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Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

8 min read
#audio quality #Wireless Headphones #earbuds #Sound Balance #Sennheiser
Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Introduction

Sound balance is the invisible thread that ties the entire listening experience together. When the audio feels left‑leaning, right‑leaning, or simply uneven, every song, podcast, or video call can feel jarring. For the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, a premium pair of earbuds that promise a rich, immersive sound, the ability to fine‑tune that balance is an essential part of unlocking their full potential.

In this guide we explore the techniques, tools, and best‑practice tips for restructuring the sound balance on the Momentum True Wireless 4. Whether you’re a casual listener, a music producer on the go, or someone who simply wants crystal‑clear voice calls, the steps below will help you create a more symmetrical and satisfying listening environment.

Why Sound Balance Matters

  • Audio Fidelity: A balanced soundstage makes the source material – whether it’s a symphony, a movie score, or a single voice – feel natural and engaging.
  • Comfort: Uneven frequencies can cause fatigue or discomfort over extended listening sessions.
  • Device Versatility: Music, gaming, podcasts, and calls all demand slightly different balance settings.
  • Accessibility: Some users may need tailored balance adjustments due to hearing differences.

When the Momentum’s drivers (one dynamic woofer and one balanced‑armature tweeter) deliver audio in a skewed manner, the overall mix can feel off. Restructuring the balance is therefore a routine but crucial part of the earbuds’ configuration.

Overview of the Momentum True Wireless 4

The Momentum True Wireless 4 (MTW4) combines a sleek design with advanced audio technology:

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode for versatile listening.
  • High‑Resolution Audio support via aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC.
  • Dynamic Sound Engine that adapts to music style and listener behavior.
  • Built‑in EQ presets: “Bass Boost”, “Treble Boost”, “Flat”, “Vocal”, etc.
  • Touch Controls on the earbud shell for play, pause, volume, and ANC toggle.
  • Sennheiser Touch app that offers a deeper level of customization, including a fully editable equalizer.

The earbuds are also paired with a dedicated charging case that doubles as a wireless charger for compatible phones.

Default Sound Settings on the Momentum True Wireless 4

By default, the MTW4 comes with a balanced EQ preset that aims for neutrality across all listening scenarios. The equalizer is pre‑loaded with a 5‑band curve:

  1. 60 Hz – Low‑frequency enhancement.
  2. 170 Hz – Low‑mid frequency.
  3. 310 Hz – Mid‑range.
  4. 600 Hz – Upper‑mid.
  5. 3 kHz – High‑frequency boost.

These values are calibrated to the earbuds’ drivers and the user’s typical environment. However, real‑world use often differs, and personal preferences can be far more specific.

How to Access the Equalizer

Using the Sennheiser Touch App

  1. Install the App: Download the Sennheiser Touch app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Pair Your Earbuds: Put the MTW4 in pairing mode and connect via Bluetooth.
  3. Navigate to Audio Settings: Tap the “Audio” tab at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Open the Equalizer: Under “EQ Settings” tap “Edit EQ”.

The app shows a 5‑band equalizer graph with sliders for each band. You can also choose one of the built‑in presets as a starting point.

Using Device Settings (iOS / Android)

If you prefer not to use the app, you can use the built‑in equalizer on your phone:

  • iOS: Settings → Music → EQ.
  • Android: Settings → Sound → Equalizer (location varies by manufacturer).

Note that device EQ may not override the earbuds’ own EQ entirely, but it provides an additional layer of adjustment.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Restructuring Sound Balance

Below is a practical workflow that applies whether you’re on iOS or Android.

1. Identify the Need for Adjustment

  • Play a Familiar Track: Choose a song you know well; any imbalance will stand out.
  • Notice Skew: Is the bass too dominant on one side? Are the vocals leaning left or right?
  • Test Different Modes: Listen in ANC, Transparency, and Normal modes; balance may shift between them.

2. Open the Equalizer in the Sennheiser Touch App

  1. Launch the app and connect your earbuds.
  2. Go to the Audio section and tap Edit EQ.

You will see the 5‑band equalizer with a neutral line across the center.

3. Fine‑Tune the Frequency Bands

  • Bass (60 Hz): If you feel the low end is too loud, lower the slider slightly.
  • Low‑Mid (170 Hz): Tweak this band to control warmth.
  • Mid‑Range (310 Hz): Adjust for clarity of vocals.
  • Upper‑Mid (600 Hz): Refine the body of the music.
  • Treble (3 kHz): Set to improve airiness without causing harshness.

Make incremental adjustments (1‑2 dB steps) and listen after each change.

4. Test in Real‑World Conditions

  • Walk Around: Put the earbuds in, walk a short distance, and listen to environmental sounds.
  • Switch Modes: Toggle between ANC and Transparency to ensure balance holds across settings.

5. Save Your Custom Profile

Once satisfied, tap “Save” and give the profile a descriptive name like “Even Balance” or “Personal Fit.”

6. Apply the Profile Automatically

In the Audio section, set the custom profile to load automatically when the earbuds are connected.

Customizing Balance Through the Earbuds’ Touch Controls

The MTW4 offers on‑shell touch controls that can alter the audio experience:

  • Double‑tap to toggle ANC on/off.
  • Triple‑tap to switch between the active EQ presets.
  • Long‑press to access a quick menu that may include a “Balance” option in some firmware versions.

If your firmware includes a balance slider, use it to shift the soundstage left or right in 5‑% increments.

Using Third‑Party Apps for Deeper Customization

If you want even finer control, you can use third‑party equalizer apps that support Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) devices. Popular options include:

  • Equalizer FX (Android)
  • Boom: Bass Boost + EQ (iOS)

These apps may allow you to create multi‑band curves beyond the 5‑band limit of the Sennheiser app. However, be cautious of latency or battery drain.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. No Change After Adjusting EQ

  • Check Bluetooth Connection: Re‑pair the earbuds to ensure the app communicates correctly.
  • Update Firmware: In the app, go to Settings → Firmware Update.

2. Uneven Balance Only in One Mode

  • Reset to Default: In the app, tap “Reset” and re‑apply your custom EQ.
  • Verify Mode‑Specific Settings: Some firmware versions allow separate EQ presets per mode.

3. Bass Still Dominant After EQ Adjustments

  • Check Audio Source: Some apps (e.g., Spotify) apply their own EQ that may override device settings.
  • Use Low‑Pass Filter: Enable a low‑pass filter in the app to tame excessive bass.

Best Practices for Maintaining Balanced Sound

  • Regularly Re‑check: As your ears adapt, periodic re‑balancing ensures continued comfort.
  • Keep Firmware Updated: Manufacturers often refine audio algorithms in updates.
  • Use High‑Quality Source Material: Low‑bitrate files can distort balance.
  • Avoid Extreme Settings: Pushing EQ far from neutral can introduce distortion.

Adapting Balance for Different Use Cases

Use Case Recommended EQ Adjustments Reasoning
Music Production Mild bass boost (+1 dB) and clear mids (0 dB). Ensures accurate monitoring.
Gaming Slight treble boost (+1 dB) and tight low‑mid (-0.5 dB). Enhances clarity of in‑game audio cues.
Podcasts Neutral or slight low‑mid cut (-0.5 dB) and mid‑range boost (+0.5 dB). Improves vocal intelligibility.
Road Trips Slight bass lift (+1 dB) and overall flat. Adds warmth for long listening sessions.
Workout Balanced with a hint of bass (+0.5 dB). Provides energy without overpowering.

Adjust each band in small steps, test, and iterate.

Accessibility Considerations

If you have a hearing impairment or a hearing aid, you may need to tailor the balance significantly:

  • Use the “Accessibility” settings on your device to adjust mono or stereo output.
  • Employ the app’s “Personal Hearing Profile” if available.
  • Seek professional audiologist advice for specialized calibration.

Final Thoughts

Restructuring sound balance on the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is a straightforward process once you become familiar with the tools at your disposal. The combination of the Sennheiser Touch app’s editable equalizer, the earbuds’ touch controls, and the flexibility of device‑level settings gives you unprecedented control over your audio experience.

Remember that balance is not a one‑time fix—it evolves with your listening habits, the environments you find yourself in, and the audio content you consume. By periodically revisiting your EQ settings, staying up to date with firmware, and keeping an ear out for subtle shifts in sound quality, you’ll ensure that every listening session remains as natural and engaging as possible.

Enjoy the rich, balanced world of music and audio that the Momentum True Wireless 4 has to offer.

Discussion (11)

ET
Ettore 11 months ago
Just updated to firmware 1.2.3 and the new UI makes the balance slider much easier to find. Hope the next guide will include screenshots of the updated version.
ZL
Zlata 11 months ago
I’ve been using the Sennheiser app on my Android phone for a month now. The guide correctly points out that you can fine‑tune the balance under the ‘Sound’ tab, but the UI is a bit clunky – you have to scroll down to ‘Advanced Settings’ and then enable ‘Manual Balance’. Once that’s on, you can slide the left‑right marker. I also recommend using a mono test track to hear if one side is dominant.
CA
Caspian 11 months ago
Thanks for the tip, Zlata. I was stuck at the regular EQ screen and thought the article missed that step. The mono track test is a good sanity check.
NI
Nicolette 11 months ago
Honestly, the whole balance fiddling feels like a bandaid. If the earbuds are that off‑center out of the box, shouldn't Sennheiser fix it in hardware?
MI
Milan 11 months ago
They do some manufacturing tolerances, but most of the perceived imbalance comes from how the drivers are tuned for a balanced soundstage. Software balance is a quick fix for user preference.
OB
Oberon 11 months ago
The article omits the recent firmware 1.2.3 that actually adds a dedicated balance slider in the native app. Users on older firmware won’t see it, so always check for updates before troubleshooting.
YA
Yara 11 months ago
I thought the left and right were swapped, so I just turned the earbuds around. Turns out the balance was set to 70% right, not a hardware issue.
ET
Ettore 11 months ago
Yara, that’s a classic mistake. The balance control is the first thing to check before assuming a defect.
SI
Silvi 11 months ago
nice guide, finally something that actually works
BR
Bramwell 11 months ago
yeah sure, just tweak some sliders and the magic happens.
DM
Dmitri 10 months ago
It’s not that simple, Bram. The Momentum 4 uses a proprietary DSP, you need the Sennheiser app to access the balance controls, otherwise you’re just adjusting volume.
QU
Quintus 10 months ago
yo man the phone eq is whack, i just maxed the bass and left the balance at 50/50 and i’m good. no need for fancy tools.
LU
Luminara 10 months ago
That works if you only care about bass, but adjusting the balance gives you a true stereo image. Otherwise you’ll miss details in the mix.
ET
Ettore 10 months ago
I tried the method you described with the Equalizer APO on Windows. After calibrating with a SPL meter the left-right balance improved, but you have to disable the built‑in Sennheiser app first or it will overwrite your settings.
LU
Luminara 10 months ago
Good point, Ettore. I also found that turning off the adaptive EQ in the app prevents it from re‑centering the soundstage. The article could mention that step explicitly.
JO
Jorren 10 months ago
The article is thorough but it completely skips the Windows 11 built‑in sound settings where you can also tweak the balance per output device. I had to dig through Control Panel to find the slider, and that could have saved many users a few minutes.
OB
Oberon 10 months ago
True, Jorren. The OS level balance is often overlooked, but it’s a quick workaround when the app refuses to cooperate.
AR
Arsen 10 months ago
For a more scientific approach, I use REW (Room EQ Wizard) with a calibrated microphone to plot the frequency response of each earbud. The balance adjustment should bring the -3dB points within 0.5dB of each other across the mid‑range.

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Contents

Arsen For a more scientific approach, I use REW (Room EQ Wizard) with a calibrated microphone to plot the frequency response o... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Dec 04, 2024 |
Jorren The article is thorough but it completely skips the Windows 11 built‑in sound settings where you can also tweak the bala... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Dec 04, 2024 |
Ettore I tried the method you described with the Equalizer APO on Windows. After calibrating with a SPL meter the left-right ba... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Dec 04, 2024 |
Quintus yo man the phone eq is whack, i just maxed the bass and left the balance at 50/50 and i’m good. no need for fancy tools. on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 26, 2024 |
Bramwell yeah sure, just tweak some sliders and the magic happens. on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 23, 2024 |
Silvi nice guide, finally something that actually works on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 20, 2024 |
Yara I thought the left and right were swapped, so I just turned the earbuds around. Turns out the balance was set to 70% rig... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 19, 2024 |
Oberon The article omits the recent firmware 1.2.3 that actually adds a dedicated balance slider in the native app. Users on ol... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 11, 2024 |
Nicolette Honestly, the whole balance fiddling feels like a bandaid. If the earbuds are that off‑center out of the box, shouldn't... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 10, 2024 |
Zlata I’ve been using the Sennheiser app on my Android phone for a month now. The guide correctly points out that you can fine... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 10, 2024 |
Ettore Just updated to firmware 1.2.3 and the new UI makes the balance slider much easier to find. Hope the next guide will inc... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 08, 2024 |
Arsen For a more scientific approach, I use REW (Room EQ Wizard) with a calibrated microphone to plot the frequency response o... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Dec 04, 2024 |
Jorren The article is thorough but it completely skips the Windows 11 built‑in sound settings where you can also tweak the bala... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Dec 04, 2024 |
Ettore I tried the method you described with the Equalizer APO on Windows. After calibrating with a SPL meter the left-right ba... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Dec 04, 2024 |
Quintus yo man the phone eq is whack, i just maxed the bass and left the balance at 50/50 and i’m good. no need for fancy tools. on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 26, 2024 |
Bramwell yeah sure, just tweak some sliders and the magic happens. on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 23, 2024 |
Silvi nice guide, finally something that actually works on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 20, 2024 |
Yara I thought the left and right were swapped, so I just turned the earbuds around. Turns out the balance was set to 70% rig... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 19, 2024 |
Oberon The article omits the recent firmware 1.2.3 that actually adds a dedicated balance slider in the native app. Users on ol... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 11, 2024 |
Nicolette Honestly, the whole balance fiddling feels like a bandaid. If the earbuds are that off‑center out of the box, shouldn't... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 10, 2024 |
Zlata I’ve been using the Sennheiser app on my Android phone for a month now. The guide correctly points out that you can fine... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 10, 2024 |
Ettore Just updated to firmware 1.2.3 and the new UI makes the balance slider much easier to find. Hope the next guide will inc... on Restructuring sound‑balance on Sennheise... Nov 08, 2024 |