Introduction
The Sabbat E12 is a TWS IEMS, which uses Bluetooth 5.0. Their storage box can be charged wirelessly and also by cable. The panels of the capsules have been galvanized, to offer a soft and delicate texture, but at the same time strong and durable. The E12 has a dynamic 10mm driver, the diaphragm of which is made of biofibre paper film. The microphone incorporates sound reduction technology, which reduces wind noise and allows clear and reliable communication. Each capsule has a physical button that facilitates the use, through a simple protocol of pulses. Finally, the compact and lightweight design, together with the ergonomic shape of the capsules, guarantees a very comfortable long use, free from any sensation of fatigue.
Specifications
- Brand: Sabbat
- Model name: E12
- Driver Type: Dynamic 10mm.
- Name of the Bluetooth connection: Sabbat E12
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- Transmission radius: 10m
- Dustproof performance: IP5X
- Waterproof performance: IPX5
- Charging interface: TYPE-C
- Power input: DC 5V
- Battery capacity: 3.7V/60mAh
- Call/operating time: 6 hours
- Standby time: 3 days
- Charging time: about 60 minutes
- Charging battery capacity: 3.7V / 750mAh
- Support protocols: HSP1.2/HFP1.7/A2DP1.3/AVRCP1.6/SPP1.2/PBAP1.0
- Sensitivity: 120±dB
- Frequency range: 20-20kHz
- Impedance: 32Ω
Packaging
The E12 Sabbats come in a white, rectangular box, measuring 160x160x44mm. The front part is very simple, it only comes the model name, the product slogan and a picture of the capsule profile, in its real color. On the back there is a photo of the capsules and the loading box, plus the specifications in English and Chinese. Once the cardboard cover is removed, you can see a box, made of hard cardboard, completely white, with the shape of the capsules in relief, in its center. By lifting the lid, a large instruction leaflet is revealed, which takes up the entire top. Underneath it, you will find a quick guide, the capsules, the loading box and a blister pack with 6 pairs of silicone tips, all embedded in a thick black foam mould. Finally, under the blister pack, there is another white cardboard box, inside which there is a bag and a USB C-type charging cable. The total number of tips is 7 pairs, as the capsules are equipped with black and medium ones, whose core is red. In short, all the accessories are:
- Full instruction booklet and warranty.
- Quick guide.
- Two TWS capsules.
- One charging box.
- One USB C-type charging cable.
- One bag.
- 3 pairs of grey silicone tips, red core and large inner diameter, sizes SxMxL.
- 3 pairs of black silicone tips, red core and small inner diameter, sizes SxMxL.
- 1 pair of dark grey silicone tips, small size.
The content is quite acceptable, brings a good number of tips and at least one bag that protects the charging box. It could have been a bit more rigid, to protect it from shocks, but the intention is good.
The presentation is simple and effective, very focused on presenting the different color models and how they work.
Construction and Design
The capsules are medium to large in size. Their construction is divided into two parts: the external face is a galvanized metal plate in different colors, depending on the model chosen. In its center, there is a black button, with the brand logo silk-screened. Close to it there is a small hole, inside which there is a multicolor led, which informs about the status of the operation. The inner side is black, made of hardened plastic, smooth, highly polished and shiny. There are two gold connectors, for charging. Between them, there is, inscribed, a circle and the letters R and L, which indicate the side. The base of the nozzles is raised, with respect to the inner body. A hole is located halfway between the nozzles and the raised base. These nozzles are narrow, not very long, with a smaller diameter of 3.75mm and 4.6mm for the larger diameter, located in the outermost area. Both are protected by metal filters. On the upper edge of the inner face of the capsules, there is a narrow slot, also protected by a metal grid. There is also another small hole at the lower vertex of the inner body of the capsules: this is the microphone.
The capsules have a 60mAh battery, which gives them a 6 hour life and 150 hours in standby mode. They charge in 60 minutes. During this operation, the LEDs on the capsules light red. The capsules are magnetically attached to the case.
The charging box is completely black, smooth, oval, with dimensions 60x40x32.5mm. It is made of very hard plastic. The lid has a small slit to make it easier to open. On the back, on the metal hinge, the brand name is silk-screened in white letters. Under it, there are four horizontal holes, inside which there are white leds, which indicate the state of the box's charge. Immediately below, there is the USB type C connector, to connect the charger cable. It can be fully charged in one hour. The battery in the charging box is up to 750mAh, which will allow up to 4 full charges of the IEMS.
The design of the capsules is curious, with that mixture of light metal and hardened plastic. The buttons are physical, but very reliable; in some situations, I prefer them to the tactile ones, since their operation does not generate confusion. The body is moderately large, but the nozzles are narrow and somewhat short. The charging box is relatively large, allowing for a larger battery capacity, as well as a wireless charging device.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
Although the size is somewhat large, the shape is quite ergonomic. All this, together with the design of the nozzles, which are narrow and somewhat short, provide a superficial but quite stable insertion. The sensation of weight in the ears is very small, this favors that they do not move, nor are detached.
Operation and Connection
The operation is very well explained in all the brochures that come with the E12. You can even change the language, from English to Chinese.
To charge the capsules, you have to place them in their base and wait for the LEDs to light up in red, indicating that they are being charged. Their color changes to blue when the process is finished. Actually, the battery life of the capsules seems to be what it promises, since I have spent several hours with them in a row, without running out of battery. Also, at a considerable volume. Very good in this respect.
When taken out of the base, the capsules enter pairing mode; at this moment the lights flash red and it is possible to pair them with the device, activating the Bluetooth. Once the pairing is done, the capsules confirm it by emitting the word "Connected".
The functionalities through the buttons, are the following:
- Short press on any of the capsules: Play/Pause/Respond/Hang up
- Long press (2 seconds) on any of the capsules: If it is on, activate the voice assistant. If off, turn on the capsules.
- Very long press (4 seconds) on any of the capsules: Off.
- Double press in the right capsule: Next song.
- Double press in the left capsule: previous song.
- Triple press on the right capsule: increase volume.
- Triple-tap in the left capsule: decrease volume.
The volume of the capsules can also be controlled by those devices that allow it. In my case, the Tempotec V1-A, has that function.
The charging box also has LEDS, 4 in particular, which indicate the level of charge. When it is charging, these LEDs flash. When fully charged, all four LEDs are on.
As I mentioned before, the charging can be done by a wireless charging base or by a 5V charger, whose output does not exceed 1A. The manufacturer recommends not to use fast chargers.
The connection is fast and quite stable. In addition, only the right capsule can be associated. The pairing with the Smartphone is quite effective for music or listening to calls. The microphone could be a bit more problematic, especially for people who, like me, speak very softly.
Sound
Notice
Before we talk about the sound, I must clarify that, personally, I think that the TWS IEMS cannot yet be compared with wired IEMS. It should be understood that there are many technical differences between traditional IEMS and TWS. Therefore, my description of the sound will be restricted to the TWS, taking into account their current characteristics.
The TWS must have a Bluetooth receiver, an audio signal converter, an amplifier, a microcontroller, physical or touch buttons and a battery. All this in a small space. In addition, the signal transmitted by Bluetooth is compressed, coded and decoded again in the headset.
Profile
On this occasion, the profile ranges from V to U, with emphasis on the sub-bass and upper mid-range. The clarity is quite good and the sound is well aired. In addition, the level of resolution and detail is higher than expected.
Bass
The bass zone is accentuated from the mid-low to the lower frequencies. This results in a sound with good depth, which allows it to retain the virtue of clarity, provided by the amount of air it holds. Its incidence in the central zone is not very negative either, although it is slightly newsworthy, but without falling into a very negative bleeding. It is true that, for electronic music, the weight of the bass may be somewhat excessive, becoming somewhat uncontrolled or even reaching distortion, when the volume is very high and the bass load is excessive. Because the sensitivity of the E12 is good, the volume levels can be high, to the detriment of the quality of the low zone. At acceptable and even high listening volumes, the bass does not suffer these consequences, achieving considerable punch, acceptable definition, fairly natural colour and a rough but pleasant texture. Its speed is not very high and the bass tends to bind and expand through the sound, becoming quite noticeable in the scene. But perhaps it's an advantage for those looking for TWS Bass-Heads.
Mids
The midrange moves away from the power of the lower zone, but it does not appear to have sunk or to be too far away. They have a good level of warmth, which gives them body, taking away any feeling of relative hollowness. The definition of the voices is soft, without analytical pretensions, offering its sweet and pleasant side, without sibilance or stridency, but with a good dose of clarity. Despite the level offered by the lower zone, the mids are not dark, but surprisingly fresh and detailed, for a relatively affordable TWS. All this is benefited by the enhancement in the upper-mid zone, which manages to provide the necessary light, to counteract the incidence of bass. The balance is not achieved and the battle falls on the side of the lower zone.
The instrumentation is relaxed, but quite complete, perhaps too much in its lower part, but showing its clear warm and soft look. The range is certainly musical, without losing sight of the slightly dark, but realistic nature of the sound. The definition and resolution are not remarkable, but its role is not minor, but its appreciation is pleasant, providing a remarkable first sense of detail and brilliance.
Treble
The upper zone begins with a clear shot of light, clarity and spark, in its initial part. This last peak of the V appears as necessary, to provide detail and life in the sonority of the E12, but without excessive emphasis. Starting from relatively fine first highs, which are not sharp, the sensation is never perceived as penetrating or hurtful, but rather as being behind the lower zone. Demonstrating good control in the continuation, the upper zone is characterized by that brief spark and a good contribution of clarity and detail, in addition to the desirable dose of air, thanks to a more than noticeable extension in the high trebles. All of this contributes to the fact that the sound never feels completely smooth and anodyne, but rather provides a level of nuance, which brings this TWS closer to the world of wired IEMS.
Soundstage, Separation
The virtues of the lower zone enlarge the scene, but limit the separation, in equal parts. The expansion is achieved thanks to its depth, but its low speed floods the sound, subtracting width and reducing the feeling of instrumental distance. Despite this, the scene is not completely intimate and focused, but enjoys very acceptable proportions for a TWS in this price range. The relative clarity and the perception of a certain amount of air, benefit the sound, achieving freshness, a good level of detail, dynamism and fun.
Conclusion
The E12 Sabbath is a serious foray into the world of IEMS TWS. Its sound quality is far from the negative stereotype provided by Bluetooth technology. Based on a powerful and present low zone, the E12 has a dynamic, warm V profile with a touch of freshness and air. The sensations offered, allow us to believe in the future of a technology, which still can not compete with wired IEMS, but that can offer many surprises in an immediate time. The path opened by the Sabbat, surely allows to satisfy any neophyte in this field, even to conform to a server, with more than 100 headsets behind them (saving, always, the distances). The advantages offered by these TWS, are not only limited to the sound environment, but also stand out in their technical qualities: Bluetooth 5.0, meets the specifications IP5X (dust) and IPX5 (water), have an autonomy of 6 hours of use and 3 days on standby, in addition to supporting multiple protocols. Without a doubt, the Sabbat E12 is a clear reference for all those who are looking for the best quality/price ratio in a TWS.
Sources Used During the Analysis
- xDuoo X3II
- Tempotec V1-A
- JWD JWM-115
- F.Audio S1
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
Ratings
- Construction and Design: 80
- Adjustment/Ergonomics: 88
- Accessories: 75
- Operation and Connection: 78
- Sound: 70
- Quality/Price: 80
Purchase Link
https://penonaudio.com/sabbat-e12.html
You can read the full review in Spanish here:
https://hiendportable.com/2020/03/15/sabbat-e12-review/
