The Jellyfish Blushes Red

Ratings

Pros

• Profile for bass lovers, warm and smooth in the high frequencies.
• Great performance from a very energetic, powerful, voluminous and extensive low end, which retains very good technical characteristics.
• DucBloke’s PEQ tunings manage to correct the limitations of the base tuning to add a qualitative leap and more versatility to the base profile.
• Finished in a super eye-catching and attractive red, with matching red cable.
• Clear improvement in the cable with its 8 strands.
• Very good extra accessories: folding leather case and Divinus Velvet silicone tips in 5 sizes.
• Choice of 3.5mm SE or 4.4mm BAL connection.

Cons

• The cable does not fit 100% into the capsules because it touches the edge of their outer surface.
• Relatively subdued mids and soft highs in the base tuning.
• It is important to take into account the amount of energy in the bass and that this is a dedicated tuning.
• The size and shape of the capsules is large and unusual, although if they fit your own morphology, they are comfortable.

Purchase Link

https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-mk12-x-ducbloke-12mm-91-pure-magnesium-diaphragm-hifi-in-ear-monitors

Link to the WEB

https://www.hidizs.net

Introduction

Hidizs MK12 × DucBloke is the first co-branded collaboration in Hidizs’ MK line. It has been built on the MK12 platform with a 12mm dynamic transducer and a 91% pure magnesium diaphragm. This limited edition model represents a shared pursuit of musicality, precision, and craftsmanship.
Created in collaboration with DucBloke (Tim), renowned for his legendary expertise in PEQ equaliser tuning and his influential channel dedicated to improving the IEM listening experience, the MK12 × DucBloke is tuned to reflect Tim’s unique ‘Target’ response. The Hidizs team achieved approximately 70% of the target through physical tuning, with the remaining 30% refined through Tim’s precise adjustments using any PEQ equaliser application. This collaboration features three distinctive listening profiles:

• Hard Hit: 1.5 dB boost in the sub-bass for greater impact.
• Neutral: a balanced profile that performs consistently across all genres.
• Sparkle: a subtle lift in the treble, with +0.5 dB at 6 kHz (narrow) and 15 kHz (wide), adding air and energy.

The PEQ files can be downloaded here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16S0GyITDbjCVYXLWAcynEPltNanOy7EA

This upgrade is for those seeking greater bass power, clearer mids, and highs that rise without sibilance.
This special edition model is encased in a striking red CNC-machined integrated metal housing. The MK12 × DucBloke comes equipped with an 8-core high-purity oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable, five pairs of Divinus Velvet ear pads in various sizes, and a premium leather case with a flip-top lid.
Designed for both comfort and performance, the MK12 × DucBloke offers a spacious and natural soundstage, powerful yet controlled bass with impressive depth and dynamics, smooth and articulate mids, and refined highs that engage without fatigue.
That’s all the brand says. Below, we’ll look at the rest of the details and my impressions of the sound.

Specifications

• Driver type: dynamic with external ring and N52 magnetic circuit. 12mm M-shaped dome diaphragm made of 91% pure magnesium™.
• Frequency response: 10Hz-45kHz.
• Sensitivity: 111dB.
• Impedance: 32Ω.
• Capsule Material: CNC-machined aluminium alloy.
• THD: <0.3% (1kHz).
• Cable Material: 8-core high-purity oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable.
• Cable Length: 1.2m.
• Capsule connection type: 2-pin 0.78mm gold-plated.
• Jack connector: choice of 3.5mm SE or 4.4mm BAL.
• Weight: approximately 19g without cable.
• Price: Pre-order 239$. Offer 259$. Final 269$.

Packaging

The Hidizs MK12 × DucBloke come in a small, square red box. In the centre of the front is a real photo of the IEMS, but it doesn’t stand out too much because both the box and the earbuds are red; the colour of the earbuds is more intense, but the contrast between the background and the photo is low. In the upper right corner is the description of the driver. The brand logo and the DucBloke logo are located in the upper right corner. At the bottom, there is a presentation of the model, as well as an announcement of the inclusion of Divinus Velvet tips. The Hi-Res logo in silver is located in the lower right corner.
The specifications and contents are listed on the back in several languages, including English. The contents are incorrect in the section that mentions the three types of tuning nozzles, as this model does not include these filters.
When you open the box, you will see a white foam mould with a bright red cardboard cover. In this first layer, you can see the capsules embedded in the mould and a transparent plastic box containing the five sizes of Divinus Velvet silicone tips. In the second layer, there is a box with the DucBloke logo inside another white foam mould. Inside is the cable. At the bottom of the box is the instruction manual. The complete contents are as follows:

• The two Hidizs MK12 × DucBloke capsules.
• An 8-core high-purity oxygen-free copper cable plated in silver with a matching red coating.
• A transparent plastic case with 5 sizes of Divinus Velvet silicone tips.
• A premium leather flip case with the DucBloke logo.
• A warranty card.
• A user manual.

At the time of writing this review, the price of the standard MK12 is $179, while this special version costs $259. It does not include the three tuning nozzles, but tuning must be done using the PEQ files created by DucBloke. The bright red design is really attractive. The matching red-coated eight-core cable is of high quality and is a noticeable improvement over the original cable, although the metal parts have the same design, only with a smooth, shiny finish. It also does not include three sets of silicone tips, but it does include a set of five sizes of Divinus Velvet silicone tips. Also noteworthy is the leather flip case with the DucBloke logo. It is padded at the base and lid and appears to be of good quality.
The difference in price is in the leather case, the bright red colour and the cable. Three sets of silicone tips have been replaced by one branded set with five sizes, and the three tuning nozzles have been removed, leaving only one fixed nozzle. The rest is down to the special tuning and the effort made in the PEQs to add a few extra twists to a model that is particularly suited to listeners who enjoy powerful and dynamic bass.

Construction and Design

The special edition is bright red, striking and eye-catching, but the capsule design is the same. The cable has the same finish as the MP145 cable, but with eight strands coated in red PVC to match the capsules. Therefore, apart from the colour, the description will be the same.
The MK12 × DucBloke combines CNC-machined aluminium alloy with elegant curves inspired by jellyfish, resulting in a lightweight and durable design. The outer face consists of four V-shaped layered layers, the last of which forms a relatively sharp vertex on the outer face of the capsule. This is only the outer face, as the inner face, which is the same colour, is rounded and plump. It has a slight rim that protrudes subtly at the end. The upward curve towards the nozzles is also very smooth. There is a hole near these nozzles. On the edge of the capsule is the 0.78 mm 2-pin connection plate, fully integrated into the surface. On the short side, following this edge, is the model name and a logo indicating the channel. There is also a hole above this text. The nozzles are short, with a length of 4.3 mm, a diameter of less than 5 mm and a crown of 6.1 mm. On this occasion, the nozzles are fixed and bright red in colour.
The cable is made of high-purity oxygen-free copper plated with silver, with 8 cores and a matching red coating. The plug casing is a shiny silver cylinder with a groove at the top. The brand name is engraved near the cable outlet. Below this is a gold ring. The plug is a 4.4 mm gold-plated BAL. The cable exit is protected by a small translucent plastic cylinder with two diameters. The eight strands are braided. The splitter piece is a small shiny silver cylinder. It has two grooves near the exit and an Allen screw near the entrance. The adjustment piece is a small ring made of the same material and surface. The adjustment of this ring is very slight and not very efficient, as it slips too much. The cable has guides over the ear, and the gold-plated 0.78 mm two-pin connector sleeves are small cylinders of the same material and colour as the rest, but with a red or blue ring near the cable outlet to indicate the channel.
The bright red capsules and the shiny micro-sandblasted surface stand out. The colour of the eight-strand cable coating also stands out, matching that of the capsules.

Adjustment and Ergonomics

The shape is the same, the ergonomics remain unchanged. The earbuds weigh the same: 19g. Everything is the same except for the colour, so the description of the fit and ergonomics is also the same.
The shape of the outer surface suggests a complicated fit. However, this is not the case, as the earbuds are thick enough that the lower part does not pose any fitting problems. However, the thickness and size may be a problem for small ears. In my case, the thickness is not a problem, but the size can become uncomfortable over time, as the inner surface of the earpiece occupies the entire ear. The discomfort is not caused by pressure on the tragus of the ear, but on the antihelix. Although the protrusion of the edge is very slight and soft, the considerable rounded and bulky size of the inner surface puts pressure on that area.
As they take up a lot of space in the shell, the fit is quite unique and does not allow for much rotation. The nozzles are short, and you may need to try different silicone tips to find the one that fits best. In my case, with the large silicone tips filled with homemade foam, the fit is very good, occlusive and durable, and achieves great isolation and physical contact.
I still think that, despite its large size and different shape, the ergonomics of the whole thing are good, and both the softness of the surface and the bright red colour manage to minimise any initial doubts, making this special edition very attractive and surprisingly comfortable for its shape and design.

Sound

Profile

The tuning of DucBloke represents an evolution towards the bass, achieved with the Enchanting Red nozzles of the base model. There is a 2-3 dB lift in the sub-bass end compared to the Hidizs MK12 Bass. However, it has also been lifted by 1 dB from 3 kHz onwards. The profile is now more V-shaped, but the subtle excitation in the upper midrange and treble compensates for the darkness introduced by boosting the bass. This is certainly not a balanced profile, but a clearly fun one, with a bass-head tendency, but one that takes advantage of the high resolution and definition of the 91% pure magnesium diaphragm™ dynamic driver.
This time, tuning nozzles are not included, but three PEQ equalisation files can be downloaded from DucBloke himself.
The Hard Hit tuning boosts the sub-bass and slightly thins the mid-bass to achieve a higher, cleaner bass roll-off. The first half of the bass is also subtly enhanced to achieve a denser, fuller, more body-filled sound, resulting in a powerful analogue feel. Next, the early treble is attenuated, but energy is added in the control area to prevent the sound from becoming dark or muffled. Finally, the air area is adjusted to achieve a more prolonged extension effect.
The neutral tuning subtly enhances the sub-bass and extends it a little further. It slightly reduces the mid-bass and adds more body to the first half of the midrange. The rest is similar to the previous tuning, but with a more subtle effect on the upper midrange and treble.
The Sparkle tuning slightly boosts the sub-bass, but takes energy away from the mid-bass. It subtly modifies the first half of the mids, filling in the gap a little. Then, it reduces the early treble to add a generous boost in the control zone. Finally, it counteracts the treble peaks and adds air.
For the following description of the MK12 × DucBloke, I have not used any equalisation, as I prefer to express the pure sound of the stock headphones.

Bass

The first thing that stands out is that the bass of the MK12 × DucBloke has a lot of foundation and extension. Its transition to the sub-bass is not the sharpest, which makes the volume, body and punch of the bass quite broad. There is a lot of energy accumulated in the lower range, so the pressure they exert must be taken into account. That said, the magnesium diaphragm’s ability to generate high technical efficiency must also be considered. Undoubtedly, if this tuning had been done with another less efficient driver, the bass would have been much slower, too elastic, rubbery and blurred. In this case, despite the large amount of impact energy generated with each bass drum hit, the pressure remains precise, well-defined, and compact. Each hit is rounder and the texture is rougher and more noticeable. However, the recovery is still very good, with a relatively low decay for its energy level.
In the very low frequency pure tone test, a notable physical and sensory effect can be appreciated in the first note, demonstrating the great power and energy that is released from the very first moment. Added to this sensation is a slight audible vibration. This negative effect is corrected as the hertz increase, generating a clearly energetic, powerful, present and improved sub-bass output. At the beginning of the test, a good level of darkness is perceived, but so much energy in the bass does not hide the sonority, despite being very well supported by a high physical and deep component.
The translation of the test to the real world exemplifies the sensation of a wall of sound that starts from very low down. A relatively visceral sensation of impact is perceived when the bass drums are wide. On the one hand, there is a less audible dark physical component that provides a great deal of volume, pressure and depth, and on the other, a more obvious and noticeable sonority that makes the bass also sound clearer. The good news is that, thanks to the controller’s good work, the tones remain quite accurate in their timbre and one could say that the sound is realistic, although obviously exaggerated.
The dirty, powerful, complex, unfiltered bass test puts the MK12 × DucBloke’s endurance to the test. The deepest, dirtiest bass lines are executed with considerable cleanliness and control; there is slight colouration around the sub-bass and mid-bass output frequencies. However, the deepest sub-bass is more realistic and remains well differentiated, with well-layered layers. Even in the worst situations, there is no loss of control or out-of-tune notes; everything is in its place, with very good definition, well-defined lines and sufficiently dry hits. Only in the most magmatic sub-bass does the situation become overwhelming, but control is not lost and the layers are well defined. The problem lies in the amount of energy, volume and pressure generated: you have to be prepared and willing to take all this in, even though the quality is very good.

Mids

The midrange starts with a real and relatively powerful physical foundation. This is noticeable in the lower male voices, which have a heavier and deeper foundation. As the voices develop, they become thinner. That’s why I understand DucBloke’s choice to fill in the valley around 800 Hz in all his PEQ tunings for this model. What I think he is looking for is to compensate for the lack of presence in that midrange area, typical of V-shaped tunings. However, in the untuned version this is not the case, as there is a clear contrast between the initial weight of the early mids and the thinness that follows. Even so, the lower voices sound very powerful and present, with a noticeable degree of physicality and body that fills my ears. It is when the male registers approach the tenor range that this distancing and thinning becomes apparent.
Clarity and definition are never lost, and the level of transparency and resolution are very good. I don’t think the midrange is obscured. However, I do notice a contrast between the lower fundamental instruments and the higher male voices, as well as the instruments located in that area of the valley. It is true that, in a way, this thinning produced by this valley serves to alleviate the amount of energy coming from the beginning of the range and also from the bass, lightening the pressure as if it were an escape valve. This is how the midrange of the MK12 × DucBloke is perceived as warm, but not as dense or like an impenetrable wall of sound. Although it is true that if recordings that are too warm and dense are combined, the combination can be overwhelming and heavier.
Female voices have a distinct warm component that makes them sweeter and more analogue. They have a certain sparkle and luminosity, but are characterised by a nuanced brightness and rounded edges. The higher-pitched voices have a thinner base, but the gain from the bell completes them. However, they can be masked when there are powerful bases, as well as a marked rhythmic base, which highlights the imbalance that sometimes exists in the central range between voices and instruments.
Even so, the central range is quite complete in terms of information. It is clear that there is no analytical component, but there is a broad expressive aspect thanks to the technical and decisive level of the controller.

Treble

The high end begins with an initial spark that quickly dissipates through a marked control zone, that valley between 5 kHz and 8 kHz. DucBloke’s PEQ equalisation adds energy in this zone to expand the extension and expressiveness of the treble and display it more realistically and naturally, as well as providing a good amount of air.
It’s not that the MK12s have much more treble; even the initial version of the MK12 × DucBloke has a less pronounced control zone and slightly more energy in this upper range. However, this energy cannot compete on equal terms with the bass. If the musical compositions are light on bass, the treble is smooth but quite full, always under control, with the finesse and delicacy characteristic of the MK12. However, when it comes to music with more bass, it is true that the treble is perceived as more muffled. The treble is there, but sometimes it lacks a little spark, energy and visibility, as well as a little air. This is where DucBloke’s PEQ tunings compensate for these limitations and clearly improve the upper range.

Soundstage, Separation

The size of the soundstage is one of the standout features of the MK12. Here, the sense of volume and size is clearly enhanced thanks to the extensive bass projection. The lower the frequencies and bass lines, the more evident, impactful and voluminous this extension is. This greatly expands the soundstage, achieving a level of depth that feels close and creating an obvious immersive sensation. In this sense, the stage is even three-dimensional, with very good height and a frontal impression that goes beyond 180 degrees. However, some sparkle, volatility and gaseous sensation is lost, so the effect is reduced to the immediate area. The stereo perception is maintained to a good degree, but I perceive it as somewhat more muffled due to the volumetric effect of the bass.
The level of resolution, definition and separation remains high. However, it is true that the weight of the bass, its energy and volume contribute to compacting both the scene and the elements. The sound is no longer as clear and lacks a little more air. The microdetail is still there, but it is slightly attenuated. It needs a little more space and a little more sparkle to be clearly defined. However, despite the fact that the tuning does not work in its favour, it is worth noting the controller’s ability to bring out those tiny details, even from the deepest layers, in these adverse conditions. That says a lot about the resolution and definition capabilities of this model.

Conclusion

Hidizs has teamed up with DucBloke in a special collaboration to release a special edition of its MK12 model. These MK12 x Ducbloke in-ear headphones combine 70% physical tuning by Hidizs with 30% fine tuning using DucBloke’s PEQs. The base is that of the MK12 with a bass nozzle, but with more meat and energy in the bass and a little more brightness from the upper mids to compensate. The standard tuning is powerful in the bass, very fun, warm, slightly sunken in the midrange valley and smooth in the treble. It is definitely a Bass-Heads-oriented tuning. But I think the beauty lies in those additional DucBloke tunings, as they help bring out the true potential of the 91% pure magnesium diaphragm™ dynamic driver. Thanks to these tunings, the mids are filled out, a slight amount of additional energy is added to the treble, and quite a bit of extra air is blown in. This is where a new dimension of powerful bass-heavy sound comes into play, offering much more than just a clearly Bass-Heads tuning.

Sources Used During the Analysis

• Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX.
• Hidizs S9 Pro Plus.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2 + OpAmps Burson V6 Classic Single + OpAmps Burson V6 Vivid Dual.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + OpAmp Sparkos Labs SS3602 + Aune N7D.