Hidizs Mermaid MS4

Hidizs is currently preparing two new models of in-ear monitors under a common name and some features shared between the two. Main code name is «Mermaid» with the additional labels «MS4» and «MS1». Mermaid MS4 is more advanced hybrid model based on three BA drivers by Knowles and one dynamic driver while MS1 features the same single dynamic driver unit.



Along with good technical specifications Hidizs has found the way to make their IEMs a versatile choice for all future customers: from a casual user to the most advanced audiophiles. The main feature of Hidizs Mermaid family is the amount of different connectivity options to choose from, allowing almost any audio source and exempting from the additional adaptors.

Both models would be officially launched on Kickstarter, 7th Feb, 8:00AM EST.

We’ve already got a chance to examine pre-sales samples of both models and would like to share our opinion in this review.

Mermaid MS4 & MS1 technical specifications:



Mermaid IEMs structure:



Other features:

• Hidizs patented 10.4mm macromolecule diaphragm offers more consistent internal loss across all frequencies to deliver subtle highs and smoother bass
• Durable aluminum alloy cavity enhances the sound cohesion. The housing made of smooth resin with brushed metal.

Connectivity options:

• stock OFC, 4 strands cable with 2pin, 0.78mm IEM connectors and 3.5mm audio jack (always included)

OR/AND

• 2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced audio jack, OFC, 4 strands cable with 2pin, 0.78mm IEM connectors (optional accessory, available during KS campaign and afterwards) We are also checking with Hidizs on how to select 4.4mm instead 2.5mm during KS campaign.
• DH 10-RC microUSB Type-C Cable with integrated DAC, built-in microphone for voice calls and 2pin, 0.78mm IEM connectors (optional accessory)
• Bluetooth 5.0 cable with 2pin, 0.78mm IEM connectors (optional accessory)

As seen from the KS page, Hidizs decided to allow three ordering bundles for MS4 and MS1:

• BASIC KIT: 3.5mm unbalanced audio cable
• PRIME KIT: 3.5mm unbalanced audio cable + ANY other option (2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced / DAC cable / Bluetooth cable)
• ABSOLUTE KIT: 3.5mm unbalanced audio cable + ALL options (2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced + DAC cable + Bluetooth cable)

Prices for different sets are already listed on Hidizs MS4 & MS1 KS page.

Packaging, design and materials:

Both models come in pretty large black matt boxes with brand logo, shematic pictures and model names embossed at the top cover and technical description at the back.



We are not sure what is pushing the trend of developing huge packaging for tiny devices but it is certainly a pain for logistics in terms of shipping quantity and expenses. At the same time, no worries about the damage during the transportation and good feel of valuable possession



Inner box compartments are split into two layers. Top layer is formed by soft foam retaining IEMs and stock cable:





while the bottom layer contains several sets of exchangeable eartips and storage cases:



Box contents:

Mermaid MS4

• MS4 IEMs
• 3.5mm unbalanced cable
• 9 pairs of silicone eartips
• 3 pairs of memory foam eartips
• leather storage case

Mermaid MS1

• MS1 IEMs
• 3.5mm unbalanced cable
• 9 pairs of silicone eartips
• 3 pairs of memory foam eartips
• plastic storage case

So, the only difference in box contents between two models is the design of storage cases.



All other accessories such as stock audio cable and 4 sets of eartips are completely the same. Moreover, Hidizs has decided to identify different sets of eartips according to general influence it makes towards the sound: balanced, vocal and bass.



Not sure if it would produce the same results for everyone due to very personal perception and ear structure but it is a good indicator to give a clue what different eartips are designed for.

Back to IEMs: both models share the same design and shape of aluminum-alloy shells. The only difference is MS4 top cover pad which is made of transparent resin with brand logo printed underneath it, while the same element of MS1 is made of aluminum with brand logo imprints at top.



Shells are made of three parts: base with matt finish, polished golden cover and top aluminum or resin pad. The alignment of all three parts is perfect and the gap between the base and top cover is hardly visible.



Channel indicators are located at the back edge of the bases. No need to dig the net to understand the right way of cable connection. BTW — corresponding channel indicators on the cable should be pointing inwards.



Two compensational openings for each channel: one is near the channel indicator and another one is close to the output nozzle on the inner part of the base.



Output nozzles are also made of aluminum and protected by grills. It is not unibody construction where the nozzles would protrude from the base but still feels very durable and monolithic.



2pin, 0.78mm connector bases are made of transparent plastic, don’t show any free play and feel quite tough when inserting cable pins. Seems that this furniture is quite expensive.



Stock cables with 3.5mm unbalanced plugs are made of oxigen-free copper (4 strands), feature flexible transparent earguides, transparent plastic 2pin connector, aluminum Y-splitter, limiter and audio jack housing. All aluminum elements have similar rough pattern for a better grip.



In overall, both models look beautiful and very attractive. The design is even better in real life. All elements are perfectly crafted, all imprints are neat and clean. MS4 top cover pad and golden brand logo underneath it adds some additional value but we think that both models deserve the highest score for their stunning externals.



Fit comfort:

Despite having quite large dimensions and thick profile, Mermaid IEMs feel very comfortable. We would place those among several other most comfortable models like Kinera Idun or Shozy & NEO CP to wear for long, non-disturbing listening sessions. This is not only about the natural shape but also about convenient stock cable earguides that relieve the physical tension from your ears.



Optional accessories:

1. Optional cables with 2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced jacks are identical to stock 3.5mm audio cable and feature the same elements described above.

2. Audio cable with integrated DAC (DH 10-RC): probably the most interesting and intriguing optional accessory which provides better driving potential and overall sound quality to those who would like to use IEMs with their smartphones, PCs or tablets.



Hidizs has been successfully selling Sonata HD DAC Cable (USB DAC -> 3.5mm adapter) for a long time with good feedback from the majority of the customers. As far as we understand, DAC cable for Mermaid IEMs is a combination of Sonata HD DAC cable with regular 2pin, 0.78mm audio cable.

DH 10-RC DAC cable specifications:

• Connector: microUSB Type-C (+ USB A adaptor)
• DAC chip: CS42L42
• Sample rate: 24bit/192kHz
• Output power: 75mW + 75mW @32Ω
• SNR: 117dB
• Dynamic range: 115dB
• THD: <0.0006%
• Built-in microphone for voice calls
• Built-in one button remote for answering calls
• Connecction to IEMs: 2pin, 0.78mm
• cable 1.2m, TPE, OFC, 4 core

This upgrade cable comes in a separate box together with soft storage bag and USB A adapter.

3. Bluetooth 5.0 cable. Unfortunately, it was not provided for the review and we can only guess on its quality, supported audio protocols and so on… We would update as soon as all of our questions about Bluetooth cable would be answered. No clue whether it would support UAT — the latest HiBY 24/192, 1.2Mbits/s protocol.

Sound quality:

Tested with AP80DAP, Redmi Note4X + DAC cable

Lows and midbass:



MS4:

MS4 bass extension and texturing are quite impressive. It doesn’t sound boomy or lifeless, neither MS4 can be called bass-heavy IEMs. At the same time, lower range is obviously present here, sounds quite enveloping and doesn’t lack the presence either. It mostly attracts the attention with smooth, rich and evident textures, instead of the amount or pressure. Very good scope and separation in the entire sound picture. We like such accurate and balanced approach. Moreover, the speed and decay is fast enough to follow other ranges without the feel of being detached as has been spotted in some hybrid models.

Midbass is very good in terms of power and dynamics. It has the necessary speed and air for the drums to sound rich and natural while kept on the appropriate level of gain not to disturb from smooth exeprience. Good example is vynil rip of «Brothers in Arms» by Dire Straights which would suffer from elevated midbass section resulting in very vivid drum tempo beat with lots of bright sounding IEMs. Not a problem for MS4 though — this leading beat is not so emhasized and mostly leveled off.



Mids and vocals:



MS4:

A combination of multiple BA by Knowles + dynamic driver and good further tuning results in high resolution while still keeping gentle presentation of mids. Vocals don’t feel recessed or standing out too much, sound pretty thick and reasonably exposed in the entire picture. Male and female voices are fairly balanced in gain with only a slight elevation on female vocals. We like that mids don’t fall into excessive brightness which is kind of signature of Knowles BA drivers that would not trade delicate delivery for the icy crispness. There is also a pleasing touch of warmth that would smooth out harsh peaks and create extra textures for voices, strings or horns. Instruments and vocals have enough space, sound pretty clean and don’t tend to mix. Separation is decent. Good articulation is spotted in this section on acoustic guitars, sustained by armature micro dynamic capabilities. Everything together in mids reminds us of the most balanced rivals based on BA units form the same vendor.



Treble:



MS4:

MS4 treble feels elevated but to a reasonable extent. It is not overly crisp or icy cold and doesn’t influence the entire sound picture too much or making sound too thin. Most of the accent falls on the lower treble with adequate feel of air and transparency. Extension is quite good, resolution and micro dynamics are great. As already mentioned — very good that treble range is gentle and accurate instead of being too sharp and crisp. In overall, the presence of treble is surely enough to compensate other ranges and to add slight accent for more juicy experience.



Sound stage:

MS4:

Sound stage produced by both models is moderate and quite similar to each other with only a slight advantage on MS4 side as it creates more room on lows and defines vertical domain with better treble extension. MS1 stage feels a bit deeper due to better exposure of vocals and mids. There were only few and more expensive IEMs on our tests that we would definitely point out as having obviously larger stage. Therefore, MS4 and MS1 are neither clear winners nor the outsiders in this respect.

Sound summary:



MS4:

MS4 sound can be described as V-shaped with the adequate emphasis on lows and treble, very good extension and texturing of lows, excellent midbass, slightly warm mids and good reproduction of treble. Entire sound picture is accurate and gentle, pretty transparent, without severe peaks or excessive crispness.



USB DAC cable performance:



As already mentioned — USB DAC cable emphasizes lows and treble ranges, has enough driving ability for both models (doubles the output power of a regular smartphone) and handles midbass and overall dynamics much better. It does also outperform smartphones or PC audio outputs in terms of resolution and amount of details. More information can be found in our review of Sonata HD cable.

MS4 compared to LZ HIFI A6Mini:



LZ A6Mini is a hybrid model based on 1DD + 1 piezo-electric driver. In comparison to MS4 is does have better treble extension and emphasizes treble much more. But it also features additional tuning output nozzles that would cut off excessive brightness and produce quite balanced results. On its turn, MS4 is a better performer in terms of lower end (extension and texturing), vocals (less difference in female to male vocal gains) and has thicker, warmer and more solid sound in overall.

MS4 compared to Whizzer Kylin:



Whizzer Kylin is quite popular hybrid model that suffers from bass portion (to our liking). Its bass is huge but feels very slow and detached from the rest of the frequency ranges. Treble is also elevated to a greater extent. MS4 feel much more balanced, accurate and gentle throughout the entire frequency range. Moreover, lows are much more adequate and do keep up nicely while treble is not that bright and accented.



Conclusion:

After spending several days examining, listening and reviewing Mermaid MS4 and MS1 IEMs, we think that Hidizs has done a great job on everything: creating good hybrid and dynamic IEMs in terms of crafting and sound quality, developing the new and more universal approach that would satisfy the needs of the vast majority of audio fans and finally — setting the adequate price tag that perfectly describes the capabilities of both models. Our own findings show that more advanced Mermaid MS4 model is worthy of the highest scores and reasonably placed between $180 — 270 hybrid rivals that we have tested already, while Mermaid MS1 based on single dynamic driver is on par with more expensive rivals and capable of even more impressive results when paired with the most suitable audio source. Moreover, different connectivity options, cable with intergrated DAC as the most convenient and innovative solution create the additional value to the entire set.



Our last advice would be to seriously consider getting one of those models during Kisckstarter campaign due to significant discount figures that seems to be quite a bargain. In case of getting MS1 IEMs — consider ordering it in bundle with DH 10-RC DAC cable as it seems to be a good pair.

Link to Hidizs Mermaid MS4 & MS1 Kickstarter campaign that would start on 7th Feb, 8:00AM EST.

10% discount for any item at Hidizs store using our promocode at Hidizs official store: ZMCR10

Disclaimer: HIDIZS has graciously provided us with this sample unit in exchange for an honest review. The views discussed below are a reflection of Project A3's thoughts surrounding the product. In order to obtain an apropos result of the review, the target sample has been run in for at least 50 hours before reviewing.



Introduction
Hidizs made a name for themselves way back when they had the crowd-funded AP200 hit the audiophile community by storm, at the time players capable of operating a non-gated build of android was not the norm it is today, and they've since followed it up with a many different successes, including the AP80(Stay tuned for that), and now they've decided to enter the IEM market as well with the MS4, an ambitious entry sporting a 4*(One of the drivers being a Knowles dual unit.) driver hybrid that isn't entirely all that common at the manufacturer suggested retail price of $269 and sometimes on sale. How does the Mermaid perform? How does it compare to the rest of the pack? Finn out in the full review below.

You can now purchase the MS4 at Hidizs official website or their Facebook





Specifications:
10.2MM High Density Polymer Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
Knowles 33518 Balanced Armature
Knowles 30017 Dual Balanced Armature
CNC Aluminum Housing
15Hz-40KHz Frequency Response
112dB Sensitivity
12 Ohms Impedance at 1KHz

Gear Used & Tracklist:
Shanling M0 | FiiO Q1 Mk II | Hiby R6 | Zorloo ZuperDAC | MassDrop x Cavalli CTH



Unboxing:
The Mermaid comes in a large that slides out to reveal the IEMs, some warranty cards and instructions, a bevy of tips, and a very very attractive structured brown leatherette case that had a magnetic closing mechanism with a soft fabric lining and a net compartment for any accessories you might want to bring. It is very spacious and could fit not just the IEM but even some tips and a dongle or even a small player like the AP80 or my M0. (More on the Packaging quality below)



Scalability:
The Mermaid is an easy to drive model, anywhere from phones to dongles and beyond are capable of driving the Mermaid. If anything there might be benefits if the unit you have is lacking in power or you are experiencing hiss, an upgrade would reveal an upgrade most notably in bass perception and control as well as the muting of the hiss would open up the sound more, something I noticed when plugging into my laptop. However, this is only really applicable for very very underpowered devices and most modern mid to high-end phones or anyone with a dongle DAC, DAP, Amp that is pushing more power one shouldn't really feel a huge difference in terms of scaling, and gains in that end will only be meager.



Fit:
The Mermaid is a CNC Aluminum shell that is on the larger side of things, but not heavy for the size. Though the volume can be explained due to the fact that it does have 4* drivers, and the 10.2mm DD is nothing to sneeze at. This may lead to minor difficulty in fit for those with smaller ears, but the construction itself is smooth and contoured so that there isn't any general discomfort with the fit in itself. But for most as long as they don't mind the IEM sticking out just a bit, then there really isn't much to worry about in terms of it. They aren't as heavy as they seem to either so unlike other models that are full metal built units they will not weigh down on your ears so quickly.



Sound Signature:
The Mermaid has what I would describe as a W shaped tuning that gives mild boosts in both bass and treble, but relatively to the mids less than that of V or even U shaped tunings, plus pushes the mids at a bit above the 1KHz mark to give a forwardness to the vocals. Overall the tuning is very musical and engaging without being too tiring or overbearing, fully utilizing the hybrid drivers without sounding disparate even though it doesn't totally juggle everything flawlessly.



Bass:
The bass response from the mermaid is boosted with only a dip as it transitions into the midrange, with an impressive sub-bass response that delivers the feeling of percussive impact without losing control. Rolling bass drums deliver the slam and rumble with medium decay. The mid-bass, on the other hand, is equally impressive in the impact delivery and thickness but can feel like it loses definition especially when track complexity increases thus losing some of the coherence in the response. In simpler tracks, however, the bass is thick without being bloated providing a boost for the musicality that is one of the highlights. Overall the bass is good and delivers excellent performance in its class, a powerful bass response that is mostly a technical upgrade without taking over the entire signature even when it loses focus.



Mids:
Thanks to the particular way the midrange is tuned vocals are generally forward giving them good vibrancy, resolution, and they will usually shine in the mix. There is a slight inclination towards female or higher register vocals but overall the entire vocal range is well-represented lending to clear uninhibited vocals that cut through even in more complex track layouts. This goes mostly the same for melodies and instrumentation, seemingly slightly less pronounced but instrument riffs are well defined soft. This leads to a midrange that is coherent, engaging, and avoids being dull and dry, that is one of the qualities that Mermaid has that pulls you in as a listener.



Treble:
The utilization of a multi-driver hybrid setup shines in the Mermaid and the treble is easiest to pinpoint factor about it. Highs are crisp, sparkly and full of air and openness, without feeling like it is out of place. With another dip in the lower treble-upper mid area, a lot of the harsh qualities associated with high frequencies are minimized and it still offers a lot of clarity and transparency. There's a quality to the treble that is rather pleasant, and while it's never uncomfortable, some treble sensitive listeners may find some fatigue in listening to it after long periods, however, it's what gives the Mermaid the extra edge to really set it apart from competing products as a fun, exceedingly musical all arounder.



Soundstage & Separation:
The Mermaid exhibits a good extension of the soundstage, managing to have a left to right perception that extends beyond the head. The 3D expansion is also good as generally there is no feeling of claustrophobia even in "tighter" songs. However, the thick bass obscures some positional identifiers, especially as the compositions increase in complexity, especially when it's not the vocals, which still manage to break apart from the signature.



Comparison:
I pitted the Mermaid with a natural counterpart in the Shozy & Neo BG that fills an almost inverse niche to show the vast array of options you can find at this price point, and as an extra challenge, I pitted it against the first generation Polaris, a long-time favorite of mine for having some similar aspects tuning philosophy wise, of course, the Polaris was still a step above in many facets but at nearly double the price it isn't a surprise and the Mermaid fills a lot of the same needs without breaking the bank. Overall the MS4 feels more adaptable over the more specialized competing products and it held up extremely well compared to a well-regarded product from one of the more lauded manufacturers.





Sound Conclusion:
The Hidizs Mermaid MS4 provides a great mix of build quality, sound, and value. A fun, engaging sound that is brimming with musicality means that while it isn't the most neutral or reference IEM the timbre it provides is hard to compare, it has full bass, lush vocals, and crisp treble combined with good resolution and technical capabilities that make it a great jack of all trades IEM. For those looking for an all-around workhorse or those that need to only have one every day and every night IEM, they can't go wrong with the Mermaid. At this price point, Hidizs did it's best to deliver on the hybrid dream and it's one of the best entrants in the price category.




Back then when I was still working with Kinera , the ms4 was one of the reference I purposed we shall look into during the asethetic decision meeting. There are some reason that I appreciated them and today we got a chance to talk about it. A brand that I have high expectation with.



Colour
The sample that I got was the black champagne gold one. The gold that they tuned is accurate without being too yellowish or dull. And If you are looking into the trend, it's all about minimalism and futuristic concept now. Probably since the first iPhone has released til the latest design of Tesla cybertruck..LOL Anyway, by doing so Colour combinations plays an important role. The Ms4 did a great job on making colours simple, elegant and accurate on the black and also the silver one. However, the hue of the red and blue seem to be a bit Cut and dried and by comparing with the other two, I doubt they sell better with the black and silver but since they offer 4 options for customers to choose from is definitely an advantage while most of the competitors only produce 1 to 2 maximum for a project.. I personally think if the red and blue would be fine tuned a bit to a more burgundy darker tone like how the Mazda - glossy burgundy did and a metallic navy blue would look more luxury than the current ones.



Craftmanship
The craftsmanship overall is pretty decent. Jointings are smooth, no spiky edges on the faceplate and shell, No bubbles on the UV faceplate finishing, no paints chips went off from the shell neither. However, micro details still got rooms of improvements such as a bit of glues on the edge sticking out from the joint of the UV finish and the faceplate frame, also the metal font - the Z letter on the left earpiece is slightly uneven. ( photo above), this is forgivable though as this method of letters are seperated and this is much harder in Craftmanship as well unlike the ones you see that are joined together like the logo of Oriolus with a tiny line joining all the letters together. The way that Hidizs did definitely looks much refined but also need to be aware of those tiny issues as well.



Design details
Now this is the major point I wanted to talk about and the reason why I admire Hidizs on the ms4. They demonstrate how to use things that everyone did but in a special way of making the ordinary not so ordinary - the brushed faceplate. Normally you would see those companies are using 2 layers to form a faceplate which means the faceplate and the uv finishing on top. Now the way how Hidizs did is actually adding a bottom layer which is kind of a frame of the faceplate, making a 3in1 type of faceplate instead of the typical ones you see. I don't know if that move makes a HUGE difference in sound aspect but just speaking of Aesthetic, I personally liked it a lot, a highlighted Colour and design elements to make things better and look more glamorous than just the brushed faceplate itself. Also the brushed metal faceplate is refined, no scratches seen and brushed are detailed and even as well. Along with the logo of Hidizs I personally think the presentation is gorgeous and successfully bringing the used of brushed metal to the next level . The design of the Hidizs logo is classy, fashionable like the luxury brands Gucci and Chanel ( Symmetrical design rule ). A big thumbs up to the brand image they established and how they applied it to the actual product. However, I don't think adding the official website(see photo above)onto the shell is an appropriate move, adding informational prints onto the shell somehow ruined a bit of the design, so they might want to think twice before adding these stuff next time. Overall on the design details are brilliant, can be better, but definitely nothing harmful.



Silhouette
Nothing much to talk about on this part, typical ciem kind of silhouette, for those who liked it will always like it. IMO I think it's time for Hidizs to develop something more "themselves" like how the moondrop did with the kanos and kxxs.



Cable
The cable itself is nicely braided, soft and neat, the design of the splitter and plugs however is not my cup of tea. It's still a bit hardcore especially with the industrial texture on the plug and splitter that doesn't seem to match their brand image, I think they should look into something more elegant and simple for these components, I personally think the Oriolus did well with the electroplating parts with the champagne gold colour which Hidizs might wanted to look into in the future.



Packaging
The whole presentation looks formal and organized. Got all you need for the eartips and paperwork stuff. The biggest pro in this part is The earphone case, definitely the best I had in its tier, a elegant sturdy hard case looking fashionable and practical as well. The thing I don't get is the pleather ( plastic leather) porch inside the case, while they already offer a much better quality one. they might consider swapping with a velvet cleaning cloth would be a better idea instead of the pleather porch. Also the upper deck of the inner presentation is good, the plastic pieces for you to lift over is user friendly but looking cheap. Changing it into a velvet or satin ribbon would be much nicer in general.



Conclusion
In general, the Hidizs ms4 might not be the winner for all, after all, Aesthetic is very subjective but undoubtedly they had put much effort and passion into the aesthetic aspect. Unlike other OEM or brands hunting for quick money, for a company coming from DAP, this is no doubt admirable and definitely deserves our respect, did even better than some specialized in IEM in China. The whole presentation from package to the IEM might not be the best but pretty confident it's one of the best in the 299USD category. Looking forward to their latest projects ahead to see what they can do with the magic trick again.




*All ratings are accurate as of the date of publication. Changes in price, newer models may affect Project A3's views on the performance and value of the reviewed product.

Initial impressions, but with some depth...






Hidizs MS4, Mermaid. $300-420usd, approximately (kit dependent).



Initial impressions:



Known for very competent DAP’s, Hidizs enters the IEM market with three models: the MS1, MS2 & this model, the M-4 Mermaid. An interesting name and one that has a certain lore to it. Since Hidizs is also known for their Kickstarter releases, the MS4 is no different. Set for an opening over the Chinese New Year, one can assume that this is meant as a celebration of the company and an ode to the IEM.

Specs:





Other features:

• Hidizs patented 10.4mm macromolecule diaphragm offers more consistent internal loss across all frequencies to deliver subtle highs and smoother bass
• Durable aluminum alloy cavity enhances the sound cohesion. The housing made of smooth resin with brushed metal.

Connectivity options:

• Stock OFC, 4 strands cable with 2pin, 0.78mm IEM connectors and 3.5mm audio jack (always included)

OR/AND

• 2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced audio jack, OFC, 4 strands cable with 2pin, 0.78mm IEM connectors (optional accessory, available during KS campaign and afterwards) We are also checking with Hidizs on how to select 4.4mm instead 2.5mm during KS campaign.
• DH 10-RC microUSB Type-C Cable with integrated DAC, built-in microphone for voice calls and 2pin, 0.78mm IEM connectors (optional accessory)
• Bluetooth 5.0 cable with 2pin, 0.78mm IEM connectors (optional accessory)

As seen from the KS page, Hidizs decided to allow three ordering bundles for MS4 and MS1:

• BASIC KIT: 3.5mm unbalanced audio cable
• PRIME KIT: 3.5mm unbalanced audio cable + ANY other option (2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced / DAC cable / Bluetooth cable)
• ABSOLUTE KIT: 3.5mm unbalanced audio cable + ALL options (2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced + DAC cable + Bluetooth cable)

Prices for different sets are already listed on Hidizs MS4 & MS1 KS page.



DH 10-RC DAC cable specifications:

• Connector: microUSB Type-C (+ USB A adaptor)
• DAC chip: CS42L42
• Sample rate: 24bit/192kHz
• Output power: 75mW + 75mW @32Ω
• SNR: 117dB
• Dynamic range: 115dB
• THD: <0.0006%
• Built-in microphone for voice calls
• Built-in one button remote for answering calls
• Connecction to IEMs: 2pin, 0.78mm
• cable 1.2m, TPE, OFC, 4 core

Unboxing:

Coming in a matte black paperboard box, synonymous with other releases, you are met with the impression of the IEM, highlighted by gold embossing above. An additional small flapped box was sent as well, holding a pleather pouch and the USB/USB-C 2-pin cable, complete with their own DAC built in to the jack. Lately there seems to be a push for simplifying additional tools needed for an upgrade, such as Bluetooth cable for “ordinary IEM’s,” or the aforementioned DAC. A nice touch, which will be discussed a bit later.

The box back lists the specs in Mandarin & English. A small sticker denotes the color of choice. Sent in black (there are some REALLY cool colors), the IEM looks quite good. Plus, I like more sedate colors so not to draw attention. Since my copy was a pre-production, I will give only highlights of the inside. The retail copy may come better stocked.

Opening the box reveals the IEM and cable tucked in a heart shaped groove of dense foam. Nicely protected and presented. Pulling the foam inset out reveals the wonderful tan rectangular case. Hard of shape, and easy to use, this is a welcomed addition. I will state that the fishnet pouch inside is too small and too tight to fit much beyond an extra set of tips inside.

The top half is another dense foam inset replete with an assortment of tips. Ranging from “balanced” to “vocal” to “bass” and foam tips, you can fine-tune the sound. I used all four sets but settled on the bass ear tips for the majority, even eschewing my favored foam tips. The case and tip insert are tucked nicely inside a soft foam cut out, and well protected as a result. A nice feature. Overall the box is a bit big, but very well protected. Presentation is something some people want, and the Hidizs does a nice job.





The IEM:

Running three BA’s and one DD (hence the “4” in MS4), the Mermaid comes well equipped. Running the Knowles 33518 and Knowles hybrid 30017 balanced armatures along with a 10.2mm Polymer diaphragm dynamic driver, the Mermaid comes well stocked. In an ever-increasing race of more drivers, it is quite refreshing to see something on par with “older” IEM’s, which functioned just fine. Coming with two cables (the mentioned USB/DAC cable and a simple two-wind dark bronze cable, you have a choice for many listening situations.

The bronze cable is made well, with good solid fit of the 2-pin at the IEM, and a solid Y-splitter complete with slider. With only one wire separating each way above the splitter, this is a fairly unique look, and a nice change from cables of late for me. A stout jack on the other end finishes a sturdy cable, along with quite long memory sleeves at the business end. So far, the finish is on par with production.



Moving to the IEM itself, this quality carries over in the CNC aluminum shell. Gold-plated 0.78mm plugs with a tight fit allow for a solid connection. Burnished in an almost dark gray (listed as black), the shell is a bit slippery, but of good heft so holding on to it is not really a problem. With a gold highlight ring around the back a pearl-like inset highlights the underlying Hidizs logo. Good tight tolerances abound with all of those interfaces, but as stated this is a pre-production, so expect even better on the finished copy.

Thankfully the shape itself gits well in my average-sized ear and the “hump” does not bother my concha. Finished with a gold nozzle replete with lip to help keep the ear tips on, there is a certain upscale look to the MS4, which is appreciated. I will add that the nozzle is of a large enough diameter that it did bother me until my ear became used to the fit. That said, fit and the shape of the Mermaid is good, and I had no problem with movement changing the sound as I have with some of late.



Having a built-in DAC in the USB-C cable takes the stress out of a Smartphone, which may have a less-than-stellar DAC inside. That said, many Smartphones come with good DAC’s now, so you try both cables. With up to 112mW, the DAC can even provide a bit more juice to your Smartphone. You may also opt for a Bluetooth cable or balanced in both 2.5mm & 4.4mm sizes. My unit shipped with the standard 3.5mm and the mentioned USB-C DAC cable. I’m not bothered by that either. All are comprised of 4-strand oxygen-free copper cables, which provides a bit of warmth to the sound.

With a sensitivity of 112dB, the Mermaid is quite sensitive, but easy to drive with 12 ohms impedance. I found this easier to drive than many I have had lately.



Initial sound offerings:


Normally I run an item for 150-175hrs since I would like to give the listener a taste of the future. This is no different other than I had close to 100hrs on it before dedicated listening. I did take an initial listen upon arrival to ensure to Kevin that all was well and good (it was).

*A quickie about tip rolling. Since the nozzle is of larger diameter, the tips are genuinely hard to mount. I dropped two while doing so, luckily to be found. Once on, the tips do not come on and a bit of adjustment of angle can be had. Just beware of the effort needed.

Going through the tip choice, I found the foam to provide good bass, but not the clarity I liked (even from foam). Switching to the balanced tip, I found the sound quite good. Even of note, with more laid-back treble than even the bass tips; it was a good mellow sound through the Questyle CMS twelve Master and my MacBook Pro. The mids tended to stand out a bit with this choice of tip. That is neither good or bad, simply what I heard. I did not use this set up much other than to audition as the large tip was too big to be comfortable for long.

Using the red “vocal” tips does indeed promote the vocal/mid presentation. On Jackson Browne’s live version of Running On Empty, the snare strike is clear and concise. His voice succinct and detailed. A bit bright for my taste, the sound is quite good for those who value the higher note. Thankfully, not nearly as hot as some from the area have been. As a result, I do appreciate the different sound provided by the options.

Moving to the foam tips on the same song yields more “girth” or weight of note to the song. With a better seal, the sound has nowhere to go but inside. Snare is not quite as succinct as the silicons, but this is to be expected. The foams are for complete isolation and added weight to the song of choice. I do appreciate the foam, but my usual medium size does not work with the diameter of the nozzle. The small as a result is represented larger, but not enough. Seal is not good for my average sized-ear.

Moving back to the white bass tip (in medium) I found the sound best to my liking. Solid bass and sub bass, clear vocals, conciseness of snare, the sound came closest to representing my sound signature of choice.

As usual, YMMV.

Other good stuff:

With a decently wide sound stage the MS4 represents good air between note. Clarity of note and air are not close to my DaVinci X, but they are not meant to be. The sound signature represented here is one of a slightly warm presentation with good separation and clarity. Detail is present in good numbers, and on par with offerings at this level. I would say at or near the top of this price range.

Using the DAC cable, you immediately notice an almost holographic sound, almost. Very mid-centered from my MacBook Pro, the sound is concise and centered. Utilizing Tidal Premium, the sound is good, but with a narrower sound stage than the bronze cable. A large part of this could be the Questyle amp as opposed to the DAC inside the cable. Not a fair comparison, I know. I like the sound, but not as much as the bronze cable in this set up.

Running the bronze cable through the headphone jack on the MBP gets much the same result, with a bit less of that mid-centric sound. Both are good representations.


To finish this initial listen:

The MS4 is a solid unit. Providing good bass from that 10.2mm driver, to articulate mids and treble, the Mermaid has moved up my chain of listening as a result of the synergy provided by the four drivers.

So far, the MS4 ticks the right boxes at a very, very good price in the Kickstarter.

*More detail will be provided later, such as comparisons, etc. More time is needed for this to be proper.



Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/project...d-quad-drivers-hifi-in-ear-monitor-e/comments

My background- I am a professional musician, producer and an audio engineer by education, with experience in the performing, recording and pro-audio industry. I test products on a technical and musical level, and try to write reviews as simple as possible from a music fan's perspective.

Genre preferences- I majorly listen to rock, acoustic, pop and metal genres and occasionally checkout EDM music which is doing the rounds on the radio and charts.

Disclaimer – The sample was provided for a test and review. I am not affiliated with the company and write this review with my best unbiased opinion regardless of how the review turns out.

About the product - Hidizs MS4 is the flashship IEM that the company makes as a part of their Mermaid series of earphones. MS4 is a 1 DD + 3 BA hybrid and sells for around $270.



Technical Specifications and In the Box -



Unboxing Experience – I generally don’t put too much stress on this aspect of the experience but I think Hidizs deserves a pat on their back for this. The box looks classy, very classic in its design. As soon as you open it, the IEMs welcome you, beautifully placed on top. As you dig in into the second layer, you are welcomed by another attractive sight with the eartips placed systematically in their own slots on the top and a beautiful leather case at the bottom. The carry case again needs special mention as it is one of the best looking and quality leather cases I have received with an IEM, unheard of in this price range.



Build Quality – In short, the build quality of the whole package and everything included in the package is excellent. I can’t point out a single thing that is bad here.

MS4 – The shells are made up of high density grade CNC Aluminum alloy, with every curve smoothly finished. The shells are matte finish whereas the faceplates have a glass top which adds on to give the overall shell a classier look. The faceplates have a golden frame outline and spot the name Hidizs and the company logo in silver. The seam between the gold outline of the faceplate and the bottom shell is finished very well too.

Cable – The cable matches the shell’s design language very well. It is metallic dark brown in color and is covered in a plastic sheath. The 3.5mm jack and the 2-pin connectors look good too and I personally have no complaints.

Leather Case – One word, WOW! You can see the case below with your own eyes and gauge its beauty and quality. It’s extremely well made by using good raw materials and stitching. It has a magnetic closing mechanism which is strong and keeps the IEM in place. It also has a small net inside to keep your extra tips or cleaning brush.





Fit and Comfort – With the wide-bore ear tips it comes stock with, it fits me snugly. Though the shells are a bit big and can be troublesome for people with small ears. As for comfort, they aren’t as heavy as they look and remain comfortable for long periods, taken they fit you well.


Sound Analysis – MS4 has an interesting tuning. I remember reading someone calling it atypical, which is quite true. The lower half of the spectrum is warm and the upper mids and treble are clear and sparkly. This makes for an interesting listen and is the USP of MS4.

Bass – Bass duties are handled by a 10.2mm dynamic driver. Sub-bass is well present and goes low and deep. It has good rumble, is warm and impactful though the attack and decay isn’t the quickest. The mid-bass isn’t as dominant as sub-bass so some gnarly overdriven tones aren’t as upfront. Clean bass playing in songs like John Mayer’s Gravity and Belief is commanding and prominent. Bass notes are identifiable but aren’t as sharp. Overdriven bass tones in bands like I Am Giant, Karnivool and Muse are again dominated by lower bass more than mid bass.

Mids- MS4’s mids sound natural and tonality is quite good too. Lower mids are warm but upper mids have better clarity. Kicks have good impact and snares have good body and depth. Vocals sound warm and never nasally or sibilant. Acoustic guitars in songs like John Mayer’s ‘Stop this train’ and ‘Who says’ sound nice and warm, have good body, string clarity and separation too. Hard Rock and Metal guitar tones of bands like Alter Bridge, Porcupine Tree, Periphery and Lamb of God, all sound clear and have good note definition. Heavily layered songs don’t get mushy or clustered; separation in mids is very good for the price and for it being a relatively warm sound IEM.

Treble – Treble is where the MS4 takes a complete U-turn from being a warm sounding set. The treble is crisp, clean and clear. Cymbals are well heard and distinguishable though never splashy or piercing. The clarity in treble adds sparkle to falsettos and acoustic guitars. Drums shells have good stick attack and definition. All this makes MS4 interesting way more than the average warm tuning some sets have.


Soundstage, Imaging and Separation – Soundstage is on the average side. Imaging in on point though bass does take up a bit more space. Separation is particularly good for the price and it being a relatively warmer sounding set down low.


Comparisons –

MS4 vs Tansio Mirai TSMR-3 Pro – MS4 has more bass presence than 3Pro, though 3Pro’s bass is more on the neutral side with faster speed and decay. 3Pro’s lower mids are cleaner as compared to MS4. Both IEMs upper mids and treble have good tonality and character. 3Pro is a more analytical and cleaner sounding IEM.

MS4 vs LZ A6 – LZ A6 is a triple hybrid whereas MS4 is a dual hybrid. LZ A6 sound signature is energetically tuned with treble taking the lead. In comparison MS4 sounds better balanced with more bass presence, fuller mids and easier treble.


Conclusion – MS4 as a whole package is very good. Everything inside the box is very well designed and has great build quality. Even though MS4’s sound signature is a bit uncommon, it still makes for an interesting and fun listen. In my opinion, the bass is not as fast and is a bit more prominent than I like plus the lower mids could've done with a bit more clarity but MS4 still handles most of it with ease and has separation that is great for its price. The sound signature will surely keep enthusiasts happy, who want their music to be fun and enjoyable. Bass heads who like prominent bass yet want good clarity and separation will surely dig this set.

Gear used for testing -

1. Logic Pro X session with hi-res test tracks played through Universal Audio Apollo
2. Macbook Pro
3. Hiby R6 Pro
4. Oneplus 7 Pro

If you liked the product in review, you can buy the MS4 from Amazon or Hidizs directly using the links below.

1. Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PZCSVPD
2. Hidizs Official - https://www.hidizs.net/products/mermaid-ms4