Christian de Looper Argues Sony XM4C Delivers Refined Sound Quality

Sony retuned the sound profile of its XM4C headphones to target clearer, richer vocals and tighter bass according to a review by PCMag. Reviewer Christian de Looper writes that the updates stem from tuning and processing changes rather than new hardware, retaining the same 40-millimeter drivers used in the 2020 model.

Sound Adjustments and Track Performance

The tuning modifications result in a bass response that is tamer than some competing consumer headphones. De Looper notes that on heavy sub-bass tracks like Silent Shout by The Knife, the low end avoids excessive boominess while maintaining a deep and present sound. That low-frequency delivery pairs with a brightness that keeps percussion crisp and synths cutting.

On Loyalty by Kendrick Lamar, the headphones produce enough sub-bass to form a distinct bass line in the verse without overpowering the rest of the mix. Lamar and Rihanna vocals remain crisp, and percussion retains detailed separation. For acoustic material like Drover by Bill Callahan, cymbals lack some of the sizzle found on newer and more expensive models such as the XM6. Even so, the track features a driving kick drum and a vibrant vocal delivery.

Orchestral Soundstage and Microphone Limitations

Orchestral arrangements benefit from the hardware tuning. Reviewing The Gospel According to the Other Mary by John Adams, de Looper finds that the headphones deliver a wide, expansive soundstage that gives individual sections room to breathe without crowding each other out. The vocal soloist stands out clearly within the mix.

Microphone performance lags behind newer devices on the market. While a recorded voice sounds clear enough to understand every word, it lacks depth. Background noise also leaks through more readily than it does on newer headphones equipped with updated noise suppression technology.