Redefined Neutrality
PROS:
Non-offensive overall sound profile
Minimalist shell design (subjective)
Clean and neutral sound signature
Punchy and tight bass
Easy to drive
Separation and layering
Constructive for musicians, singers, and sound engineers
Natural timbre
CONS:
Price is not for everyone
Sound stage is on the narrow side
Barebones inclusions for its price point
Only one kind of ear tips included
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| A worthy tool for a pro |
INTRODUCTION:
Softears is an audio company that primarily caters to musicians, singers, and sound engineers. However, their products have also garnered popularity among audiophiles. Despite being a relatively new company, having started in 2014, Softears has made significant strides in the industry. They established their studio in Shenzhen's Silicon Valley in 2017, and in 2019, they opened their independent research and development lab and factory in Chengdu.
Softears places a strong emphasis on technology, high-quality research and development, and innovation. Their primary objective is to provide an experience of softness, comfort, balance, and durability for their users when it comes to listening to music.
Hey, guess what I got here? The Studio 4! And let me tell you, I'm pretty smitten with these earphones. Admittedly, I wasn't blown away on my first listen. In fact, I found them quite dull and lifeless at first. However, as I spent more time with them, I realized their true purpose and versatility. So, I'm going to give you two different perspectives on them - one from a musician's point of view, and one from a sort of audiophile perspective. Let's dive in!
Oh before we start, you might want to check this link for more info on Studio 4.
Softears Studio 4 official link
FOREWORD:
The gear on hand has undergone at least 20 hours of use before it was assessed.
No EQ is ever applied in my reviews.
For the sake of convenience, I try my best to use a stock setup. Not everyone has access to personal ear tips or cables. If personal ear tips, cables, or accessories are used, you will be notified.
As I try to be objective, my claims inevitably will be subjective and biased to my personal preference. I cannot stress more that you should take this with a grain of salt for we have different perceptions to sound and what we hear.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Configuration: 4 x Balanced armature
Impedance: 12ohms
Sensitivity: 123db
Freq response: 20hz - 20khz
Connector: 0.78mm 2 pin
Plug: 3.5mm
PACKAGING:
Initially, it can be observed that the Studio 4's packaging is simple and straightforward, which is well-suited for musicians. It is presented in a small white box with no flashy designs or unnecessary frills. Those who enjoy the novelty of unboxing might find the Studio 4's presentation to be underwhelming.
Unboxing is underwhelming for the asking price
In the Box:
Pair of Studio 4 IEM (with their own mini bags for protection)
1 sturdy waterproof pelican case
1 cable
1 extension cable (musicians need this)
1 3.5mm female to 6.5mm male (another for musician’s needs)
3 pairs of ear tips in SML
1 cleaning tool
1 cleaning cloth
1 wrist band
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| The basic inclusions provide all the needs of a musician |
The inclusions provided with the Studio 4 are tailored specifically for musicians. They are of exceptional quality and do not feel flimsy or poorly made. In fact, they can compete with other top brands such as Shure, Audio Technica, and ADV. While the number of inclusions may not be abundant, everything necessary is included to get the job done.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
For the entirety of this review, the Ovidius B1 was primarily used as it offered the most blissful pairing. The Abigail pro 3.5 comes next, and then Hiby RS2. Stock cable and ear tips were used to avoid aftermarket sound impact. Music tracks are my own FLAC files and Qobuz Studio subscription.
The timbre of the set is accurate, with no artificial or unnatural sound. The tuning is organic, musical, and highly satisfying, resembling the sound of real-life instruments. It is a pure balanced armature (BA) set that I have tried and did not have any issues with BA timbre or any fake thinness.
The speed and performance of the drivers in the Studio 4 are of top-notch quality. The drivers exhibit a realistic attack and decay, resulting in a highly satisfying sound quality. Even complex and densely layered tracks are executed with ease, without any sluggishness or slow-downs. This is a testament to the exceptional performance and efficiency of the Studio 4's drivers.
Now we come to the crowning glory of Studio 4's technical capabilities: its separation and layering. The audio output is crystal-clear and transparent, with every element presented in impressive detail and clarity. Instruments and vocals are distinct and don't blend together into a muddy mess. This trait is particularly useful for sound engineers and artists who need to dissect, analyze, and work on audio in a studio setting.
Finally, the imaging and placement of instruments are precise and effortless to track. The constantly shifting positioning of elements is clearly distinguishable and offers a 2D experience that emphasizes width rather than depth.
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According to the graph, there is a noticeable bump in the sub-bass region. This results in a satisfying rumble in those frequencies, but it doesn't linger, giving us a clean and precise sound. As a result, I was able to experience a full-bodied acoustic bass when listening to my favorite jazz tracks. Electronic tracks, such as those from Daft Punk, Shawn Mendes, and The Weekend, exhibit good punchiness. Mid-bass sounds are well-balanced and have a good presence, while bass from artists like Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, Marvin Gaye, and Queen possesses impressive texture and thump. Overall, the quantity of bass might not be enough for bass enthusiasts, but it is just right for mature and discerning listeners who prefer clean and precise sound. Studio 4’s bass leans to be almost flat neutral that prioritizes quality than quantity.
MIDRANGE:
In terms of the midrange, there isn't much of a dip, and it remains true to the graph. However, moving away from the graph, I can confidently say that the midrange has good weight and a warm tone. The vocals, both male and female, are engaging, but there is a noticeable preference for female voices. The upper mids are not hot or fatiguing to listen to. As a musician, I find that my favorite instruments, such as pianos, saxophones, organs, Rhodes, and orchestral instruments, sound lush and rich with just the right amount of presence. The midrange is not pushed back, but rather slightly forward, making it appealing to mid-centric listeners like me. Moreover, from a musician's perspective, relevant instruments that are crucial for my band's weekly repertoire are easily discernible, making my life easier.
TREBLE:
The treble of Studio 4 inherits the genes of the midrange, exhibiting a smooth sound reproduction that does not cause fatigue or piercing. This type of tuning often results in the compromise of details and nuances, but that is not the case with Studio 4. However, some listeners may find the extension to be lacking, especially those who are treble enthusiasts. The upside to this smoothness is that people with sensitive ears will appreciate Studio 4's unoffensive treble. Personally, I sometimes find myself wanting more on tracks that are not brightly mixed and mastered. Cymbals and hihats can be dull and lack energy. When using Studio 4 for stage performances, we enter a different world. Instead of listening to final mastered tracks, we focus on how the tech person behind the mixing console balances and mixes the sound. Aggressiveness may sometimes come with the territory, for instance, a guitarist's preference for a bright guitar may lead to fatigue. Studio 4 had this in mind, and as a result, they tuned Studio 4 in a smooth and balanced manner to avoid such cases. Nonetheless, the detail retrieval is impressive, although the priority is not on shimmer and sparkle.
COMPARISONS:
versus Hidizs MS5
I had just reviewed the MS5 and seeing they are at the same price point, comparing these two will somehow be fair.
The MS5 has a brighter sound signature that can result in ear fatigue after prolonged usage due to some sibilance. Unlike the Studio 4, the MS5 has a more colored sound with a more prominent bass, richer midrange with added weight, and treble with grit and bite. Additionally, the MS5 has a special feature of sounding holographic compared to the simpler and more plain sound of the Studio 4. However, for musicians who prioritize critical listening and analysis, a simple and clean sound is preferred. In terms of technical aspects, both IEMs are on par with each other. The MS5 occasionally exhibits BA timbre, while the Studio 4 has a more natural and safe sound due to its smooth treble presentation. Individuals who are sensitive to treble should consider the Studio 4, while those who enjoy bright treble would appreciate the MS5's sound.
versus Kinera Idun Golden
While Idun is a third of Studio 4’s asking price, I can’t help myself but compare these two as they are both exceptional and commendable for stage monitoring.
Both IEMs offer a nearly flat, neutral sound reproduction, with Idun being the brighter and colder one, while Studio 4 has a pleasing warmth in comparison. Idun boasts impressive treble extension, and hihats and cymbals offer great texture with excellent clarity and presence in vocals. The soundstage is slightly wider with Idun, but Studio 4 provides clearer sound analysis and better technicalities, albeit by a small margin. If you want to experience an effective stage monitoring setup, Idun is a great starting point with its lower price point. However, if you wish to invest more and upgrade, Studio 4 will undoubtedly deliver better and exceptional performance.
FIT & ISOLATION:
Studio 4 is an incredibly lightweight IEM that is designed for comfort during prolonged use. The use of resin in its construction imparts sturdiness that enables it to withstand occasional drops, though additional care is always recommended. The ergonomic design is intended to cater to live performances and provides a reasonable level of noise isolation. I had the opportunity to test them on stage and despite my band playing at a loud volume, the Studio 4 effectively blocked out most of the ambient noise. Achieving a secure fit was easy, and the nozzle's angle was pleasantly comfortable, making it one of the most comfortable IEMs I have ever worn. Performers need not worry about the IEMs falling off or affecting their movements during performances, allowing them to focus solely on their craft.
SOURCES USED:
Ovidius B1
Abigail pro 3.5mm
Hiby RS2
Qobuz Studio subscription
Offline FLACs
Oppo A94
Hiby music app
UAPP
TEST TRACKS:
Here are some tracks I usually listen to when reviewing:
That’s the way of the World by EWF
Africa by TOTO
The Girl in the Other Room by Diana Kral
Balmorhea album All is wild, All is Silent
Sila by Sud
Smooth Escape by D’Sound
Never too Much by Luther Vandross
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
Ain’t no Sunshine by Eva Cassidy
Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC
Another one bites the Dust by Queen
Good times bad times by Edie Brickell
Alice in Wonderland by Bill Evans
Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Redefine by Incubus
Far Away by Nickelback
Lovesong by Adele
Lingus by Snarky Puppy
Harvest for the World by Vanessa Williams
Love Bites by Def Leppard
No Such Thing by John Mayer
As by Stevie Wonder
Whip Appeal by Babyface
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Futures by Prep
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Every Summertime by NIKI
SADE tracks
AC/DC tracks
Queen tracks
And many more… I always listen to High resolution format, being the least quality 16bit/44khz FLACS be it offline or online.
VERDICT:
After spending a considerable amount of time with Studio 4, I can confidently say that this IEM is not limited to musicians, artists, and sound engineers but also to audiophiles who value intricate details and do not mind a near-flat sound profile. Though it can sometimes sound dry and unexciting, especially for those accustomed to much-coloured sound, the precision, clarity, cleanliness, and transparency of Studio 4 can certainly impress discerning and critical listeners.
Despite the steep price point, Studio 4's performance, build quality, and barebones inclusions are justifiable for a gigging musician, touring artist, or producer. For anyone considering this investment, I can attest that it is worth every penny.
It's important to note that Studio 4's sound profile may not be everyone's cup of tea, and auditioning is highly recommended before making a purchase. Those who prefer a warm, natural timbre, speedy drivers, clean sound reproduction, and intricate details will find Studio 4 a delight. It's a great tool for music analysis and deconstructing parts for cover bands and artists. Even audiophiles who enjoys engagement and connection to their music will appreciate the sound of Studio 4.
I would like to thank Neil Nino Clark for facilitating this tour and to HiFiGo for being generous to me and my co-reviewers.
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