Softears Studio 4

Review Of The Softears Studio 4​

Introduction​

Softears is one of the most professional firms I've ever experienced, based on my own experiences with their infamous IEMs like the RSV and Twilight, but they've also been embraced by many audiophiles. This Chinese firm was founded in 2017 and has been developing professional high-end products, particularly in-ear monitors. They have recently begun to experiment with other areas, such as accessories, to widen the reach of their ingenuity and inventiveness. They recently announced a new professional IEM called as the Studio 4, and I was fortunate enough to receive a pair for evaluation. But before we go any further, I'd like to clarify a few issues.

Disclaimer​

*This is a review unit, courtesy of Concept Kart. All thanks to them for providing. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Studio 4.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate Studio 4 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Studio 4 has an all-custom balanced armature set made up of four drivers connected to a three-way crossover. The shells are composed of 3D-printed medical resin, and like with other BA IEMs, they lack a pressure release port, causing pressure to build up in the ears. The Shells are dark black, with Softears inscribed on one side and Studio 4 on the other; altogether, Studio 4 is quite professional. Even though I have difficulties with pressure buildup in my ears, The Studio 4 were bearable because to their simple and ergonomically formed body; they fit well and the comfort was enough, but not for extended lengths of time due to pressure buildup; nonetheless, with tip-rolling, it was manageable. The cable that is provided looks and feels quite expensive, as one would expect from a professional studio set. The cable terminates with two pin connections on one end and a straight, single-ended 3.5mm termination plug on the other. The additional accessories include three pairs of eartips in various sizes, a cleaning tool, a 3.5mm to a quarter-inch adapter, a velvet storage pouch for IEMs, a cleaning cloth and a highly practical pelican case. According to the technical specs, the impedance is 12 Ohms and the sensitivity is 123dB. The frequency response ranges from 5Hz to 20kHz, and total harmonic distortion is less than 1%.

***Above Image Credits***

Sound​

The Studio 4 has one of the most precise and targeted tunings that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The Harman target is followed objectively, but the resulting sound is much more than just a flat response. Instead, it offers a fuller and more present upper treble response, which is a delight to the ear. I must say that this tuning has become one of my favourites, particularly because it places less emphasis on the mid-bass and more on the sub-bass, yet it still manages to maintain a pleasing tonal warmth in the overall mix. What struck me most about the Studio 4 is the quality and timbre of the mid-range notes. They sound properly rounded and natural, allowing the notes to blend seamlessly. This is especially impressive considering that Studio 4 is an all-BA set, which often tends to sound fatiguing with a less full response. The Studio 4, on the other hand, delivers a non-fatiguing and safe overall sound, while also maintaining a fuller response that places the details precisely where they should be. I have experienced many other IEMs in the same price range, but most of them tend to sound more balanced or mid-centric, with some focusing on crisp and detailed notes. Unfortunately, this often leads to metallic or artificial characteristics being introduced, which can be distracting. Thankfully, Studio 4 does not suffer from any of these issues, and it is a pleasure to listen to. Let’s delve deeper into the sound and find out more about it.

Treble​

The response from the treble area is as expected: linear and crisp, with outstanding clarity and notes that seem larger and more calming to listen to. The region represents an unquestionably safe sound, with all singers and instruments providing crisp and fresh-sounding notes that are not harsh or tinny, but instead balance the tonal quality. The upper treble is extended and airy, but it does not provide a huge or cavernous sound since the entire environment is filled with a good awareness of note dynamics and revelation. Specifically, the voices sound quite pleasing and on the spot. The lower treble brings more aggressive singing and instruments, allowing for a more forward approach and optimum seating, resulting in a more complete experience. Though there is a tinge of staleness in the bodied notes, which may get monotonous for some since they are not light or open sounding, as I previously stated, they are "on point." The vocals are lively and mature, but the instruments provide well-toned notes, resulting in an organic response. As a result, the treble area is presented sublimely, linearly, and extensively.

Mid Range​

In the midrange, it has a very safely calibrated response that does not sacrifice tonal quality and produces more bodied notes with enough tonal accuracy. Though it is more vocal-oriented, the instruments as a whole feel somewhat muted. The main reason is that the voices are advanced while delivering a tonally warm sound that lifts the lower mid-range and builds up a filling response that partially obscures the instrument separation, eventually merging in the overall response. The upper midrange resonates with the same vigour as the lower treble but adds weight to the sounds. The vocals are the star of the show; whether male or female, both tend to sound true but have a feeling of closeted nature in that even after sounding forward, they do not open up too much, maybe owing to how the metallic and crisp notes are not overemphasised in the upper frequencies. The instruments have rounded notes and provide a solid sound, but as previously said, they fit in with the overall response and do not stand out. The lower midrange has an excellent tonal balance due to the warmth in the mix, which makes the notes weighty and thick, allowing for a crisp response. Also, because of how the BA responds, the quality is quite clear and revealing, to the point that it doesn't sound drowned. While I feel such a reaction is faithful, some may find it uninteresting. As a result, the overall presentation of the midrange area is natural, full-bodied, and upfront.

Bass​

I think Softears has done an excellent job tweaking the bass. I have three reasons why. The first is that, while the emphasis is on the sub-bass, the quality and presence of the mid-bass region are not lacking; the second is that, even when using a BA for bass, it does provide a warm yet clear and textured quality bass; and the third is that the warmth that flows into the lower mid-range does not collude with the lower mid-range and allow any influence over the higher frequencies other than bringing warmth and allowing for a natural response. Though I feel the amount and natural decay of the notes to be lacking, I provide a handful of bass to compensate for the dynamic presence. The same can be said about the mid-bass and how controlled it is, which causes the slams and thumps to strike in a very premeditated manner, at least that's how it seems. But, even for an all-BA IEM, I think it's great to have a very precisely tuned bass that is both controlled and warm. Overall, the bass area is textured, detailed, and well-presented.

Technical Performance​

The Studio 4 excels in technical abilities, demonstrating a promising prowess throughout the presentation with its equality-focused features. Whether it's staging, imaging, or resolution, it maintains the appropriate quality that places it among its peers. Let's be more specific.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The surrounding sounds are more holographic, providing a clear impression of what is left, right, and in front of you. Though the response is spaced out left and right rather than front and back, it sounds closer than it seems. The same way I felt when I heard Softear's more premium product, the RSV. The imaging is likewise excellent, given that the notes are rounded and full-bodied but could have been crisper. The distance between the notes is enough to make them seem larger, although the distinction suffers slightly, particularly while listening to busy tracks.

Speed & Resolution​

The details aren't overly expressive, but they accomplish the job by displaying good macro and microelements. The assault and fade of the notes make me doubt a BA response, despite the fact that it is quick enough to resolve and sounds more natural. The magnificent nature prevents it from sounding chaotic.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - While listening to Studio 4 with WM1A, the response widens and extends, allowing the notes to be more open and distinct, highlighting their integrity and idiosyncrasies. The midrange, which sounded strong and aggressive, sounds properly staged, and the notes are nicely positioned, which improves overall technical ability. Both the voice and the instruments shine brightly. The bass and treble stretch further, leaving a hypnotic response; the bass sounds emphasized but in quality rather than quantity, implying that the bass is better spread out and the presence is less exaggerated overall. The treble is smoothed out, bringing air into the overall response. Finally, it transforms a dull-sounding set into an engaging one.

Tempotec V6 - While listening to Studio 4 with V6, the midrange becomes more dominant while the treble response is slightly hidden/tamed, but the bass is not completely suppressed; instead, the sound is richer and warmer. The whole presentation suggests that it is a multi-driver arrangement with a specialized dynamic driver, rather than an all-BA set.

Simgot DEW4X - I observed a substantial boost in audio response clarity and resolution after pairing Studio 4 with DEW4X. The soundstage became more concentrated and tighter, adding depth to the overall response. In my perspective, this improved the audio quality significantly. The details in the vocals and instruments were communicated authentically, resulting in a more engaging listening experience. The treble was more open without sounding overly airy, and the mid-range was somewhat recessed, making the vocals sound more defined. The high octaves were very well-represented, outperforming all of my other audio sources. The bass was mild, yet it had a strong presence without becoming overbearing. Overall, the audio response was more monitoring-specific, which helped to bring out subtle subtleties in the mix.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

So, after giving it all, Studio 4 has left a lasting impact with its sound and experience. To be honest, Studio 4 accomplishes nothing unusual or better; rather, it is the height of perfection in terms of tuning and sound. The way the BAs are adjusted and their distinctive characteristics prevent me from comparing them to other IEMs. It's only that the IEMs are tuned extremely precisely, yet it sounds safe and natural to everyone who gets to experience them. This IEM has effectively removed the distinction between pros and audiophiles. I won't say that these shine in this region or this portion since they excel in overall sound. However, beware of the monotonous sound that could catch you off guard, as the name implies, it sounds like a reference monitor. With that stated, I would highly suggest it to any audiophile for its excellent tuning and experience.

Thanks to Concept Kart and gadgetgod for the review tour of the Softears Studio 4.
As always, there is no incentive for me to post anything favorable unless I actually feel so in the product.

Softears have had a good run in terms of quality iems at the mid-upper budget segment (or lower luxury?) of the price range.

The Studio 4 is another such example of well done iems for a specific target audience.

Build, package and fit

The Studio 4 iems came in the stock padded pelican like case which feels luxurious. A lot of much higher priced iems come with lesser box than this.

The iems are covered in a drawstring velvette pouch to protect the iems. The iems themselves are resin based shells with a minimalistic lettering on the shells.
The iems come with 2-pin detachable connectors and slightly above average sized nozzles. This did cause a bit of a pain for me to use. These are not monstrously big,
but comparable to nozzles of BGVP iems or the CA Solaris.

The cables are strong and lightweight with very little to no microphonics. The review unit came with the 3.5mm termination and that was used for the review.

I paired the iems with the Penon Liquer tips, as they help with large nozzles for me. Aside from the nozzles, the fit is pretty good with the iems almost feeling weightless.
This is a good fit for long term studio monitoring.

Sound Impressions

The Studio 4 is a neutral with 4 BA drivers doing the duties of sound reproduction. They are tuned to not add any color to the sound, and this is the case with the iems.

They are easily driven (considering a low 14ohm impedance) and dont seem to carry forward any interference noises. Well done from a monitoring perspective.

Overall signature - The iems are mostly neutral with a rounded sound, with no peaks anywhere in the spectrum. As a result, people looking for treble extension, brightness and bass slam could find it boring.

Bass - 3.5/5 - The bass detail is good, with bass guitars, double bass and percussion sounding just about right, without any added emphasis.
Mids - 4.5/5 - Vocals come through with a lot of nuances and detail. This is true of both female and male vocals. No recession of the vocals in the overall sound. Inhalation, trills, and any detail in the track is represented well.
Treble - 4/5 - Treble is well represented in terms of quality. There is no sibilance or brightness from the instruments. Speed is not an issue again, with fast decay thanks to the all BA setup.
Stage - Intimate - The listener is put in front of the performers in a intimate setup to savor and monitor all the details required.

Conclusions
The Softears Studio 4, after a detailed listen, is a very good iem that is an excellent monitor.
However, for genre that dont need sharp treble, deep bass slam, will be well rewarded with the iems from a pure music enjoyment. This is especially the case with true instrument based presentations including classical, rock, jazz, blues etc.

These may also work well with movies and games, where details are important, without the listener being fatigued. Easily one of the better mid budget iems that I have reviewed in the recent past.