Standalone category
Etymotic acoustic research focuses on noise-isolating in-ear earbuds. ER4 MicroPro Series earbuds were the first earbuds with balanced armature technology to be recognized worldwide for the accuracy of sound and serve as a reference for all other earbuds. After more than 20 years, these reference-quality earbuds remain the most popular tool of choice for serious sound engineers, audiophiles and musicians.
ER4XR is the most powerful earphone with a single vibrating tongue driver. IEM covers are made of anodized aluminum with CNC machining with extremely strict tolerances. Using a single vibrating tongue armature (BA) driver allows for highly accurate monitor earphones without the additional complexity of crossovers and helps reduce the size of the aluminum body. The included high-quality interchangeable cable is reinforced and twisted for longevity and durability.
Etymotik earphones are recognized worldwide for their outstanding passive insulation, providing attenuation of 35-42dB (depending on the earmolds used and the depth of insertion). For comparison, most individual earbuds have an attenuation of 25-28dB and foam earplugs attenuate up to 32dB. The ER4XR is the perfect choice for audiophiles and music listeners looking for highly accurate earbuds with added bass for more "fun" sound.
Which ER4 is right for you?
Both ER4 models, ER4SR and ER4XR, use the same oscillating tongue armature (BA) drivers. The only difference is tuning the lower (low) frequencies. As a "reference" model, ER4SR is tuned for the most accurate and linear sound possible. ER4XR, as a "fun" model, is tuned with more bass. The ER4XR adds 1-2dB for mid-bass (below 200Hz) and 3-4dB for low-bass and bass (below 100Hz). The rest of the frequencies are practically identical.
The ER4SR is ideal for sound engineers and mixing technicians who need to ensure accurate sound reproduction at all frequencies. The ER4SR is the IEM choice for audiophiles and consumers who like to listen to their music exactly as it was recorded.
With tastefully added bass, the ER4XR is favored by audiophiles and consumers who prefer a little extra bass presence when enjoying their music. This model is by no means bass heavy.
Accurate earphone reproduction
When in-ear monitors are tuned to accurately reproduce live performance footage, we aim to ensure that the sound hitting the eardrum matches the original performance. To achieve this, it is necessary to take into account the acoustic properties of the ear. The acoustic resonance and horn effects of the ear turn a flat sound signal entering the open ear into sound (2700 Hz) with high-frequency amplification, which is the same response heard on the eardrum in a typical ear.
