I like your style, nice channel... IEC 60318-1 is an ear simulator with acoustic load that mimics the ear response at ear canal entrance, when it's closed with circumaural headphones. It's not simulating free field like ISO 226, nor diffuse fields standards. They are not suitable for headphones measurements (many articles available in AES library) you need a dedicated coupler that takes into account the closed cabinet for example. KEMAR is a different simulator all together but it does fit 60318-1 couplers(and 60318-4 for example) and that results in the same measurements (give or take) as 45CC does. We do not use compensation curves, we show the response based on IEC6013-1, clearly stated everywhere. What is the best target? Well there is no consensus on that in audio industry. Even Harman and dr. Sean Olive changed it in 2018 and in this video it's a combo of 2013 and 2018, so modified again, proving the point there is no consensus. Just opinions... What OLLO lab does great is showing the differences between measured headphones based on 60318-1, not ISO, or Harman,... Would it make sense to show results based on one or the other equal loudness, yes I think that'd be fun. Sidenote: If you use our RAW measurement you need to deduct the acoustic load that IEC coupler makes before playing with other curves. We just listen to feedback from users and design the response based on that. OLLO is very open to new ideas and approaches. If you can share resources used in this video, that'd be great since I am not sold with "it's a kemar diffuse field". We are available for questions through our help desk. DMS, thanks for sharing the word about our efforts and bringing attention to confusion in measurements standards in headphones. All audio labs still have a long way to go. Keep it up! Rok Gulic, CEO of OLLO Audio

Audio production is my passion, and has been for almost 50 years. If I had not already purchased and used the S4X extensively., seeing this review would have convinced me not to buy them. Very plausible criticisms, delivered with panache - and a talent for wide-spectrum disapproval expressed subliminally in posture and vocal tone. For anyone that cares - in a world of unremarkable audio gear, these phones shine. They defy measurement and categorization, which is what may have irritated the reviewer. If you work with audio, and want a set of phones that sound so natural they can take the place of traditional multi-driver monitors, get the S4X.

I think these are really fantastic headphones for the price. I`m a mastering engineer, 2 studios, the mastering room is fully treated, calibrated and essentially a flat response room, production room is roughly treated at the moment. I produce my own music too, I prefer to produce on headphones for full immersion, and just tidy up on the studio nearfield monitors. Mastering room I use reference grade full range speakers, great converters and signal path, and I am very very familiar with the sound in there. I`ve found that mixes I do on the OLLO`s translate very well to the mastering room. I rarely have to do much balancing. The main area I find them lacking accuracy, and I am comparing them to reference speakers in a mastering room here, is transient representation. I would say there is a noticeable difference in the transient response in the mids to upper mids in particular, when making this comparison. Once you get a full mix together, I find the mid range transients when checked against both the nearfields and mastering mains, tend to need more dynamic. So they are making transients to appear to be greater, more punchy and dynamic than they actually are. I`m not sure about how that applies technically but I`ll make a vague guess that over representing dynamic is something to do with damping of the driver. The driver is moving more, via inertia, than the fast transients require for accurate representation? I don`t particularly find any issue with low end or high end transients I am of course being super picky, to expect £330 headphones to sound as accurate as £10,000 mastering mains. As production headphones/mixing headphones I don`t think you would be disappointed with the results/quality/cost ratio. You can definitely make very good mixes on them, I don`t personally think there is anything in that price range that translates as well to a reference environment.

Kind of a strange review. You basically limited yourself to assessing the reference character of the headphones. And while i would agree with you on that part, there are a view things that i find ..hum..irritating? First: This is a small company and i assume, that you would contact the guy, who is responsible and not just whoever you get to answer the e-mail. I mean you would probably not make a big deal out of it, if somebody at sennheiser customer service would not know about this stuff, eh? So IF, and that is ofc an assumption on my part, you have not talked to the bossman, your statement might be not correct. Secondly: with every other headphone you assess the claim (as in what the company claims it is made for, if there is any) and then the "every day " performance (the DT1990 review come to mind) while in this review the actual sound doesn't seem to be of any importance, which i find a wee bit sloppy and eventually misleading :/

Have you tried to mix on them? I think reviews of any product marketing as a reference studio headphone probably would benefit from a "I conducted a mix on these, and compared the results to my standard mix chain of (headphones / speakers / etc.) and the result is....xxx" As an example, the Harman Target is (IMO) designed as a pleasing curve, and not necessarily one that translates well at the mix / mastering stage. Good review as always!

Man. No theme Reviews is going to have a stroke after this.

Damn they missed the chance to call it the S3X... after watching the review, they're probably saving that name for an updated pair.

Are you interested in reviewing the Blon BL-30 headphones? 70mm driver headphones that look theyve been made from spare parts ^^

If you assume they didn't know what they were doing and still achieved their goal, what's the point then here? The OLLO Audio markets the S4x as completely flat while in reality they offer very honest, pleasantly performing headphones, that is an open secret. If you listen with your ears you could have spared all this detective work. At home I paired the S4X with the Pro-ject S2 digital with it an extremely brilliant result. The soundstage is OK, imaging is perfect, brilliance is just as clear as it is possible without being exhausting. Not an analytic reference pair of cans, yes! But I would claim that these headphones easily wipe out 90% of all competitors in this price range and a large number above. Give them a shot, OLLO offers a tryout period, no need for oversmart reviewers here. ;)

Kinda feel this guy has some sort of interest in hyping the 560s... It felt hard to him to make compliments on the ollo to then grab about the 560s (which is not that amazing as some peoples is trying to sell...). Just my humble opinion

So to the most important question, do they sound flat?

Thanks for the review. Interesting take and some interesting information regarding the graphs and measurements.

When showing graphs please put a solid background. I had a lot of trouble seeing the curves. For an example of graphs shown well check out a Gamers Nexus video.

I just saw these headphones on Instagram and am curious, but since the HD560s seems a better buy for me. I am not thrilled about the headphone band microphony. How did they not know what target they are chasing. Accuracy is only good if you see the target you are aiming for. Otherwise what do you build it for?

This is funny. All I hear from guys that used to swear by the sennheiser for mixing is that the Ollo S4x blows them away. Mixes translates better than ever and so on. What’s your thoughts on that?

Dms try and get your hands on avantone planar headphone please. Its has rectangle ear cups, might be great for you. 😉

You should have discussed it in more detail with the manufacturer. Referring to the target curve here, it seems as they know what they are doing but it's a bit technical so they they just don't go around telling everyone. Maybe you could get on a call with a few of the people working there and try to pick their brains. I would really enjoy that video. Thx

Off topic I bought dt1990 after years of pondering. I really like them! Imaging and instrument separation are amazing. I listen to stuff at a lower volume on them and have no problem with the highs. Using them with a Hugo2. Been listening to your tidal playlist which is awesome btw. Any recommendations for closed back headphones?

How does it sound tho? How hard is it to drive this? This specific video looked like someone trying to take a small company to school. Which maybe something they need or deserve or whatever. But as a beginner in this hobby all I saw was graphs and nothing more. And I didn't get whether to get these or not. Maybe it was too technical from your point of view. But definitely lacked the components that usually go into your review.

Oratory's Optimum Hi-Fi target is a flat(ish) version of Harman (with warmer lower mids to match speakers in a room but flat bass). Example: www.dropbox.com/s/ygs3wfnj4ntgmhq/Sennheiser%20HD600%20%28Optimum%20HiFi%20Curve%29.pdf?dl=0

I hope you get a chance to try out the LSA HP-2 Ultra. It's made by Kennerton but sold by LSA. It's a revised version of the kennerton gjallarhorn.

I have a pair and like them. I was concerned about the interior dimensions of the earpads before they arrived but they actually fit my head and ears more comfortably than the Sundara.

Have you tried the austrian audio hi x55?

they target as flat as possible for the human hearing not chart wise, that was pretty clear to me

Hey DMS, actually they talk about their Basis for the frequency design on the website, if you scroll down from the measurements of main mixing headphones on the market. Quote: "Here is an example of Harman Target Curve on a raw measurement chart without any compensation. Dr. Sean Olive researched that in-depth and published quite some papers on the matter in AES Journals. His research empirically proved that the majority of consumers would enjoy about 5 dB boost in the low-frequency area. Our test with our endorsers shows that audio engineers prefer a bit less in the bass region due to clarity and masking effect that can quickly build up. That's the basis for the frequency response design we undertook with the S4X headphones."

We really like DMS work and style. He's of a great value to the industry. Unfortunately, this review includes wrong information and facts that we have to constantly clean up. For that reason now, after 3 years, OLLO decided to publicly address some of the comments in this and other reviews. Misinformation in this review are still creating support tickets and continue to damage our registered brand. We can no longer allow misuse of our brand and have decided to post a link to a video that is correcting wrongfully stated facts by DMS. Hopefully we can limit and fix this at the source video and no further action will be required. We have no issues with opinions, just facts that are wrong and damaging. DMS is a great guy, this is simply a technical response from a brand to a technical part of the review. Everything else is a valuable content and we appreciate it. Here's the link that will hopefully be added to the description as well. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iZmFndqAltSZoGg.htmlsi=ay2QhtOs16NXbk9f&t=278

What are your quick thoughts on the HD280 Pro? I've been eyeing it for a while and am not sure if I should get them. Main restriction being the earpads. So yeah

I came for a review, and I got a lecture

that was a very good review, good stuff. thank you

TBH? i don't listen to a bedroom KZfaq producer to tell me what's good and what's bad.

Waiting for a review of airpods max.

Surprised you didn't compare them to HD6XX to me they have a lot of similarities in tonality with the s4x being more extended on both ends, donno if you'd agree , also wondering if you spoke to customer service or their engineers, cause I'm sure the engineers are more educated, as is the owner

Hi. I ve got a question. First u need to know that i own AirPods pro and listened to the sennheiser pxc 550 quite a lot but dont own them. I was never into hifi Hardware i just love to listen to musik. I want to upgrade from my AirPods to something better sounding. Those sennheisers sounded great but i want more / i dont need Bluetooth, anc,... on overears. I just want to listen to musik. How much do i have to spend for a good (better than the pxc550) pair of headphones? Do i need an amplifier? What would u recommend? Thanks!

Hopefully, you will get to the 70mm driver Blon bl-30s for $110 😉.

Sandy aiva or Sivga p-ii is going to be awesome. Appreciate you work. 👌👌

Looking forward to your AirPods Max review. Wanna see how they compare on an audiophile level, maybe more like the Drop Panda? Wanna hear your opinion.

They look pretty

Hi x55 vs ollo s4x vs dt 1770 Which is more better imaging?

What target were you after by this review? Right target? Did you match it? You say yourself that you have concentrated on what you believe to be a misleading presentation. What people lack is the assessment of the headphones themselves, their advantages and disadvantages. You say they were designed out of a misunderstanding, the random result would be OK but worse compared to the, mediocre, Sennheiser headphones. I didn't get the impression you would have taken the time to really hear it. And I think you owe that to your audience as a reviewer. And with the cheeky claim that OLLO Audio didn't know what they were doing, you owe OLLO Audio an apology! It is not only communication but also about responsibility. As you can clearly see some of your audience are celebrating the shred of an entire company and, in my point of view, remarkable good pair of cans - Which is sad and making me upset. Think about it and when you think it was all right, think again!

What's better than the S4R?

What is this with wooden inlaid headphones that they all seem to suck in some aspect or another.

So... If you want less detail, comfort, imaging, and Soundstage then 560s get these. That's what I'm looking for, less of all of these things.

The pads on those S4X's look a lot like the Dekoni Audio Elite Hybrid pads for the Beyerdynamic DT series, which I use for my 1990 Pros.

How did it sound on .using recordings ..????

Why didn't you talk about DBS Tech Talk providing the Ollo S4X for you to review? You mention Andrew aka Resolve when discussing measurements. Oh wait, is DBS Tech Talk too small of a KZfaq channel to get any credit in your view; I thought you were better than that. Measurements aren't the end all be all and the Harmon Target Curve isn't neutral. Here is a link to the DBS Tech Talk review where he talks about his experience with the Ollo S4X; please note his review isn't about how the measurements determine his enjoyment and usage: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mdehrKqb0bfXipc.html UNSUBSCRIBED!!!

I'm looking for a closed back reference headphone, basically a closed back 560S, but not Beyer DT's, I have a 770 and don't like them that much. Any suggestions?

100% these are over ears for Josh, dude has munchkin ears.

Nice review! Now waiting for your Emotiva GR1 review 😎

Does this channel have a video on best low power headphones that you don't need an amp for but can plug straight into phone or laptop and sound great?

I have a question: Why do I see more people using the 650 as studio monitor headphones vs the 560s? from the feedback ive been seeing the 650 is a slightly warmer sound sig while the 560s is neutral in comparison but more just use the 650. especially with programs such as sonarworks.

what a beautiful and very educational review!

I own these headphones. Very boomy, boxy and dark. Reference my butt. These are well-made, but the sound just isn't there. HD 600 for the same money.

Are you going to review the Apple Airpod Max $550 headphones?

I wanna know about the $600 apple headphones that sound like $100 but it's cool looking so there I wanna see a modded Apple headphone just cuz they're cool looking

Hey dude a quick question, Who do you think knows or cares about all these measurement curves! Just

really diggin the content change with frequency responses! I feel like it's taken your reviews up a notch in effectiveness. You now have a way of describing what you like or shortcomings relative to a benchmark. You still have room for subjective-ness in terms of SQ but by pairing with a standardized data point it helps with your argument/opinion. Is it possible for you to do a review of the 1266 Phi TC and including the measurements against the harman curve? Resolve from the HP show said he enjoyed the TC at a limited listening session at a show but said there were major issues with the tuning he would need to EQ out. I'm wondering if you could address where those issues may be and if that is just his personal preference or if there are truly dips/peaks not aligned with the preference curve? Maybe this would be more appropriate on the Abyss channel but then how to do your your own employer/products with a sense of independence. Anyway a raw output of the 1266 Phi TC and a few Diana versions might be helpful.

I had this headphone for 2 weeks based on some other reviewers hype and was very unimpressed for the price. It's 399 Euro's ($480 USD), for that price, it's outclassed by multiple options that are less expensive. The Hifiman Sundara at $350 was far superior in my opinion in almost every aspect except drivability and QA/QC. The Sundara has much better detail, resolve, much lower distortion for EQ use, better tuning, much wider sound stage, lighter and more comfortable. The Avantone Planar is very good as well, highly recommend checking that one out too. If that headphone was $200-$300 USD it would be acceptable, but for $420-$480 is insane for a meh headphone that's outclassed by quite a few headphones.

Thank you for actually investigating this and telling a good story of the headphone. Honestly seems like they bought a cheap driver, stuck it in a nice-looking headphone chassis, threw it on a measurement rig and tuned it to the default setting. Excited to hear your thoughts on the Airpods Max.

@the honest audiophile Supposedly you will be getting that long deserved shout out video from @DMS on Sunday, something he should've done on thus video. Hopefully you see a lot of subscribers growth.

can you please review AirPods max, an audiophile perspective on them would be awesome

Hey man can you review Susvara?

I am in a dilemma with that deep dive at 6K on these :/ I like how you explain products in your reviews!! Keep up the good work!!

Get the Shuoer Tape Pros. They're insanely good. Like a step up from 6XX/4XX good. And $130. With their bass boost setup, game changers.

Have you heard Avantone Planar's?

Can you please review the Blon-03 IEMs? I heard those are crazy good...Waiting for your views on that though.

Damn those things are loud.....your ear hoops i mean.

Just got the hd560s but caught an ad about ollo. Was keen to see but I don't think i want to downgrade at this time....

Finally! Been wondering wats their target curve is for a long time. Great informative video as always

Do a review of the AB1266 on YOUR channel :D I know you work for Abyss, and it's obvious the review will be positive, but I'd still like to see it.

can u do the new 550$ apple headphones?

how does a company build a headphone to a target and not know what the target is..?

Fuck the Measurements!!! Go out and buy the Austrian Audio Hi- X 55 and Listen to a real Gem.

Hifiman HE 400SE soon please! 100usd planars!

hmmm. I was about to order these yesterday, but I couldn't find a good review until now..

thw white ear things look better

Unique Melody MEST is amazing!

Sorry, I don't believe you when you say the metal headband clangs when you move your head. This is the first I've heard of any real complaints around these phones. Eveyone else seems to love them.

Please review audeze lcd 4z how does it compare to the lcd 4

Please review audeze lcd mx4 and lcd 24 along with stax L700mk2 and stax sr009s

So you are telling me these guys had no fucking clue what they were doing. LoL

So, how the fuck does it sound ??

megamind headphones

hello :)

DMS and No Theme Reviews ...the two extremes of the headphone review world...Both extremely waaaaay off...constantly

Driver looks similar to OneOdio Pro - also 32ohm :)

FIRST BABY

Very interesting review. The weirdest thing about this looks to be what's going on with 9khz. That should have a dip like what we see with the HD560S for concha interaction. So I imagine it's quite 'shimmery' up top haha.

Look at this graph.

Unsubbed

Oh they copied the AirPods Max😡🤮 Everyone knows Apple invented headphones🤧👌🏻🤷🏼‍♂️🐑

Dms showing the whole company whose the boss

The Ollo build may be better, but God it is ugly... DMS is trying SO hard not to say: Don't buy it

Lol these seem like they just slapped together some China shit and went to sell it.