Check Out the Etymotic ER4 and EtyBlu In-Ear Earphones

Etymotic Research was discovered in 1983 by audiologists with a very simple goal: to evolve products that, in their words, “measure, improve, and protect hearing”, and they unmistakably succeeded. Etymotic’s products are all made with that emphasis; in fact, their company name, Etymotic, means “true to the ear.”

For use on stage as monitoring earphones, the ER-4 present a very neutral palate for a sound engineer to build a mix upon. These in-ear earphones are the most sought-after monitor for many artists, including U2′s The Edge, who uses them exclusively on stage and in the studio. The sound quality is amazingly accurate, with unbeatable soundstage. The highs, which extend up to 16Khz accurately (while the human ear extends to 20Khz, most of us can’t hear that high, and the balanced armature technology used in these ‘phones can’t reproduce accurately past that, anyway), have a very natural decay and accuracy. The bass is very accurate and, to most ears, will seem understated; nonethelss, that’s simply a testimony to these earphones’ accuracy.

The Etymotic ER-4 is think it’s more than worth it.
Based on the outer appearnace, it looks as if Etymotic copied the Apple Bluetooth headset with its slim black stick design. Measuring 1.8 inches long by 0.5 inch wide by 0.5 inch thick, the EtyBlu has a }shiny|reflective|glossy} piano black finish accented with a silver multifunction button on the front. Though it is flush against the facade, the button is still straightforward enough to find and press because of a slight texture difference. There’s also an LED indicator light underneath the button. The volume rocker sits on the right spine while the charger/mic jack is on the bottom.

On the rear of the headset is the in-ear style earbud that Etymotic is known for. The EtyBlu is packaged with two sets of triple-flanged silicone ear tips–two small and two regular–plus a foam insert alternative. The flanged ear tips are made to be worn deep in the ear, and it is essential to achieve a good ear tip seal. The instructions reveal to carefully insert the ear tip while pulling up and out on the back of the ear while twisting the earpiece in place. For the foam insert, you roll down or compress it to get it in, and then you wait for the foam to expand and create a tight seal. We have to caution you that the ear tip is inserted so deep that it can feel a tad uncomfortable, and it may take time for you to get used to it. We did think it felt a little too deep for comfort, but little by little adapted to it. You should also remove the EtyBlu when not in use though–it blocks out environmental noise almost too effectively.
Also on the back of the headset is a opening for an optional ear loop. Since the earpiece fits so deep in the ear, the ear loop is unnecessary, but you can still wear it for additional stability.