Softears Studio2 - Hear Your Place in the Performance
Studio2 puts the essentials of a stage mix within clear reach. Developed for live monitoring, recording and focused music listening, these wired in-ear monitors combine two balanced armature drivers per earpiece with carefully engineered acoustic pathways. Their tuning prioritises the information performers need: vocal articulation, rhythmic cues and the relationship between instruments. Compact resin housings, a detachable copper cable and a protective carrying case complete a practical design built around regular use.
Two Drivers with Complementary Roles
A large balanced armature with a long-excursion diaphragm reproduces the bass and midrange, providing weight for rhythm instruments while keeping voices clearly defined. A separate customised armature handles the upper frequencies through its own acoustic tube, supporting the harmonics and fine details that help distinguish instruments within a busy arrangement.
The drivers operate with an electrical crossover and a deliberately shaped acoustic system. This combination allows Softears to control how their outputs meet, aiming for a continuous presentation rather than disconnected frequency bands. For performers, the intended benefit is a monitor mix that remains easy to follow as the arrangement becomes more demanding.
SoftPiral Technology and the 2+1 Acoustic Structure
Two armatures supply the sound, while three acoustic routes shape its delivery. Studio2’s SoftPiral design combines the main mid/bass and treble tubes with an additional narrow passage dedicated to reinforcing the lowest frequencies. This extra route bypasses the acoustic damper, changing the way low-frequency energy travels from the bass driver to the ear.
The structure is designed to improve bass efficiency and texture without adding another transducer. By managing the acoustic load and sound paths, Softears aims to give kick drums, bass lines and rhythmic accompaniment a more substantial foundation while preserving midrange clarity. The “2+1” designation therefore describes the acoustic routing, not a three-driver configuration.
Passive Isolation for Stage and Studio
Studio2 uses a closed-back in-ear construction to reduce the intrusion of surrounding sound. Softears specifies up to 25dB of passive noise reduction for the universal-fit version under its own laboratory conditions. Actual isolation depends on the ear tips, the seal and the listener’s ear shape. This is physical sound isolation and requires neither active noise-cancelling electronics nor a battery.
A suitable seal can make a monitor feed easier to distinguish from stage sound and nearby activity. That makes Studio2 useful for vocal and instrument monitoring, rehearsal and recording, as well as listening in environments where reducing outside distractions is valuable.
Contoured Resin Shells and Secure Ear Tips
The housings are produced using high-precision 3D printing and medical-grade resin. Their rounded contours are designed to sit comfortably against the ear, while the cable routes over the ear for stable positioning. Each nozzle includes a retaining lip that helps prevent the ear tip from sliding off during fitting and removal.
The universal version accommodates different ears through interchangeable tips rather than separate housing sizes. Selecting the tip that seals comfortably is important for both bass reproduction and isolation. Softears also offers appearance customisation and custom-fit CIEM services separately; these are distinct from the standard universal product described here.
A Lightweight Cable Made for Practical Use
The supplied 1.2m cable uses 5N oxygen-free copper conductors beneath a soft PVC covering. Its flexible construction is intended to keep cable handling unobtrusive and reduce the mechanical noise that can travel through a cable during movement. A red channel marker makes the right-hand connector easy to identify.
Detachable 0.78mm two-pin connections allow the cable to be replaced when needed, while the 3.5mm single-ended plug connects to compatible headphone outputs and monitoring receivers. Gold-plated contacts help resist oxidation. Studio2 is a passive wired monitor, so there is no internal battery to charge.
Monitoring Specifications
Studio2 has an impedance of 86Ω at 1kHz and a sensitivity of 127dB/Vrms at 1kHz. Its stated frequency range is 5Hz–40kHz, measured using a quarter-inch free-field microphone at −3dB. The effective frequency response is specified separately as 20Hz–20kHz under IEC 60318-4 conditions, with total harmonic distortion below 1% at 1kHz.
These specifications accompany a design focused on intelligible monitoring and consistent acoustic integration. The high voltage sensitivity also means that impedance alone should not be used to judge how loudly the earphones will play from a particular source.
Protective Storage Between Sessions
A rigid carrying case with a cushioned interior provides organised storage for the earphones and cable. Softears describes the case as resistant to impact and water, using an ABS, fibreglass and polycarbonate construction. These protective claims apply to the case, rather than establishing a waterproof rating for the earphones themselves. A separate storage pouch and cleaning tool support everyday transport and maintenance.
In the box:
- Softears Studio2 universal-fit in-ear monitors,
- detachable 1.2m 5N OFC cable with 3.5mm plug,
- ear tips - 3 pairs in different sizes,
- cleaning tool,
- storage pouch,
- protective carrying case,
- user manual.
