[Spyro]

It seems the general consensus is that an IEM with a mid-bass bump has a tendency to "cloud" or "veil" the midrange a bit (like W4).
 
The W3 is known as an IEM that has one of the more significant mid-bass bumps out there yet the clarity and crispness is top notch.  So how can this be?

 

[eke2k6]

Boost the treble.

 

[Spyro]

Quote:

Boost the treble.

It's that simple?  So W3 has farther extended treble than W4,  taking any sort of veil or cloud away from the midrange

 

[eke2k6]

It's not just a matter of extension. Boosting the quantity will give it a more apparent clarity. For instance, the FX700 is bassy as hell, but the aggressive treble presentation manages to give the sound great openness and clarity.

 

[h1a8]

I would love a clear cut solution to defeat the sm3 veil. Which frequency should I boost to clear up those vocals?

 

[Spyro]

But I think there is more to it than that.  The TF10 has little to no mid bass hump, very extended highs but has the cloudiest midrange of any IEM ever designed.

 

[eke2k6]

Quote:

But I think there is more to it than that.  The TF10 has little to no mid bass hump, very extended highs but has the cloudiest midrange of any IEM ever designed.

 
Because it doesn't have a very represented mid range (no dedicatd driver), plus I think it has crossover issues

 

[Ypoknons]

There are more nuances to the FR, sometimes it depends on exactly what frequencies where the bumps are. Also relevant in assessing clarity are other factors, sine wave response in the mid bass and also low distortion will make a headphone sound less muddy despite a mid bass bump.