Softears RSV MKII - Reference Sound with Renewed Energy
The RSV MKII brings a fuller sense of scale to Softears’ Reference Sound family. Building on the original RSV, these wired in-ear monitors retain five balanced armature drivers per earpiece while introducing revised crossover engineering, dedicated acoustic pathways and a dual pressure-relief system. The design focuses on combining substantial bass, expressive vocals and refined treble within a cohesive presentation. Black resin housings, machined aluminium faceplates and carbon-fibre detailing give the earphones a distinctive appearance that complements their acoustic ambition.
Five Balanced Armatures with Clearly Defined Roles
Two Knowles CI22955 balanced armatures form the foundation of the bass section, providing the diaphragm excursion needed for weight and impact. An upgraded ED-series driver handles the midrange, where vocal articulation and the tonal character of acoustic instruments require particular care. A dual SWFK high-frequency assembly completes the five-driver configuration, supporting treble detail and the separation of complex instrumental layers.
This division of responsibilities allows Softears to tune each section individually while preserving a consistent overall character. The RSV MKII is designed to bring greater low-frequency authority to the original concept, alongside a clear midrange and a smoother upper-frequency presentation.
Four-Way Crossover and Dedicated Acoustic Paths
Its five armatures work through four acoustic paths to give each part of the music room to emerge. A four-way crossover based on Softears’ LRC tuning network uses seven precision components to shape the drivers’ operating ranges and coordinate their output. Electrical filtering and acoustic routing are developed together, helping the separate drivers contribute to a unified sound.
The bass section receives two dedicated sound tubes. This arrangement gives the low-frequency drivers carefully controlled acoustic paths, supporting consistency through the bass region and its transition into the rest of the spectrum. The aim is a substantial, textured foundation that remains integrated with voices and instruments.
Dual Pressure Relief for Comfortable Listening
The RSV MKII combines a passive air-damping system derived from the RS10 with an airflow pressure-relief structure. The passive element responds to pressure changes within the acoustic assembly, while the airflow system helps balance pressure inside and outside the ear canal. Together, these features address the sense of pressure that can accompany a tightly sealed in-ear fit.
The passive component supports the acoustic system and is separate from the five sound-producing balanced armatures. The medical-grade resin housing is shaped around a precision 3D-printed acoustic cavity, and the nozzle includes a retaining lip to help keep ear tips securely attached during everyday use.
Aluminium and Carbon Fibre with a Distinctive Finish
The faceplates combine CNC-machined aluminium alloy with forged carbon-fibre inserts. A recessed V-shaped pattern gives the design its central feature, while a matte anodised finish creates a restrained contrast with the irregular texture of the carbon fibre. Subtle RS branding completes the exterior without overwhelming the material detail.
This combination gives the RSV MKII a more architectural appearance than a conventional plain resin monitor. The resin body forms the contact surface against the ear, while the metal and carbon-fibre faceplate provides visual depth and a recognisable identity.
Detachable Copper Cable with Two Connection Options
The supplied cable uses high-purity 6N oxygen-free copper conductors in a fine-strand twisted construction. Universal 0.78mm two-pin connectors allow the cable to be detached for replacement or to suit another compatible listening setup. The standard termination is a 4.4mm balanced plug with nickel-free gold plating.
A supplied adapter connects this cable to a conventional 3.5mm single-ended headphone output. This gives the RSV MKII practical compatibility with a range of portable players, headphone DACs and amplifiers without requiring a second complete cable.
Ear Tips for Different Fit Preferences
Softears supplies both Ultra Clear and Type-B ear tips in small, medium and large sizes. Ultra Clear tips offer a soft contact surface intended to maintain a close seal, while Type-B tips are the reference style used during Softears’ tuning process. Trying the different sizes helps establish a secure fit and consistent bass reproduction.
The earphones themselves use a universal-fit housing rather than separate S, M and L body sizes. Ear-tip selection provides the adjustment needed for different ear canals and listening preferences.
Technical Specifications
The RSV MKII has an impedance of 7Ω at 1kHz, with a ±15% tolerance, and a sensitivity of 122dB/Vrms at 1kHz. Its specified frequency range is 15Hz–40kHz, measured with a quarter-inch free-field microphone at −3dB. The effective response is listed separately as 20Hz–20kHz under IEC 60318-4 conditions, with total harmonic distortion below 1% at 1kHz.
These are passive wired earphones and require no charging. Their low impedance and high voltage sensitivity make source selection relevant: a quiet headphone output with low output impedance is a sensible match for this multi-armature design.
In the box:
- Softears RSV MKII black in-ear monitors,
- detachable 6N oxygen-free copper cable with 4.4mm balanced plug,
- adapter for connecting the 4.4mm cable to a 3.5mm headphone output,
- ultra clear ear tips - sizes S/M/L,
- type-b silicone ear tips - sizes S/M/L,
- carrying case,
- protective pouches,
- cleaning brush,
- user manual.
