Campfire Audio Axion Reivew

The Campfire Audio Axion marks a shift in the brand’s design philosophy, offering a streamlined, IEM that feels more refined than its previous Multiverse model. With its transparent shell, newly developed full-range silicone dynamic driver, and built-in USB-C DAC, the Axion aims to deliver high-resolution audio with an ergonomic fit. But how does it actually perform? Let’s dive into the Axion’s build quality, comfort, and most importantly its sound signature, analyzing whether it holds up to Campfire Audio’s reputation for premium IEMs.

What You Get

• Axion Earphones
• MMCX USB-C Cable
• Breezy Bag Jr. Black mesh zipper case
• Breezy Bag Micro Two-pocket IEM pouch
• Assorted Eartips

Look & Feel

This isn’t the first time Campfire has used a design like this. Usually, Campfire Audio IEMs have earloops, but the Axion goes straight down like traditional wired earbuds. A similar build was given to the Multiverse model last year, which the Axion feels like a refined version of. Even with its thinner body, the Axion features an ergonomic design with the right amount of curvature that makes the housing more form-fitting. It’s a comfortable fit with the right set of ear tips. At first, they didn’t stay in my ear a whole lot, but switching to silicone tips made it much better.

Design

For the Axion, Campfire Audio has developed a new full-range silicone dynamic driver. Through the transparent shell, this dynamic unit appears like a balanced armature, but it’s a full-range dynamic driver complete with a flat diaphragm and micro IC chip voice coil. Being a USC-C earphone, the Axion features a built-in DAC that can enhance your sound with sample rates up to 32-bit at 384 kHz and 1 Vrms.

Soundstage

Campfire Audio IEMs usually give you a clean, accurate soundstage, and the Axion is no different despite being from their lower-priced catalog. It has a wide wingspan that separates the left and right channels distinctly. The Axion offers good balance and room for the sound elements to move around in. Everything about the spatial imaging is linear, but it still finds a way to impress with its precision. This is a mostly interior headspace, but the sound never feels too confined. The imaging offers the sound plenty of room to breathe, even if the stereo field appears a bit flat.

Low End 

If you’re looking for earbuds with bass, the Axion won’t be your top pick. My first impression of the Axion was how little meat there was to its bass tone. Low-end frequencies barely have an identity, leaving their presence particularly empty. There’s a weightless feeling to the Axion, which does little service to bass instruments and the timbre of individual bass notes. It feels scooped out, which will surely disappoint some, but others more focused on the fidelity of other areas might not mind as much.

Mids

The midrange is the most resolving frequency range on the Axion. It’s a neutral timbre that exhibits plenty of room for its limited space. Instruments and vocals appear direct and with good clarity. Their only main setback is that there is no body behind the sound. They lack weight or any perceivable warmth. With that said, there is a lot of articulation in the mids, and while they never feel fully developed, there’s still some musicality to the sound signature.

Highs

While the highs rarely showcase much height, its tight, balanced response makes them come across clearly. They have a light ring that becomes prominent with piano keys and certain female vocals that I found to be quite gripping. It’s almost like there’s the smallest tinge of sparkle to the notes, and it reads to me as being impressively detailed for what it is. There’s a barrier to them, but the highs are also very layered, and do a good job of folding over each other. Everything still appears quite small, but the highs find a way to cut through elegantly without resorting to harshness.

Summary

The Campfire Audio Axion is an intriguing entry in the brand’s lineup, blending a fresh design with a neutral, articulate sound signature. While its bass presence leaves much to be desired, its midrange clarity and refined treble response offer an enjoyable listening experience for those who prioritize precision over warmth. The inclusion of a built-in DAC and USB-C connectivity also makes it a convenient option for modern listeners. If you’re looking for a lightweight, detailed IEM with a focus on balance and imaging, the Axion might just be worth considering especially for fans of Campfire’s signature tuning.

The Campfire Audio Axion is available at Audio46.