Etymotic - ER4 SR/XR Noise-Isolating Earphones

In-ear Invented here:

Over 30 years ago, Etymotic invented noise-isolating, in-ear earphones. Etymotic’s original design, developed for auditory research and hearing testing, used balanced –armature receivers and established these speakers as the gold standard for high-definition, in-ear earphones. ER4 earphones were the first high-fidelity, noise isolating in-ear earphones to use this technology in a consumer earphone, and are recognized as the world leader for response accuracy to which all other earphones are compared.

In a Class by Itself

Etymotic invented noise-isolating, in-ear earphones. The ER4 MicroPro series earphones were the first earphones commercialized using balanced armature  technology and are recognized as the world leader in response accuracy, to which all other earphones are compared. After more than 20 years, these reference-quality earphones are still the choice of serious sound engineers, audiophiles and musicians.

Backed by decades of research and development for the ear

World leader in sound reproduction

• Unsurpassed frequency response accuracy and sound quality — 92%+ response accuracy from 20 Hz – 16 kHz
• The only earphones with balanced-armature, precision-matched, custom-tuned drivers
• Highest output sensitivity in its class

Features

• Professional quality and reliability
• Precision-matched, custom-tuned drivers
• Precision machined metal bodies with anodized finish
• Detachable, reinforced 5 ft. cable with 3.5mm gold plated stereo plug and MMCX connectors
• Assortment of noise-isolating eartip options to ensure proper seal and comfort

Highest noise isolation

• First earphones to completely seal the ear
• 98% (35 dB - 42 dB) noise isolation —highest of any earphones or headsets on the market today
• Reduction of outside noise reduces the risk of listening at unsafe levels

Best durability and warranty

• 2-year replacement warranty
• User-replaceable filters protect the balanced-armature drivers from ear wax

What’s In the Box?

• Earphones
• Detachable, 5 ft. cord with 3.5mm gold plated stereo plug
• ¼” stereo phone adaptor
• Assortment of eartips
• Filter removal tool and replacement filters
• Shirt clip
• Zippered storage case
• Performance certificate

Which ER•4 is Right for You?

Included with every pair of ER•4 earphones is an industry-exclusive channel-matching compliance graph, signed by the Etymotic engineer who precision matched and custom tuned the balanced-armature drivers.

ER4SR is Etymotic’s new reference standard hi-fidelity earphone, for those who demand nothing less than the highest fidelity. The next generation of our long revered flagship earphone, the ER4S, the ER4SR delivers increased accuracy with greater sound output, or sensitivity. Like its predecessor, the ER4SR channels are matched within an industry-leading 1dB across frequencies from 100Hz to 10 kHz. The new ER4SR incorporates significant cosmetic and functional improvements, from a sleek, anodized and laser-etched aluminum body to the reinforced, user-replaceable detachable cable. The ER4SR is a must have for discerning engineers, audiophiles, and consumers wanting the most accurate in-ear earphone available.

ER4XR is the earphone for music lovers and hi-fi enthusiasts who want uncompromising accuracy in the midrange and high frequencies, but appreciate a bit of extra presence in the lower end. Like the ER4SR, the ER4XR is built with precision machined, anodized and laser-etched aluminum bodies and features user-replaceable detachable cables. The ER4XR also incorporates the stringent channel-matching standard used in the ER4SR. The ER4XR is ideal for anyone looking for exceptional sound quality with just the right amount of low-end enhancement.

Accurate Earphone Reproduction

For earphones to have 100% accuracy, a recording of a live performance must produce exactly the same sound at the eardrum as 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.

New ER4 Comparison Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the SR and XR Models?

The ER4SR is the most accurate in-ear earphone on the market delivering a flat response across all frequencies while the ER4XR has high accuracy, but with slightly enhanced bass.

Can the cable be removed? If so, how is this done?

Yes, the new ER4SR and ER4XR feature a removable, replaceable cable. The cables are simple to detach by pulling the cable at the cable connector point while holding the ER4 body and pulling the cable connector straight from the body without twisting. The cables snap back in to the bodies by aligning the tab on the cable with the slot at the end of the metal ER4 body.

Is the cable the same for the ER4SR as the ER4XR?

Both models use the same cable

Is the cable connector MMCX? Can I use other manufacturer's cables with the new ER4 series?

The cable connector is a customized version of the MMCX. Since it is customized, it is unlikely that other manufacturer's cables will work with the new ER4 models.

Technical Specs