In an exciting collaboration with renowned musician Alessandro Cortini, Campfire Audio introduces the Clara Universal in-ear monitor, a top-tier IEM designed for professional audio work and immersive listening. Cortini encapsulates the mission best: “Making music is equally creating and listening: the idea of sound choices informing the next compositional move, thanks to how you perceive them.” Priced at $1,999, the Clara has been a highlight since its debut at CanJam 2025, earning widespread praise among audiophiles and professionals alike. Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from sound tuning to accessory bundles.
What Comes In The Box
- Clara Universal IEM
- Time Stream Duet cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm)
- Pilot Portable HiFi DAC dongle (USB-C with Lightning adapter)
- New Hardshell Touring Case
- Mini Dimensional Folding Case
- Breezy Bag Jr. – Mesh zipper case (charcoal gray)
- Breezy Bag Micro – Two-pocket IEM pouch (charcoal gray)
- Selection of Eartips – Campfire Foam, Silicone, and Final Audio Type E
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- IEM Cleaning Tool
- Classic Campfire Audio Lapel Pin
Aesthetics and Functionality
The Clara IEM stands out aesthetically with a sleek, iridescent blend of blue and purple, subtly highlighting the shared initials of Campfire and Cortini. The shell design echoes the ergonomic curves of Campfire’s Chromatic Series, offering a snug, low-profile fit that nestles flush against the ear. However, due to its larger housing, listeners with smaller ears might find the fit a bit bulky. Fortunately, with an extensive selection of ear tips—including Final Audio Type E—you have ample fit customization options for both comfort and seal.
The Clara features detachable MMCX connectors, paired with two premium Time Stream Duet cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm). This modular design enables easy upgrades or personal customization with third-party MMCX cables. With three carrying cases in the box, Campfire ensures you have a protective, stylish, and portable option for any situation—whether you’re commuting or studio-hopping.
DAC/Amp Pairings
Pairing the Clara with the right DAC/amp elevates its sonic performance. During testing, I used several DAC/Amps including the iFi Valkyrie and the FiiO BTR17. Both brought out different strengths in the Clara’s tuning. The Valkyrie delivered seamless transitions across frequency bands, while the BTR17 emphasized the dynamic low end and crisp highs, making vocals shine.
Campfire also includes the Alo Audio Pilot, a compact USB-C DAC dongle with a Lightning adapter. This allows plug-and-play access for iOS and Android users right out of the box. Though simple in build, the Pilot provides a clean, smooth signal, perfect for immediate, on-the-go listening.
Technical Specifications
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
- SPL: 94dB @ 1kHz, 9.95 mVrms
- Impedance: 13.3Ω @ 1kHz
- THD: < 0.3%
Listening Impressions
Soundstage & Imaging
The Campfire Audio Clara delivers a wide, immersive soundstage that immediately sets it apart from other IEMs in its class. You get a holographic image with impressive left-to-right width and forward projection, allowing instruments and vocals to feel like they’re placed in a three-dimensional space rather than stacked on top of each other. While vertical height is modest, the Clara makes up for it with exceptional layering and instrumental separation, which helps maintain clarity even in dense or highly textured mixes. Whether you’re listening to ambient, orchestral, or live recordings, this soundstage lends an almost over-ear headphone quality to the IEM format. Additionally, the superior passive isolationensures minimal external noise, helping you stay locked into your music and focus on micro-details—making the Clara particularly well-suited for mixing, mastering, and critical listening sessions.
Low Frequencies
The low end of the Clara is deeply satisfying—tight, punchy, and full of nuance. Sub-bass notes hit with a gentle but firm authority, giving electronic and cinematic tracks the kind of rumble that feels visceral without being overbearing. Mid-bass is fast and controlled, contributing to the sense of rhythm and groove while maintaining clarity. The Clara avoids the common pitfall of muddy or boomy bass by offering a refined and articulate response, ideal for genres like jazz, hip-hop, or indie pop where bass needs to be expressive but clean. It adapts well across genres, presenting bass that’s dynamic in upbeat mixes and warmly textured in mellower tracks, with a tonal richness that adds dimension without overwhelming the sound signature.
Midrange Frequencies
Midrange is where the Clara truly shines. Vocals are intimate, full-bodied, and placed slightly forward in the mix, making lyrics easy to understand and emotionally resonant. Lower mids are lush and detailed, bringing weight and warmth to guitars, piano, and other harmonic instruments. The Clara does an excellent job capturing micro-dynamics—you can hear subtle volume changes and instrumental textures that often get lost in less precise IEMs. There is a slight dip in the upper mids, which can occasionally make vocals sound slightly congested or nasally depending on the recording. However, this tuning decision also prevents upper-mid harshness, reducing fatigue during long listening sessions. Percussion elements such as snares, rim shots, and toms come through with natural timbre and vivid impact, making the Clara a great companion for musicians and audio engineers who need accurate tonal representation.
High Frequencies
The high frequencies on the Clara are smooth, clean, and slightly laid-back. While they may not offer the biting sparkle that some treble-focused IEMs deliver, the Clara’s highs are well-tuned for long sessions, minimizing sibilance and fatigue. The top end presents a delicate brightness that gently lifts acoustic details and ambient effects, adding airiness to the overall sound. In tracks with open arrangements—such as classical string quartets or acoustic folk—the treble blossoms just enough to bring out bow friction, breathy vocals, and shimmering cymbals. This high-frequency response may not thrill listeners who prioritize sharp detail and analytical tuning, but it’s elegant and musical, serving as a supportive upper layer rather than a dominant presence. That said, with the right source gear—especially a DAC/amp combo that emphasizes sparkle—the Clara’s treble becomes a critical tool for revealing recording nuances without ever becoming harsh.
Summary
The Campfire Audio Clara is a standout in the world of high-end in-ear monitors, offering a detailed, immersive sound signature tailored for audiophiles, musicians, and audio professionals. With an abundance of accessories, a collaborative design rooted in artistic intent, and a tuning that balances musicality with clarity, the Clara offers both performance and personality. Whether you’re in the studio or simply enjoying your favorite albums, this IEM rewards close listening and demands appreciation.
The Campfire Audio Clara is available at Audio46.
PROS |
CONS |
|
|
