If you’re reading this, you’re probably a newcomer to the world of hi-res audio, eager to unlock every drop of magic from your gear. I recently got my hands on the HiBy R6 III, paired it with the Sennheiser HD 660S2, and started experimenting with the incredible MSEB (MageSound Eight Ball) sound tuning system. Let me share the settings I landed on and why I think they work so well for this setup!
Why MSEB is Amazing
For those who don’t know, MSEB is like an audio artist’s palette. Instead of technical jargon like EQ frequencies, you get straightforward options like “Warmth,” “Bass Texture,” and “Air.” For someone just starting with hi-res audio, this can make tweaking the sound way less intimidating and way more fun.
My Goal
The Sennheiser HD 660S2 has a beautiful sound - smooth mids, controlled bass, and an overall natural vibe. My mission? To bring out the best in the 660S2 while adding a touch of warmth and sparkle. After hours of listening and tweaking, here’s the setup I settled on:
My MSEB Settings
Overall Temperature: +5 to +8
I love a slightly warm sound - it feels cozy and smooth without losing clarity. This setting made everything sound a bit more inviting.
Bass Extension: +4 to +7
The HD 660S2 has good bass, but I wanted to add a bit more depth for genres like electronic and rock. This gave the sub-bass a satisfying rumble.
Bass Texture: +3 to +5
I nudged this up to give the bass a richer, more detailed feel. It helped everything from kick drums to bass guitars sound more alive.
Note Thickness: +2 to +4
This one was subtle but important. It gave vocals and instruments a fuller, more emotional sound without making them muddy.
Vocals: +2 to +4
I’m a sucker for clear, present vocals, and this setting brought singers just a touch closer, especially on acoustic tracks. The sound coming out of Sennheiser HD 660S2 is very realistic and this tweak makes it hyper realistic.
Female Overtones: +1 to +3
I must confess. I have a lot of songs in my library with female vocals. A small boost here added some extra shimmer to female vocals without making them piercing. Adele and Norah Jones sound heavenly and so do my other favorite female singers like Lucinda Williams, Patti Smith, ZZ Ward, Gin Wigmore, Saint Lu, Amy Winehouse and Mariska Veres of Shocking Blue.
Sibilance LF: -2 to -3
Let’s be real - sibilance (that sharp “s” sound) can get annoying. Dialing this down smoothed things out in the lower range.
Sibilance HF: -2 to -4
Similar to the LF setting, this helped tame the higher-frequency peaks, making the overall experience more comfortable.
Impulse Response: Neutral (Natural)
This is a game-changer. I kept it natural for a balanced, lifelike soundstage that doesn’t feel too sharp or too soft.
Air: +3 to +5
Adding a bit of “air” made the treble sparkle just right. It gave the music an open, spacious feel - perfect for orchestral or live recordings. Want to see this setting in action? Listen to Hotel California by Eagles.
High-Frequency Roll-off: -1 to -3
Just a slight adjustment to keep the treble detailed but not overly sharp. It’s all about balance here.
Why These Settings Work for Me
After fine-tuning these settings, I felt like I’d unlocked the full potential of the Sennheiser HD 660S2. The warmth and depth in the bass, the rich mids, and the sparkling yet controlled treble created a sound that felt both immersive and intimate. Whether I’m listening to jazz, rock, or electronica, everything feels just right.
Pro Tip: Experiment!
The beauty of MSEB is that it’s all about your preferences. Start with my settings as a base, but don’t be afraid to tweak them. Try bumping up the vocals or dialing down the bass - your ears are the ultimate judge.
If you’re new to hi-res audio like me, don’t be intimidated. The HiBy R6 III and the MSEB system make it easy to dive in, explore, and discover a sound signature that’s truly yours.
Happy listening! 🎧
Let me know how it works for you or if you’ve found some cool settings of your own!