Sound Quality
The sound of the new S4 is simply like a more neutral RSV. It’s on a similar level but it has better balance and naturality, but lacks sound-stage magnitude and airiness. The S4 definitely has a flat tuning so I would say Softears is successful in that department. It’s not a very impressive monitor, even at its own price point, but that’s because it’s tuned in a neutral way. So it doesn’t impress or wow you on the first listen.
The technical performance is quite competitive for this price bracket, which of course has been the main goal of this model. If you seek a Softears Studio 4, you probably don’t care about an incredible bass response, lush/colorful mids, or a splashy treble everywhere. If you have the S4, you only care about true sound reproduction, in an analytical, detailed, and resolving fashion.
Bass
The bass with Studio 4 is fast-paced without a big impact but there’s still good definition. It’s the type of bass that you often hear from studio headphones or studio monitors; a quick bass with nice attack and presence, but nothing spectacular or ultra impressive. And that’s the point, of course.
Of course, this trait allows a clean sound with good PRaT, so I can’t say I’m displeased with it. The control and the detail in the bass section is very nice. It’s very controlled and doesn’t bother the mid-range section at all.
So if we look at it from a pure audiophile or professional studio perspective, the overall bass presentation of the Studio is nicely defined and well-controlled at the same time, leaving the door open from mids & treble to shine.
From a fun and engaging sound perspective, it might be underwhelming. This IEM is more professionally oriented as I mentioned. It all depends on preference, but from a technical standpoint, it is very good.
Mids
The mid-range of the Studio 4 is quite clean, and the tonality here is neutral without any coloration. Also, thanks to its clean bass response, the mid-range has good space and air. The resolution and transparency are impressive here, and the instrument separation is clear. People with a good ear for music can appreciate the well-balanced spacing and depth of mid-range notes. The mid-range provides a natural sound with a good enough body.
The mids have nice refinement and texture, along with a pleasant natural timbre. The positioning and detail are also impressive. With all that being said, the layering performance isn’t the best to my ears, and sometimes you hear congestion in the mid-range. It seems as though the vocals and instruments are confined to a limited space and cannot freely move beyond it. The source device can affect this trait to some degree, but you hear it occasionally. Of course, I don’t expect a sub-500$ to sound exceptionally spacious, but you just be aware.
Treble
The S4’s treble sounds open and extends well without being aggressive. Its technical performance is impressive, with exceptional definition and detail in the highs, especially for the price. The treble is spacious and not congested, surpassing the mids in terms of space.
Additionally, the treble’s articulation is excellent, with clean layering and separation that results in great imaging. Although it may not be as refined and smooth as the flagship models, the treble energy and presence are very good. Pairing it with a quality source device will bring out great details and micro performance.
The S4 provides clear and detailed sound in the high-frequency range without being too thick or thin. It accurately reproduces what’s in the recording without overly emphasizing brightness or presence. While it may not have the same impressive qualities as flagship models, it impresses with its performance nevertheless.
Page 1: Intro
Page 3: Technical Performance, Cables, Comparisons, and Conclusion
