Softears Volume S Review: An Irresistible Obsession

Softears Volume S Review

Got this gem after the day I lost my beloved Super Mix 4 to my wife, as she loved it so much that she wanna keep it. Not heartbroken at all, cause you need to sacrifice something in the process of making your partner an audiophile, right? I was amazed by the warm, smooth bass coming right to my ear canal while I first listened to the Volume S! Cause I first listened to the legendary Studio, everything was right except the bass region. And the Volume S was the savior here!

My first audition was with the Hiby RS2, and the result was fantastic. But the moment I got the chance to test it with my beloved Cowon Plenue R2, I was just blown away with the sound I heard! Though my Cayin N3 Ultra also did good justice to this fantastic IEM. Apart from my DAPs, Volume S also paired very well with the DACs & AMPs in my collection. I find it very versatile audio gear, which sounds good with almost all types of sources. This is a wonderful characteristic. I will elaborate on it a bit more later in this review.

DISCLAIMER

SOFTEARS was kind enough to send me the Volume S to review. I am not affiliated with Softears, and of course, I was not asked for any copy-checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this ‘Softears Volume S review’ are my subjective thoughts.

One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary because of personal preference and physical differences like the shape and depth of the ear canal.

For your personal purchase, checkout SOFTEARS for their fantastic products and promotions (non-affiliated link).

GEAR USED

●   DAP: Cowon Planue R2, Cayin N3 Ultra, Hiby RS2, Hiby R4, Snowsky Echo Mini.
●   DAC/AMP: xDuoo MT-604, Fosi Audio GR40, Hiby FD5, KAEI Design TAP2, ifi Hip DAC 2, xDuoo XD-05 Plus (with BB OPA 2604), Cayin RU7, iBasso DC04 Pro, Dunu DTC 480, Fosi Audio DS-1, Celest CD-10, Celest CD-20, Hiby FC05, Hiby FD03, Hidizs SD8 Pro Robin, Moondrop Dawn Pro.
●   Smart Device: Poco X3, Xiaomi MiPad 5.
●   Files: Tidal, Spotify, local Hi-Res FLAC & DSD files.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

● Driver: 10mm silicone diaphragm DD + 6mm wool paper diaphragm passive DD + 2 BA
● Frequency response: 8Hz-40kHz
● Impedance: 31.2Ω (High Impedance Mode) & 9.8Ω (Low Impedance Mode)
● Sensitivity: 114dB (High Impedance Mode) & 124dB (Low Impedance Mode)
● Cable: Oxygen-free copper braided paracord cable
● Pin Type: 2pin, 0.78mm
● Cable Length: 1.2m
● Plug Type: 3.5mm & 4.4mm (interchangeable)

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

● Volume S
● OFC paracord Cable
● 4.4mm & 3.5mm jack
● 3 pairs of clear silicon tips & 3 pairs of normal silicon tips (S,M,L)
● Carrying case
● Portable bag
● Dust Paper
● User Manual

UNBOXING EXPERIENCE

The packaging is excellent. Box, itself, is this no-nonsense, minimalist black with silver coloring—like, subtle but elegant. Take off the outside sleeve, and you get this robust inner box that opens kinda like a book. In the inner box, the IEMs sitting snug in a foam cutout, and holy cow, the shells look even more gorgeous in the flesh. That matte finish with the subtle logo? Chef’s kiss. Accessories are also excellent. You get this excellent PU leather case—which is a bit bulky but personally I think, it’s kinda good at protecting the IEMs if you are a regular traveler like me. And the cable? Oh, it’s actually a very nice braided paracord cable. Soft and swappable terminal (both the 3.5mm & the 4.4mm plugs are included). No odd microphonics, either, which is fabulous but it got tangled easily. And tips! Two kind of silicone tips, clear and standard (they call the latter one the balanced tips). For my personal taste, I absolutely adore the clear ones!

BUILD & DESIGN

The Volume S is a bit weird in a cool sort of way in terms of build. It’s got the two-piece shell thing going on—bottom half 3D-printed acrylic (black and smooth), and the top is milled aluminum with that sweet sandblasted matte finish. A bit… unusual? The faceplate is carbon fiber with a hole cut out for the mode switch, which—you get this—you adjust using a teeny tiny screwdriver (yep, included in the box). The nozzle is 5.4mm thick and 8mm long, so if you have smaller ear canals, you may have to experiment with tip rolling. It’s lip-less—no ridge to keep your ear tips from falling off but somehow the tips don’t budge. Cable? Its a fantastic 1.2m pure copper 60 strand cable, braided close to the plug (looks nice). It’s alright, but you’ll need to untangle it now and then.

FIT & COMFORT

The Softears Volume S IEMs are remarkably comfortable to wear, though the comfort level can ultimately depend on the shape and structure of each person’s ears. The shape of the IEMs sits comfortably inside the ear, and they stay firmly in place without causing much discomfort, even for prolonged listening sessions. The supplied silicone tips are soft and gentle against the skin, and these help improve comfort, and they are also very effective, as they help form a solid seal inside the ear canal. Though it must be noted that some listeners could find that the IEMs are slightly on the bigger size, that can cause a bit uncomforted feelings. But to me, the earphone feels exceedingly light and don’t feel heavy in any way whatsoever, so you might barely even realize that you have them on. This specific aspect makes them a very good choice for everyday wear.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS

Oh boy, oh boy! Let me tell you one thing—I’m not a fan of bright, clinical-sounding IEMs, and I don’t even like vocal-centric sets either! The Volume S hits the right spot for me. It has a warm, lush bass region and a detailed midrange. Vocals are just on the line, not in your face nor too laid back. The instruments presentation is fantastic; I mean, the tone is natural with good texture in it. I’m a treble-sensitive person, and this IEM saves my ears by producing smooth yet detailed treble. It lacks ‘spark’ but contains a load of details. The separation is also good IMHO, with a bit of a surrounding sound kinda stage.

My whole review is based on LOW IMPEDANCE mode, as it is the perfect tune in my opinion. The other mode, HIGH IMPEDANCE, has just ruined the enjoyment of music!

Here is the frequency graph:

Let’s dive deep…

SUB-BASS

The sub-bass on the Volume S—man, this is where that 10mm dynamic driver really decides to kick. It’s got this really satisfying, physical rumble that you can actually feel more than just hear, like in the intro of James Blake’s “Limit To Your Love” or those deep electronic drops, it doesn’t just disappear or get all muddy. It extends way down there, proper deep, and it’s got a really nice texture to it instead of just being a one-none boom. It’s not overpowering the rest of the mix or anything, but it’s definitely present and gives everything a solid, warm foundation that makes listening to anything with a beat just feel really engaging. It’s the kind of bass that’s more about fun and feel than like, hyper-detailed speed, but it’s done so well you really don’t mind.

MID-BASS

The mid-bass on the Volume S, it’s kinda interesting ‘cause it’s not what you’d call a slam monster or anything—it’s got more of this rounded, punchy feel that’s really well controlled. Like, when a kick drum hits, you get this nice solid thump that’s full and has good impact, but it doesn’t bleed all over the place. Let’s talk about the kick drum in Shawn Colvin’s “Orion in The Sky”—it’s this really low-key, soft thud in the mix, right? The Volume S handles it perfectly. You get this really nice, rounded thump with each hit, it’s got a solid presence and a bit of a warm bloom around it that makes the rhythm feel grounded and physical. The punch is quick enough that it keeps its shape and doesn’t spill over and smother the gentle snap of the snare or the clarity of the acoustic guitar sitting right there in the mids.

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VOCALS

MALE

Man, those Volume S male vocals. they’re a real standout, okay? They have a rich presence that gives singers a sense of intimacy and a body, like the singer’s in your room. It’s an undertone of warmth and depth, giving voices a very natural, almost analog-sounding texture which ne’er gets muddy or too thick. Now, listen to “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits—Mark Knopfler’s voice on the record’s already a gritty, spit-down-the-line affair, okay? The Volume S recreates it. You’ve got all of texture’s grit of texture and the satisfactory strain of him singing, but they’re clothed in a hint of warmth, which prevents them ever from ever becoming harsh or tinny. It cuts wonderfully through that famous guitar riff, up front where a recreation of it should be, where you can hear every sarcastic twist and breath of him without having to strain. It’s not hyper-detailed in a surgical sort of sense, but it does make vocals just so darn interesting and true-sounding.

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FEMALE

Oh, the female vocals on these things are just… they’re something else, honestly. They come across so clear and sweet but with this really natural body to ’em, never ever sounding thin or sharp. There’s a smoothness that just makes every note feel effortless and really easy to get lost in. Now, for a perfect example, you gotta put on “When You Say Nothing at All” by Alison Krauss. Her voice on that track is like the ultimate test for purity and nuance, right? The Volume S handles it beautifully. You hear every single breathy inflection and the subtle vibrato in her voice with incredible clarity, it’s like she’s right there. But it’s the warmth and the slight richness the IEM adds that really gets you—it keeps her angelic tone from ever drifting into being cold or clinical. It just sounds lush and breathtakingly real, sitting perfectly in the mix without any sibilance or harshness to ruin the emotion. It’s the kind of performance that makes you just stop and listen.

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INSTRUMENTS SEPARATION

It’s not this super wide, hyper-analytical stage but more like everything has its own defined pocket in the mix so it never feels cluttered or messy. It’s a very coherent and musical kind of separation, you know? Now, for a real test, throw on “Last Good Time in Town” by Eagles—that track is just packed with layers: horns, a busy rhythm section, guitars, vocals, the works. The Volume S doesn’t try to push everything super far apart from each other, but what it does do is keep every element distinct. You can easily follow the slide guitar line weaving behind the saxophones, and the kick drum maintains its punch without getting lost under the bass guitar. Nothing really bleeds together; it’s all layered nicely with a good sense of depth.

TREBLE

The treble on the Volume S is where you can really tell Softears tuned this for long-term listening, not for impressing you in a five-minute demo. It’s smooth, man, really smooth. It’s got plenty of detail and a nice shimmer up top, but it’s definitely rolled off a bit so there’s absolutely zero harshness or sibilance. To hear what I mean, listen to “No Can Do” by Mark Knopfler. The whole track is built on these intricate, shimmering acoustic guitar phrases and the delicate tap of a cymbal. The Volume S lets you hear all that detail—the pick hitting the string, the metallic ring of the cymbals decaying—but it presents it in this really relaxed, polite way. Nothing ever jumps out to stab you, it’s all just laid back and cohesive.

SOUNDSTAGE

The soundstage on Volume S is kinda interesting. It’s not like huge holographic, rather it’s intimate. But really well-defined. It’s got a really nice sense of depth and layering that makes a mix feel organized and not flat. For the width, it’s decent, it stretches a bit past your ears but it’s not crazy wide. Now, for a real test of this, you gotta listen to “Woman In Chains” by Tears for Fears. That song is a masterpiece of production with so much going on. The Volume S handles it really well; you can clearly place Oleta Adams’ vocals front and center, they feel present and solid. Then the synth pads and Phil Collins’ distant, haunting drum hits? They layer back behind her with a real sense of distance and space, creating this deep, atmospheric backdrop without ever getting muddled together. It doesn’t feel like you’re in a giant concert hall, but more like you’re in a perfectly sized, professional studio where you can pinpoint where every single instrument is coming from.

TECHNICALITIES

Dynamics: This is probably its greatest technical aspect, honestly. It has excellent macrodynamics—the overall dynamics from loud to soft sections in a piece of music sound quite vibrant and exciting. It’s not at all flat or uninteresting-sounding. The micro-dynamics, the tiny changes in power and emotion, are also excellent, making the music sound more alive.

Speed: That’s where we must be truthful, however. It’s no sluggish driver, by any stretch; it’s quite snappy and rocks all but every genre exquisitely. It just doesn’t go quite so fast, that’s all. When you strike it with something hyper-fast and ultra-sophisticated, something like in-your-face metal or wacky electronic pieces, the transients are quite literally rounded off at the terminations just a little bit. It likes a warm, somewhat natural-sounding decay as opposed to hard, stutteringly fast speed; that’s why it sounds so smooth.

Analytics (Detail Retrieval): That is the compromise. The S Volume is designed to sound good, not to detail every little thing. It doesn’t sound confused or fuzzy—it provides good detail in the middle tones. But it is not going into detail on every little thing that extremely detailed headphones will pick up. It simply provides you with the good details of the song in a manageable way, not making it more than you can handle.

SOURCES

It’s not very source sensitive, like many other IEMs, which drastically change their sound character with the nature of the source. A relatively bright source like the Moondrop Dawn Pro even fails to make the upper frequencies sting my ears, while it shows good clarity all over with a warm amp like the Fossi Audio GR40. I like this kinda attitude. Great, ain’t it?

Now let’s talk about the challenges to power this up! Guess what? There is actually no challenge. It is really an easy-to-drive IEM. Some entry-level DACs like Moondrop Dawn Pro, Fosi Audio DS1, and Dunu DTC480 can easily drive it. But like any IEM, it scales up nicely with some more juice.

CABLE & TIP ROLLING

You’ve got everything covered, dear friend. All you need to enjoy this IEM is in the box. No need to pay a single penny to upgrade cable or ear tips. Enjoy!

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Volume S isn’t attempting to be so neutral or so detailed as ever. It’s more like Softears is doing something with a little… more soul, maybe? Someplace that is so musical and interactive and just enjoyable to rock out to. It’s finding that kind of mid-fi sweet spot where this isn’t going to be cheap but this isn’t going to cost you either, and this is looking to take on some pretty tough competitors. We will see if this really stands on its own.

WHATEVER YOU’RE THINKIN’ OF BUYING—DAC, DAP, IEM, HEADPHONE, AMP, WHATEVER—JUST MAKE SURE YOU GIVE IT A DEMO RUN FIRST. TRY IT OUT, LISTEN TO IT WITH YOUR OWN TRACKS. SERIOUSLY, ONE QUICK AUDITION CAN SAVE YOU A BUNCH OF MONEY AND REGRET LATER ON.

You can read other reviews HERE.