Campfire Audio Mammoth Hybrid Earphone Review

Not neglecting the bass lovers out there, Campfire have brought out an affordable model that hits hard, digs deep but is less recessed in the midrange compared to their old Polaris II.

campfire mammoth

[jnews_review_shortcode review_show_pros_cons=”true” review_show_breakdown=”true” review_show_price=”true”]

Fit and Comfort

Campfire Audio Mammoth Review – These have the same for factor as a lot of Campfire Audio’s models, it’s a tried and tested design that fits well in most peoples ears. The new-ish longer nozzle design means they fit more securely without any difference in comfort for me. The shell is angular on the outside but the inner edges are smooth, the size is also great meaning they don’t stick out too far.

Comfort with the right tips is excellent, the smooth inner housing, the soft cable and correct tips will allow you to listen to these for hours on end without any discomfort.

Compatibility

The Mammoth are not hard to drive, however due to their low impedance and high sensitivity it is best you pair them with a high quality source – this will ensure you hear them as they are designed and also reduces the risk of any unwanted background hiss. Ideally you need a DAP with sub 1 Ohm output impedance to help with this.

Sound

Bass: This is a new hybrid model from Campfire Audio, and we all know that means lot of lovely bass, the Mammoth are no different. There is a real emphasis on the bass, and it is quite a broad emphasis, there is effortless sub-bass extension paired with hard hitting and impactful mid-bass presence. The slight downside to this presentation is that there is inevitable bleed into the midrange, and on certain tracks this does lead to lower male vocals sound a bit muffled. For the most part though these are incredibly energetic and engaging and the bass is just fun yet articulate and detailed.

Midrange: The midrange is surprisingly good, it seems to depend on the mix and genre a lot as to whether it cuts through well or sounds a bit muffled and overly warm. These are no way near as v-shaped as the Polaris II, the midrange is well presented with good detail, female vocals are less affected from the bass bleed and thus sound a little more faithful. Electric guitars have sufficient bite to them, and the midrange is well presented when you take in to account the power from the low end. Just remember these are not tuned for those wanting a neutral and intimate midrange, and you should be pretty impressed with them.

Treble: The treble isn’t as boosted as the old Polaris II, it isn’t quite as sharp or in-your-face however it isn’t laid back and lacking sparkle. These have great detail in the treble region and there is plenty of energy and good extension, they do roll off a little which robs them of a little bit of air and space, but the tonality is very good. They are crisp and responsive, they are snappy and clean without being fatiguing or over the top.

Soundstaging and Genres

The Mammoth may have a warm and thick sound but the sound is quite spacious and has good width and air, the treble presence greatly helps these from sounding closed in. There is excellent stereo imaging too, with a very accurate placement of instruments within the soundstage.

Genre wise these work well with a lot to be fair, rock is engaging and powerful, pop is snappy and full sounding, however they wouldn’t be my first pick to jazz/acoustic/classical just due to them having a more engaging sound that doesn’t really suit these genres. EDM lovers will really enjoy the Mammoth – the amount of bass on show without missing out the midrange and treble works wonders with this kinds of music.

Who are they for?

  • Anyone wanting a more fun and powerful sound
  • Those looking to get in to the Campfire Audio sound without breaking the bank

Conclusion

The Mammoth are really fun, they take a lot of the strengths of the old Polaris II but improve the midrange and tone down the slightly aggressive treble. This leads the Mammoth to have a more refined and slightly better balanced sound signature, but make no mistakes these are still tuned to hit hard and deliver a powerful bass driven sound signature. This is definitely one for those who enjoy a fuller and bolder sound signature but don’t want to lose the midrange and treble. The Mammoth is incredibly engaging yet crisp and detailed at the same time, a very accomplished hybrid earphone.

Campfire Holocene and Mammoth Announcement

Announcement: Mammoth and Holocene earphones give music lovers two new flavours of high-quality listening experience in an evocative glow-in-the-dark package.

Campfire Audio Mammoth and Holocene Announcement: With support for high-quality lossless formats across the major streaming platforms on the rise, music lovers now must rely more than ever on their choice of earphones to deliver on the promise of the next generation of premium listening experiences. Recognizing the need for audiophile-grade sound and quality in a unique, eye-catching package, Campfire Audio has just announced Holocene and Mammoth — two bold new earphone designs that will connect listeners with their favourite artists better than ever before.

Holocene and Mammoth build off Campfire’s legacy of elegant, handcrafted earphones and in-ear monitors by utilizing Campfire’s signature 3D printed acoustic chambers and precision matched drivers to deliver a peerless listening experience in two distinct sonic flavours. Holocene’s sound profile offers an even, balanced frequency response across its entire range, giving listeners exceptional clarity and a high-fidelity representation of their favourite artist’s sonic vision. Mammoth is bold and vibrant, ideally designed to deliver an enhanced listening experience to the person who likes to turn things up and feel the bass, mid, and treble in all the right places.


Ensuring Campfire’s commitment to crafting products that are both robust and refined, each model is machined from aluminium, connected with black tri-lobe screws, finished with a black PVD stainless steel spout, and completed with the company’s custom beryllium MMCX connectors ensuring years of stable performance. Campfire has also given Holocene and Mammoth a unique and striking visual appeal, with integrated glow-in-the-dark elements on the earphones and cable overmolds, giving them a dynamic look after dark. The units also ship with a custom-designed zipper case made of SEAQUAL® upcycled marine plastic with glow-in-the-dark features and unique patterns on every case.


“When we designed Holocene and Mammoth, we soon discovered each had its unique voice, and both had something special to offer the discerning listener.” said Caleb Rosenau, Vice President of Campfire Audio.


“Holocene gives you all the nuance and detail out of the most layered recordings without intruding on what the artists intended for us to hear. Its clarity and resolution shine a bright light on your favourite recordings, so you hear more than you ever have before. Mammoth is exciting, visceral, and simply an enjoyable sonic signature. You may find yourself turning up the favourite parts of your favourite songs with Mammoth because I certainly did. Both are going to give you an amazing way to listen and connect with your favourite music in an honest and intimate way. These are exceptional products, and we’re excited to get these into people’s hands so that they can enjoy them as much as we do.”


Holocene Key Features

  • Designed and Assembled in Portland, Oregon, USA using globally sourced components
  • Triple Balanced Armature earphone design for a full, balanced frequency response
  • SPL: 94dB @ 6.99 mVrms
  • Earphone Impedance: 5.4 ohm @ 1K
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
  • ‘Umber’ Color
  • Glow-in-the-dark Overmolds; MMCX and 3.5mm Plug
  • New ‘Smoky Glow’ Silver plated Copper Litz Cable
  • New ‘Epoch’ Carrying Case made with Upcycled Marine Plastic Supporting the SEAQUAL® INITIATIVE and features a unique and one-of-a-kind design

Mammoth Key Features

  • Designed and Assembled in Portland, Oregon, USA using globally sourced components
  • Custom balanced armature for highs, a single custom BA for mids, and a new custom 10mm bio-cellulose diaphragm dynamic driver for a visceral and vibrant sound.
  • SPL: 94dB @ 18.16 mVrms
  • Earphone Impedance: 8.1 ohm @ 1K
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
  • ‘Frozen Tundra Blue’ Color
  • Glow-in-the-dark Overmolds; MMCX and 3.5mm Plug
  • New ‘Smoky Glow’ Silver plated Copper Litz Cable
  • New ‘Epoch’ Carrying Case made with Upcycled Marine Plastic Supporting the SEAQUAL® INITIATIVE and features a unique and one-of-a-kind design