64Audio U4s: Big Poppa
Sound Profile
MX module: Neutral
M12 module: Warm neutral
M15/M20 module: warm neutral with bass boost
Overview
The U4s needs no introduction. The newest offering from 64 Audio has been getting rave reviews since it was introduced several months ago. So when I got the chance to listen to them I was super excited. I really didn’t know what to expect though since my only other experience with 64 Audio was the U6t which was very forgettable for me. Also the graph for the U4s is pretty unique, sporting a similar upper mid region to the U12t.
So how does it sound? TL;DR really really good…. With the M12 module. The other modules don’t really do much for me. The M15 and M20 make the IEM too thick, bordering on muddy. The MX module is actually pretty good but it’s also loses so much bottom end that songs with drums feel hollow. The M12 strikes the perfect balance of meaty mid bass, present sub bass and smooth clear vocals. This IEM is definitely not for folks who like an airy, open presentation though. While the imaging is really good, the stage is a bit cramped. At times it can come off claustrophobic, especially with songs that are already mixed pretty intimately and have vocals in the lower registers.
Is it worth it? At $1,100 it is not worth it for me. While the sound quality is great the fit I do not like. The nozzle is long and just a smooth shaft (I know) so tip fit is tricky. Also there is no contouring so it has a tendency to rotate under the cable weight. Using a lighter cable should alleviate that though. It has the same fit as other 64 Audio offerings so if those work for you these will as well. I appreciate the flexibility of the Apex modules however they don’t substantially change the IEM outside of “more bass” or “less bass”. Even with the MX module, the IEM is still not particularly airy and open, however it is definitely more spacious than with the M20. If you are thinking this IEM is a “chameleon” style and is 4 IEMs in one I would temper that expectation.
Details
Note: The rest of this review will be with the M12 because I think that one sounds best.
Treble
Treble is smooth and very well extended. I notice no peakiness or harshness. While it’s not very airy or open, notes have that little bit of top end that they need to sound natural. Vocals in the upper register and instruments that rely on upper frequencies will sound a bit dull, lacking that extra bit of shimmer.
Midrange
Mids are rich and luscious without coming off overly warm and husky. There is noticeable coloration here so if you are looking for something transparent and “accurate” I would look elsewhere. For bigger ensembles with a lot of distortion and drums things can get a bit claustrophobic. It’s a hard balance to strike because on some cleaner sets these same tracks can sound a bit lifeless.
Mid bass
This is a mid bass set, no doubt about that. Mid bass kicks have authority without taking over the mix. There is nothing boomy or bloated here. The mid bass here is very flexible. When called upon it can punch fast and hard and get out of the way. However, its not above a slow roll that lingers. All in all, one of the best mid bass experiences I have heard to date.
Sub bass
In most mid bass sets you get a rolled off sub to really emphasis the mid bass, however here the sub bass stays relatively in line with the mid bass and it works really well in tandem with the mid bass. The sub bass helps prop up the mid bass and boost its impact. It’s like adding wind to fire. For sub bass focused genres like some Rap and EDM the sub bass pops pretty well, even for the M12 module. I personally prefer a bit more sub bass for those genres but I didn’t feel the need to EQ here like I normally do. Unfortunately, going up to the M15 and M20 brings too much mid bass with it and messes with other genres.
Genres
Below are my rankings for how this set plays each genre. These are based on my general enjoyment of the replay for some songs that fall in each category and is therefore very subjective and may not represent the category as a whole. If you have any questions as to what songs I listened to for each category feel free to ask!
For this set I’ll do the ratings for M12/M15. I ignore M20 because the M15 does pretty much everything the M20 does but better.
Pop - 8/6
Rap - 7/8
Hip Hop -7/7
R&B - 9/8
Latin - 8/7
House/EDM - 7/8
Country - 8/7