness, thanks to the beryllium driver’s controlled response. In Hans Zimmer’s The Dark Knight OST, cymbals and high strings are distinct, adding clarity to orchestral passages without excessive brightness. In Radiohead’s Pyramid Song, hi-hats and atmospheric elements are audible but lack the extended openness of higher-end IEMs due to a roll-off in the upper treble.

The treble maintains separation in complex tracks like The Dark Knight OST, with percussion and strings distinguishable. Sibilance is controlled, keeping vocals and high-frequency instruments smooth, even in brighter recordings. Treble-sensitive listeners may notice a mild emphasis in the presence region, which adds definition but can stand out in poorly mastered tracks. The treble integrates well with the bass and midrange, contributing to a balanced sound. While not ideal for those seeking highly open highs, the Unicrom’s treble suits rock, jazz, and orchestral music with a non-fatiguing presentation, appropriate for its price range. It supports prolonged listening without discomfort, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious users seeking clarity without sharpness.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The Unicrom offers a moderately wide soundstage for a sub-$100 IEM, creating a sense of space that enhances orchestral and live recordings. The soundstage has good width but limited depth compared to more expensive models. Imaging is accurate, with clear placement of instruments like pianos and percussion, maintaining separation in complex mixes. The single dynamic driver ensures coherence, reducing congestion and providing a natural presentation suitable for various genres.

 

Comparison:

 

PULA Unicrom vs. TRUTHEAR Zero: BLUE2:

Priced at $79.99, the PULA Unicrom competes closely with the $69 TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero: BLUE2. The Unicrom, with its single 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver, produces a warmer, V-shaped sound with a prominent bass emphasis. This robust low-end is perfect for electronic, hip-hop, and rock, providing a strong foundation for genres where a powerful bass presence is key. In contrast, the Zero: BLUE2, featuring a dual dynamic driver configuration, offers a tighter and more neutral bass response, better suited for jazz or classical music, where precise texture is valued over impact.

In the midrange, the Unicrom’s sound is warm and smooth, though slightly recessed due to its V-shaped tuning. This makes it effective for casual listening but less ideal for vocal-heavy tracks where clarity and forwardness are desired. The Zero: BLUE2’s midrange is more prominent and detailed, providing better clarity for vocals and instruments, making it a stronger choice for singer-songwriter or acoustic genres.

The Unicrom’s treble is smooth and controlled, preventing harshness and making it comfortable for long listening sessions. While it provides adequate detail, it lacks the airiness of higher-end IEMs. The Zero: BLUE2, on the other hand, has a brighter and more extended treble that enhances the sense of space in music, though this can sometimes be too intense for treble-sensitive listeners.

For soundstage, the Unicrom offers a wider sense of space with good instrument separation, enhancing the experience for orchestral or live recordings. The Zero: BLUE2 has a more focused soundstage with precise imaging but less width.

In terms of build and accessories, the Unicrom stands out with a premium stabilized maple wood faceplate, a lightweight resin shell, and a high-quality modular cable. It also includes a leatherette carrying case and various ear tips, giving it a more complete and valuable feel. The Zero: BLUE2, while well-built with a resin shell, has a simpler cable and accessory package, lacking the Unicrom’s modularity and premium case.

Overall, the Unicrom is the better choice for listeners who prefer a warm, musical sound with a focus on bass, along with a more premium build and accessory package. The Zero: BLUE2 is for those who prioritize a neutral, detailed, and analytical sound, though it sacrifices some of the Unicrom’s accessory versatility and aesthetic appeal.

 

Conclusion:

The PULA Unicrom performs well in the sub-$100 IEM market with its single 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver, delivering a warm, V-shaped sound signature suitable for jazz, rock, electronic, and orchestral genres. Its balanced bass, natural midrange, and smooth treble offer a cohesive listening experience for its price. The stabilized maple wood faceplate and lightweight resin shell provide a durable and comfortable design, complemented by a high-quality modular cable and practical accessories. While the midrange is slightly recessed and the treble lacks upper-end extension, the Unicrom offers reliable performance, appealing to listeners seeking a musical and affordable IEM with quality craftsmanship.

 

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Balanced, noticeable bass
• + Natural, warm midrange
• + Clear, non-fatiguing treble
• + Distinctive maple wood faceplate design
• + Modular cable design
• + Comfortable ergonomic fit

• – Slightly recessed midrange
• – Treble lacks upper-end extension
• – Bass may lack precision in complex tracks

 

Thank you for the Read!