Pula Audio Unicrom Review: Not Quite a Budget Unicorn, But Close
Jin Soh
Within the vast seas of Chi-Fi audio brands, Pula, or Pula Audio isn’t a name that many will instantly recognize. Some might remember them for the ANVIL14, a tribrid IEM with a bone conduction driver that was relatively well-received, but their latest release takes a subtler approach. The Unicrom, Pula’s latest, is a single dynamic driver earphone that aims for balance, versatility and ease of listening.
What Is It?
The Pula Unicrom features a 10mm dynamic driver with a beryllium-plated diaphragm, tuned for a natural and balanced signature that can handle a wide variety of genres. The name “Uni” signifies its single-driver configuration and a sense of purity, while “Crom” references the silent god from Conan the Barbarian, symbolizing strength, composure, and inner power.
Presentation is a step above what’s typical for this price class. The box opens to reveal a neat carrying case (or more like a small storage box) with a magnetic latch and a soft, felt-like lining. Also included is a high-purity silver-plated copper cable with swappable terminations for either 3.5mm single-ended or 4.4mm balanced outputs. Pula even throws in two types of ear tips: clear tips that offer tighter bass and a more subdued treble, and blue tips that push vocals forward at the expense of harsher highs.
Build-wise, the Unicrom features ultra-lightweight resin shells paired with ‘stabilized’ maple wood faceplates, each with its own unique texture. At just 6.6g per side, they’re extremely easy to wear. The shells are medium-sized with a standard nozzle diameter, making them compatible with a wide range of aftermarket tips while also being easy in the ears. Fit is comfortable, isolation is good enough to my ears and the included cable is pleasantly tangle-resistant with no noticeable microphonics.
Our review unit was graciously provided by HiFiGo, where the Unicrom retails for $79.99 and is available in black, blue, green, and yellow finishes.
How Does It Sound?
The Unicrom leans towards a slight V-shaped sound signature, with a touch of bass boost for warmth and an overall laid-back, non-fatiguing presentation. It’s a pleasant all-rounder with an average soundstage in terms of width, placing the music just slightly in front of you. Instrument separation sits a notch above average, but while it’s easy to pick out placement in the mix, things can get a bit congested and less precise at higher volumes.
Bass
The low end has a pleasing, controlled character that avoids boominess. Sub-bass presence is there with a decent rumble and commendable texture, though it does not dig especially deep. It provides enough foundation for tracks with low-end emphasis, but it will not shake you in the way a basshead-oriented set might.
Mid-bass is the star here, punchy, lively, and well-defined, giving kick drums and basslines a satisfying impact without smearing into the mids. It keeps the rhythm engaging and fun, particularly for pop and rock, while remaining clean enough for more intricate arrangements.
Mids
The midrange takes a slightly recessed seat in the mix, contributing to the mild V-shape. Vocals come through naturally in tone but can feel a touch thin, especially male voices that miss a bit of chesty weight. Instrumental body follows the same pattern, clean and clear but lacking some richness and warmth.
On the upside, this lighter presentation means the upper mids never become shouty or fatiguing, making the Unicrom easy to listen to for hours, even on tracks that can otherwise be piercing. Acoustic guitars, strings, and female vocals in particular benefit from this smooth, laid-back approach, trading engagement for long-term comfort.
Highs
Treble is lively and energetic, injecting the Unicrom with a sense of clarity and detail retrieval that keeps it from sounding overly warm. There’s a crispness to cymbals and hi-hats, and the texture is rendered with enough precision to make microdetails easy to pick out. However, at higher volumes, this treble energy can verge on hot, especially on brighter recordings.
There’s also a slight lack of air due to the upper treble rolling off earlier than some competitors, which limits the sense of spaciousness. That said, the tuning keeps sibilance largely in check, and for most casual listening, it strikes a comfortable middle ground.
Against the Juzear Deviant
When compared to the Juzear Deviant, the differences in intent become clear. The Deviant delivers a brighter, more forward upper-midrange and a larger stage, with treble that reaches further into the air for more microdetail. However, this also makes it more fatiguing over extended sessions.
The Unicrom instead plays it safe, opting for a warmer tone and smoother treble, making it more forgiving across poorly mastered tracks. Bass emphasis also differs, with the Deviant digging deeper into the sub-bass for more low-end weight, while the Unicrom keeps things punchy in the mid-bass for a livelier, more rhythmic feel. In short, the Deviant is for those seeking excitement and edge, while the Unicrom is the set you reach for when you just want to relax and listen.
Is It Worth It?
At the end of the day, the Pula Audio Unicrom is an easygoing companion that you can toss in your bag and enjoy without much fuss. Its laid-back, inoffensive tuning makes it pleasant for long sessions, though it stops short of excelling in any one area or delivering the kind of “wow” factor that more specialized sets can offer.
For the asking price, you are also getting a thoughtful package with a solid case, making it a versatile, grab-and-go option in the budget bracket. Just don’t expect it to be a ‘unicorn’ in this price range, as while it does many things right, it never quite sets itself apart from the competition.