Sonic Gear Earpump Review

A younger brother of the Earpump Studio Pro, which I've tested before the non-pro version. And I had set my expectations to be lower than what the Pro version is offering. Obviously, I can't compare this headset with the Pro version, obviously the Pro ones is better. But, there are almost no competitor in this price range. This headset retails for around RM79, you can get it from leapfroglobal.net. 

First, let's take a quick look on what you will get inside

What you will get inside is pretty much the same as the Studio Pro, the headset itself.

OVERVIEW

The main differences about the headset from the Pro version can be identified immediately. The earpads are smaller, the padding on the headband is a lot lesser, and there is no additional 3.5mm audio-output on the headset. The only similarities that they share with its older brother is the fact that it is foldable, and has a built-in mic. The entire constructure of the headset was made out of the plastic, it feels cheap and flimsy. For the durability, I can only score this headset 2 out of 5 because the headband adjustment feels pretty weak and it could just snap if you bend it too far. The cable length is also the same as the Pro version, which is 1.2m long, and personally, it is okay if you are using it with your smartphones or mobile devices, but if you are using this with a computer like me, you will need a longer cable. The built-in mic is always a very convenient add-on if you are searching for 'on-the-go' headset.

PERFORMANCE

Like I said, I'm not expecting a great experience with this headset or the Pro version, but the Pro version left me speechless except for 'Buy it if you need great headset and have a tight budget'. Unfortunately, the non-Pro version doesn't meet my low expectations. First of all, I find this headset is very uncomfortable to wear. Unlike the Pro version, which is an over-ear design headset, this headset is supra-aural (on-ear) design headset. The earpads are pretty dense and not as soft as the Pro version. There is almost no padding on the headband, I'm not sure what material they used to cover the headband, but it is better than nothing and it doesn't add any discomfort for me. But, because of the poorly made earpads, it is very uncomfortable for me to wear it even for 30 minutes. I would score this headset 2 out of 5 in terms of comfort. For sound quality, it sound pretty similar with my CM Storm Ceres 400. Overall sound is clean, with clear vocals reproduction and a brighter side of trebles. The bass is pretty decent for its price, you can hear it booming, but it is not spectacular. Most of the instruments sound good except for the acoustic-based instruments, which sounds pretty dull and quiet. The highs can be heard very clear and non fatiguing . In terms of sound quality, I would score this 3.5 out of 5. 

CONCLUSION 

After I tested this out, the only positive things I can say about this headset is that it is foldable, have built-in mic and pretty good sound quality for its price. Other than that, it is very uncomfortable to wear, and the headset was made out of cheap plastic. Personally, I don't think its worth the money to spend even when you have absolutely no money. I would say IEM in this price range sounds better. But, of course, if you don't like IEM, I would suggest you to save up some money and buy the Studio Pro version, which is way better than the non-pro version. I'm sorry, Sonic Gear, unfortunately, I can't recommend this headset to any potential buyer, since my first priority is comfort.