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USound target curve for IEMs

Garrincha

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Besides the Harman target curve for IEMs, there exist others, like for example the USound1V1 target curve (https://www.usound.com/how-headphones-should-sound/). It is used by oratory as well. I would like to know how and when it was devised. Just by the reasoning given in the link provided, i.e. elevating the bass below 300Hz and lowering the mids and treble? Was there any empirical research used as for the Harman curve? it is stated 'Additional research performed by USound and IEM showed that in the presence of background noise (such as distant traffic), listeners tend to prefer more bass and slightly less treble compared to the original Harman Target.' So without backround noise it is not preferable? Is it pure conicidence that the Sony XBA-N3 adheres almost perfectly to it?

target-curve-comparison2-1-1024x683.png
 
Last edited:

staticV3

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All I know is if someone with an active AutoEQ installation were to run the numbers quite a few popular IEMs would match closer to USound than Harman-IE. Also the latest version of Harmans own Galaxy Buds: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1yo4c69opqz6jtu/Samsung SM-R190 Galaxy Buds Pro.pdf
The IEM you linked is the 3rd latest version of the Galaxy Buds.
2nd latest is the Buds2
Latest is the Buds2 Pro

...which is like a mix of IE2019 bass/lower mids and 1V1 upper mids/treble:
graph (1).png
 

markanini

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Some more popular IEMs that happen to measure close to USound:
http://iems.audiodiscourse.com/?share=USOUND1V1_Oratory1990_Target,Yume_Midnight 2dB less at 100Hz
http://iems.audiodiscourse.com/?share=USOUND1V1_Oratory1990_Target,Monarch_MK2 3dB less at 100Hz
 
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