New Gear Review: PLAY2ME Mobile Mixing System, S4 & S4R Headphones by OLLO

OLLO offers a unique take on mobile mixing with a distinctive product line that includes the innovative PLAY2ME system, which incorporates a wearable haptic cushion for tactile, extended low frequency response.

OLLO is a new audio equipment manufacturer based in Slovenia whose mission is to “enable creativity in music production for anyone, anywhere”.

Their product range consists of the S4 and S4R headphones as well as the unique PLAY2ME mobile mixing system, which includes a wearable haptic cushion for extended sub frequency response, setting OLLO aside from other headphone manufacturers in the pro audio community.

Let’s take a closer look at what the OLLO range has to offer.

Features

The S4R headphones have a closed back design, and feature detailed 3D imaging in their 20Hz-22kHz frequency response. Described by OLLO as ”balanced”, the trained ear will notice slight dips around 400Hz, 3kHz, 7kHz, and a bit of a boost around 10kHz—a relatively familiar frequency curve. The bass response in the S4R feels round and dynamic.

The S4R’s lightweight design makes for comfortable wear and a snug fit, even on smaller heads. Aesthetically, the S4R has a sleek, dark colored look with a walnut outer ear cup and a vegan-friendly head strap. All its parts are replaceable, and you can easily service them yourself with commonly available tools. The 1/8” balanced Y cable which connects to the 3/32” female sockets on each ear cup is also replaceable, and comes with a 1/4” adapter.

The S4 headphones feature an open back design, and the same 20Hz-22kHz frequency response as the S4R. Instead of a balanced response though, the S4 has a considerably flat response and benefits from more precise 3D imaging. The bass response is somewhat smoother, as to be expected from an open back design.

The construction is much the same as the S4R—they are lightweight and fit comfortably on a range of head shapes. The S4 features walnut ear cups and an 1/8” balanced Y cable into the 3/32” female sockets, and also comes with a 1/4” adapter. It sports a brown leather headband, and like the S4R, all of its parts can be replaced and serviced with common tools.

Both headphones ship in very eco-friendly packaging, and come with a good-sized pouch that you can pack them into to take with you on the go.

PLAY2ME is OLLO’s take on a mobile mixing solution that promises to work in any environment. It consists of their custom preamp, a wearable, custom haptic cushion for extended low frequency response (both of which ship in a sturdy aluminum case), and their open back S4 headphones.

The preamp is relatively small and very portable at just over half a rack unit in width. You can connect to it through RCA or XLR inputs, with the relative input selectable via a switch on the front panel. You’ll also find two volume controls and two outputs on the front panel—one control and output combination for your headphones (1/4” TRS), and one control and output combination for the haptic sub cushion (5-pin XLR).

Lastly, you’ll find a mono switch on the front to help you check your source for mono compatibility. The cushion is sturdy and has three large velcro straps which allow for various attachment scenarios to suit your needs.

In Use

A closer look at the S4 and S4R headphones.

The S4R is a good set of headphones for recording in particular.

When you’re singing into a microphone or playing an instrument, you want headphones that you can forget are even there; you’ll find the S4R to be these kind of headphones. They’re light and comfortable, and you’ll forget you’re wearing any at all in no time. You’ll also find that you can wear them for prolonged periods of time without discomfort.

The S4 headphones deliver detailed information not only frequency-wise, but also in terms of 3D imaging, and you can truly hear their beauty through a good headphone preamp like the PLAY2ME pre. A regular headphone preamp that you might find on a medium-sized interface won’t do them justice, but this isn’t anything unexpected—more power (electricity) equals better sound.

The most novel entry here, the PLAY2ME cushion, revealed itself to be a multi-faceted tool. I initially used it with headphones, as intended, for playback and checking mixes. It served as a really useful reference point whilst on the move and in a portable rig scenario.

Some experimentation took me down an alternative road where the headphones got left aside, the monitors were switched back on, and the cushion took on the role of additional tactile guidance. I soon realized that writing synth parts in this way was a very satisfying experience, not to mention drumming in percussive patterns on pads, and even turning guitars into drones. Experiencing music through touch is quite powerful, and writing a song with this extra sense allowed me to tap into new avenues of inspiration.

To Be Critical

I do have a critique which applies to both sets of headphones, rooted in their construction; the metal above the headband (the part that connects both ear cups) resonates like a spring if you brush or touch it accidentally. This could be disturbing if you’re especially sensitive, but can be quickly resolved by holding it to stop the vibration. (Alternately, you might consider wrapping some fabric around it.)

In terms of the PLAY2ME preamp, it would be useful to have it in a half rack unit format with optional rack ears for rack mounting—or some screw holes on the bottom for mounting on a universal rack shelf, for example. To be fair though, you could say that defeats the portability, but it would still be nice to have the option to stick it in a rack without losing space.

Summing it Up

Overall, I’ve found the OLLO range to be great; the S4 has been my go-to set of headphones since they’ve landed on my desk, even for recording. I don’t monitor loud during recording, so I haven’t had problems with bleed from the open back design. You might prefer to record with the S4R if you monitor loudly during recording. I have a preference for the flat response of the S4; the information it delivers is more precise to my ears.

The PLAY2ME cushion and preamp have been very useful tools for checking mixes, but have also come to serve as inspiring creative tools. I’ve used the cushion a lot for writing, especially low end synth parts; it’s a nice way to gauge where you are energy-wise in a song.

Finally, the people at OLLO were also very responsive, and follow up quickly on queries. It goes a long way when companies provide top-tier customer service, and OLLO has fully delivered in this regard. They also run a generous “test before you buy” program which is especially useful if you’re considering making the €1,399 investment into the very top end of the OLLO range with the full PLAY2ME system.

If you’re in need of a reliable mobile mixing solution, the OLLO range could be just what you’re looking for.

[Editor’s note: After writing this review the author liked the headphones so much that she decided to become an endorsed artist for the brand. No such relationship existed at the time the review was completed.]

Cécile Desnos was nominated for “Breakthrough Engineer of the Year” at the 2019 MPG Awards. She engineers and produces out of her London studio. Find her credits on Fresh-Noisy.com.

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