Etymotic Research ER4S MicroPro Reference Earphones

by Etymotic Research

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5.5 x 2 inches ; 1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000300Y9O
• Item model number: ER4S
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 14, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer The ER-4S MicroPro noise-blocking earphones from Etymotic Research offer realistic sound reproduction and noise isolation that far surpasses that of active noise-canceling earphones. The ER-4S earphones--which require no batteries--can be plugged into any audio source. They can be used with portable CD, MP3, DVD, and other players without an additional amplifier.

The ER-4S earphones were designed to match the response of the ear, creating nearly perfect sound reproduction. They reduce external sound naturally by sealing your ear canals, without the added weight, bulk, or external power supply required for active noise-canceling. Their external noise exclusion (up to 33 dB using the supplied 3-flange eartips and 41 dB with foam eartips) lets you hear the full dynamic range of recordings without your having to play them at unnaturally high and unsafe levels.

The ER-4S comes with everything needed for audiophiles, performing musicians and recording engineers .

See how the ER-4S measures up in response accuracy.

ER-4S (Stereo) earphones were designed to compensate for the high frequency emphasis in all CD recordings, in order to provide accurate sound reproduction. Performing musicians often use them as in-ear monitors because the response of the ER-4S matches the response of most typical monitor loudspeakers. The high accuracy and exceptional sound isolation of the ER-4S have made these earphones popular with musicians, recording engineers and audiophiles. ER-4S earphones can be used with a headphone amplifier when using low power portable devices.

Noise reduction with ER-4 MicroPro earphones occurs naturally from the inserts. Other earphones with active noise-cancelling add circuit noise and require bulky batteries.

In-the-ear, high fidelity transducers combine flat frequency response with isolation from external noise.

The white 3-flange eartips provide 35 dB average external noise isolation. Foam eartips provide 41 dB average external noise isolation. Lowering surrounding noise allows the listener to hear the full dynamic range of recordings at lower reproduction levels.

ER-4 MicroPro earphones are ideal for a variety of consumer uses such as personal CD and DVD players, MP3 players, and computers. Professional uses include mixing and stage monitoring in the studio and during live performance.

What's in the Box
ER-4S MicroPro earphones, a 5-foot cord with 3.5 mm stereo phone plug, a .25-inch stereo phone adapter plug, six 3-flange eartips, 10 foam eartips, a filter-changing tool, 4 replacement filters, a shirt clip, a zippered pouch, a storage box, a user's manual, and warranty information.

Product Description

High fidelity earphone - white boxMODEL- ER-4S VENDOR- ETYMOTIC RESEARCH FEATURES- ER 4S microPro Noise Isolating Earphones- White Box package Portable earphones can be used with portable CD MP3 DVD and other players without requiring an additional amplifier. The higher sensitivity and enhanced bass of the ER-4P have made it the most popular earphone for most uses. The ER-4 MicroPro earphones are the next best thing to live music with noise isolation far surpassing that of active noise-canceling earphones. The ER-4s require NO batteries and can be plugged into any audio source. Their external noise exclusion -- 35 dB with 3-flange eartips 42 dB with foam eartips -- allows you to hear the full dynamic range of recordings without having to play them at unnaturally high and unsafe levels. - Transparent reference-quality sound - For audiophiles performing musicians and recording engineers - For mixing monitoring and critical listening - Accurate real-ear response - Unsurpassed isolation from outside sound Includes ER-4 MicroPro earphones 5 ft. cord with 3.5 mm stereo phone plug 1/4" stereo phone adapter plug Six 3-flange eartips 10 foam eartips Filter changing tool 4 replacement filters Shirt clip Pouch and Storage box.* Response Accuracy ER-4 MicroPro Earphones are designed to match the acoustic response of the open ear. Music is naturally bright but not harsh. The lack of coloration results in smooth treble full bass clear and natural piano percussion and orchestral music. * Noise Reduction ER-4 MicroPro Earphones provide the highest isolation of any earphone: 35

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

97 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars be sure you get what you want, October 6, 2004

By 

Shakir A. Akbari "hierophanta" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

these earphones come in 3 types. the type being sold here are (type-s) are ment for home use with a stereo. etymotic makes a set of these made for portable use- the difference? the portables will sound fine from your portable cd player- the stereo set will sound great from your stereo be will be under powered from your portable device.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Traveling, August 14, 2005

By 

J. Bohner (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

My primary purpose for these headphones was for superior portable fidelity. These headphones exceeded all expectations.

I have an Ipod which I have ripped my entire music collection using Apple Lossless format. Songs are quite large; typically 20Mb. But I cannot detect a difference.

I spend a lot of time in the air. The Apple ear buds are pretty good and I was fairly satisfied using them, especially in the office or hotel room. But in the planes, I'd have to turn up the volume to just shy of full volume to drown out the ambient noise and it still washed out the details.

I tried a friend's noise canceling headphones. It was an inexpensive pair (not the Bose). I could hear a small improvement. Not good enough.

I considered the Bose. But before trying them, I wasn't willing to carry bulky headphones and batteries. Batteries are also needed to listen without the noise cancellation activated.

So, after searching several Internet sites, I narrowed it down to Etymotic and Shure for:
- High fidelity
- SMALL package
- No batteries
- 30 decibel Noise Isolation through sealing (natural canceling)

I did not test either before buying. I leaned toward the Etymotic mostly based on reviewer comments. I like the option to be fitted with a custom ear canal adapter like a hearing aid for a perfect fit.

Likes
1. Small package. Fits in included 1.5" x 3" x .5" pouch.
2. Great noise reduction. I could only hear the person next to me talking if they spoke at normal levels a few inches from my ear in the plane. It seems to help cross country flights to reduce fatigue from the plane's noises.
3. Foam fitting seals the best in my small ear canals for best bass ambient noise reduction. Rubber fittings can be cleaned but are larger.
4. Sounds slightly better than my home system.
5. Efficiency. Because so much ambient noise was reduced, I only play my Ipod at just over half volume for normal listening. This translates into longer play time. The ER-6 version is even more efficient.

Dislikes
1. Cable Noise. Every time the thick cable touches something like rubbing across your shirt, you can hear it. It sounds similar to lighting rubbing your ear.
2. Too much noise canceling for some situations. I still carry my Apple ear buds for situations that I need to hear my environment around me like, walking on the street, in the office to hear the telephone or colleague, etc.

One other point mentioned by many other reviewers is the feeling of it inserted in your ear. It feels like an overstuffed Q-tip. Inserting far enough is essential for adequate bass and detail. I wasn't sure it I'd like it or not and it did concern me when some described inserting it a few millimeters from my ear drum in a review. It's not in quite that far. Only other option is high-end sealed over the ear headphones. But, they are bulky, hot and not conducive to abuse on the road.

Finally, ER4P or ER6. The ER6I is less expensive. But, the ER4P significantly outperforms the ER6 acoustically and through isolation. It also has an optional cable that converts it into the revered ER4S. I'm only going to buy one pair of head phones for home and away, so I chose the ER4. I've used them for about 4 weeks and will happily keep them.

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Sound, But they Do Take Getting Used To, May 7, 2005

By 

dakotamoviefan (South Dakota) - See all my reviews

The sound produced from the Etymotic ER-4P headphones is excellent, but they do take some getting used to. When I first purchased the Etymotic ER-4P headphones I was under the impression they had to be inserted far enough into your ear canal that they almost scratched your brain. But they really don't have to be inserted that far. I have learned that if you moisten them, insert them quickly, with your mouth slightly open, you get a more consistently comfortable fit, tight seal, and improved resonance. I understand other reviewers complaints of a lack of bass, and I do click on the iPod EQ bass for a slightly fuller sound, but the bass on the Etymotic ER-4P's is intended to be a natural sound, not a boomy bass that is so prevalent with less expensive headphones.

It seems to me that I can hear sounds in music that I never even knew existed with other headphones. I have listened to many of my favorite 70's hits on my iPod, and the Etymotic ER-4P's give them a whole new life. For instance, John Lennon's #9 Dream sounds especially good, and when Carly Simon sings I can hear her enunciate each consonant as they leave her lips, and there are bongo drums I had never heard before in the Bee Gee's disco hit, More Than a Woman !! The Etymotic ER-4P's are a great pair of earbud headphones, but they may require patience and a moderate break-in period to get used to the feel of them. I would say the Etymotic ER-4P's easily rival the sound of my Bose Quiet Comfort II headphones.