Product Details

• Brand: Etymotic Research
• Model: ER4P
• Dimensions: 1.50" h x 6.25" w x 6.25" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

• Noise isolation: 35-42 dB
• Maximum output: 122 dB SPL
• Weight: less than 1 oz.
• Response accuracy: 86%
• Frequency response: 50-10 kHz ± 2 dB; 20-16 kHz ±4 dB

Amazon.com Product Description

The ER-4P 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-4P 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-4P 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.

What's in the Box
ER-4P 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.

From the Manufacturer
The ER-4P 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-4P 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-4P 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-4P comes with everything needed for audiophiles, performing musicians and recording engineers .

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

ER-4P earphones can be used with portable CD, MP3, DVD and other players without requiring an additional amplifier. As compared to the ER-4S, the ER-4P has 10 dB greater output at high frequencies and 13 dB greater output at low frequencies. The higher sensitivity and enhanced bass of the ER-4P have made it the most popular earphone for most uses.

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-4P 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.

Customer Reviews

Comparison and some other thoughts
First, I'll give you some background.

I'm a student, a former music major (now Biomed engineer). I take my music and the quality of my experience very seriously. (I.e. - nothing under a 320 bit rate and no ipods)

now, it's not all classical music - but all sorts. you name it, i probably have it.

Here are my two cents about this piece. I myself am one of those people who need the foam piece to get a proper, comfortable fit. But once these bad boys are inserted, you pretty much forget that they are in to begin with.

The experience is awesome. It's just clear and precise. exactly what etymotic was gunning for. They don't care about "maximizing bass" or some stupid stuff like that. It's about pure, unadulterated, music. Basically, you're hearing exactly what the composer/artist wants you to hear. You want the bass? Go crank it up yourself on your eq.

I've tried the Shure e2c, the Senn cx300, and the ue5, etymotic er6, even some overheads like the sony and senn hd. What i can tell you is that each has its own character. (shure - comfortable, more uncontrolled bass, senn - nice, but not as good in all traits, etc.)

The only real competition i saw for the er4 was the ue5, rightfully so, since they are in the same "weight class", but the ue5 just didn't have the same feel of authenticity, clarity, etc. But it have more bass, so much so that at times it distorted/overpowered other tonal regions. If you're gunning for that, go for the ue5 (for those with heavy pop/rock tastes). But if bass doesn't need to be banging on your eardrum, I'd seriously say the er4 is unbeatable.

It's not like the bass is not there with the er4. But again, it's all about authenticity. You're hearing EXACTLY what the artist wants you hear. If that's not good enough for you, take it up with the artist you made the piece.

the only negative i can think of: the wires are funky and most of the time, i need the use of the given clip to get a real comfortable control of the wires. otherwise 5 stars.

ER4P does exactly what they promise
great sound on highs and mids, just like everyone else here has stated. bass leaves something to be desired. i called etymotic and they sent me a bigger set of foam tips free of charge! would recommend to a friend.

A year along and only positive things to say
Before I bought these, I did a LOT of research into the various headphones out there. I wanted something that offered great sound, provided complete noise isolation to the outside world, was portable, durable, and didn't cost $1000. I picked these, have had them over a year now, and am very happy with them. I listen to many types of music: rock, classical, rap, vocal, acoustic, etc. and they have been great. Walking through Times Square and only being able to hear a crystal clear Michael Buble singing "Feeling Good" is quite an experience, and these headphones were just the ticket!