The MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SL224 is one of those IEMs that immediately gets attention on paper. It uses an ambitious eight-driver-per-side configuration: two dynamic drivers, two balanced armatures, and four micro-planar drivers. At $269.99, that makes it a serious contender for listeners who want a technically interesting hybrid IEM without moving into flagship pricing.
But driver count alone does not make an earphone good. The real question is whether the SLIIVO SL224 can make all of those drivers feel coherent: deep bass without bloat, forward vocals without shout, and extended treble without turning sharp. After comparing its published design, product specifications, and independent listening impressions from Head-Fi and MobileAudiophile, the SL224 looks less like a specification stunt and more like MYER-AUDIO's most complete hybrid tuning so far.
The short version: the SL224 is not a relaxed background IEM. It is a vivid, spacious, and highly engaging hybrid with weighty but controlled bass, clear mids, extended upper treble, and unusually strong instrument separation for the price.
What Is the MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SL224?
The SLIIVO SL224 is a multi-driver hybrid in-ear monitor built for listeners who want a lively, detailed, and full-range sound. Each side uses a 10mm dynamic driver, a 6mm dynamic driver, two customized balanced armature drivers, and four customized micro-planar drivers. Dynamic drivers handle the low end, balanced armatures focus on midrange clarity, and micro-planar drivers extend the upper frequencies.
Key Specifications
- Driver configuration: 2DD + 2BA + 4 Micro-Planar per side
- Dynamic drivers: 10mm bio-diaphragm DD + 6mm titanium-plated DD
- Impedance: 36Ω
- Sensitivity: 108dB
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
- Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Nozzle size: 6.2mm
- Cable: Hand-braided monocrystalline copper silver-plated
- Included plugs: 3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced, Type-C
- Faceplate material: Real shellfish shell
Design and Build
The SL224 has the kind of design that suits its sound concept: bold, polished, and clearly built to feel more premium than a basic budget IEM. The face covers use real shellfish shell material, so each pair has its own light pattern and color variation. The shell is shaped for a secure ergonomic fit, though buyers should know that complex hybrid IEMs can be larger than simple single-driver earphones.
Accessories and Cable
MYER-AUDIO includes a strong accessory package with the SL224. The cable is a hand-braided monocrystalline copper silver-plated design with a modular plug system. You get 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and Type-C terminations in the box, so the SL224 can work with a wide range of sources without immediately needing another cable. The package also includes multiple silicone tips, foam tips, and a hard carrying case.
Bass: Deep, Fast, and Surprisingly Controlled
The bass is the first reason many listeners will pay attention to the SL224. Its dual dynamic driver system gives the low end a sense of real air movement that smaller or single-driver designs can struggle to match. The 10mm bio-diaphragm driver supports the deeper low-bass region, while the 6mm titanium-plated driver helps with quicker bass hits and punch.
In practice, the SL224 suits electronic music, modern pop, hip-hop, cinematic scores, metal, and any track where bass texture matters. MobileAudiophile described it as the strongest 2DD bass implementation they had heard from MYER-AUDIO so far: deep reach with rhythm and speed intact. Kick drums have impact, bass lines have shape, and low-frequency drops feel satisfying without turning the SL224 into a one-note basshead IEM.
Midrange: Clear Vocals with Extra Upper-Mid Presence
The midrange is handled by the balanced armature drivers. Male vocals have enough lower-mid body to avoid sounding hollow, while female vocals sit a little more forward and open. The upper mids are slightly energetic, so listeners who enjoy clear female vocals, acoustic guitars, strings, and piano attacks will likely appreciate the tuning. MobileAudiophile specifically noted that female vocals receive a clear spotlight while piano and guitar lines remain textured.
Treble: Airy Micro-Planar Detail Without Excessive Sharpness
The four micro-planar drivers deliver crisp, extended treble with enough sparkle to bring out cymbals, synth textures, vocal overtones, and small background details. MobileAudiophile found the treble detailed, fast, and extended without becoming harsh or sizzly. Head-Fi noted a smoother 4–10kHz region plus more obvious energy above 10kHz — lively and airy, not dull, but still more controlled than many sharp budget hybrids.
Measurements and Tuning Notes
Based on the Head-Fi review, the SL224 measures like a modern, generally Harman-influenced IEM, but not a strict neutral clone. The measured response suggests a smoother 4–10kHz area, visible extension above 10kHz, and a broadly linear 600Hz–3kHz transition. Low nonlinear distortion was measured at just over 0.5% at 94dB and just over 1% at 104dB — in practical listening, distortion is not the limiting factor.
Technical Performance
Because the bass, mids, and treble each have dedicated driver groups, the presentation feels clean and separated even when music becomes busy. Imaging is precise, and the stage has more openness than many warmer IEMs in this price range. Instrument separation is one of the SL224's most impressive qualities — individual vocal lines, percussion hits, and background layers are easy to follow without losing the whole musical picture.
Source Pairing
With 36Ω impedance and 108dB sensitivity, the SL224 is not difficult to drive, but it scales with better sources. A clean dongle DAC, balanced portable player, or compact desktop DAC/amp will give better separation, stronger bass control, and a more stable treble presentation. The 4.4mm balanced plug is especially useful if your source supports it.
Best Music Genres for the SL224
The SL224 is a strong match for listeners who move across genres. Its bass makes electronic, pop, hip-hop, and cinematic music feel full and physical. Its upper-mid clarity helps vocal tracks, J-pop, acoustic music, and female singers sound expressive. Its micro-planar treble works well with metal, progressive rock, game soundtracks, and tracks with layered percussion or synth detail.
Comparisons
- vs AFUL Performer 5+2: SL224 has more air movement, deeper sub-bass body, and more forward female vocals.
- vs Astral: Astral hits harder; SL224 counters with faster bass recovery and cleaner treble.
- vs MYER-AUDIO CK2V: CK2V has more bass slam; SL224 is smoother, more spacious, and more balanced overall.
- vs PULA Anvil 114: Anvil 114 is heavier and more forceful; SL224 is cleaner and more elegant.
- vs LETSHUOER Cadenza 4: Cadenza 4 is lighter and sparklier; SL224 is fuller and more versatile across genres.
- vs Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite: SL224 has stronger punch, larger scale, and more complete low-end foundation.
- vs Moondrop Meteor: SL224 has more bass weight and a more engaging personality.
- vs Hisenior Mega5-EST: SL224 is a little less bassy and puts more attention on the midrange.
Who Should Buy the MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SL224?
The SL224 is a good choice if you want a hybrid IEM under $300 with deep sub-bass, clear vocals, airy treble, above-average instrument separation, a spacious stage, and a modular cable with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and Type-C plugs included. It works across pop, electronic, rock, metal, vocal, and soundtrack music.
You may want to consider something else if you prefer a very small shell, a very dark sound signature, extreme basshead tuning, or an ultra-relaxed presentation with recessed upper mids.
Verdict
The MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SL224 is an ambitious and very competitive hybrid IEM for its price. Its biggest strength is how complete it feels: the dual dynamic drivers give bass real depth and impact, the balanced armatures keep vocals clean and present, and the four micro-planar drivers add the air and detail that modern listeners expect from a technical hybrid set.
At $269.99 with a modular cable, real shellfish shell faceplates, and a full accessory kit, it offers a lot of value in the sub-$300 hybrid category. Among recent hybrid IEMs, the SL224 deserves attention because it combines technical separation, a large stage, tasteful bass weight, and an engaging vocal range in a way that feels mature rather than gimmicky.
👉 Learn more or order the MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SL224 at The HiFi Cat
FAQ
Is the MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SL224 good for bass?
Yes. The SL224 uses a 10mm + 6mm dual dynamic driver system, giving it deep sub-bass reach, strong punch, and better speed than many slower bass-heavy IEMs.
Is the SLIIVO SL224 good for vocals?
Yes. The SL224 has clear mids and a slightly forward upper-midrange, which helps vocals sound present and expressive, especially female vocals.
Does the SL224 come with a balanced cable?
Yes. The included modular cable comes with 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and Type-C plugs.
Is the SL224 easy to drive?
It is fairly easy to drive at 36Ω and 108dB sensitivity, but it benefits from a good DAC/amp or balanced source for better control and separation.
Is the SL224 good for gaming?
Yes, it works well for immersive gaming because of its separation and spacious stage.
Who is the MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SL224 best for?
It is best for listeners who want a lively hybrid IEM with strong bass, clear vocals, airy treble, and good all-round performance under $300.
