FatFreq Scarlet Mini VS Softears RSV MK II
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
FatFreq Scarlet Mini and Softears RSV MK II use 1DD+2BA and 5BA driver setups respectively. FatFreq Scarlet Mini costs $800 while Softears RSV MK II costs $700. FatFreq Scarlet Mini is $100 more expensive. Softears RSV MK II holds a decisive 1.4-point edge in reviewer scores (6.7 vs 8.1). Softears RSV MK II has better bass with a 0.6-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has significantly better mids with a 2.3-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has significantly better treble with a 1.9-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has significantly better dynamics with a 1.8-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has significantly better soundstage with a 1.1-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has better details with a 0.9-point edge and Softears RSV MK II has significantly better imaging with a 1.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | FatFreq Scarlet Mini | Softears RSV MK II |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.5 | 8.1 |
| Mids | 5.5 | 7.8 |
| Treble | 6 | 7.9 |
| Details | 7 | 7.9 |
| Soundstage | 7 | 8.1 |
| Imaging | 6.5 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 7.8 |
| Tonality | 6.5 | 8.4 |
| Technicalities | 6.1 | 7.9 |
FatFreq Scarlet Mini Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.7Cautiously Favorable
Softears RSV MK II Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
FatFreq Scarlet Mini reviewed by Audionotions
7
Reviewer Score
FatFreq Scarlet Mini reviewed by Jays Audio
6
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Jays Audio
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Softears RSV MK2 shifts from the OG’s vocal-centric tilt into a bass-forward all-rounder. The sub-bass and mid-bass hit with real slam and weight, giving drums and bass guitars a satisfying, dynamic punch. Upper mids (3–6 kHz) are tamed to avoid shout, while a gentle 1–2 kHz rise keeps vocals open and natural—slightly less pushed than the original but still clear. Treble is smooth with decent air; not super sparkly and there’s no EST “sauce,” but it stays clean and non-fatiguing.
As a package, MK2’s standout is the low-end texture—thunderous yet controlled—making it one of the more engaging bassy sets under four figures. Technical performance is solid for the tier, though some rivals at lower prices bring more raw detail and EST extension. Build and accessories get a tasteful, modern refresh. For best balance, the stock tips work well; bass-boosting or treble-opening tips can shift it toward a more V-shape at the expense of overall smoothness.
On genre fit, MK2 shines with hip-hop, pop, EDM, and R&B, where its punch and warmth bring rhythms to life; for orchestral or leaner acoustic picks, the bass can edge forward depending on the mix. It scales to mid–high volumes nicely (around the 70–80 dB zone) without turning sharp. Compared with the OG RSV—now likely affected by a silent retune in recent units—the MK2 is the safer buy: less shout, more authority down low, and a broader all-rounder appeal. Recommended, especially if found below full MSRP, for listeners craving tasteful bass with natural mids and relaxed, smooth treble.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
FatFreq Scarlet Mini reviewed by Jaytiss
5.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Jaytiss
8.9
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
FatFreq Scarlet Mini reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.9
* score rescaled + normalized
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.2
* score rescaled + normalized
FatFreq Scarlet Mini (more reviews)
FatFreq Scarlet Mini reviewed by Smirk Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Softears RSV MK II (more reviews)
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Softears RSV MK II brings back the all-BA ethos at $700 with five armatures and a promise of “re-engineered BA bass.” Build and accessories feel premium (sleek shells, plush case), while the cable choice is quirky—4.4 mm only with a 3.5 mm pigtail. Fit is outstandingly secure and custom-like but on the larger side with a longer nozzle, so comfort depends on ear size. Softears’ Ultra Clear tips work well; the new metal-ring variant adds little beyond novelty.
On the graph, bass looks like gigabass, yet in ear it settles into a warm, weighty foundation without steamrolling the mids. The midrange follows a “new-meta neutral” tilt—fuller than Harman with forward upper-mids—while treble lands clean and sparkly without fatigue. Imaging is tidy rather than cavernous; separation and delineation are convincing, with the top end executed better than the bottom. BA bass here is among the more physical and satisfying of its kind, though tactility can be track-dependent and turn a bit tubby on very bass-heavy mixes.
Against peers, Symphonium Meteor sounds warmer and more “special” but less all-round; DUNU SA6 MK2 is more colored with janglier treble and the least convincing bass; 7th Acoustics Supernova trades warmth for vivid, bright-tilted imaging; Softears Studio 4 is lighter on bass and airier; and the old Moondrop S8 stays the lively, vocal-centric counterpoint. Net take: a supremely competent, character-light all-rounder that favors bass weight over panoramic staging. Verdict: 4/5 stars—a welcome throwback done right, and notably cheaper than the original RSV launch price.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelSoftears RSV MK II reviewed by Fox Told Me So
7.8
Reviewer Score
On the graph, it diverges from JM-1 or Harman, choosing its own path. Sub-200 Hz is elevated, giving the bass notable weight and warmth, but also risking congestion. A dip between 200–600 Hz thins mids and robs some body from vocals and instruments, though it does clean up edges. Then comes a surprising 14 kHz BA-driven peak, adding air, shimmer, and openness—rare for an all-BA set!
In practice, bass hits with real presence for BA, punchy and convincing though not as deep as DD. Mids lean slightly thin, a bit lack of density, making instruments less woody. Treble is airy and crisp thanks to that 14k lift, but may edge bright for sensitive listeners. Stage favors forward bass and a sense of openness, though not massive in depth.
Verdict: It’s bassy, airy, and a touch thin in the middle—a distinct tuning philosophy that stands apart from the crowd.
Fox Told Me So original ranking
Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Web Search
8
Reviewer Score
The Softears RSV MK II refines the original RSV with an all-5BA design and a 4-way crossover, targeting a stable “reference sound” while improving driver control and airflow management. It’s easy to drive at 122 dB/Vrms, 7 Ω, and the build mixes medical-grade resin with CNC-milled aluminum and forged carbon for a robust, low-resonance shell; MSRP is $699.
On paper, the tuning remains neutral with a bass lift: dual Knowles CI22955 woofers aim to give BA-bass more texture and weight, an improved ED driver anchors clean mids, and a SWFK unit handles upper treble for a smoother, less fatiguing top end. Softears’ LRC network and dual pressure-relief approach target consistent FR and reduced ear pressure, which should aid long listening sessions and imaging stability.
Subjectively, this positions the RSV MK II as a coherent, midrange-centric set with tight, controlled low-end rather than maximal slam, and a smooth treble that trades sparkle for fatigue-free listening. Soundstage is moderately wide with tidy imaging; technicalities are competitive for the class but won’t chase ultra-etched detail specialists. Given the tuning goals and efficient drive requirements, value will appeal most to listeners prioritizing tonal accuracy and midrange timbre over sheer sub-bass impact or treble air.
FatFreq Scarlet Mini Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $800
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Softears RSV MK II Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $700
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FatFreq Scarlet Mini User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Softears RSV MK II User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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FatFreq Scarlet Mini Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.7Gaming Grade
B-Softears RSV MK II Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.6Gaming Grade
AFatFreq Scarlet Mini Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.
Average Technical Grade
B- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Softears RSV MK II Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- It delivers a coherent, natural timbre that remains captivating across genres. Acoustic instruments sound lifelike and textured.
Average Technical Grade
A- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
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