Softears Volume S - Two Ways to Connect with Your Music
The Volume S brings two listening perspectives into one carefully integrated design. These wired hybrid in-ear monitors combine a dynamic bass driver, a passive diaphragm and two balanced armatures with a selectable tuning system. Choose between Pop and Classical modes to adjust the presentation to your music and preferences. Developed as a substantial evolution of the original Volume, the Volume S introduces revised acoustics, pressure relief, sculpted resin shells and a modular cable, bringing greater flexibility to both listening and everyday use.
Two Tuning Modes, One Versatile Monitor
A Japanese Copal rotary switch on each faceplate changes the tuning through two crossover configurations. Rather than adjusting a single frequency band, Softears’ bus-impedance approach changes the response of the system as a whole. Pop mode follows a room-based HRTF target, while Classical mode offers a more relaxed high-frequency balance inspired by a domestic hi-fi system. This gives listeners a choice between a livelier presentation and a fuller, gentler tonal character. Use the supplied adjustment tool to select matching settings on both earpieces.
The electrical specifications also change with the selected setting. Low-impedance mode measures 9.8Ω with a sensitivity of 124dB/Vrms, while high-impedance mode measures 31.2Ω and 114dB/Vrms, all specified at 1kHz. Consequently, the two settings may require different volume levels from the same source.
Active Bass with Passive Resonance Control
Its bass system pairs a driven diaphragm with a passive element that responds acoustically. The active 10mm dynamic driver uses a titanium dome and a flexible silicone suspension, combining dome rigidity with the freedom of movement needed for low-frequency reproduction. A separate 6mm wool-paper passive diaphragm helps manage unwanted vibration within the assembly.
This arrangement is designed to produce bass with weight and definition while maintaining clarity further up the frequency range. Although the configuration is commonly described as four drivers per earpiece, it contains three electrically driven transducers and one passive diaphragm. The passive element supports the acoustic system rather than receiving its own electrical signal.
Dedicated Armatures and Carefully Coordinated Acoustics
Two independent balanced armatures handle the midrange and treble, using separate acoustic pathways. Softears combines its customised ED-series driver with a WBFK high-frequency unit to support vocal texture, instrumental definition and upper-frequency detail. The aim is a continuous tonal presentation that allows the different driver technologies to work together naturally.
An eight-component, three-way RC crossover draws on the tuning-network approach used in the RS10. Alongside the electrical filtering, short acoustic ducts with reduced bends help control the paths that sound travels before reaching the ear. These measures are intended to improve phase alignment and preserve the placement of voices and instruments within the recording.
Pressure Relief and an Ergonomic Fit
The Volume S incorporates a rear-chamber pressure-release structure together with a front-chamber acoustic filter. This arrangement helps manage the pressure changes generated by the dynamic driver, supporting bass performance and reducing the sensation of pressure associated with sealed in-ear designs. It works as part of the physical acoustic structure and requires no battery or electronic processing.
Developed with HeyGears, the 3D-printed medical-grade resin shells use contoured surfaces shaped for a secure fit. Two supplied ear-tip families provide further adjustment: B-type silicone tips offer the reference fit used during development, while Ultra Clear tips provide a soft alternative for achieving a comfortable seal. Both styles come in small, medium and large sizes.
Aluminium and Carbon Fibre with Individual Character
Each faceplate combines a precision-machined aluminium-alloy frame with a forged carbon-fibre insert. The frame receives a sandblasted, anodised finish, creating a restrained matte surface around the patterned centre. Because the carbon-fibre fragments form a different arrangement in each insert, every pair has its own visual character. The result is a dark, understated design with texture that becomes more apparent as the light changes.
A Flexible Cable for Portable and Desktop Systems
The supplied 1.2m cable uses oxygen-free copper conductors inside a soft braided paracord covering. Detachable 0.78mm two-pin connections allow cable replacement, while interchangeable source plugs support both conventional 3.5mm single-ended outputs and compatible 4.4mm balanced outputs. This makes it straightforward to move between a portable player, a headphone DAC and a desktop amplifier without replacing the entire cable.
Softears specifies an overall frequency range of 8Hz–40kHz, measured with a ¼-inch free-field microphone at −5dB, and an effective response of 20Hz–20kHz under IEC 60318-4 measurement conditions. Total harmonic distortion is specified below 1% at 1kHz. These figures describe the manufacturer’s measurement conditions and complement the practical flexibility offered by the two tuning settings.
In the box:
- Softears Volume S in-ear monitors,
- detachable oxygen-free copper braided paracord cable,
- interchangeable 3.5mm single-ended plug,
- interchangeable 4.4mm balanced plug,
- b-type silicone ear tips - 3 pairs, sizes S/M/L,
- ultra clear ear tips - 3 pairs, sizes S/M/L,
- tuning-switch adjustment tool,
- carrying case,
- protective carrying pouch,
- cleaning cloth,
- user manual.
- Softears brand card.
