Are You a big fan of dubstep? If You are, you're normal earphone ain't cutting it at all isn't it? The way the bass presented are not what you expect. Audio Pro proudly present Hippo Variable Bass aka VB to you.
Hippo VB
What makes the Hippo VB so extra special? The main reason is the Variable Bass as the name suggest. Yes, that's right, you can tune the bass. You want it Super Heavy? Heavy? or Normal for your average music? This is the Earpiece for you. It come with 3 bass port for you to tune to your music preferences.
The Three Bass Port
Accessories
The Hippo VB comes with 3 set of ear sleeves ( S, M and L), Carrying pouch, a shirt clip and the 3 bass port.
The Bass Port are marked with dots to show which have the most to the least amount of bass.
- No Marking = most bass
- Two dots = Mid point
- Three dots = least amount of bass
Build
The Housing is made entirely of metal and the cable is very flexible. There is also an issue of Microphonics (ruffling sound when cable brush against your clothes or body), however, this issue exist in all IEM but this can be easily solve by looping the cable around your ears, which reduce the microphonics to almost none.
Isolation
Looking for a pair of IEM that will block out the world while you enjoy your music? If you say yes, these are the one for you. They do an awesome job blocking out all but the loudest of noise. Even then, it's not enough to distract you from your music. If you turn your music up, you can be sure that even the loudest of noise will hardly/cannot be heard at all.
Sound
This is the most important part for the IEM. How do they sound? I can tell your right now, IT IS GREAT. This is due to the using of the bass port to suit my taste of music. So, it will take you time to know which you prefer.
Bass
The Bass will be separated into three part due to the 3 different bass port.
Heavy Bass (No Marking) Bass Lover will surely enjoy these as the bass are loud, BOOMY, clear and can even reach the low. The problem in my case is that the bass gets a bit muddy and out weight the mids and high but don't get me wrong, it is accurate and way better compare with the fake Beats or the loud car speaker bass people are paying for. And do remember, this is only one of the bass port.
Middle Bass (Two Dots)
Sounds when using the middle tuned bass port is now more balance. Bass would still be present but are no longer overpowering but bass are now tighter and better controlled.The mids for instrument are clear even though abit forward but not overstated. Another thing noticable is when you play your music loud, and i mean LOUD, that's when the bass become muddy and the treble sibilant but then again, there isn't much people who listen to such loud music anyway.
**The mid bass is my favourite bass port so far**
Least Bass (Three Dots)
While I'm sure most people won't go so far to listen to this bass port, i couldn't help but try it anyway. The impact, depth and loudness of the bass drop substantially but if you're wondering how clarity head/earphone sound like, this bass port can give you a small glimpse of it. Also, the bass are still tight and well controlled, given at how cheap this earphone is price, you'll have a hard time finding one that can give you so many option of bass and still be price this cheap.
Mid
The mid are amazing. Rich sounding and natural especially the vocals and instrument, giving them the "perfect" sound. It may sound too good to be true but trust me, for such a low price and such an awesome sound, it's a steal. While they may not be as good as the high ends, these are great if you compare them by the price.
Treble (high)
The treble can make you go "WOW!!". The treble on these are oh so smooth and clean. The weakness in the treble however is there's quite a bit of sibilant. These can be annoying however, this is a entry level earphone, which in my opinion, you will not notice unless you have truly upgraded to the higher end models. Also, if you just want a earphone to enjoy good quality music, these will be the one as they are pleasing and natural.
Sound Stage
Sound stage are great as they produce a sound that makes you feel like you're listening to a set of speakers, which is still quality speakers but what I'm looking for open stage like concert. It is sad for me that the sound stage lack in dept but this is easily solve later if you read "
My Opinion".
Conclusion
This earphone is great as it can provide all 3 types of sound which are bass tuned, balance and clarity. Even thought it's a small glimpse for clarity, it is still a steal.
Pro : Alot of bass option to suit your many musical taste, price is cheap for such a great pair. Even better if you're using the middle bass port as sound is balance and natural, suitable for all genre of music.
Con : Just the cable microphonics which can be solve by wrapping around your ears.
My Opinion
In order to improve the sound, i would highly recommend leaving the screw out as Bass would be heavier and this also provide a much wider sound stage, they do however, become less isolated. Also, i recommend using your phone or computer EQ to tweak the sound setting to bring out a much better sound.
Price: BND$135.00