Sound Impressions: Low-ends
Isabellae has a mildly v-shaped sound signature. Lows are meaty and organic with a quantity that is equivalent to those that are 20-25% emphasized from flat. It’s musical and bassy enough to give a full body to the low-ends, yet the quantity doesn’t stretch as being a basshead IEM. Isabellae has a smooth, musical nuance. The speed and agility of the bass are fast enough to keep a cleanly organized sound, though Isabellae pays more attention to the natural strike and decay. The core of the bass has the solidity to give a firm thud but doesn’t tighten the bass to the point of being hard as a rock.
Isabellae doesn’t make thundering strikes or get aggressive – instead, the bass oozes with the creamy aftertaste and natural flavors. The bass also has great depth and color, allowing the bass to stand out more significantly than its actual quantity. The ultra-low extension is also deep and clear, making Isabellae worthy of pleasing those who enjoy the classic 1DD sound.
Sound Impressions: Mid-range
Vocals are mildly thicker than neutral but the refined, prominent texture details allow both male and female vocals to shine. The mid-range keeps a steady, consistent timbre throughout the range, not causing noticeable dips or sibilance. Vocals are positioned similarly to the lows or very slightly forward. At least they don’t stick out.
Isabellae doesn’t aggressively place the vocals right in the face as many IEMs do nowadays, though they are neither recessed nor veiled. The biggest reason why I consider Isabellae not to have recessed vocals (although I mentioned it being mildly v-shaped) is because of the clean vocal separation and timbre. Alongside, the bass response remains on the lower headroom, allowing the vocals to be unbothered.
While being prominent, vocals blend in naturally with the other frequencies, which is one of the nicest parts of using a single DD for an earphone. It’s the most natural sound an IEM could play – though while doing so, Oriolus cleverly made the vocals reveal details while keeping this smooth, organic sound. The key is the texture of the vocals. While keeping a smooth and creamy texture, Isabellae somehow managed to make the texture grains and details unveil at the same time. It’s an interesting blend of being dry and moist at the same time. This prevents Isabellae from having a muddy, dull tone.
Sound Impressions: Highs, etc.
Those classic, retro 1DD IEMs are still being cherished for their smooth, warm, and nostalgic sound. Yet to apply that same tuning to modern days wouldn’t be ideal as the older IEMs are duller and lower in resolution, especially on the trebles. However, while preserving the nostalgic sound signature, Oriolus seamlessly added technicality and clarity to the trebles. The quantity is relatively less than lows and mids, yet the trebles stay prominent and clean.
Trebles are well separated from other frequencies and keep a clean stage. Overall, Isabellae generates enough technicality for the trebles to reveal small bits of treble, continuing its fatigue-free sound signature. The soundstage is neutral-large, which isn’t grand or massive but still roomy. The depth and largeness driven by the low-mids are the main players that form the headroom.
Compared to Oriolus Szalayi (Review link)
Let’s bring up another family of Oriolus that is within a similar price range, the Oriolus Szalayi (1DD+1BA+1PD). Isabellae has a creamier, natural timbre that focuses more on the low-mid body and fullness. In comparison, Szalayi has a more reference and flatter sound signature that highlights fewer bass reverbs to reserve a cleaner stage for the upper frequencies. The vocals still have a neutral-thick body but not as thick and full as Isabellae. However, Szalayi’s vocals are more revealing in texture details and resolution, making it an ideal tuning for those who want upper-end airiness without sacrificing much on the mid-range body.
Another major difference between these two is the texture. Szalayi has a crisp, a tad dry texture for the high-resolution feel while Isabellae has a more musical, smooth texture. Finally, Isabellae and Szalayi offer a different style of soundstage. Isabellae feels more like an enclosed yet roomy environment whereas Szalayi feels gently open-ended.
Verdicts: Bringing Back the Classic
Do you remember those classic 1DD sound back in the day? If you have good memories of them, you’ll probably love Isabellae. The nuance of an IEM is such a subtle yet significant element that decides the taste and feel of the sound. I can name a few IEMs that can generate a similar performance as Isabellae, yet the unique nuance and sound presentation of these are what makes Isabellae particularly more memorable and attractive.
Isabellae desires a thick, nostalgic, and analog-like sound that also achieves great technicality, hence I’ve titled Isabellae as a “Moderly Melodious” IEM. A nice fusion between retro and an up-to-date performance. If you enjoy musical IEMs but also don’t want to miss out on high-resolution, certainly consider listening to the singing of Isabellae.