First impression of the NuForce HEM4
What's in the box
The NuForce HEM4 comes with a considerable range of accessories. The entire scope of delivery is in a waterproof hard case. Two headphone cables are included to connect the removable HEM4 headphones. For the best possible wearing comfort, the scope of delivery includes 7 pairs of ear pads, which are divided into 5 pairs of silicone ear pads in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL and 2 pairs of Comply pads in M and L. To keep the in-ear clean, Optoma also includes a small cleaning tool with a brush. Also included are a gold-plated 3,5 mm - 6,3 mm adapter, a cable clip, a transportable soft case and a user manual.
Design and workmanship
The housing of the HEM4 is ergonomic, shaped like a drop, which means that the in-ear headphones can literally be inserted into the auricle. The blue housings are marked with a left-right mark for visible differentiation. The individual sound units are made of Lexan in several parts and weigh just 3g per unit. Lexan is an extremely robust and lightweight polycarbonate plastic that hardly transmits vibrations at all. Interferences are thus largely prevented. The processing quality of the visibly multi-part in-ear is not objectionable.
In-ear and cable can be separated from each other and are connected to each other via a 2-pin plug connection. The best possible audio performance is promised by the braided headphone cable, the harnesses and connectors of which are made of OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) and silver. The second cable provides an inline remote control and microphone. The cable length for both cables is 1.38 meters. Here, too, the quality of workmanship cannot be criticized. The connections between the cable and the connector leave a robust impression. The same applies to the rubber sheathing of both cables.
sound quality
The Optoma NuForce HEM4 are in-ear headphones that are primarily aimed at the professional music lover who prefers a neutral sound. In order to achieve an authentic sound, the HEM4 is equipped with two Knowles Balanced Armature drivers. Due to the modular structure, several drivers are separately responsible for the bass, middle and treble. The distribution of the audible frequencies is done by the "linear-phase crossover". As a result, the Knowles Balanced Armature drivers are able to display frequencies between 18 Hz and 40.000 Hz without distortion.
As already indicated, the HEM4 delivers a particularly linear frequency response, which creates a restrained, downright analytical sound. The sound spatial image can be described extensively with a certain proximity to the three-dimensional. The bass reproduction is precise and delivers a clean deep bass. The bass reproduction of the HEM4 is particularly suitable for lovers of acoustic music. On the other hand, those who prefer powerful bass in rock and electronics will not be satisfied with the somewhat thin bass reproduction.
The middle is made to be grippy and very textured. The really excellent differentiation between lows, mids and highs without discolouring is particularly impressive. The particularly neutral sound makes it easy to hear the notes of individual riffs and vocals. Another disadvantage for the normal music lover is the dynamics, which are not really transmitted by the HEM4. The HEM4 transmits heights crystal clear. Even with difficult titles and the representation of soprano, the in-ear headphones remain steadfast and by no means sound too sharp.
comfort
Due to the teardrop shape of the NuForce HEM4, the in-ear headphones adapt very well to the auricle. In addition, there is the low weight, whereby a barely noticeable fit is achieved and long sessions are not a problem. For a perfect hold you should wear the HEM4 "over-ear". The overall comfort is nothing to complain about.
The supplied Comply ear cushions ensure good noise isolation. These again ensure a more comfortable and significantly more secure hold. Annoying cable noises did not occur due to the rubberized audio cables and the Lexan housing.
Optoma NuForce HEM4
Extensive scope of delivery
Ergonomic design
Good workmanship
Removable cable
Rich sound
Spatial sound
vibration-free
Pleasant wearing comfort
Cable remote control without volume control
Lack of dynamism
Delicate bass reproduction
The Optoma NuForce HEM4 is a first-class in-ear headphones. Especially due to the linear frequency response, the in-ear is particularly suitable for the demanding music listener, who prefers a well-separated and detailed sound. The headphones are less suitable for the average consumer, who is more interested in a powerful and dynamic sound.
