ER4SR Earphones

ER4SR is Etymotic’s reference hi-fidelity in-ear monitor, for those who demand nothing less than the highest reproduction accuracy. The ER4SR right and left channels are matched within an industry-leading 1dB across frequencies from 100 Hz to 10 kHz.

The ER4SR is a must-have for discerning sound engineers, audiophiles, and consumers wanting the most accurate in-ear monitors available.

Overview

ER4SR is the highest-performing single driver in-ear monitor. The IEM shells are made of anodized aluminum, CNC machined with extremely tight tolerances. Using a single Balanced Armature (BA) driver allows for extremely accurate IEM without the added complexity of crossovers, and helps keep the aluminum body small and slim. The included high-quality user-replaceable cable is reinforced and twisted, to improve longevity and durability. Etymotic IEMs are world renowned for their class-leading passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation (depending on eartips used and the depth of insertion). For comparison, most custom IEMs provide approx. 25-28dB attenuation and foam ear plugs attenuate up to 32 dB. The ER4SR is a must-have for discerning sound engineers, audiophiles, and consumers wanting the most accurate in-ear monitors available.

Which ER4 is right for you?

Both ER4 models, the ER4SR and ER4XR, use the same Balanced Armature (BA) drivers. The only difference is the tuning of the lower (bass) frequencies. The ER4SR, being the “reference” model, is tuned to be as precise and flat as possible. The ER4XR, being the “fun” model, is tuned with added bass. As you can see from the frequency response graphs below, ER4XR adds 1-2dB to the mid-bass frequencies (below 200Hz) and 3-4dB to the lower-bass and sub-bass (below 100Hz). The rest of the frequencies are practically identical. ER4SR is ideal for sound engineers and mixing technicians who must have a precise and accurate sound reproduction across all frequencies. ER4SR is the IEM of choice for audiophiles and consumers who like to listen to their music exactly the way it was recorded. ER4XR with its tastefully added bass is favored by audiophiles and consumers who prefer a little extra bass presence when enjoying their music. This model is not bass heavy by any means.

Frequency response graphs and Etymotic’s target

Etymotic’s target frequency response graph represents a “perceptibly flat” frequency response. Our goal is to have a flat frequency response curve when the music notes hit your eardrums. To achieve that, we need to account for the resonance inside the average ear canal, since IEMs bypass the outer ear structure. The result is the need for higher SPL in the 2-5k region (lower treble) for compensating said resonance. That is the reason for the “hump” in that region. The target curve that Etymotic is using for tuning our IEMs differs slightly from the Harmon preference curve. It was developed in-house more than 20 years ago, leveraging on our human hearing expertise and acoustics research.

Accurate Earphone Reproduction

When tuning in-ear monitors to accurately reproduce a recording of a live performance, our goal is for the sound hitting the eardrums to be identical to that at the original performance. To achieve this, the acoustic properties of the ear must be factored in. The acoustic resonance and horn effects of the ear change a flat audio signal entering the open ear into sound with a (2700 Hz) high-frequency boost, which is the same response heard at the eardrum in a typical ear. That is the reason for the “hump” in the frequency response graph below, which assures the eardrums perceive a perfectly flat frequency response for all frequencies.

· In-Ear Monitors

· Detachable 4 ft. cable with 3.5mm gold plated stereo plug

· Aluminum Case

· Cloth Bag.

· Assortment of eartips:

o 4 Dual Flange Silicone Pairs: S, M, L, XL.

o 2 Triple Flange Pairs: Standard and Large.

o 2 Foam Pairs: Standard.

· Replacement Filters to protect the BA drivers from ear wax

· Filter removal tool

· Shirt clip

· Zippered storage case

· Channel-Matching Compliance certificate

d.s. 03/03/2022

ER4 SR. The Best.

I'm not really an audiophile, but I am professional video editor so I'm familiar with the requirements accuracy when I'm mixing audio for TV or other delivery systems.

That being said, these are quite simply the most delicately accurate and enjoyable way to enjoy my favorite music that I've discovered yet in my 57 years on this planet. They isolate exterior noise so well, so that that you don't have to play them at full blast, and can enjoy the nuance and flavor of a recording as it was intended in the studio.

To be honest that's enough for me.

I play them out of an old fashioned iPod (The black one with the front dial), which is wonderful in itself, and then if I really want to bathe in luxury I'll add a good headphone amplifier, occasionally adding a little bass boost if I'm listening to music that seems to require it. But without the amp they are still wonderful.

Buy them, you will not regret it you appreciate accuracy.

If you need thumping bass added to your music like too much sugar, you're going to need a good amp or a different version of these.

(I should add they take a little getting used to in the first week, as they go a long way into the ear canal, and you're unused to having anything in there.)

Steven Tovian 11/18/2021

ER4SR - very satisfied

Very pleased with my purchase of the ER4SR. The performance with my favorite music - classical, new age, jazz (no rock) has been excellent. No complaints or disappointments. Really debated about getting the ER4XR v ER4SR. Wish I could have listened to the ER4XR to make my choice. Will never know the audio difference. No regrets but just wonder what heightened bass on ER4XR actually sounds like.

Eden Nahkwon Joo 10/16/2021

Most accurate IEM in the world

I have traveled with many expense hifi headphones and earphones for many years. Always desired to hear the true and accurate sound it was meant to be. ER4SR just satisfied me perfectly. Having more bass with ER4XR gives you more warmer filled sound, but the ER4SR's bass is just right enough to listen whole dynamic range balanced to my ear.

Foam Pairs: Standard

Triple Flange Silicone Pairs: Standard and Large

Dual Flange Silicone Pairs: S, M, L, XL