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.

Founded in 2017 in Shenzhen, China, Softears is not a new company. With the Studio 4 in many recommendation lists, I decided to give it a shot.
Studio 4 in-ears professional monitor - 4 BA Drivers.

I buy the set with my own money.

In the search for an IEM that delivers something similar to the Dunu SA6/SA6mk2 but less direct and more balanced, I found an excellent alternative in the Studio 4.

Starting with the positives:
The bass is so well-tuned that it sounds like DD drivers! It's precise, has a good body, good definition, and surprisingly, impact! Listening to songs with double bass drums, the definition and cutting are virtuoso. The question here is whether this is musical enough to please those who don't necessarily work professionally with audio. I would say yes. I have the impression that more musical BA bass delivers compromised impact and is "longer," which is detrimental if you listen to songs with double bass drums. Studio 4 delivers bass in a monitor way with a touch of fun. It's not analytical, but it's not purely fun either. Never dry. If you want definition in the bass and impact, it fulfills its role very well.

The mids are very well-tuned and deliver a degree of detail above average. Frequencies that are normally hidden come loose and form an incredibly interesting detail bed. In my opinion, this is the most attractive point of this IEM! The mids are musical enough to be captivating. Regarding the pinna gain, I have NO criticism. I don't find any critical points in the mids! It's the part I liked the most. Excellently executed. Details, musicality, pinna – you have the complete package. Here, I disconnect and connect very well with the music, and even though I've heard several IEMs, the Studio 4 delivers a unique version and details that will make anyone extract hidden details from the songs.

Treble:Sounds recessed, and I found it a good decision that enhances the mids. They are not evident, but I didn't miss resolution or articulation in them. It's not the frequency that will be the highlight of this IEM, but there is no negative criticism here.

Negative aspects:The cost is, in part, the musicality. Studio 4 is not sterile, but certainly calling it musical would not be a correct description. Now, it would be more accurate to say a musical studio monitor. It reminds me a lot of what the Etymotic ER4XR does but with more bass and details.

Comclusion:
I think if you like the Aful P5, Truthear Nova, or Moondrop Blessing/S8 and are looking for a slightly more exciting upgrade but still a bit laid back, without failing to deliver an excellent level of detail, this IEM can make you happy.

Yes, i know, people will tell me im biased and overjudging but that is actually not the case.

As an musician, i am used to the sound of monitors and i prefer them. That is why i prefer the IER-M9 over the IER-Z1R and the TG335 and VE8 are some of my alltime favourites.

I like an balanced monitor sound because it makes everything sound harmonic and enjoyable for me. It makes things sound how they are supposed to sound.

And that is not, pushing the upper mids. My god forbid why do so many Chinese companies advertise their normal In-Ear as IEM, especially Studio IEM, and then push the upper mids so hard?

Did they ever listen to any real IEM?

And there are exceptions! The FiiO FA9 for example, that is not marketed as an IEM for Studio or Stage use, can be perfectly used as an professional monitor! The FA9 is, surprisingly, an excellent monitor and an fun In-Ear at the same time, thanks to its switches.

Because FiiO does not market professionals for reasons i do not understand, the FA9 is the very first Chinese IEM that is actually a perfect tool for that use case) while SoftEars does the exact opposite.

The FA9 is the perfect example how it is done right, the Studio4 is an perfect example how it is done wrong.

So if anyone tries to use this as an Monitor, Attention(!), you will tend to mix everything a bit dull and damped, You absolutely need an EQ to make these usable for any professional work but(!) SoftEars does not provide an correction curve unlike other makers.

I've read in other reviews that people enjoy this for listening to music and i can totally understand why, it sounds more fun than real monitors and i can see why people prefer it to use it to listen to music.

But SoftEars markets them as an professional studio monitor and i review them as such and they are not.

But i think that is the whole point. Attention(!) My personal opinoin! Yes? No confusion please. I assume this, i do not know this. The Studio4 was never made for professionals but for audiophiles who want the feeling that they use an professional monitor.

But because Audiophiles in general prefer pushed upper mids, they would dislike an real monitor and rate it bad. So it was tuned for audiophiles because SoftEars assumed, no professional would use it anyway. Again, my personal opinion.

But the way it is tuned, its impossible to use this as an monitor. Neither stage, nor studio. Totally missed the point here. 2 Stars, because its an enjoyable In-Ear for listening to music and because there exist even worse In-Ear that call themself an IEM.

This Softears Studio 4 IEM Review was originally posted on my website.​

About the Softears Studio 4​

Company Overview​

Softears is a Chinese brand that focuses on technology, research and development, and innovation. They are a young but experienced company. Their founder started working in audio in 2014. The studio was founded in 2017 in Shenzhen, China’s Silicon Valley. And in 2019, they set up an independent lab for R&D and their own factory in Chengdu, a Humanistic City.

Technical Specifications​

• Impedance: 12Ω
• Sensitivity: 123dB/Vrms
• Shell: Medical-Grade 3D-Printed Ear Shells
• THD+N: <1%
• Frequency Response Range: 5Hz-40kHz
• Effective Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Interface: 0.78mm 2-pin Connectors
• Termination Plug: 3.5mm Single-Ended

What’s Inside the Box​

• 0.78mm 2 pin 3.5mm single-ended cable
• Carrying leather pouch
• Eartips
• Cleaning brush
• Lanyard
• Hard carrying case
• 6.35mm male to 3.5mm female adaptor
• Cleaning cloth
• Manual
• 2 mini pouches for each driver
• Drivers

Review​

The sources I used for testing were the Cayin N6ii Digital Audio Player (DAP) with its stock A01 motherboard and my laptop with a Venture Electronics Abigail Pro fed to an iFi Zen Can headphone amplifier.

Frequency Response​

Frequency response courtesy of Practiphile.

Experience​

I used the stock ear tips and cable that came with the Studio 4. The fit was very comfortable for me and provided good passive noise cancellation. Like most IEMs, the Studio 4 is easy to drive.

Music​

The first time I listened to the Studio 4, I was playing Daft Punk’s “Fragments of Time” featuring Todd Edwards. Immediately, I was blown away as I heard a nuance in Todd’s voice at the 0:43 mark that I wasn’t able to pick up on with previous IEMs I’ve tried. It was so pronounced that I promptly tried another set just to confirm if it was really there. And it was—just very subtle, too subtle for me to notice before.

The Studio 4 simply sounds right—each instrument has an accurate timbre, and it provides clarity and natural decay across the spectrum. The treble is well-extended without being fatiguing, and the bass does not bleed into the mids. The overall frequency response is tightly controlled. The vocals are well-positioned, with a rich, lush quality for both male and female vocalists. Laufey’s voice on this set is sublime.

On busy tracks, the Studio 4 handles congestion admirably. I listened to both Wolf Alice’s “The Beach” and Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.” Despite the chaotic moments in each track, I could still make out each instrument clearly separated. There was no noticeable shoutiness or peaks that often emerge when an IEM struggles to handle crowded frequencies.

Gaming​

I used the Studio 4 for gaming, mainly playing Overwatch. Right away, I noticed more body and impact with gunshot sounds. I could easily determine the direction and distance of enemies. The vertical imaging performance was average—nothing special, but still good overall. The Studio 4 provided an immersive and fun gaming experience.

Conclusion​

In short, if you want an all-in-one IEM for music and gaming and have $449 to spend, the Softears Studio 4 is a no-brainer choice. If I could only own one IEM, this would be it. It provides exceptional value, and I can confidently say it has endgame potential for many listeners. The Studio 4 strikes a tonal balance that should satisfy most, unless you specifically want more treble or bass boost – but that comes down to personal preference.

I hope you enjoyed my review of the Softears Studio 4 In-Ear Monitor. Again, huge thanks to Practiphile and HiFiGo for giving me the opportunity to review this set. No monetary compensation or instructions were provided – this is my fully unbiased take on the Studio 4.

"Music is one of the purest forms of poetry where a man can convey its feelings and expression."


In choosing a professional-grade in ear monitor specifically for an audio and studio engineer or a professional musician. Being meticulous and observant are one of the attributes of an audio and music professional who looks for a set that is suitable for its working tool on recording studio and its specific preference for improving its work rate and the quality of tracks that they mixed, recorded and produced. And as for professional musicians, they want an IEM for stage and studio usage. As we all know that these professional-grade IEMs are quite pricey and it has a limited scope of usage.





This is where the SoftEars enter the scene, they are offering a reference studio-level set that is way affordable compared to some other contemporary products with same functionality and yet has an exceeding tonal performance that can impress some audio and music professionals. Even some of the most experienced audiophiles can appreciate this kind of tuning as they believe that this kind of neutrality is the closest thing for a faithful sound reproduction of all tracks.





The brand SoftEars is quite a familiar name for portable audio connoisseurs as they produce some of the best All-BAs, Hybrids and even single DD IEM sets in the market. They are also known to be a sister company of Moondrop but it caters primarily on the premium flagship segment. I've tested some of their products like RS10, Cerberus, Turii Ti and the Twilight, which became my top recommendation on a TOTL flagship single dynamic driver IEM. And this is actually my first full review product from them and I hope that you will enjoy reading my subjective composition about this product.




This is SoftEars STUDIO 4 and it has an all-balanced armature drivers set-up. This is probably the most affordable set coming from SoftEars as they are priced around US$400/£300. It has four (4) balanced armatures which are sourced (possibly from premium audio solutions like Knowles and Sonion) and customised specifically for SoftEars' quality standard. All these drivers are connected in a passive three-way crossover design with its own acoustic tube for a consistent sonic performance to all types of sources with undeviating resistance curve.





The drivers and other internal components encapsulated in a 3D-printed imported medical-grade resin shell which is a skin-friendly material and also offers a consistent comfortable fitting due to its optimisation of its contours and design moulds based on the datas that SoftEars gathered from the users of their RS series. The shape of STUDIO 4 has a UIEM-type of shell to give a semi-custom fitting and it has a rather plain design particularly on its faceplate as it has silver engraving prints at the lower part side of both channels, The printed "STUDIO 4" at left part and the SoftEars logo at the right part. It also has an unvented shell design like most CIEM and some IEM that I have tested since its all-BA that an implementation of a vent hole is rather an optional one. It uses a 0.78mm, 2-pin connector as its interchangeable mechanism due to its verifiable connection stability and a proven and tested structure for interlocking mechanism.





As aforementioned for its fitting and comfort, STUDIO 4 gives an excellent wearability just like I've tested the RS10 and Cerberus as they have the best fitting that they have this tailor-made exact fit into my lugholes. I don't feel any discomfort and or even an ear fatigue for a long listening session.





SoftEars STUDIO 4 has a high quality braided black-coloured stock cable made of 4-core, oxygen-free copper wirings insulated in polyurethane-like material. It uses a 3.5mm single ended plug as its primary termination. It is quite interesting that SoftEars included a cable extension adapter with a 6.5mm adapter plug for interface consoles on studio and stage works.





The product packaging of SoftEars STUDIO 4 is rather rudimentary yet it has a decent amount of inclusions that you find inside the box.




.Here are the following contents included inside from the box:

● a pair of SoftEars STUDIO 4 IEMs.
● Black-coloured stock cable.
● Extension cable adapter.
● 6.5mm adapter plug.
● Cleaning tool
● Cleaning cloth
● Pelican-like IEM container case
● three (3) pairs of balanced-bored, dark grey-coloured ear tips in different standard sizes.
● Instruction manual.





With a sensitivity of 123dB and a low impedance rating, this set is easy to amplify as it scales well on most sources even with a decent power output like smartphones. Even at medium amplitude scale level, it will deliver a full frequency range sound with a solid dynamics.





As for tonality, since this is a reference-studio set that will be used as a tool and aid for professional use. The SoftEars STUDIO 4 has this neutrality that is almost unsullied and nearly uncoloured tonality that is well-balanced, good presence to all parts of the frequency range and tonally accurate.



(This graph was provided by @koyawmohabal , credits to him)


LOWS/BASS:

The essence of the low frequencies on STUDIO 4 has a sufficient accentuate response just to deliver a precise, punchy and sufficient slam while it retains a well-balanced distribution on both sub-bass and mid-bass to have clean and a good segregation of each part of the bass region. So don't expect too much that it has more depth and zestful response like from a dynamic driver.

For a woofer balanced armature driver, it exhibits a good amount of reverberations as I was able to feel those rumbling sounds coming from sub bass-focus instruments like synthesisers, low toned bass guitars, octabass and drum machines. Mid-bass has an ample texture to give a note presence on some bass rhythm sections like bass guitars and bass kick drums on modern music, the cellos, double bass, tubas and bass clarinets on the classical/orchestral set-up and last is bass-baritone vocals. Both bass guitars and double bass have very similar sound quality as they have this ample weight, resonant and sustaining characteristics, bass kick drums have this rumbling and sonorous sound on them, bass clarinets have a dark to sonorous sound depending on low note register while tubas have robust and rounded sound. Then on bass-baritones, it has a sufficient depth and detail to give a gravelly and orotund vocal qualities on singers like Andrew Eldritch, Barry White and Peter Steele.



MIDRANGE:

For a neutral tuning set, it has an ample texture with excellent transparency and well-delineated that both vocals and instruments are well-presented and practically have a correct and accurate timbre. Both male and female vocals have its own natural characteristics that STUDIO 4 was able to portray.

On female vocal types, Contraltos like Tracy Chapman and Annie Lennox have a dark, rich and husky tone from their low chesty modulation. Mezzo-sopranos have a velvety to musky characteristic as I listen to Stevie Nicks, Andrea Corr and Madonna that it captivates and enthrals me with their sweet and provocative vocals. Even on sopranos from dramatic to coloratura, STUDIO 4 effortless to render their tone qualities of their vocals as they sound energetic, crisp and voluminous as they have a silky to gleaming voices as I hear it from the singers like Alison Krauss, Mariah Carey and Diana Damrau (try her rendition of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte as you will clearly feel her expressiveness, vocal control and her belting to reach highest note). Regarding male vocals, all male vocals types sound so natural and well-modulated that you will be able to hear that this set is a tool for tonal accuracy. Baritones have these velvety, warm and lush vocals as I able to feel the strength and robustness from the voices of Eddie Vedder and Lenny Kravitz. Sopranos have those bright to brassy qualities as listen to "Three Tenors"(Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras) on classical and Robert Plant, Justin Bieber and Paul McCartney on modern music. Then on countertenors, they have this agility and versatility as they sound intense and vibrant that gives me that euphoric-feel. Andreas Scholl, Robert Gift and King Diamond are examples of countertenor vocalists.

As for instruments, no doubt that again they sound natural, vivid and detailed as I analyse every type of instrument on either percussive or rhythmic. On brass instruments, trumpets sound substantial, magnificent and bright, while trombones have a powerful and eruptive sound from them and then, horns have resound and intensity has little presence of shrillness when hitting the upper register. Meanwhile on woodwind instruments, flutes have a graceful, silvery and airy sound, then on clarinet they have a rather a melodic, lustrous and bright characteristics on how they will correspond well with instruments and bassoons have warm rounded eand sonorous sound on them. I even almost forgot to mention saxophones that they have a substantial, lively and reedy tone. Strings like guitars have crisp, scintillating and linger sound as clearly hear those plucks on the strings while violins sounds vibrant, full and sensuous. When it comes to percussives, Snares drums have hard, bright and shrilll sounds from, and then on tom drums have a bright and resonant sound. Timpanis have deep, velvety and resonant sound of them while field drums have full, hard and venerable sound from them especially I listen to them orchestra, marching band or simply drum lines like the fame Swiss drum ensemble, Top Secret Drum Corps. Chordophones like pianos and celestas are quite versatile as they can sound depends on notation or tuning, the former can sound warm, lustrous and vibrant while latter instrument seems to have soft, lustrous and ethereal depends on amplitude scale based on the touch response on keys.



HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble has mild elevation on upper mids part just to give a sense of clarity, detail and energy on some female vocals and some instruments both rhythmic and percussive. Overall it retains a balanced, well-polished and satiny response that it devoids from sibilance and stridency which might be a problematic to treble-sensitive listeners out there although the treble air is rather a modest one when it comes to range and extension but as tool for studio mix and stage monitoring use, it will be sufficient enough as it has enough sparkle with decent harmonics.

Cymbals have ample shimmer, lustrous and sizzling that gives that evocative feel with same life-like tonality of a hi hats to have that particular shortened buzz sound.



SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

As we all aware that professional sets should have an accurate frequency response and excellent stereo imaging and STUDIO 4 able to deliver those aspects.

Don't expect cavernous and cathedral-like sound/speaker staging as professional sets don't really need those, instead it is on a balanced side, not too wide or very narrow to perceived, just able to track and monitor some frequency responses for audio effects, compression of dynamic range and mixing. The STUDIO 4 has an above-average width dimensions but it has good height reach and excellent depth from front to rear.

It has a 3D-like imaging presentation in which I was able to locate the placements of instruments and vocals in a very precise and accurate manner. It has a spacing and gaps of each element; they have their own tonal layer that is well-defined and delineated as they arrange in an organised way in a sonic canvas. Playing some multi-instrumental tracks on this set will be effortless and well-executed.

It has an excellent resolution on macro-dynamics and micro-details have good contrast with each other. A solid and homogenous character of macro-dynamics and impressive extracting of some nuances, subtleties and details from a track. The drivers have a remarkable cohesive performance that delivers fast transients without any hint of distortion or out of phase issues.

On a side of tonality, this is probably one of the most natural, well-rendered and tonally precise that I have experienced as it redefines my standard in regards to what an all-BA set should sound like.



PEER COMPARISON:


DUNU SA6

■ Like STUDIO 4, it has an all balanced armature drivers but it has more on quantity as it has an added 2 more drivers. It is also made of high quality, medical-grade imported resin but it has a more appealing face plate design. DUNU also implemented a toggle switch for atmospheric effect by adding and decreasing bass output. The stock cable of this one is a modular one for versatility on output sources.

■ Both of them are somewhat similar when it comes to the tonal sound profile as they are both neutral sounding. Although SA6 has a bit more texture compared to STUDIO 4 especially if you activate the atmospheric mode to add more weight on the low frequencies. On transparency, STUDIO 4 has an edge over SA6. And the treble response on SA6 is a tad smoother and has a similar treble air with STUDIO 4 but it has a tad less sparkle.

■ On the technical aspect, they have similar performance and projection. From parallel sound field dimensions and imaging projection with both excellent separation and layering capabilities. Resolution capabilities, SA6 has more rounded macro-dynamics.


DUNU SA6 MK.II

■ Like her predecessor, it takes the same aspect that SA6 has, from implementation of drivers, quality of its shell chassis and added some new accessories like newer type of ear tips. It still has a modular cable but it has more thicker and more solid one.

■ As for tonality, compared to the STUDIO 4, it has an added emphasis on other parts of frequencies particularly on high mids to brilliance part of the treble region to have a slight colouration. it has a slight boost on upper mids to presence treble to give a tad energetic, more sparkle and better airy extension.

■ They have almost similar technical performance but there is a particular facet that STUDIO 4 and SA6 MK.II differentiates from one another, it's the sound/speaker stage size as the latter has wider lateral to give a more atmospheric-feel.


As I end this assessment, like all SoftEars products, STUDIO 4 leaves me with an impression on how they deliver on such a product that has an excellent sound quality for its price as this is their first product to have a price mark at around US$400/£315. For sure that this type of tuning will not be pleasing to the ears of some listeners who want a more coloured sound profile as they might perceive it as boring and bland on their liking.


SoftEars STUDIO 4 is definitely marketed for studio engineers and professional musicians to be used for stage monitoring, studio recording and mixing a track. With its accurate and high definition of audio playback that this set has, it has an almost flat frequency response and full frequency range spectrum for high fidelity that even audiophiles will also enjoy these qualities that are beneficial for their critical listening to enjoy a nearly faithful reproduction of track that was supposedly intended by audio engineers.


SoftEars STUDIO 4 is now available at both HIFIGO and SoftEars official online store, you can check it out both in the non-affiliated links below:


★★SOFTEARS STUDIO 4 - HIFIGO★★

★★SOFTEARS STUDIO 4 - OFFICIAL★★

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: SOFTEARS STUDIO 4
IMPEDANCE: 12Ω
SENSITIVITY: 123dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.25M
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5MM
DRIVER UNIT(S): 4 BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVERS


Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **


P.S.

I am not affiliated to HIFIGO or SOFTEARS nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to Mr. Neil Nino Clark a.k.a @koyawmohabal for lending his review unit to me. I truly appreciate his generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

https://senfireviews.blogspot.com/2023/06/softears-studio-4-pure-sonic-experience.html

SOFTEARS STUDIO 4 - A PURE SONIC EXPERIENCE​

HifiGo just gave us the opportunity to send in another solid in-ear monitor. I am no musician, or expert in the music field but the Softear Studio 4 is one heck of an in-ear monitor. It is a quad-balanced armature IEM which is advertised to be designed for monitoring, musicians, and other activities that might benefit from its flat sound signature.

DISCLAIMER:​

• I have no affiliation with Softears and have not received any monetary compensation during or after writing this review. HifiGo provided this unit to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
• As a non-professional reviewer, I aim to use simple terms that can be understood by both beginners and experts in the hobby.
• Please keep in mind that the opinions expressed in this review are subjective and based on my personal experience with the unit. I encourage you to try the product yourself to form your own opinion.

PACKAGING​

The packaging of the Softears Studio 4 is nothing interesting and the inclusions are barebones. While the sound quality might be impressive, I find it hard to justify the high price of this package. However, it does manage to cover the essentials without lacking or providing something grandeur.



What's inside the box:

• Softears Studio 4 in-ear monitor
• 3 pair of eartips
• 1 extension cable
• 1 3.5mm female to 6.5mm male
• 1 cable
• Cleaning brush
• Case
• Some paperworks

BUILD QUALITY​

The Studio 4 features a sleek and minimalist shell crafted from high-quality resin, giving it an elegant and polished look. There is nothing more for me to say, Softears just wanted to keep things simple and let the sound speak for itself.

​

​

SOUND
The sound of the Studio 4 might not appeal to the masses since it has its own niche market, primarily to cater the likes of musicians, sound engineers, singers, and etc. The Studio 4 has a clean neutral sound signature and I personally have a preference for warm sounding earphones; I pretty much enjoyed Studio 4's clean nd accurate performance.

BASS
The Studio 4 has excellent bass control, delivering a punchy and fast-attacking response when you need it. However, it's worth taking note that this is not an IEM known for its overwhelming bass and may sound lean to some listeners who prefer a meatier bass.

MIDS
The midrange has a pleasing, natural texture. It maintains an almost flat position in the sound spectrum, without feeling too forward nor recessed. The vocals come across as natural and clean, while instruments like acoustic guitars sound accurate, close to realism, good attack, and possess a subtle warmth in their texture. The upper mids never produced any unnecessary peaks or exhibit any harshness.

TREBLE
The treble is exceptionally smooth, safe, and non-fatiguing. Treble-heads may find the extension to be somewhat lacking in energy and air. Nonetheless, it manages to maintain clarity and impressive detail retrieval, even though it sacrifices some of the energy, airiness, and sparkle typically associated with more a pronounced treble.

TECHNICALITIES:
Soundstage: The soundstage has good focus on width and depth which did not sound poorly resolving and messy. It is wide enough to provide ample space for vocals and instruments without struggling on complex tracks that I tried with it.

Imaging: Vocals and instruments are easily distinguishable. Presentation and placement is very accurate which is very helpful in tracking down different elements on one track. This level of precision greatly assists experts, such as music engineers, in dissecting the different sounds present in an audio recording.

CONCLUSION​

Pros:

• Neutral sound signature
• Punchy bass
• Minimalistic design
• Outstanding technicalities

Cons:

• Barebone inclusions, eartips feel cheap specially for this price point
• May sound dry or lean to those who prefer a fun, meatier, sound profile

While I know to myself that I may not qualify to thoroughly evaluate these in-ear monitors for sound engineering and intricate audio tasks, I can certainly provide my insights as a reviewer. In my assessment, these in-ear monitors exhibit commendable neutrality. Although they may not achieve the same level of pristine and diffuse neutrality as the Etymotic brand, especially to the likes of . Overall, these in-ear monitors stand out as an impressive benchmark for discerning listeners who prioritize neutral sound and critical listening.

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.

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

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.

Okay let’s get down with it. As usual, technicalities first.

The sound stage of Studio 4 is not exceptionally wide, but it is not overly intrusive. As a musician myself, I find that a broad sound stage is not necessarily advantageous. As a member of a cover band, our aim is to perform tracks as close to the original recording as possible. As the primary keyboardist/pianist, it is my responsibility to perceive and interpret various musical elements such as string sections, brass, woodwinds, synths, and bass (since we have no bass player). The sound stage of Studio 4 is tailored to meet the needs of musicians like me, with its intimate and narrow stage that makes it easier to comprehend the intricacies of the music. The stage isn't a concert hall, but rather a small jazz club that places you in close proximity to the musicians. You will be seated in the front row of the stage, according to how the stage is arranged.

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.

BASS:​

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.

Softears Studio 4 - "RAW"


DISCLAIMER
This set is a tour unit provided by Hifigo. I do not get an incentive for reviewing this. I merely write my takes and opinions regarding this set using my own personal time. Please take my impressions with a grain of salt.

I will try my best to allign myself as a user, rather than a reviewer. So it is a like a personal diary of how I experience the Studio 4, which is more geared towards subjectivity. Please Cross reference other reviews, because you might not like my style of writing.

Lets start

You can watch my video here for the unboxing,what's in the box and design



Bur for the sake of writing, I'll include a simple write up for that part.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?


1.) Extra cable adapter. Well yeah, working in studio needs longer cable.

2.) 1 set of eartips in SML. They look similar to BQEYZ eartips

3.) Pelican case. For added protection when carrying around

4.) Cleaning tool

5.) Nicely braided cables. I like these a lot. The texture is good and easy to handle

6.) The IEMS

BUILD and COMFORT


Build is standard. Nothing much to say other than it is made of resin. I wish they were made of metal tho.

As for the design. I dig the all black a lot. Very simple yet classy.

Comfort wise, they're good. Though not as great as the letshuoer Cadenza 12, it does its job pretty well with seal and comfort. I didn't notice any strain even for long hours of listening.

SETUP:
-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby ang stock player

-stock cable

-stock tips and aet07 SM size.

-Volume measured and listened at 75-78 dbs.

MY LIBRARY:
I grew up listening to 90’s music. Alternative, punk-rock, screamo, rap, Philippine OPM, Anime songs, JPOP, KPOP, metal, reggae and a lot more.
The artists I regularly listen to are:

Rock-Alternative-Metal
Incubus, 311, BMTH, Matchbox 20, The Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore, Polyphia, The Calling,, Babymetal, Metallica, Slipknot, Bon Jovi, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Red Hot, Green day,

OPM(Original Pinoy Music):
E-heads, Slapshock, Parokya, Urbanddub, Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, IV of spade, Kamikazee, Rivermaya

POP:
IU, Yoasobi, Yorushika, Milet, Reona, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Taylor, Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo, Billie Eilish

OTHERS:
Carpenters, Micheal Learns to Rock, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Sitti, Daft Punk, Pink Floyed, Earth wind and fire, Amber rubarth, Sia, Yosi Horikawa

I listen to more, but I can’t just list them all here.haha. Just giving you an idea on what I listen.

SOUND



"I want to be somewhere quiet"

Spending time with the S4 makes me want to be alone with myself. Just be there immersed in music. Vocals come out really nice from them. Almost at the edge of being real. The tonality helps a lot with how they sound. It is neutral with excellent extension in both ends.

They are neither lacking nor colored for my preference. It hits my G-spot bass, staying me at the edge, while the treble is being kept safe. I cant get enough of them that I would want to wake up early and experience its sound - somewhere quiet.

"Resting b*tch face"

My face of contentment. It was hard for me to hate it. I felt everything is just enough. The bass is very tight

I was vaping 500 meters from work. Drinking my favorite energy drink before the start of a busy night. I hated the fact that I have to remove them because I have to wear my helmet. And so I rode my bike and tied my helmet on my elbows-hell yeah!

Enjoying my music with the blowing wind, and with a resting b*tch face.

"I then cry"

I was listening to Yoasobi's "gunjo"- the first take version. I just like the "originality" of that video and song.

The S4 did not dissapoint. I had goosebumps listening to everyone including the "plusonica" choir. I hear everything. I hear the male vocals, I hear Ayase when whe does back vocals. Crazy. Vocals have very good presence and smoothness. Very natural and organic.

I felt that I was in there, with them - teary eyed

"Headbang"

And so I noticed the new almbum of babymetal has been released. I can't just let it go away without listening to the album using the studio 4. I have one big worry though, and that is the midbass tuck on the Studio 4.

But fck it. I would be lying if I did not like this presenation. The bass is freakin tight and fast. It does not feel like BAs. The midbass is ever present with full force, hitting my face especially on the track "Maya".

The macro dynamics is amazing on this set when listening to "Mirror mirror". That periphery-like riff in the beginning hits so hard.

No midbass on bass tuck? Hell no, I was headbanging listening to the whole album.

"Surround"

Why you gotta be so rude? The bass drums in that track has good attack and timbre. The air that the bass drum produces sounds real and tight. Insruments are well spaced and cymbals have very good decay and realism. The back vocals are clear that you can't miss every word they utter.

In the track "Drive" by Incubus, the stage depth is just studio-like. This is one of my all-time favorite tracks and I listen to it almost everyday for the past 15+ years. I have never heard it like this. The bells are so clear. The studio 4 really excels in giving you that natural timbre on instruments, particularly different cymbals and their decay. The technicalities of the studio is just pushes above its price range, giving you that surround sound.



❤PROS

smooth neutral tuning that is inoffensive.

very open mids and very transparent vocals

instrument timbre is spot on

enough bass for me even with a tuck. Midbass has enough texture to be discerned.

no harshness or sibilance. Smooth treble response

very good staging. This must be the deepest and widest I have tried on an IEM.

because of its staging, instruments separation and layering is easily outstanding. I have less effort tracking instruments.

very large stage and almost hall- like. This is very obvious in the track "Every women in the world"

In the track "piano in the dark" live by Niña, the bass lines and bass drums have very good texture, rumble and hit.. I hear how the air moves on bass drum.

I didnt know that there is a vocal reverb in the track "better days" by Franco. It was easily discernable

CONS

might not be suited for people who like contrasty signatures like U shaped or V shaped.

some people may want more air. But that would break its signature to be honest.

doesnt have an EST for its price. I mean I am just nitpicking. I just thought that ESTs would add more texture and realism to instrument timbre and vocals. There are other sets with ESTs on its price range, but ofcourse it doesnt mean they are better.

SCORING
-Please be reminded that my scoring is always based on its price range.

TUNING - 3
BASS - 3
MIDS - 3
TREBLE - 3
TECHS - 2.5

=14.5 ( S rank,exceptional. Consider saving if you want a reference set with TOTL qualities)

Check my scoring criteria here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15WhgCgiMzWfF3ccgB8SK5-Cg7m87kpIShtxsyg2u-AI/edit?usp=sharing

COMPARISONS:

Theiaudio oracle
-I like this set because of its tuning. The female vocals on this set is just amazing. The studio 4 on the other hand comes off less aggressive in its presentation. S4 is more natural sounding for me and much better spacing between instruments and vocals. I just like the S4 more.

Dunu sa6/ultra
-I love this set very much as well because of its tonality. However, the S4 is just a better set in terms of smoothness and balance. The SA6 mids is much clearer tho, and the treble is more nuanced. But I came to appreciate the balance of S4. The more I listened to them, the more I question my preferences haha.

EJ07M kinda lava
-just a grain of salt. There have been issues with this release because some have a lower bass shelf compared to others. The one I tried was from Timmy's which graphed with a lower bass.
The tonality is suprisingly close from memory. EJ07M also sound cleaner and more engaging especially in its treble extension. The S4 again is the smoother one. I feel that there are no pronounced emphasis on the S4. The staging is just better on the S4 as well. That 3D stage is just difficult to beat in this price range.

Monarch mk1
-they are both neutral but with a bit of difference in emphasis. The mk1 is brighter in tonality because of its earlier tuck and pronounced treble. The S4 has an atenuation around 6k so cymbals sound less aggressive and forward. If you like brighter sets with clear mids, you might like the mk1. But if you want less coloration, the S4 is the one to pick.

Planars
- I have never heard of newer planars especially the Heyday. But I have the S12 pro, Dioko and KZ pr1. I have also heard other planars like the Dunu Talos, raptgo, Zetian wu etc.

Planars might offer more fun and engagement because of its qualities. Treble is more forward in most planars, and although there are some elevation on the bass, they are resolved quite fast.

However, I found that the S4 sounds more natural compared to any other planars, with less engagement ofcourse. I do want give the natural staging on the S4, and treble air for planars. If you want more natural sounding pair and for reference maybe consider saving up for S4. If you are on a budget, and want more fun, maybe get planars first.

FINAL THOUGHTS


The studio 4 sounds very neutral for me. The speaker kind of neutral. The frequency is even except for that little dip around 6k. Bass is very tight with good presence to support lower mids. Vocals sound close and enough realism. Instruments sound almost true to life, just needs that final touches of texture. Treble is well extended and nuanced even with the attenuation.

The technicalities is really the star of the show for the S4. The stage is really studio like and I think this would also fit quite fine for studio use. The separation and layering is TOTL level because instruments and vocals have a more defined space compared to other sets in its price range.

Having said that, the terms "organic" and "natural" is an understatement. The S4 disappears on my ears after a few minutes of listening. They carry this realism in space that confuses your mind on which are ambient sounds.

Because of this, I'd like to call them "RAW"

Thanks for reading.

WHERE TO BUY:

Softears Studio4 non affiliate

HiFiGo Web：
https://hifigo.com/products/softears-studio-series-studio4?variant=43804083716335

Aliexpress：
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005268260991.html

Amazon US Store:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX5WNW1C/softears+studio4/