SuperMix 4 - Cheeky Quadbrid
3.5⭐️
+ Decent detail retrieval similar to the EA500LM but with more musicality
+ Deep sub bass extension and rumble
+ Energetic, sparkly treble
+ Instrument and vocal timbre
+ Good separation and wide soundstage
+ Lightweight shells
+ Comfort, fit, and isolation
- A bit bright and energetic and can be fatiguing over time
- Source dependent (could be pro?)
- Thin note weight
- Could use a little more midbass like the EM6L
- No modular cable or balanced option
- Sparse tip selection
thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This set was provided by Simgot in exchange for my honest and impartial review. I receive no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●KiwiEars Allegro
●Letshuoer DT03
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.
Introduction:
Simgot is a Chinese audio company that has gained prominence in recent years for its budget-friendly iems. Some of their offerings include the EA1000, EW200, EM6L, and EA500LM, all of which have garnered a decent amount of praise and attention. The SuperMix 4 is one of their newer models, and it features four distinct driver types: a 10mm dynamic driver for lows, a single balanced armature for mids, and one planar and one piezoelectric transducer for highs. It is currently available for $149 on Amazon but can also be found for less, as it often goes on sale. Let's break down the sound and see how it stacks up in today's market.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing experience was a bit of a disappointment for me. There wasn't much to unpack once the box was opened, and I would think the price would warrant slightly better accessories. The SuperMix 4's inclusions are almost identical to the cheaper EM6L, although there is a better stock cable this time around. The shell is made of resin with a metal faceplate, again similar to the EM6L, though the SuperMix is slightly larger and has a resin nozzle instead of a metal one. There is no lip to help hold the tips in place, though I didn't have any issues with them coming off unexpectedly. The overall design is quite understated and has a mature, sophisticated aesthetic. The combination of the black resin shell and gunmetal gray faceplate creates a handsome design. There is a copper-colored ring on the face with a single pinhole vent that gives off Dr. Manhattan vibes from Watchmen (but maybe that’s just me). The fit is very comfortable due to its ergonomic shape and surprisingly light weight, and the passive noise isolation is great. The provided cable is indeed an improvement over the previous Simgot cables I have received. It is thicker, better built, and appears more in line with the price tag. Although, to be fair, many companies are including modular cables at lower prices than the SuperMix 4 or at least offering a balanced option, so Simgot still has room for improvement. The case is generic and unbranded, but it is still well-built and of good quality. The gold zipper adds a touch of elegance and makes it a bit more appealing. Drawing another comparison to the EM6L, the SuperMix 4 only includes three sets of generic silicone tips, which is a bit stingy for the price. I tried them, but as with other Simgot models, I found the best fit and seal using large Penon Liqueurs.
Sound impressions:
It seems that with the SuperMix 4, Simgot aimed to strike a balance between musicality and technicalities. It's a very commendable attempt, but it falls a bit short for me. The overall tuning is V-shaped with big sub-bass and bright treble. Consequently, the mids are a bit recessed here, with vocals taking a slight backseat to the other frequencies. Although this may not be my preferred tuning, it will undoubtedly have its admirers. The SuperMix 4 adheres a bit more to Simgot's house sound than their previous EM6L, which means it leans brighter with more emphasis on sub-bass. It is also slightly warmer and more musical than the EA500LM, so it could be the middle ground between these two previous models that some are looking for. One of the highlights of the SuperMix is its wide and deep soundstage. It also boasts a strong dynamic range, natural timbre, and great separation between frequencies without sounding incoherent. Detail retrieval is really good, but I think it is still not quite at the same level as the EA500LM. The imaging is precise, and the layering is commendable, as it avoids sounding congested with busy tracks. The notes lack body and the weight leans a bit thin for my tastes. I would really welcome a bit more warmth overall. One advantage, or disadvantage depending on how you look at it, is that the Supermix 4 is very source-dependent. I personally prefer it with warmer sources rather than neutral or bright ones.
●Lows - The bass is more sub-bass focused than mid-bass. It's a bit lacking in slam, impact, and texture for me and doesn't have a particularly exciting presentation. I found myself wishing for more mid-bass for added warmth and weight. The attack is fairly quick with about average decay and sounds like a typical dynamic driver bass response. The low-end extension can get deep, and it has good rumble and reverberation when called for. Mostly I'd characterize it as fairly neutral with good extension. It is tactile and capable, but I feel that it's missing that mid-bass thump and something special to set it apart.
●Mids - The midrange presentation is where the SuperMix 4 gets favorable marks from me. The track "Like a Stone" by Audioslave sounds especially great. The combination of the guitar distortion effects and Chris Cornell's vocals exhibits a natural, organic timbre and lifelike quality. The excellent detail retrieval is also really evident here with each pluck and strum being clear, concise, and well represented. Vocals can sometimes present as thin and recessed in some tracks but they are mostly clear and well represented. I did have a few issues with more breathy vocalists, where intermittent sibilance can pop up at higher volume levels. Overall, I think the midrange is a highlight of the SuperMix 4 and one of its strongest selling points.
●Highs - Similar to the SuperMix’s bass response, I find the treble to be good but not great. The upper-end extension is excellent, and there's plenty of air for notes to breathe without sounding blunted. The treble is energetic and sparkly, but it can also be fatiguing over time. Cymbal crashes and hi-hats sound bright and mostly inoffensive, but they do have a bit more bite than I prefer. Although there isn’t much sibilance to speak of, there is some harshness found in “s” sounds and certain vocal notes at higher volumes. I consider myself to be fairly treble-sensitive, and I enjoy the brightness on display here, but I can only handle it for so long before my ears need a break. Others may like the extra energy and crispness that the treble offers, and this may be a pro for those who enjoy brighter sets. For what it’s worth, I don’t find it as bright or fatiguing as the EA500LM.
In conclusion:
My initial impressions of the SuperMix 4 were not particularly strong, but they really grew on me over time. I usually listen to my music at a fairly high volume, but this is actually one set that I don't mind turning down and can still enjoy. I prefer a bit more warmth, but I was surprised to find that I did enjoy the SuperMix in the right setting. Once I switched over to using the Hiby FC4 and a balanced cable, they began to resonate with me more. They are indeed source-dependent, as others have stated, so finding the right pairing is important. Even with the warm and smooth FC4, the overall signature still leans a bit bright and cold for my taste. I find them to be commendable for what they offer, but unfortunately, their strengths do not align with my preferences, and I cannot listen to them for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. So, what does the SuperMix 4 get right? The technicalities and detail retrieval are excellent, as well as the separation, layering, and soundstage. They have an upper-end energy, sparkle, and extension that lends beautifully to both modern and classic rock as well as pop and country. The bass response reaches low and is tight with a quick attack. The mids are balanced with excellent timbre, and guitars in particular sound great. Also, the stock cable is definitely an upgrade over other Simgot sets I've tried. Now, what would I change about the SuperMix 4? The accessories could be better, especially at the $150 price point. It's disappointing to only recieve three sets of tips and no modular cable or even a balanced option. The midbass could use more presence, and the overall energetic tonality is a bit much for my ears. The body and note weight could also use a hefty bump. Overall, I think the SuperMix 4 competes well in its price bracket and it does remind me a lot of the Kiwi Ears Quintet. That set is about $70 more expensive which is a testament to the SuperMix's value. The fact that we get an iem featuring a quadbrid configuration in 2024 for $150 is truly remarkable. Indeed, it is a great time to be an audiophile. The current landscape is an ideal entry point for those seeking their first time iems and for veterans looking for the next big thing. In the future, I would love to see Simgot explore a warmer and more musical tuning, as opposed to their brighter, more technical house sound. The SuperMix 4 is a bit more musical and warmer than the EA500LM, but I still prefer the EM6L due to the meatier mid-bass that falls more within my preferences. Even though it's not my style of tuning, I can recommend the SuperMix 4 to those who enjoy the Simgot house sound. Mark this one down as another strong release from Simgot in 2024.
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