And just like that, we're seeing out yet another year, and bringing in a new one. In this feature we look back on 2024, which has been our busiest yet in so many ways. We've also celebrated with the launch of our new website, and of course new models; the C6R and C8A.
Fittingly, we kick off this review with Founder and MD of Cosmic Ears, Philip Gartell:
There have been a lot of positive developments for Cosmic Ears this year, but which one for you has personally given you the most satisfaction?
Without doubt, SAMS (Solid Acoustic Mass Shells) has been the most positive development for us. It took a lot of time and energy to get where we are. The benefits of SAMS are countless (including increased robustness, and user isolation), and it is a development that has probably been the most successful for Cosmic Ears.
2024 has been a busy year, we have released some great products, and most importantly, we have a new and improved website with an industry leading online configurator. A great deal of work went into the new website, and I am overwhelmed with what we have achieved. I am forever proud of the Cosmic Ears team, they have worked tirelessly, delivering incredible products to our customers.
There are 2 new models in the range which have been very well received, the C6R, and the C8A. But which model in the lineup is still your favourite, and why?
Over the years, I have been proud of every model we have released; we have strived to follow the “Cosmic house sound” whilst offering different characteristics for each model. There are 2 models that stick out for me. The original 4BA, this was discontinued a few years ago due to the receivers not being available. The 4BA was the first multi driver product release by Cosmic, almost where it all began. The other model is the C6A (rebranded from the CE6P), this has been our go to monitor for many years, and is still going strong as our best seller (but we do think the C8A will soon become the new flagship!).
What are you most excited for with Cosmic Ears in mind for 2025?
Going into each year I always go in with the mindset of consolidation, as the previous years are always filled with developing new products and R&D. It never works out that way as we are constantly evolving. In saying that, I am looking forward to enhancing the website to provide an even richer experience for customers. In addition, we have some new developments that we have been working on for 2025, and I am excited to have these released next year. I am also excited to increase the number of festivals and events we will attend in 2025, as we really enjoy being at these events to support artists, not only the ones who already use Cosmic Ears, but others who would like an ear health check, which we carry out for them, complimentary of course.
Events and partnerships
We continued to work alongside Showsec this year, providing their full time management team with ear health checks, custom hearing protection and custom IEMs (our C2A), as well as garnering new relationships, including AV giants - Solotech.
Last summer we carried out ear health checks and ear impressions for artists and event teams at Parklife and Kendal Calling. As always, this service was incredibly well received by all, and we love being a part of these events. Here's some of our favourite images.
The Kate Nash team, intrigued to see Kate's ear shape!
Obligatory festival shot...
We also welcomed lots of new customers to our HQ in Cheadle Hulme, South Manchester, and took part in some broadcast testing of our IEMs.
HENGE (below) visiting the Cosmic HQ!
Jamie Webster and our Winnie
Philip Gartell watching on in the OB van...
A new digital Cosmos
We launched our new website in October, and have had nothing but fantastic feedback from all our customers, old and new. As well as showcasing our tried & trusted products in a way that makes them easy to view, understand from a technical perspective, and compare with other models in the range, the Design Lab allows our customers the opportunity to bring their Custom IEM designs to life with a truly interactive 3D render. If you've not experienced the Design Lab yet, try it out for yourself here, just click 'Configure', and have fun!
Our new models; the C6R and C8A.
We were often asked this year (and previous ones!) by our customers when we'd be releasing more models - to which we'd usually say, 'we're working on it'. R&D takes time, and because we design all our IEMs from the ground up, the pursuit of perfection (in our ears) needs patience, and commitment.
The C6R (Reference) does as its namesake says - its transparent and honest sound is favoured by both artists and engineers alike. Sound is subjective, so where some prefer their sound with low end warmth and will favour the C6A, others will favour the C6R's flatter frequency response.
As far as the new C8A is concerned - we have always let our customers do the talking about our products, and that is how we have built Cosmic Ears over the past 9 years. Check out this post from multiple award winning sound engineer, Samantha White, who is currently on monitors for Rick Astley:
We cannot wait to see what 2025 brings, and as always, we are here to support you, whatever stage of the Custom IEM journey you are on.
Wishing you and yours all the very best wishes, health and happiness for 2025, and beyond!
The Cosmic Ears team!
Sue (our amazing shipping queen, who writes all the wonderful notes that come with your order!)
Secret Santa 2024.
Patrick, always on the phone (when he's not taking pictures, and making your Cosmics!)
Joe and Eliot rocking suits on suit day.
