FIR Audio Neon 4 Universal In-Ear Monitor
Best in-ear monitors for bass-loving audiophiles seeking an immersive, energetic sound.
The FIR Audio Neon 4 Universal In-Ear Monitor delivers a powerful and engaging listening experience, characterized by a massive low-end, smooth highs, and a vibrant soundstage. Designed for those who appreciate a rich bass response, these IEMs inject significant energy into genres like pop and EDM. The Neon 4 offers a lush presentation of upper mids and trebles, complemented by exceptional spatial imaging thanks to its ATOM XS module. This immersive, detail-oriented sound is built upon a snappy, fast bass foundation, making them a ton of fun for bass lovers seeking a hedonistically rich flavor.
$2299.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
756
/ 5536
#756 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+291%
Above average
Driver Specs
110111
/ x mm Kinetic Bass Dynamic Driver, x OpenDriver Balanced Armature Driver for mids, x OpenDriver Balanced Armature Driver for high-mids, x OpenDriver Balanced Armature Driver for highs (with Sound Reflector)
Who it's for
- Bass lovers seeking a tactile, physical listening experience
- Critical listeners demanding absolute transparency and micro-detail
- Long-session listeners prioritizing comfort and natural spatial imaging
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a strict audio equipment budget
- Purists preferring a traditional, non-kinetic bass signature
- Minimalists avoiding complex, high-end source gear requirements
Performance breakdown
Build Durability
Machined aluminum and sapphire glass offer a premium, tank-like structural integrity.
Listening Fatigue
ATOM venting effectively relieves pressure for comfortable, long-form listening sessions.
Sound Customization
Interchangeable ATOM XS modules allow for meaningful adjustments to the sonic signature.
High-Frequency Detail
OpenDriver balanced armatures provide smooth, articulate treble without becoming overly sharp.
Bass Impact
Kinetic Bass technology delivers a visceral, physical punch rarely felt in IEMs.
Spatial Imaging
Open Acoustics design creates an expansive, holographic soundstage for precise instrument placement.
Key Specs
Driver Specs
1x 10mm Kinetic Bass Dynamic Driver, 1x OpenDriver Balanced Armature Driver for mids, 1x OpenDriver Balanced Armature Driver for high-mids, 1x OpenDriver Balanced Armature Driver for highs (with Sound Reflector)
Freq. Range
20-20kHz
Impedance
22ohms
Connectivity
2-pin connection
Shell Material
Machined Aluminum
Faceplate Material
Sapphire Glass
Features
ATOM XS Interchangeable Modules (UIEM), Kinetic Bass, ATOM Venting, Open Acoustics, Rigid Technologies
Features
- Kinetic Bass technology for a palpable bass experience.
- ATOM Venting system reduces listener fatigue for extended use.
- Open Acoustics design creates a larger, more immersive soundstage.
- Rigid Technologies ensure industry-leading durability and serviceability.
- Features a 10mm Kinetic Bass Dynamic Driver for lows.
- Includes multiple balanced armature drivers for mids and highs.
- Machined aluminum shells and sapphire glass faceplates for premium build.
- ATOM XS interchangeable modules for customizable fit and sound.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the FIR Audio Neon 4 for its exceptional sound quality, particularly highlighting its engaging bass response and clear, detailed highs. Many appreciate the innovative design elements that contribute to a unique and immersive listening experience. Users often describe the audio as vibrant and dynamic, making it a standout choice for discerning audiophiles seeking a premium and distinctive sonic signature. The overall consensus points to a highly satisfying product that delivers on its promise of high fidelity audio.
Know before you buy
Unlike traditional drivers that rely solely on air pressure, the Kinetic Bass driver is designed to transmit low-frequency vibrations directly to the cartilage of your ear. This creates a tactile, physical sensation of bass that feels more like a live performance than a standard in-ear experience.
The ATOM XS modules act as a pressure-relief system, venting excess air pressure from the ear canal. This reduces listener fatigue during long sessions and allows for a wider, more natural soundstage, while also letting you fine-tune the isolation levels to your preference.
While the Neon 4 is tuned to excel with bass-heavy genres, its balanced armature drivers provide enough clarity and detail in the mids and highs to handle acoustic, jazz, and rock tracks effectively. The sound signature is energetic and fun, making it a versatile choice for listeners who prefer a warmer, more engaging sound profile.
The Open Acoustics design removes the traditional sound tubes found in many IEMs, allowing the drivers to radiate sound directly into the ear canal. This results in a more open, spacious presentation that mimics the soundstage of over-ear headphones rather than the confined feel of typical in-ear monitors.
The Neon 4 is built with a machined aluminum shell and a sapphire glass faceplate, offering a high level of scratch resistance and structural integrity. FIR Audio’s 'Rigid Technologies' further ensure that the internal components and connectors are protected and easily serviceable.
With an impedance of 22 ohms, the Neon 4 is relatively easy to drive and will perform well with most modern smartphones, tablets, or portable DAC/amps. While a high-quality source will help you extract the maximum detail and bass control, you do not need a powerful desktop amplifier to reach satisfying volume levels.
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$2299