The Bottom Line
The Etymotic ER-4 earphones has become one of the most talked about earphones for accurate sound reproduction. A favorite of many sound engineers and artists for both on-stage and off-stage monitoring, the Etymotic design - and the research that went into it - is the basis for most in-ear monitoring options today. These earphones are true audiophile quality; and with the optional ER-4p to ER-4s converter, they can be used with professional-grade headphone amplifiers for even greater quality.
Pros
- Very flat, accurate frequency response.
- Excellent isolation.
- Great included accessories.
Cons
- Slightly awkward fit.
- Cable microphonics.
Description
- Extremely accurate frequency response: 20Hz to 16Khz +/- 4db.
- Balanced armature single driver; 122db SPL.
- Included accessories: shirt clip, 1/4" adaptor, filters, filter changing tool, extra eartips.
- Optional accessories: Airline adaptor, 4P to 4S adaptor (essentially a 68 ohm resistor).
Guide Review - Etymotic ER-4 MicroPro Earphones
Etymotic Research was founded in 1983 by audiologists with a very simple goal: to develop products that, in their words, "measure, improve, and protect hearing", and they certainly succeeded. Etymotic's products are all made with that focus; in fact, their company name, Etymotic, means "true to the ear."
For use on stage as monitoring earphones, the ER-4 present a very neutral palate for a sound engineer to build a mix upon. These earphones are the preferred monitor for many artists, including U2's The Edge, who uses them exclusively on stage and in the studio. The sound quality is extremely accurate, with excellent soundstage. The highs, which extend up to 16Khz accurately (while the human ear extends to 20Khz, most of us can't hear that high, and the balanced armature technology used in these 'phones can't reproduce accurately past that, anyway), have a very natural decay and accuracy. The bass is very accurate and, to most ears, will seem understated; however, that's simply a testimony to these earphones' accuracy.
The Etymotic ER-4 is shipped in a beautiful hard case along with several accessories, including various tips (I found the triple-flange sleeves to be the most comfortable), cleaning tools, adaptors, and additional filters when the included become clogged. Overall? A fantastic, accurate earphone developed with the best interest of your ear in mind.
For use on stage as monitoring earphones, the ER-4 present a very neutral palate for a sound engineer to build a mix upon. These earphones are the preferred monitor for many artists, including U2's The Edge, who uses them exclusively on stage and in the studio. The sound quality is extremely accurate, with excellent soundstage. The highs, which extend up to 16Khz accurately (while the human ear extends to 20Khz, most of us can't hear that high, and the balanced armature technology used in these 'phones can't reproduce accurately past that, anyway), have a very natural decay and accuracy. The bass is very accurate and, to most ears, will seem understated; however, that's simply a testimony to these earphones' accuracy.
The Etymotic ER-4 is shipped in a beautiful hard case along with several accessories, including various tips (I found the triple-flange sleeves to be the most comfortable), cleaning tools, adaptors, and additional filters when the included become clogged. Overall? A fantastic, accurate earphone developed with the best interest of your ear in mind.