Topic: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement) (Read 8583 times)

planx · « **Reply #20 on:** August 04, 2013, 10:05:56 PM »

Quote from: CEE TEE on August 04, 2013, 09:57:58 PM

They have been out a long time, I believe. If it doesn't have the "most drivers" and isn't the "most expensive", how can it be good?

Also, I figure UE doesn't push them much because there isn't much profit. (But it's a good way to show off UE service and products if someone takes this as their first step into customs.)

Hmm, if that's the case CT, how would the UE4 deal as a "reference" monitor for me? I've ended up selling the ER-4S as I didn't enjoy the overall response and the comfort was ludicrous. More interestingly, how does the UE4 actually compare against the UE900 and UERM as others have said?

CEE TEE · « **Reply #21 on:** August 05, 2013, 12:14:14 AM »

I think that it compares very well with the UERM. I find it clean and though it might have a bit less extension at the top and bottom, I think the UE4 has a very clear upper midrange/low treble that should make it good for a monitor. What is "clear" for me might be "bright" or have some "bite" for others though. I don't think the UE4 has "errors of commission". The RM and the 4 don't put a bass hump in there to fatten things up. The UE5, UE7, UE18 do that. The UE11 also do it but seemingly keep things more linear in the low with proper amping and also a bit more top end than UE18 so I prefer them in the "bigger" sound category.

The UE900 is purportedly more colored (added bass warmth) than the UERM and therefore I would think it more "fun" than both the UERM and the UE4.

To me, I would think the UE4 would be akin to having Yamaha NS10 on the desk. When you want the weight, physical impact and the bass/low bass, you turn on the Mackie HR824 to check the mix. (That's what one of my friends does, anyway. I should ask him to compare.)

planx · « **Reply #22 on:** August 05, 2013, 12:44:53 AM »

Hmm... In that case, maybe the UE4 might be a good reference IEM for me. I kept telling myself that I was going to stop, but something keeps pulling me in

Haha love how the HD800s are on the ground, just chillin'

AstralStorm · « **Reply #23 on:** August 05, 2013, 03:25:34 PM »

Which armature(s) is it?

Looks like UE-HIGH from TF10 with different damper setup, but I could be wrong.
Sonion 2300 family? (2.5/5k ringing)

Are those Super.fi 4 (possible but unlikely, I remember them being dark with 7k emphasis), or the UE4 Pro CIEMs?

Nice studio there, CeeTee. Bit outdated pic, or do you have another Super7?

CEE TEE · « **Reply #24 on:** August 05, 2013, 04:39:05 PM »

^It's a friend's studio and yep...before I sold the Super 7. One friend has full-range monitors (huge) and the other uses that NS-10/HR824 combo to poke at the mix and hear it.

tomscy2000 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 06, 2013, 11:25:47 AM »

Had the opportunity to visit UE's headquarters last week and listened to their entire product lineup.

I completely agree with what people are saying --- the UE4 is the bang-for-buck jewel of the UE lineup, and descriptions of it being a 'baby UERM' are not inaccurate in the least bit. Aside from the UERM, which was my favorite of the lineup, the UE4 was either second or third (the PRM doesn't make the top three), a toss up between it and the very fun-sounding (not neutral and a bit mid-recessed) UE11.

It's too bad the UE4 only comes in clear shells (guessing they're trying to leverage the SLA printer to minimize costs), but it is definitely something people should look into, provided they don't mind paying $400 for "only two drivers".

AstralStorm · « **Reply #26 on:** September 06, 2013, 03:47:44 PM »

By the way, this looks like "TWFK done better". Bit less peaky, less upper mids dip, better extension, better distortion, better subbass...

Knowles FEC + (Sonion?) UE-HIGH with cross around 2k? Or is it some Sonion bass driver?

Anaxilus. · « **Reply #27 on:** September 06, 2013, 07:42:55 PM »

Quote from: AstralStorm on September 06, 2013, 03:47:44 PM

By the way, this looks like "TWFK done better". Bit less peaky, less upper mids dip, better extension, better distortion, better subbass...

Knowles FEC + (Sonion?) UE-HIGH with cross around 2k? Or is it some Sonion bass driver?

Despite the reduced peakiness, the high driver is more gritty, less refined and liquid than the TWFK in the B2. But it's more tonally correct than the UERM. UE4 is right in the middle of the UERM and B2 for treble timbre. Same goes for perceived clarity levels.

tomscy2000 · « **Reply #28 on:** September 07, 2013, 01:25:35 AM »

AFAIK, TWFK peakiness stems from the enclosure size affecting the regularity of the magrad field, causing more instability in the armature mechanism --- no amount of stiffness in the armature mechanism will make up for an irregular magnetic field, and which is why TWFKs in their raw form (no passive components attached) all have similar resonant peaks/valleys. We have to remember that each FK and WBFK driver is about the size of a ladybug.

From what I saw, the UE4 uses a 2300/1700 combination. The 1700 driver for the lows actually has its port in the '12jd' position, which is on top of the cover plate, rather than straight out in the '12c' or '12s' positions.

I think the UE5/JH5 may be using a 2300/2000 combination (didn't bother to check), which is why it has a little more mid-bass, as 2000 series drivers seem to be unable to flatten out with resistance, whereas the CI responds a little better (which is why designers love the CI, you can practically bend it to your will). Either way, whether it's a 2000 or CI, you'll get more of a mid-bass hump than with a 1700, which can be made near ruler-flat.

BTW, about the TWFK "improved" statement, the UE4 is basically a foretelling of the next "buzzword" dual driver, except instead of the TWFK, it's from Sonion in the form of the 1723 AcuPass. This driver assembly is essentially a 2300/1700 combination, but with an acoustic low-pass, combined into a single tube exit bore. Just so you guys get an idea of the potential of this thing, it was first pilot tested in the TDK BA200. It uses a prototype version that doesn't have an integrated PCB board (the final version is similar to the Knowles GQ). The BA200 has been near universally lauded for both its subjective and objective sound performance. Having put up a light to the FitEar Parterre several times, and discussing with others that have knowledge, I'm quite sure (98-99%) that the Parterre also uses the 1723 driver (though the AcuPass mechanism can be used on a number of different driver combinations, from what I've seen inside the Parterre, it's likely still the 1723), the CanalWorks CW-L12 uses the 1723, the Cosmic Ears BA4 uses the 1723 as a base with an additional 3300-sized dual driver, the Minerva Performer Pro uses it, and several other CIEM companies are using it as well, either alone, or as a base to add off of.

The best part about the 1723 is that Sonion practically hand holds you in the tuning process. Their applications manual shows people the effect of tube lengths/diameters on quarter-wavelength resonances/nulls, as well as damper effects. If anyone wants to try their hand at Hack-a-CIEM, it should be with the 1723. It comes in an unvented and vented version too for bass. Essentially, it's a CIEM "Easy Button". I imagine the market to be flooded with AcuPass-equipped IEMs within the next two years. I had intended to write a whole article on this driver but just wanted to give the pirates a heads up.

So yes, the UE4 is basically the progenitor of the AcuPass principle, because of its 12jd port (which I'm sure has diameter restriction), and then finally coming to fruition in the BA200, before going to mass wholesale. I'm sure Sonion is very proud of this thing and wants to stick it to Knowles with it (though I know KA has some tricks up its sleeve as well).

BTW, here are pictures (from that other forum) of the UE4 disassembled...
http://www.head-fi.org/t/609370/ue-4-pro-dismantling#post_8370874

Anaxilus. · « **Reply #29 on:** September 13, 2013, 06:28:28 PM »

Picked up the TDK BA200 based on tomscy2000's post and curiosity. This is a very good IEM for the money. Will have more to say later. I'd say for those who have issues w/ the B2 and it's fit, the BA200 is these alternative I've heard so far. Excellent clarity and imaging and much better bass extension and low end resolution than the DBA/B2. This might end up being my go to backup. Was able to snag a set on Amazon for $120. Unfortunately not the last word on overall refinement, but less rough around the edges especially in the treble than the GR07.

Author Topic: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement) (Read 8583 times)

planx

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

CEE TEE

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

planx

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

AstralStorm

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

CEE TEE

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

tomscy2000

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

AstralStorm

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

Anaxilus.

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

tomscy2000

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

Anaxilus.

Re: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement)

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Author Topic: Ultimate Ears UE 4 (V2 measurement) (Read 8583 times)