Brainwavz B400

Introduction

Brainwavz Audio is Hong Kong based company that specializes in making in-ear monitors (IEMs), headphones and other audio products. I would like to thank Brainwavz Audio for the review unit of B400. At the moment, you can purchase the B400 from https://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/b400-quad-balanced-armature-earphones .

Specifications

• Drivers Configuration: 4 Balanced Armature
• Impedance: 30Ω
• Frequency Range: 10 Hz – 40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 115dB

Unboxing & Accessories

The B400 comes in a grey package with a white protective cover that sports the brand name and model name. Inside the grey package, there is a retangular semi-hard carrying case with circular edges. The case is black and red in colour. After unzipping the case, there are the iem, MMCX 3.5mm cable with In-Line Microphone and Remote, 6 sets of silicone ear tips (S M L), 1 set of Comply™ foam tips T-100, 1 shirt clip and velcro cable tie. There are MMCX 3.5mm cable, cleansing wipes and instruction manual.

IEM Build & Design

The B400’s shells are printed from liquid resin 3D printers. There is a smooth surface to it. On the faceplate on each side, there is the brand name printed. The shell has a frosty clear color. On the inside of the iem, there are L & R markings on the left and right side respectively. The nozzle is slightly angled. The iem utilizes MMCX connectors. The B400 has an ergonomic design with a comfortable fit. The overall build quality is good.

Cable Build & Design

The cable is not braided and is black in color. It uses MMCX connectors with a opaque black housing. On the MMCX connectors, there are L & R markings to differentiate between left and right respectively. There is a memory wire area section in which the cable is enclosed in a opaque black heat shrink tube. On the left side of the cable, there is a microphone. The chin slider and y splitter are black in color. The y-splitter sports the brand name and there is strain relief. The jack is 3.5mm gold plated straight and the housing is black in color too with the brand name printed on it. There is strain relief.

 Sound Analysis

Lows

The B400 extends it sub-bass well and there is a natural rumble. The quantity is moderate. The decay is fairly quick and it is able to bring some impact. The mid-bass on the B400 has a nice quantity and the slam is presented unoffensively. Bass texture on the B400 is very smooth. The dynamics has a moderate level. Each bass note is being articulated with precision and the level of details retrieval is good. The attack is consistent although at times, there may be a lack of punch for an engaging performance. There is a good overall definition and the full-bodied approach brings with it a good sense of musicality.

Mids

The midrange operates in a rather balanced manner and there is a smooth approach. There is a good amount of body which helps to accentuate the delivery flow. It is neither thin nor thick. There is an appropriate amount which does the midrange justice. The lower mids has a moderate quantity and male vocals are presented well without any signs of them being hollow or dry. Likewise, the upper mids has a moderate quantity and female vocals are conveyed in a smooth and intimate manner. There is great finesse and the midrange showcases definition.

Highs

The treble is presented in a detailed manner and there is no sibilance and harshness. It is extended moderately without sounding aggressive. The smooth nature of the treble ensures a fatigue-free listening session. There is a good amount of air rendered which helps to give space at the top end. This gives an airier feeling and complements the vocals presentation. There is a lack of sparkle. The treble is soothing in general and can be improved with more excitement.

Soundstage

The B400 has a great expansion and it operates with naturalness. The width magnitude has a high level which results in an immense soundstage. The depth has a moderate amount of space and it is not closed in. Positioning of vocals and instruments is good and there is accuracy.

Comparisons

Brainwavz B400 vs Hifi Boy OS V3

The B400 has less sub-bass quantity than the OS V3. There is a greater extension from the OS V3. Each bass note on the OS V3 is articulated with a stronger hit which helps to improve the engagement level. The mid-bass on the B400 has slightly more weight than the OS V3 but the OS V3 is able to present it with more agility. The slam presented by the OS V3 has a greater impact. Bass texture on the B400 is smoother while OS V3 edges ahead for bass decay. The lower mids on the B400 has more quantity than the OS V3 and male vocals sound fuller. The upper mids on the OS V3 has extra forwardness and female vocals are presented with intimacy. The midrange definition on both is good and shows a high level of details retrieval. Next, the treble on the OS V3 is extended with more magnitude and it has an added crisp. The B400 presents its treble in a smoother manner. Lastly, for the soundstage, the B400 has a more natural expansion with slightly greater width. In terms of depth, the OS V3 is less closed in. Positioning of vocals and instruments on both is fairly accurate.

Brainwavz B400 vs Mee Audio Pinnacle P1

The B400 has greater sub-bass quantity than the P1 and the P1 is able to extend its sub-bass deeper. There is a more musicality from the B400. The P1 has an edge for the bass decay with slightly more agility. Bass texture on the B400 is smoother. The mid-bass on the B400 is fuller and the slam has a weighted feel. Each bass note on the P1 is articulated with extra definition. There is lack in punch on both. The lower mids on the B400 has more quantity and the body helps to tackle male vocals better. The upper mids on the P1 is slightly forward but lacks in body when compared to the B400. The B400 is capable of producing an organic vocals presentation. The treble on the B400 showcases finesse and the smoothness helps in ensuring a fatigue-free presentation. There is no sibilance and harshness. The P1 has more air and the sparkle helps to inject some excitement.  The B400 has a higher level of control. Lastly, for the soundstage, the B400 has a more natural expansion. There is a fuller impact from the B400. The width is around the same. The depth of P1 is slightly better.

Brainwavz B400 vs TFZ King Pro

The King Pro has more sub-bass quantity than the B400 and the extension is greater. There is better impact from the King Pro and it is able to deliver more punch. Bass decay on the King Pro is quicker while the B400 has a smoother bass texture. The mid-bass on the King Pro has more body and there is a greater slam. There is more warmth from the King Pro. Each bass note on the King Pro is articulated with a stronger hit. The lower mids on the B400 sounds slightly fuller and it does not sound dry or hollow. Male vocals are expressed better. The upper mids on the King Pro has more body and the forwardness increases the intimacy of female vocals. The B400 is slightly more detailed than the King Pro. The treble on both has similar extension. There is no sibilance and harshness. The King Pro is able to display extra air while the B400 has more control. There is more crisp on the King Pro. Lastly, both have a natural expansion while the B400 has greater width. The depth is around the same.

Conclusion

The B400 is a smooth detailed sounding iem that is able to produce a fatigue-free sound with an immense soundstage. There is a great balance of technicality and musicality and the presentation is clean. In addition, it has an ergonomic design with detachable MMCX cable. The Brainwavz B400 is an outstanding iem from Brainwavz and presents great value.