Etymotic ER4® XR Extended Response Earphones

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.

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.

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

Timeless style and fit

• Professional quality and reliability
• An 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
• 1/4” stereo phone adaptor
• Assortment of eartips
• Filter removal tool and replacement filters
• Shirt clip
• Zippered storage case
• Performance certificate

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.

Technical Specs

Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 16 kHz
Transducers: High performance, balanced armature micro-drivers
Noise Isolation: 35-42 dB
Impedance (@1kHz): 45 Ohms
Sensitivity (@1 kHz): SPL at 0.1v 98 dB
Maximum Output (SPL): 122 dB
Cable: 5 ft Detachable
User Replaceable ACCU-Filters: Yes
Warranty: 2 Years

Which ER•4 is Right for You?

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.

ER•4PT, intended for sound engineers and audiophiles, comes equipped with extra accessories. ER•4PT earphones can be used with portable devices without an additional amplifier—or converted to the ER•4S response with the included P-to-S cable. Compared to the ER•4S, the ER•4PT 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•4PT have made it the most popular earphone in the series. Included with every pair of ER•4PT earphones is an industry-exclusive channel-matching compliance graph, signed by the Etymotic engineer who precision matched and custom tuned the balanced-armature drivers.

ER•4S earphones were designed to compensate for the high frequency emphasis in all CD recordings, in order to provide accurate sound reproduction. Performing musicians often use them as in-ear monitors because the response of the ER•4S matches the response of most typical monitor loudspeakers. The high accuracy and exceptional sound isolation of the ER•4S have made these earphones popular with musicians, recording engineers and audiophiles. ER•4S earphones can be used with a headphone amplifier when using low power portable devices.

ER•4B are for the binaural recording enthusiast. The ER•4B is an ideal earphone for use with material that has not been equalized for loudspeaker playback. It was developed from the ER-1 earphone that is referenced to a flat diffuse field and used primarily for speech reception research, where the goal is to produce the same frequency response at the eardrum as would be produced in the live situation.

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.