Disclaimer: Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences.
Note: This unit was sent to me by TIPSY. All opinions of the unit are my own and remain independent.
Price: $89 USD (~₱5.3k PHP)
Link: https://tipsyaudio.com/products/tipsy-m1
Pros
- Lightweight and very comfortable for long sessions
- Warm, relaxing, non-fatiguing tuning with strong sub-bass presence
- Good imaging and separation for the price
Cons
- Cable is quite thin and prone to memory (nitpick)
- Not the widest soundstage
- Not for treble-heads
What’s in the box
This unit did not include the retail outer box and only arrived in the carry case, so the unboxing experience may vary from the retail package.
- TIPSY M1 IEMs
- IEM cable
- 3 × pairs of silicone eartips (S, M, L)
- 1 × pair of foam eartips (M size)
- Round hard carry case
- 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
IEM Shell Design
The TIPSY M1 uses a glossy black, compact semi-custom shell that sits fairly flush in the ear and feels small overall. The faceplate is the main visual highlight, with a textured mosaic pattern that shifts between red, orange, pink, and hints of green depending on the light. It has a slightly iridescent, almost stained-glass look rather than a flat color. The gold Tipsy logo sits on top without being too loud.
This unit is the Red variant, while Green and Blue versions are also available if you prefer a different colorway.
The nozzle is metal with a raised lip and mesh filter, and the cable connects via a clear 2-pin socket. A small metal vent and printed R/L indicators are also present. Each shell weighs around 3.5 grams, so they feel lightweight in hand and in ear.
Cable
The stock cable is a detachable 2-pin braided cable in a dark finish, with pre-formed ear hooks for over-ear wear. The 2-pin connectors are clear molded plastic, and the left and right polarity markings are visible so it’s easy to plug in correctly.
Metal housings are present on both the Y-split and the right-angle 3.5 mm plug, and a small metal chin slider is included for cable adjustment. Based on a scale measurement, the cable weighs approximately 18.6 grams without the IEM shells attached.
Case
The included case is a round hard carry case that uses a friction-fit pull-off lid, not a screw-on type. You just pull the top off and press it back on to close.
The top and bottom parts are hard plastic, while the middle band is a softer flexible material, probably rubber or silicone, which helps keep the lid snug when it’s closed. The outside has a matte, slightly textured finish and feels sturdy enough for everyday use without feeling bulky.
Space inside is just enough for the IEMs, cable, and a couple of tip sets without much wiggle room. The lid on this unit is custom printed, and any names shown in photos were intentionally censored for privacy.
General Usage Impressions
- While the cable works fine, I’m not a fan of how thin it feels. It’s also a bit prone to cable memory because of that.
- The IEMs are quite lightweight. When I have them on, it’s like I’m not wearing anything at all. Definitely not going to fatigue you when you’re wearing these.
- They fit my ears perfectly and give me a good seal.
- I don’t feel any ear pressure when wearing these.
- No 4.4mm option? :( Also QDC connector means it sort of limits what aftermarket cables you want to swap with it.
Sound Impressions
- Tuning: Warm and bass-leaning overall. Very chill and easy on the ears. This is the kind of tuning you can leave playing for hours without feeling tired of it.
- Bass: Sub-bass has good presence and you can actually feel the slam when the track calls for it. Gives music some weight and rumble without turning everything into mud.
- Mids: Male vocals sound thick and full, while female vocals can come off a little thinner sometimes. Slightly recessed, but still clear enough that vocals don’t disappear into the background.
- Treble: Pretty safe and non-fatiguing, with no obvious sibilance in my listening. Good if you’re sensitive to sharp highs. Even though it plays it safe, it still sounds smooth and detailed instead of dull.
- Technicalities: Soundstage is more average than wide, but imaging and separation are solid for the price. Easy enough to pick apart instruments in a busy track.
- Gaming: Works surprisingly well for competitive FPS. Directional cues are easy to follow and background SFX are simple to pinpoint, so it doesn’t feel like you’re guessing where things are coming from.
Final Thoughts
The TIPSY M1 is a pretty easy IEM to suggest if you’re into a warmer, bass-leaning sound. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and tuned in a way that doesn’t get tiring even during long listening sessions. The sub-bass presence gives tracks a bit of fun and weight without completely overpowering everything else, which makes it nice for everyday music, videos, and even some gaming on the side.
That said, it’s not the widest sounding set, and people who prefer bright or super analytical tuning might find it a little too safe. The cable also feels thinner than I’d like, though it still works fine for normal use.
Overall, the M1 feels more like an easy-listening set than a technical showcase. It’s the kind of IEM you can just plug in, press play, and enjoy without overthinking it, which honestly ends up being its main appeal.
TIPSY M1 Technical Specifications (From Brand)
- Driver: 10 mm bamboo dual-cavity dynamic driver
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Impedance: 24 Ω
- Sensitivity: 106 dB
- Distortion: < 1%
- Shell Material: Resin with hand-painted faceplate
- Cable: 1.2 m 4-core braided cable (OFC / high-purity copper)
- Connector Type: QDC 0.78 mm 2-pin
- Plug Type: 3.5 mm single-ended
About Tipsy
Tipsy is an IEM brand that’s been around since 2016 and focuses on custom-style and stage-monitor inspired earphones. They often use 3D-printed resin shells aimed at improving comfort, fit, and durability for everyday use. Their lineup usually features bold faceplate designs and practical features rather than plain studio-looking aesthetics.
Sources Used
- PC + FIIO K11 R2R
- Snowsky Echo Mini
- Xiaomi 13T + Letshuoer DT03
Songs Used
- オトノケ - Otonoke / Creepy Nuts
- bury a friend / Billie Eilish
- goosebumps / Travis Scott
- Giorgio by Moroder / Daft Punk
- Ain’t It Fun / Paramore
- Hello / Adele
- ピースサイン - Peace Sign / Kenshi Yonezu
- Ref:rain / Aimer
- 革命道中 - On The Way / AiNA THE END
- Love poem / IU
- Perfect Night / Le Sserafim
- SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK / Joji
- Sparkle - movie ver. / Radwimps