The Softears Studio2 is designed for demanding musicians and audio professionals.
The hybrid BA configuration utilizes long-stroke 22955 drivers for powerful lows and midrange, while custom high-frequency BAs deliver exquisite detail.
Two independent acoustic tubes ensure precise, phase-aligned sound through precision crossover. The ergonomic shell, designed based on years of CIEM experience, provides a comfortable fit and excellent passive isolation.
The Studio2 is meticulously tuned to delicately reproduce every nuance from vocals and clicks to complex mixes, enabling the performer to perform at their best without fatigue.
Softears Studio 2 IEM Review
Design
The Softears Studio 2’s faceplate boasts a smooth, marble-like appearance, featuring a polished, stone-like gray finish.
Rounded contours naturally curve along the surface, avoiding sharp edges and creating a clean, organic form.
Each faceplate features an imprinted brand logo at the bottom center. The left model features the Softears logo, while the right model features the STUDIO2 name in all capital letters.
Both models are embedded beneath the surface, aligned with the curved bevel of the shell.
Like the faceplate, the shell features a consistent matte gray finish throughout. There are no visible seams or translucent panels, maintaining a uniform, smooth texture across all surfaces.
Since the Studio 2 utilizes only balanced armature drivers, there are no external vents.
The nozzle features a locking lip to prevent tip dislodgement during extended use, and the 0.78mm 2-pin connector is recessed into the top rear of the shell.
Audio
The Softears Studio2 delivers clear and powerful bass using the industry’s largest and most powerful 22955 Balanced Armature driver.
The long-stroke diaphragm delivers deep, controlled lows, explosive dynamics, and pristine separation, ensuring unmistakable performance even in high-pressure live environments.
The custom high-frequency Balanced Armature, combined with an independent sound tube, ensures crisp highs and vibrant vocal presence, essential for reproducing high-frequency detail on stage.
The Softears Studio2 features a 2+1 acoustic tube design, developed through meticulous simulation and testing by the Softears R&D team.
This design separates the highs and mids, while adding a third tube for ultra-low frequencies, resulting in a deeper, more natural bass without harshness.
Combined with SoftPiral™ technology, which uses dual tubes that mimic low-pass filters, this design enhances bass efficiency and delivers a smooth, extended response with a clean, natural tone.
The Softears Studio2 is built around a hybrid crossover circuit that combines physical and electronic elements to distribute frequencies with lossless precision.
This design optimizes the performance of each driver and enhances transient response.
Finely tuned frequency separation, particularly in the “mid-frequency gold band,” allows click tracks, program feeds, and vocals to be layered clearly for superior timing and harmony during performances.
Noise Isolation
The Softears Studio2 is a closed-back in-ear design that provides up to 25dB of passive noise isolation, making it ideal for both stage and studio environments.
The ergonomic fit, refined through years of research, ensures lasting comfort and a secure seal. Each unit is crafted with meticulous craftsmanship, boasting a premium design and durability.
The nozzle-locking lip prevents the eartips from slipping during prolonged use or exposure to dust.
Cable
The basic cable included with the Softears Studio 2 features a soft, flexible gray PVC outer sleeve. It uses a standard 3.5mm single-ended terminal and comes neatly packaged with a Softears-branded Velcro strap.
The connector locations are marked with a red ring on the right side and a clear housing on the left side.
The left side is designed to match the shell with “Studio2” printed on it, while the right connector is designed to match the side with the “Softears” logo.
The cable’s interior is constructed with oxygen-free copper wiring in a simple twisted braid construction. It’s easy to handle, tangle-resistant, and not bulky or stiff.
The entire cable is lightweight, making it comfortable to wear. While not modular, the build quality and feel are consistent with the Studio 2’s clean, practical theme.
Softears Studio 2 Features
The Softears Studio 2 features two balanced armature drivers within each shell. The Knowles 22955 driver handles the mid-bass, while the custom driver handles the treble.
The 22955 is a long-stroke diaphragm driver renowned for its powerful output and is one of the largest balanced armature models commonly used in earphones today.
Driver separation is controlled through a combination of physical and electronic crossover components. Each driver is connected to an acoustic tube, reducing overlap and maintaining control across the frequency range.
A unique feature of the Studio 2 is its 2+1 acoustic tube system. Two tubes are used for the highs and mid-bass, while the third tube is dedicated to the sub-bass, bypassing the acoustic damper found in typical balanced armature configurations.
This configuration, which Softears calls SoftPiral technology, improves the efficiency of the low-frequency drivers without the need for additional drivers.
The simpler yet smarter internal layout enhances low-frequency performance.
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