In 2016, I survived 30 days on the Whole30 eating regimen. The purpose of the eating regimen, I’d name it a “reset,” is to eat unprocessed, entire meals with no sugar added to them for 30 days. Many issues occur to your physique and style buds throughout this time, however probably the most thrilling factor is that your style buds “wake up” by the top. You’ve been consuming meals with a lot added sugar and so many snack meals with sugar profiles grossly augmented with excessive fructose corn syrup that you just not know what “natural” sweetness is. By the top of my 30 days, fruit tasted sweet candy once more; oranges had new life on my style buds, and I now favor consuming a recent orange as an alternative of consuming a cup of sugar water orange juice. Stick with me; I’m bringing this residence.In 2024, you’ve possible grow to be accustomed to headphones with the bottom-end augmented, some with a grossly augmented “high fructose bass response.” When I first started listening to the brand new Beats Solo 4, I assumed that they had no bass, thus the title of this text.However, after a while to “reset,” I spotted one thing: within the wake of a surge within the reputation of Hi-Res Audio choices, what Beats offers you on this newest technology of Solo headphones is a palette cleanser, free from high-fructose bass enhancements. A base sound with which to get pleasure from music as its creators mastered it or as you wish to hear it by sweetening it your self with some EQ.Beats Solo 4: Price and availability(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)Available to order on April 30th from apple.com within the US, Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones price $199.99. Despite an upgraded function set from the beforehand launched Solo 3, the Solo 4 launches on the similar worth.They’re at present obtainable in three colours: Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoriesBeats Solo 4ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, Class 1 Bluetooth, USB-C audio, 3.5mm analogDriverBeats 40mm custom-designed, passively tuned dynamic diaphragm transducerSupported codecsSBC, AAC, Personalized Spatial Audio with head trackingBattery/ChargingUp to 50 hours of listening time Fast Fuel: 10-minute cost = as much as 5 hours of playbackApp helpAndroid and iOSColorsMatte Black, Slate Blue and Cloud PinkWeight217 gramsBeats Solo 4: What I likeGlorious ports = lively listening flexibility! (Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)When I first listened to the brand new Beats Solo 4, I hadn’t but learn the reviewer’s information the corporate had despatched out with the invite to check them. Just like Ikea directions, that information remained unread till I’d put collectively a few of my very own assessments. However, I ultimately wanted to seek advice from that information as a result of it usually factors out new options and variations between a product’s present and former generations. Reading that doc illuminated my expertise. The Beats Solo Pro obtained a lot reward for his or her mature sound in comparison with earlier generations of Beats merchandise. The Solo 4 are extra a sonic non secular successor to the Solo Pro, however technically a direct successor to 2016’s Solo 3 wi-fi. Beats Solo 4 take the sonic maturity of the Solo Pro even additional with a brand new building course of for its transducers and an upgraded acoustic structure. The result’s a brand new on-ear with a sound primed for accessible technical listening, being Beats-only passively tuned headphones.Quote: Before I dove into my technical audio evaluation, for reference, I cleansed my listening palette with a while on my Sennheiser 660S2, listening by means of playlists through USB-C DAC.Since that is an Android web site, let’s start with the elephant within the room: Bluetooth codecs. AAC is the star of the present right here, however you’re possible utilizing a telephone that helps higher-resolution codecs like aptX HD or LDAC. While I’d favor at the least aptX HD, AAC nonetheless sounds robust right here, with some caveats.Overall, the stereo separation is so detailed it’s stunning to sit down and actively take heed to. The Apple Music lossless model of The Doors’ “Ryders on the Storm” has much less noise than the variations I’ve discovered on Tidal, so it’s way more pleasing to take heed to. Beats Solo 4’s dynamic vary and readability are adequate that I may clearly hear the whispers in Jim Morrison’s backing vocals on the monitor, a component of that blend I’d forgotten about. Mids aren’t so scooped with the Solo 4s as earlier Beats. The passive tuning does have an effect on highs; the horns in Art Blakey’s “Moanin” aren’t as shrill as they are often with different headphones. The separation of instrumentation within the stereo picture of Moanin’ is a delight when listening through Bluetooth.If you’re a bass head, chances are you’ll want some EQ for those who’re anticipating that signature bassy increase bap; these aren’t tuned for that out of the field. For instance, within the Skrillex and Ragga Twins music “Ragga Bomb,” the bass doesn’t have the identical resonance that it does on headphones tuned with a hotter low finish. With the Solo 4 not having that “high fructose bass additive,” it is going to be a brand new expertise for some.It’s a pleasure to take heed to, because the bass and sub-bass may be overwhelming elsewhere. The steadiness right here is refreshing and never fatiguing like a closely tuned bass response may be with a monitor like “Ragga Bomb.”Tuned for “seasoning”Beats Solo 4 with Pixel 7 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Ultra S22, THX Onyx, iFi GO blu, iFi GO hyperlink (Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)With this passive tuning, consider the Solo 4 like cooking with white fish—I like Chilean Sea Bass. It readily takes on the flavour of no matter you season it with. In the case of the Solo 4, seasoning comes within the type of which apps or DACs you utilize.I performed tunes from varied music streaming apps and the native storage on a Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Tidal, YT Music, VLC Media Player, and Apple Music sound a lot better than Spotify over USB-C and Bluetooth. YouTube Music has probably the most presence and loudness no matter my connection methodology. All three connections sound shut to at least one one other, however the 3.5mm wired connection actually exposes the high-quality dynamic vary of the Beats Solo 4 when performed by means of totally different USB-C DACs.I examined music by means of three totally different items: an iFi GO Link, iFi GO Blu, and THX Onyx. The iFi GO Blu, with its USB-C connection, has probably the most energy, offering probably the most headroom and vary. The GO Blu actually elevates the Beats Solo 4 listening expertise.Remember after I mentioned these “have no bass” on the outset? Perish the thought. Playing by means of the DACs, the 808 in The Roots’ “Illadelph Halflife” monitor “Push Up Ya Lighter’s” has severe resonance, with the remainder of the weather sounding ethereal, with crisp vocals and tight sonics. The similar goes for the title monitor from their freshman album, “Do you want more?!!!??!” The resonance of the heavy 808 is delightfully tight, whereas the snare drum is snappy with out being fatiguing, and the bagpipes performed right here, layered towards the again of the monitor, are nonetheless fairly current within the combine.(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)Spatial audio is included on this bundle, so off to Netflix I went, enjoying some content material that helps spatial audio playback, similar to “Blue Eye Samurai.” The taiko drum struggle scene in episode two, “An Unexpected Element,” sounds terrific by means of the Solo 4s. The taiko drums play a rousing half in upping the stress of this scene. The Solo 4s reproduce the taikos with deep bass that doesn’t overpower the remainder of the sound design, and the struggle scene sound results, the swords clanging, had been full and vivid with out being irritatingly tinny.In the opening scene of “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor is exchanging some witty repartee with Surtur, who will get up from his throne, dragging his huge sword behind him. Good headphones reproduce this layered impact the place it sounds just like the dragging sword is within the again proper someplace. Beats Solo 4 do their spatial job right here!Aside from content material, Beats additionally says it upgraded the mics from the analog affair within the 2016 Beats Solo 3 to digital MEMs mics in 2024 items. The name readability in a quiet room is superb, though in noisier environments, your mileage could range. I’ve had some situations in testing the place my voice lower by means of, however ambient site visitors sound was additionally current. I’ve had different calls the place my spouse had points listening to me after I was on the road. These issues are troublesome to evaluate as a result of so many variables may have an effect on what the caller hears on the opposite finish, like cell sign energy. I hear callers simply positive on my finish, although.Rounding out the checklist of options and upgrades, you’ll get 50 hours of battery life, due to Beats’ proprietary chip—no Apple “W” chips right here. If you drain them and have to get in a exercise or commute, 10 minutes of charging will get you 5 hours of playback. You may also use the 3.5mm connection, which requires no energy. That USB-C port will cost whilst you’re listening to music, and it really works for taking telephone calls whereas related as nicely.Beats Solo 4: What could possibly be improved(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)Like different Beats merchandise not too long ago, the Solo 4s help some native options on each iOS and Android. With them working to convey parity between the platforms, even going so far as together with multipoint connections on Android (which isn’t supported on iOS), I’d wish to see broader Bluetooth codec help. Not that AAC received’t work for many listeners, however a high-quality, high-bitrate LDAC stream sounds higher to me than AAC. There isn’t any night time and day distinction, however once we’re speaking about audiophile or enthusiast-level listening, these variations in levels may be noticeable to discriminating listeners.I additionally favor over-ear to on-ear headphones and carry a big backpack with me in most locations, so dimension doesn’t matter. I’ve a big kaiju-size head, requiring that I store XXL for hats. That mentioned, I wore the Solo 4s for hours with no compression fatigue from my left yr and, after a few hours of steady put on, some discomfort in my proper ear. After re-seating the headphones, that discomfort went away totally. I feel it was the angle I had them sitting on that proper ear.(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)When it involves the Beats app, it offers fundamental performance like name management customization, registering your headphones, firmware updates, and “Locate My Beats.” With the passive tuning, I’d like to see a strong EQ added to the app. Sure, some streaming apps like Apple Music have EQ in-built, however having it within the Beats app would imply that my sound preferences are persistent throughout apps. There can be no have to EQ my Solo’s in each app I exploit.Beats Solo 4: Competition(Image credit score: Sony)Currently, there actually isn’t any “apples to apples” competitors for the Beats Solo 4. A couple of on-ear headphones are available on the market at considerably lower cost factors, however I wouldn’t essentially say they compete. Skullcandy affords their Riff Wireless 2 on-ears for $49.99, however they received’t be anyplace close to as impartial or possible have an identical vary. JBL Live 670NC will run you $130 and have ANC and a transparency mode. They additionally help Bluetooth LE and embody a 3.5mm cable. I haven’t examined them, so I can’t communicate to their sound high quality. Last, for just below $60, most likely the closest you’ll get when it comes to sound high quality will likely be Sony’s WH-CH520 on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They don’t have USB-C audio help or a 3.5mm audio port, however for a 3rd of the worth, you get 50 hours of battery life, AAC, multipoint, and an app with EQ performance.Beats Solo 4: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)You should purchase Beats Solo 4 if…You desire a impartial pair of “entry-level” audio fanatic on-ear headphones.You use a USB-C DAC/AMP.You don’t need/want ANC.You need flexibility for lively listening.You should not purchase Beats Solo 4 if…You want ANC.You need Bluetooth Hi-Res Audio.I totally get pleasure from listening to Beats Studio Pro, which have heat tuning within the low finish with out compromising the remainder of the frequency vary. Still, with Beats Solo 4’s impartial tuning, these passively tuned transducers are additionally totally pleasing and will likely be a revelation for some listeners—particularly those that’ve made their whole persona hating on Beats.The Solo 4 signify a departure from the signature Beats sound, however that isn’t a nasty factor. They’re an evolution and, finally, a chance for listeners to completely expertise the lossless audio they might be paying for on Tidal, Qobuzz, or every other companies streaming high-fidelity audio recordsdata. They’re even higher if you need one thing wi-fi that’s mild, compact, and simple on the go however affords the flexibleness to start that journey into technical listening if you’re in the correct setting and headspace for it.If on-ear headphones are your jam, Beats Solo 4 signify a number of the finest you could possibly rock out to. Possibly the perfect obtainable proper now!
Feel the Beats
The new Beats Solo 4 could shock you with their updates sound profile, however they’re nonetheless simply pretty much as good as you may count on with a cushty construct, nice audio, and lengthy battery life.