Recently I tested the Ollo Audio S4X headphones kindly provided by our go-to store: Strumentimusicali.net.
I had already read several articles about this product and had also heard about it from the great Mark Urselli during a web workshop held with him in the summer of 2020. Today I had the great pleasure of being able to try these exceptional headphones.
I don’t particularly like using headphones during the mixing phase, I prefer to use my near-field monitors, I love spatiality and a wide soundstage; sometimes it is necessary to be able to work outside the studio, which is why it is essential to have top-quality headphones that allow you to make a balanced mix. During the lockdown for example, not being able to reach my studio, I mixed various tracks on headphones, and if I had owned the Ollo Audio, the job would have been easier. Headphones suitable for mixing, in my opinion, must have the right spatiality, an extended and linear frequency response, well-defined low end, good volume response and above all they must be comfortable,because you wear them for a long time, often even consecutive hours. Not having the technical means to perform an analytical test, and having no intention of doing so since music is listened to with your ears, I used the S4X in a completely natural way, listening to mixes and masterings made by me and subsequently listening to well-known tracks that I know well.
I wore the Ollos for hours and hours, the listening experience is absolutely positive,the headphones have excellent linearity,they are uncolored across the entire spectrum, neutral results and preserve the colors introduced in the mix. The soundstage is coherent, I was particularly satisfied with the mid-range response, there is no usual loudness curve, quite the contrary. This is a fundamental feature during the mixing phase; being able to work on that area with the confidence of being right is no small feat. Spatiality is nothing short of perfect,the side is well defined, without emphasis. The transient response is decidedly coherent and truthful, and they have an extended and clean low end.
A noteworthy project that aims to compete primarily with the splendid Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro and other products from well-established brands. In addition to the positive aspects, I would like to point out some details that didn’t convince me: the Ollo Audio is heavy, despite the exceptional weight distribution between ear cups and headband, in my opinion it is a bit uncomfortable. About every 30 minutes I feel the need to take them off. The ear cups are made of memory foam covered in faux leather, but on the part that rests on the face, there is a layer of velvet. They are completely circumaural, they enclose the entire ear; the intention is great, but the distribution of forces creates a constant pressure around our ears, and after a while, they definitely need to be taken off.
This is not to disparage the work done by the designers; I remain enthusiastic about its audio features, but perhaps there is still something to refine to catch up with some competitors, at least in terms of fit and comfort.
I hope this article has piqued your interest. I leave you with some detailed photos highlighting some of the excellent build quality details of the Ollo Audio S4X.
