[mt877]

MRSallee: From post 977

If building an EQ off the graph, I recommend using this graph instead: https://squig.link/?share=Super_Review_Target,Sony_WF-1000XM4



Based on the above frequency response (green 65% volume) graph line, here is the calculated Parametric and Fixed Band EQs for Harman In Ear Target 2019v2.

# Sony WF-1000XM4
See [usage instructions](https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq#usage) for more options and info.

### Parametric EQs
In case of using parametric equalizer, apply preamp of **-4.4dB** and build filters manually
with these parameters. The first 5 filters can be used independently.
When using independent subset of filters, apply preamp of **-6.8 dB**.

| Type | Fc | Q | Gain |
|:--------|:---------|:-----|:--------|
| Peaking | 42 Hz | 1.16 | -2.8 dB |
| Peaking | 210 Hz | 0.86 | -3.8 dB |
| Peaking | 1373 Hz | 1.18 | 2.8 dB |
| Peaking | 2682 Hz | 1.18 | 3.8 dB |
| Peaking | 3943 Hz | 1.18 | 3.8 dB |
| Peaking | 1148 Hz | 0.26 | -3.3 dB |
| Peaking | 17528 Hz | 0.65 | -2.9 dB |
| Peaking | 18525 Hz | 1.95 | 1.8 dB |
| Peaking | 21263 Hz | 0.74 | -3.5 dB |
| Peaking | 21798 Hz | 0.7 | -4.2 dB |

### Fixed Band EQs
In case of using fixed band (also called graphic) equalizer, apply preamp of **-4.9dB**
(if available) and set gains manually with these parameters.

| Type | Fc | Q | Gain |
|:--------|:---------|:-----|:--------|
| Peaking | 31 Hz | 1.41 | -1.4 dB |
| Peaking | 62 Hz | 1.41 | -2.3 dB |
| Peaking | 125 Hz | 1.41 | -3.1 dB |
| Peaking | 250 Hz | 1.41 | -2.8 dB |
| Peaking | 500 Hz | 1.41 | -2.1 dB |
| Peaking | 1000 Hz | 1.41 | 0.3 dB |
| Peaking | 2000 Hz | 1.41 | 2.0 dB |
| Peaking | 4000 Hz | 1.41 | 4.2 dB |
| Peaking | 8000 Hz | 1.41 | 1.6 dB |
| Peaking | 16000 Hz | 1.41 | -5.6 dB |

### Graphs

 

[MRSallee]

Based on the above frequency response graph, here is the calculated Parametric and Fixed Band EQs for Harman In Ear Target 2019v2.

# Sony WF-1000XM4
See [usage instructions](https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq#usage) for more options and info.

### Parametric EQs
In case of using parametric equalizer, apply preamp of **-7.9dB** and build filters manually
with these parameters. The first 5 filters can be used independently.
When using independent subset of filters, apply preamp of **-6.3 dB**.

| Type | Fc | Q | Gain |
|:--------|:---------|:-----|:--------|
| Peaking | 14 Hz | 1.15 | -2.3 dB |
| Peaking | 65 Hz | 0.97 | -4.1 dB |
| Peaking | 275 Hz | 0.75 | -5.0 dB |
| Peaking | 5186 Hz | 1.23 | 5.1 dB |
| Peaking | 12567 Hz | 1.26 | 5.7 dB |
| Peaking | 23 Hz | 1.1 | -0.8 dB |
| Peaking | 154 Hz | 0.9 | -1.5 dB |
| Peaking | 3047 Hz | 0.9 | 1.9 dB |
| Peaking | 10571 Hz | 1.1 | 2.6 dB |
| Peaking | 16215 Hz | 1.1 | -2.0 dB |

### Fixed Band EQs
In case of using fixed band (also called graphic) equalizer, apply preamp of **-8.0dB**
(if available) and set gains manually with these parameters.

| Type | Fc | Q | Gain |
|:--------|:---------|:-----|:--------|
| Peaking | 31 Hz | 1.41 | -2.6 dB |
| Peaking | 62 Hz | 1.41 | -3.1 dB |
| Peaking | 125 Hz | 1.41 | -4.0 dB |
| Peaking | 250 Hz | 1.41 | -3.6 dB |
| Peaking | 500 Hz | 1.41 | -2.9 dB |
| Peaking | 1000 Hz | 1.41 | -0.5 dB |
| Peaking | 2000 Hz | 1.41 | 1.4 dB |
| Peaking | 4000 Hz | 1.41 | 4.2 dB |
| Peaking | 8000 Hz | 1.41 | 7.1 dB |
| Peaking | 16000 Hz | 1.41 | 2.4 dB |

### Graphs

If building an EQ off the graph, I recommend using this graph instead: https://squig.link/?share=Super_Review_Target,Sony_WF-1000XM4



Here's the raw data: https://squig.link/data_mrs/Sony WF-1000XM4 L.txt

Interesting thing about the XM4 that @Banbeucmas discovered, its FR is different at loud volumes. The graph above shows the XM4 with v1.2.6 firmware, ANC on, and EQ off. Red line is measured at maximum volume. Green line is measured at ~65% volume.

I've never seen an IEM do this before, certainly related to the DSP inside the XM4, probably sparing ears when played at max volume.

I took my initial measurements with XM4 at max volume before realizing this, so I don't have old firmwares at 65% volume, hence I initially posted measurements comparing the firmwares at max volume. But if you're building an EQ, assuming you don't listen at max volume, I think the 65% graph (green line) will be a better baseline.

 

[xuan87]

I had a brief listen to it at a local store, mostly wanted to see if it's a worthwhile upgrade to the XM3 which is presently my favorite TWE.

To be honest, they sounded pretty similar to each other, not a day or night kind of difference, perhaps 85-90% similar to each other, which isn't surprising to me since one is a direct successor to the other. The XM4 is a tad warmer, with slightly stronger bass, that's about it. If I'm just listening to it while going about my day I probably won't mind either pair.

The design on the other hand, is much much better than the XM3. I'll say the design is a much better reason to change to the XM3 than the sound itself.

 

[nc8000]

I had a brief listen to it at a local store, mostly wanted to see if it's a worthwhile upgrade to the XM3 which is presently my favorite TWE.

To be honest, they sounded pretty similar to each other, not a day or night kind of difference, perhaps 85-90% similar to each other, which isn't surprising to me since one is a direct successor to the other. The XM4 is a tad warmer, with slightly stronger bass, that's about it. If I'm just listening to it while going about my day I probably won't mind either pair.

The design on the other hand, is much much better than the XM3. I'll say the design is a much better reason to change to the XM3 than the sound itself.

Totally agree. I have both and to me it is the new form factor and size (both bud and case) and the much longer battery life (i get nearly 10 hours with XM4 vs 4 hours with XM3, this with anc and eq enabled and 40-50% volume from an iPhone11 Pro) that is the real winner

 

[potix]

If building an EQ off the graph, I recommend using this graph instead: https://squig.link/?share=Super_Review_Target,Sony_WF-1000XM4



Here's the raw data: https://squig.link/data_mrs/Sony WF-1000XM4 L.txt

Interesting thing about the XM4 that @Banbeucmas discovered, its FR is different at loud volumes. The graph above shows the XM4 with v1.2.6 firmware, ANC on, and EQ off. Red line is measured at maximum volume. Green line is measured at ~65% volume.

I've never seen an IEM do this before, certainly related to the DSP inside the XM4, probably sparing ears when played at max volume.

I took my initial measurements with XM4 at max volume before realizing this, so I don't have old firmwares at 65% volume, hence I initially posted measurements comparing the firmwares at max volume. But if you're building an EQ, assuming you don't listen at max volume, I think the 65% graph (green line) will be a better baseline.

Thank you, really interesting. I often play with eq and yesterday I was always ending up lowering 6k. Is it this volume behaviour new or it was already there before fw update? It's a clever thing from sony although it should involve bass too.

 

[Bazaar]

I've been having an odd issue with these. I've had an odd pain in my left ear when using these, kind of like someone is pricking the part of my ear where the IEM is making contact with needles.

After some experimentation, I think the location is correlated with where the copper contacts are (which due to the design will make skin contact), and a small amount of current might be transmitting.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this. Like I said I am still experimenting but it's a bit worrying.

I experienced the same thing in my right ear only when I first got these. I did as the other responder (who measured the voltage) suggested and twisted it quite a bit when first seating; the pain & discomfort has largely disappeared. I can still sense a slight pressure, but no 'pain'. Never experienced it w/ my left ear.

Also never had this same sensation in either ear w/ >3 years of Bose SoundSports...

 

[jsmiller58]

FWIW, frequency response not changed.

https://squig.link/?share=Super_Rev...-_fw_1.1.15),Sony_WF-1000XM4_(max_-_fw_1.2.6)

Thanks for putting that out there!

 

[EMINENT]

If building an EQ off the graph, I recommend using this graph instead: https://squig.link/?share=Super_Review_Target,Sony_WF-1000XM4



Here's the raw data: https://squig.link/data_mrs/Sony WF-1000XM4 L.txt

Interesting thing about the XM4 that @Banbeucmas discovered, its FR is different at loud volumes. The graph above shows the XM4 with v1.2.6 firmware, ANC on, and EQ off. Red line is measured at maximum volume. Green line is measured at ~65% volume.

I've never seen an IEM do this before, certainly related to the DSP inside the XM4, probably sparing ears when played at max volume.

I took my initial measurements with XM4 at max volume before realizing this, so I don't have old firmwares at 65% volume, hence I initially posted measurements comparing the firmwares at max volume. But if you're building an EQ, assuming you don't listen at max volume, I think the 65% graph (green line) will be a better baseline.

Maybe this explains my earlier post about some songs sounding like they had some sort of attenuation going on with busier passages. Like it was way dark/warm at those times.

If so, I think it was the same before as I noticed this on the old firmware.

This is pretty disappointing that it changes based on volume.

 

[TooFrank]

FWIW: I definitely agree with the fit and the looks. I never wore the XM3s outdoors, too big and uncomfortable. The XM4s are so much better. So now I really enjoy the sound (which may only be slightly better though)

 

[jasonb]

Oh just to share how to default to LDAC 990kb/sec everytime. .. beside download the sony headphone connect app.. need to install the sony music center app... from there can set higher bitrate LDAC.. now dun need to go developer mode to select 990kb ... it will auto to 990kb

This indeed does lock LDAC to 909 or 990kbps. I've been doing this to lock my Qudelix 5K at 909 for a while.

Anyway, I just got the XM4's last night from my local Best Buy and with some treble boosting, and Spinfit 360 tips they sound pretty good. I didn't even bother trying the stock foam tips. I have almost $60 of tips on the way from Amazon too, which includes two different sets of the Epro tips and some Spiral Dot++'s.

This is my current EQ with the Spinfit 360 tips:


These really are impressing me so far. I'm usually really picky with IEM's and specifically don't like a lot of warmth because I feel it usually makes things sound congested, and I like a good bit of treble detail and sparkle as well. I like a good compromise of a fun sound with good sub-bass, mid-bass that isn't bloated, and overall clarity.... and these are doing good. I'm not sure how much of the sound is because of LDAC, but things sound clean, clear, and pretty resolving.

 

[MRSallee]

Thank you, really interesting. I often play with eq and yesterday I was always ending up lowering 6k. Is it this volume behaviour new or it was already there before fw update? It's a clever thing from sony although it should involve bass too.

I believe it is unrelated to firmware version.

 

[jasonb]

Amazon is really fast sometimes, even without paying for Prime. I ordered some Spiral Dot++ tips yesterday and they are scheduled to be delivered today by 12:45. I just hope they are the right size for me, and that they sound as good as everyone says.

 

[Metsuki]

So, I've had these since day one and, with tweaking, I really like the sound.
However, I'm absolutely shocked with the fact that the stock tips are already falling apart. What?

 

[gLer]

So, I've had these since day one and, with tweaking, I really like the sound.
However, I'm absolutely shocked with the fact that the stock tips are already falling apart. What?

Welcome to foam tips...hybrid or not.

 

[Metsuki]

On the other hand, I just tried other tips I had around, and no eq is needed. The foam ones seem to kill the sense of air.