The AirPods Pro 2 sold millions due to their remarkable features, and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are expected to be even better.

However, it’s unclear if waiting for the AirPods Pro 3 is worthwhile since the launch details remain unconfirmed.

Still, there are rumors about the AirPods Pro (3rd generation) floating around, and we’ve gathered them in one place, so you know what to expect. Let’s dive in!

When Is the AirPods Pro 3 Release Date?

According to industry insiders, the AirPods Pro 3 should arrive in late 2024 or early 2025. The prediction is optimistic, but it makes sense, as Apple’s earbuds seem to be on a two or three-year upgrade cycle:

Model	Launch date
Apple AirPods (1st generation)	December 2016
Apple AirPods (2nd generation)	March 2019
AirPods Pro	October 2019
Apple AirPods (3rd generation)	October 2021
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)	September 2022

Apple’s Wearables, a category that includes AirPods, is doing well, so there’s no reason for Apple to delay a potential launch for the next AirPods Pro.

Additionally, the company announced the Vision Pro for 2024. The device promises an advanced audio experience, with testers claiming that the spatial audio feature is more immersive than with AirPods.

This could mean that the AirPods Pro will provide more enveloping sound, especially since users will be able to pair them with the Vision Pro.

What Will the AirPods Pro 3 Look Like?

Given that the AirPods Pro and Pro 2 looked similar, we expect the Pro 3 to look the same, with most of the improvements internal.

In other words, the AirPods Pro 3 will probably maintain the sleek design of its predecessors, with interchangeable ear tips and functional touch controls on the stem.

That said, users should expect the earbuds in an updated charging case with a USB-C port. Apple is transitioning from Lightning to USB-C ports to comply with European regulations. These state that electronic devices, including earbuds, must have a universal USB-C charging port to reduce electronic waste.

What Features Can We Expect From the AirPods Pro 3?

The AirPods Pro 3 will share many of the same features as the AirPods Pro 2. These include sweat and splash protection, up to 6 hours of battery life from a single charge, active noise cancellation (ANC), and Personalized Spatial Audio.

Granted, the AirPods Pro 2 boast more advanced noise cancellation than the AirPods Pro and superior sound. If Apple follows this trend, AirPods Pro 3 users should be able to enjoy further audio enhancements across the board.

On top of that, Apple might surprise fans with other hardware and software improvements. We’ve listed the rumored features below:

• Potential H3 and U2 chips
• Gesture-based controls
• Possible hearing health and body-temperature features
• AirPods features available with iOS 17

Potential H3 and U2 chips

Apple launched the H2 chip with the AirPods Pro 2. The company may debut the H3 chip with AirPods Pro 3 to stay on the innovation bandwagon, ensuring better sound and ANC. With the wireless earbud market becoming fiercely competitive, it would be unwise for Apple to rest on its laurels.

Additionally, the company could feature a U2 chip inside the AirPods Pro 3 case for improved Ultra Wideband technology. This could translate to better Find My performance and seamless Vision Pro integration. The chip is rumored to debut in the upcoming iPhone 15, so the odds are good.

Gesture-based controls

Apple has been working on using gesture-based controls for AirPods, but the technology isn’t available yet.

The company applied for a patent in 2020 for sensors that would allow the earbuds to recognize subtle movements in the user’s face. Technically, this would enable users to control the earbuds with a smile or similar gesture.

While the technology seems futuristic, Vision Pro lets users navigate with their eyes and hands. Gesture-based controls for AirPods Pro could be just around the corner.

Possible hearing health and body-temperature features

Speaking of biometrics, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman states that Apple is exploring hearing health and body-temperature features for AirPods.

According to Gurman, AirPods could offer a hearing test feature that plays different tones to determine how well a person can hear. They might also have sensors that measure body temperature via the wearer’s ear canal.

Granted, these health features might be months or years away. Even so, there’s a slight chance they will make it into the next generation of AirPods Pro.

AirPods features available with iOS 17

Less vague are the new AirPods features that will become available with the launch of iOS 17. Since these work for AirPods Pro 2, they’ll likely be integrated with all upcoming AirPods models:

• Adaptive Audio: A new listening mode that blends Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation, automatically adjusting the AirPods volume based on your surroundings.
• Updates to Automatic Switching: AirPods will switch between the user’s Apple devices faster.
• Mute and unmute: Following the update, users can press the stem of the AirPods to mute and unmute themselves.

What Do Users Want From the AirPods Pro 3?

Since Apple isn’t releasing official updates on the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, it’s interesting to see what users want from the next generation of Apple earbuds. After scouring forums, here are some of the improvements they call for:

• Ability to update firmware manually: Users have been complaining consistently about the firmware update process for AirPods Pro being glitchy, so they hope a manual update option is on the horizon.
• Improved noise-canceling: Some users are disappointed with the ANC capabilities of AirPods Pro 2, while others state that they degrade over time.
• More comfortable ear tips: A few users find the AirPods Pro uncomfortable to wear, especially for long periods.
• Black/multiple colors: Black AirPods are a common wish among users, but other colors would also be welcome.

While it’s unlikely that Apple would release AirPods in any color other than white, the improved ANC is almost a given. After all, Apple has a penchant for upgrades. Until more information about the AirPods Pro 3 leaks, we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

How Much Will the Apple AirPods 3 Pro Cost?

The first two AirPods Pro models hit the market at a $249 price point. We estimate that the AirPods Pro 3 will follow suit.

Moreover, a new generation of AirPods Pro might lower the price of previous iterations. For example, AirPods Pro (1st generation) were available for as low as $160 at the end of 2022 from the original price of $249, and you can currently purchase them for around $180 from certain retailers.

The post Apple AirPods Pro 3: Release Date, Price, Specs, Rumors and More appeared first on Headphonesty.

Where to Buy

• Amazon
• Official B&O Website

Unboxing and First Impression

Introduction

Bang&Olufsen (shortened to B&O from hereon) is well known for unique industrial designs that stand out amidst a sea of “me too” products. The focus on design does not detract from functionality, and I have come to expect a certain elevated level of quality from the Danish brand’s offerings.

Unfortunately, exceptional design and solid performance do not come cheap, and B&O’s flagship H95 are a testament to that. The newer Beoplay HX are an attempt at cutting down the (absurd) cost of the H95 while offering much of the same functionality and keeping the design language intact.

On the surface level, B&O has achieved many of those targets. The HX are noticeably cheaper (albeit still expensive), the build materials are largely the same, and the lifestyle features like Adaptive ANC are here to stay.

Paper specs mean little, though, so let’s delve deeper.

Packaging

The Beoplay HX packaging is rather straightforward. You slide up the box, and that’s about it.

In the box

• B&O Beoplay HX headphones
• USB-A to type-C charging cable
• Manuals
• Carry case
• 3.5mm analog input cable

The carry case offers adequate protection and has a nifty, hidden compartment to store the charging and analog cables.

Battery

• Battery Life: 35 hrs (with ANC on)
• Charge Time (15 mins): up to 240 mins playback time

At around 35hrs (with ANC on) and 40hrs (without ANC), the battery life of the Beoplay HX is good but not the best, given the competition is pushing 80 hours of playback. I need to charge the headphones once every week, with moderate usage.

15 mins of charge can get up to 4 hours of playback, provided you use a suitable fast-charging cable.

The quick charge function is handy but not class-leading. The headphones will turn off after 15 minutes of “unpaired” state.

UX

• Control Mechanism: Mechanical + Touch
• Touch Accuracy: Inconsistent
• Control Symmetry on both ear-cups: No
• A proximity sensor in each earcup for wear-detection

The top button on the right earcup powers on the B&O Beoplay HX. Above the button is an LED that blinks in pairing mode, whereas the LED underneath the type-C port indicates charging status. Finally, there is a 3.5mm analog input.

The left earcup hosts the ANC button that cycles through various ANC modes. Finally, the “multi-button” can trigger the voice assistant when pressed and held for a moment. It can also mute the mic if you are on a call.

The circular aluminum area on the right earcup also acts as a touch panel.

There are a few gestures that you can perform here. Sadly, they are neither customizable nor very extensive. Moreover, the touch panel is awkward to use, and touches are often not registered properly.

A short rundown of the available controls are:

• Tap the B&O logo: Play/pause music, answer/end call
• Swipe forward: Skip forward
• Swipe backward: Skip backward
• Swipe up: Volume up
• Swipe down: Volume down

Design

• Profile: Over-ear
• Material: Plastic, aluminum, leather
• Fit and Comfort: Outstanding

B&O Beoplay HX are built exceptionally well.

The construction is mostly metal, with a stitched leather headband. The feel in hand is excellent and alludes to the premium pricing.

The headband has soft memory foam underneath that cushions against the weight of these headphones when worn.

The adjustment mechanism is smooth, so it is tough to dial in the level of extension you require precisely. The hinge also rotates smoothly, and the entire mechanism is very sturdy.

The earpads can be detached easily via “unscrewing” them from the earcups. It’s a nifty feature and a better implementation than the Airpods Max’s magnetically mounted cups.

The earpads are made out of lambskin leather and have memory foam underneath. Comfort is excellent as a result, even though these pads will make you sweat on hot and humid summer days.

Also, the pads could be “roomier,” with the circular shape not ideal for large ears.

The clamp can be a bit on the stronger side, but the pressure distribution is good enough to keep things manageable. Overall, excellent build quality that lives up to the lofty expectations that come with such a high price tag.

Mic

• Noise Cancellation: No noise
• Voice Pick-up: Excellent voice pickup

B&O utilizes eight microphones in total to aid in voice pickup and noise cancellation on the Beoplay HX. This results in a microphone performance that competes with the best in class.

My voice does not break up or lose clarity, even in the subway or windy conditions.

Background noise is suppressed really well, though certain high-frequency noises can pop up from time to time. For the most part, it’s a non-issue.

Mic demo

Sound

• Driver: 40mm
• Sound Signature: Warm
• Bass: Good
• Mids: Good
• Treble: Average
• Soundstage: Average
• Imaging: Average
• Dynamics: Average

The B&O Beoplay HX have a warm tuning with some unevenness in the treble region and average technicalities.

Bass

The bass has an emphasis in the sub and mid-bass region, but nothing that goes overboard.

Bass texture and speed are fairly good, with fast basslines not being completely blurred. The likes of Stax Spirit S3 do better in this regard, but they are a different beast altogether. The sub-bass rumble and the mid-bass slam are muted on the Beoplay HX.

Good bass given the product category, but nothing spectacular.

Mids

The lower midrange sounds fairly linear, but the upper-mids are too restrained at times. Due to a dip between 2 – 3kHz, this muted upper-midrange results in a lack of “openness” in soaring vocals.

On the plus side, such tuning avoids shout and shrillness altogether, albeit at the expense of vocal articulation.

Treble

There are noticeable peaks around 5.5kHz and between 7-8kHz for me, but the upper-treble extension is lacking. Treble sounds strangely subdued in terms of decay, and the initial hit of cymbals and hi-hats are also lacking in definition.

Dynamics

Macrodynamic punch (sudden changes in volumes) has a muted delivery, while the microdynamics (subtle shifts in volume) are not very noticeable.

In tracks like Counting Crow’s Miami, the vocals and the instrument have a continuously varying volume level, which the Beoplay HX do not faithfully replicate.

On the other side of the spectrum, sudden bass drops lack gusto and immediacy. This issue plagues many Bluetooth headphones and IEMs out there, and the Beoplay HX are no exception.

Soundstage

The soundstage feels wide due to the recessed midrange, but stage depth is lacking.

Imaging

Imaging is nothing to write home about, with the instruments mostly placed left and right. Instruments lose the sense of ordinal orientation, resulting in merely average spatial cues.

Active noise cancellation

With the ANC turned on, the sound signature of the Beoplay HX does not change noticeably.

I recommend keeping ANC on in most cases, as that’s the feature you are paying for.

ANC performance is very good, falling slightly behind class leaders Sony WH-1000XM5 in terms of high-frequency noise attenuation.

The app has granular control of transparency mode where you can dial in the exact amount of sound “leakage” you want.

Connectivity

• Audio Codec: SBC, AAC, AptX Adaptive
• Bluetooth Version: 5.1
• Auto-connect when: Put close to paired devices.
• Average drop-outs in an hour: 0 – 2 times
• Multi-point connection: Yes

The connection is rock-solid, and pairing is pretty simple once the headphones are put in pairing mode (pressing the power button for a few seconds).

Multipoint support works seamlessly for two devices. Overall, the B&O Beoplay HX have nailed the connectivity features, and even the “perks” are well implemented.

Waterproof

• IP Rating: IP53

The Beoplay HX are IP53 rated, which means they are “protected from limited dust ingress, protected from water spray less than 60 degrees from vertical.”

Software

• Granular ANC control, including Adaptive ANC.
• Beosonic.
• Wind noise reduction.
• No remapping of controls or buttons.
• Auto Pause: Yes.
• Mobile apps

The Beoplay HX app looks clean and offers some meaningful customization options. The “Beosonic” feature is a glorified EQ preset builder, and frankly, I’d much prefer the old-school graphic equalizer.

One strange omission is the lack of control customization, so you are essentially stuck with the factory presets.

Conclusion

B&O Beoplay HX look and feel phenomenal. The comfort is excellent for the most part, and battery life, microphone quality, and ANC performance are nearly class-leading. Very few boxes remain unchecked, which is good news for the high asking price.

Sadly, sound quality falls short of expectations in the sense that the HX do not sound spectacular. There are no glaring flaws in the sound that make them unlistenable, but the absence of a standout sonic attribute leaves me wanting.

In the end, the Beoplay HX are more of a lifestyle product – a fashion statement that gets many of the basics right. They won’t impress seasoned audiophiles, but that is not the target audience either, for better or for worse.

The post Review: B&O Beoplay HX – Form Meets Function appeared first on Headphonesty.

Bone conduction headphones have been around since the 90s and have been used in the medical field and the military.

Despite their benefits, bone conduction headphones remain relatively unknown. This has led to skepticism about how they work and their effectiveness compared to regular headphones.

Fortunately, understanding how bone conduction headphones work is simple. You just need to learn how they deliver sound and how this differs from regular headphones. Read on as we discuss what bone conduction headphones are and their pros and cons. We’ll also do a close comparison between bone conduction and regular headphones. Let’s dive in!

What Are Bone Conduction Headphones?

Bone conduction headphones, or “bonephones”, use earpieces placed over the jaw or cheek area to send vibrations to the inner ear, which are interpreted as sound. This makes them easily distinguishable from regular headphones, which have two ear cups covering the ears.

In medicine, bone conduction headphones help diagnose hearing loss by distinguishing eardrum damage from auditory nerve lesions.

In the military, bonephones enable soldiers to communicate without blocking their ears, allowing them to maintain spatial awareness.

How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?

Bone conduction bypasses the outer and middle ear entirely. Using magnetostriction drivers, bonephones convert audio signals into vibrations. These vibrations travel through the cheek and jaw bones to the inner ear. Then, they’re converted to electric signals and sent to the brain via the auditory nerve, allowing us to perceive sound.

On the other hand, regular headphones use air conduction to deliver sound. Through this process, sound waves funnel through the outer ear to the eardrum, which vibrates and sends signals to the brain via the auditory nerve.

Pros and Cons of Bone Conduction Headphones

Just like any other audio device, bone conduction headphones also come with their strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some reasons to consider using bonephones:

• Better spatial awareness: The open-ear design of bone conduction headphones keeps your ear canals open. This lets you hear your surroundings while listening to your audio, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or exercising.
• Compact and portable: Bone conduction headphones are typically smaller, thinner, and lighter than regular headphones, as they don’t need padding for the headband and earpieces. This makes them easy to carry around and more comfortable for extended use.
• Durable build: Many bone conduction headphones are water, sweat, and dust-resistant. They also often use strong, lightweight materials like titanium alloy for increased durability and comfort.
• Good hearing aid: Bonephones are great for people with hearing issues due to damaged eardrums. They transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear, improving sound perception for those with conductive hearing loss.

That said, bone conduction headphones also have their drawbacks:

• Sound leakage: Bone conduction headphones leak sound, especially at high volumes when the drivers vibrate more. This can compromise privacy when using your headphones. Fortunately, newer bonephones are engineered to have significantly lesser sound leakage.
• Low-grade sound quality: Bone conduction headphones can’t match the sound quality of regular headphones. This is because they cannot reproduce the full frequency range that humans can hear. Their open-ear design also lets in external noise, which can affect your listening experience.
• Uncomfortable vibrations: The vibrations generated by bone conduction headphones can be uncomfortable for prolonged periods, especially when listening at louder volumes. The initial vibration might be particularly startling and can resemble light taps on the sides of the face.

Bone Conduction Headphones vs. Regular Headphones and Earbuds

Now that you know how bonephones work, you may wonder how they stack up against other audio devices. We’ve collated some essential features in bonephones, headphones, and earbuds, and compared them side-by-side:

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Conduction Headphones

• Can I use bone conduction headphones and hearing aids at the same time?
• Do bone conduction headphones cause tinnitus?
• Do bone conduction headphones work for people who are completely deaf?
• Can I use bone conduction headphones with a VR headset?
• Are there bone conduction headphones for kids?
• What should I look for when choosing bone conduction headphones?

Can I use bone conduction headphones and hearing aids at the same time?

Yes, you can wear some hearing aids with bone conduction headphones. In-the-ear models like completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and in-the-canal (ITC) fit inside the ear, so they don’t interfere with the headphones. However, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids may overlap with the headphones’ placement, making them hard to wear together.

Do bone conduction headphones cause tinnitus?

No studies prove or disprove that bone conduction headphones cause tinnitus. Some research indicates they may alleviate mild to moderate tinnitus, but further evidence is needed to establish a causal link.

Do bone conduction headphones work for people who are completely deaf?

Bone conduction headphones won’t work for patients with sensorineural hearing damage, as they need a functioning inner ear and auditory nerve to process sound. However, these headphones can benefit patients with conductive hearing loss or damaged eardrums or ear canals. This is because the inner ear is still functioning and can perceive sound.

Can I use bone conduction headphones with a VR headset?

Yes, bone conduction headphones work with VR headsets. A study found that they’re “nearly identical” to stereo headphones in how they deliver spatial audio. This means that bonephones can provide a similar VR audio experience that regular headphones can.

Are there bone conduction headphones for kids?

Yes, there are bone conduction headphones made specifically for children. Some examples include the Erssimo Kids Bone Conduction Headphones and myFirst Headphones BC Wireless.

The former boasts a lightweight build at only 25 grams, ensuring little kids can wear them comfortably. And the latter features a maximum volume of only 85 dB to protect your children’s hearing. This also limits their vibration intensity, so they won’t be painful to use.

What should I look for when choosing bone conduction headphones?

Prioritize factors like comfort, durability, and battery life. Essentially, you’ll want bonephones that are comfortable for prolonged wear, durable enough for outdoor use, and have a long-lasting battery life to avoid frequent charging.

The post What Are Bone Conduction Headphones? [A Full Guide for Beginners] appeared first on Headphonesty.

How to Choose the Best Xbox Earbuds

The official Xbox store offers many licensed headsets but only one pair of licensed earbuds.

These limited options mean that if you prefer the comfort of earbuds, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Additionally, finding compatible earbuds with high-quality sound and a good microphone for in-game communication can be challenging.

In this article, we’ve compiled key buying factors and recommendations for the best Xbox earbuds to help make the canvassing process easier. Let’s dive in!

8 Best Xbox Earbuds in 2023

Turtle Beach Battle Buds

Key features

• Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
• Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
• Sound quality: 10 mm drivers, 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency
• Microphone: Detachable boom mic; inline mic; inline controls
• Comfort: Multiple silicone ear tips and stabilizers
• Durability: Solid build; 1-year warranty
• Additional features: N/A

The Turtle Beach Battle Buds are our top pick due to their versatility, detachable boom mic, sound quality, and excellent value.

These earbuds are compatible with multiple gaming platforms and deliver bass-rich sound, perfect for games with lots of explosions. The clarity and separation is also quite good, allowing you to hear more subtle sounds like distant gunfire and footsteps.

They come with both an inline and a detachable boom mic, plus inline controls for easy volume adjustment. The detachable mic sits partway on your cheek, not reaching your mouth. Though it’s a bit sensitive, it captures voice commands clearly without excessive ambient noise. This makes the Battle Buds excellent for multiplayer games, allowing you to communicate clearly.

The earbuds, though slightly bulky due to their design, fit snugly when used with the correct ear tips and stabilizers. The detachable mic side is also heavier, so you might have to re-adjust it now and then, but it’s not too bothersome. Overall, the earbuds have a solid and stylish build.

In the nice-to-have category, you get a pouch for tangle-free storage. However, one downside is that the cable is short. This makes the earbuds suitable for Xbox controller connection but potentially inconvenient for PC use, depending on your setup.

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JBL Quantum 50

Key features

• Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
• Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
• Sound quality: 8.6 mm drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency
• Microphone: Inline microphone and controls
• Comfort: Multiple silicone ear tips
• Durability: Braided cable up to the inline controls; 1-year warranty
• Additional features: Twistlock technology; JBL QuantumSOUND

The JBL Quantum 50 earbuds almost made it to the top of the list thanks to their comfortable and practical build. They’re only in second place because we couldn’t resist the Turtle Buds’ detachable mic, and the drivers on these are slightly smaller.

That said, the sound quality is good, with the earbuds boasting a balance of bass, midrange, and treble. You can easily hear footsteps and subtle game sounds.

The Quantum 50’s bass is less prominent than the Turtle Buds but still decent for explosive sounds. They offer excellent passive noise isolation with the right-sized tips and have convenient inline mic controls.

Additionally, the inline mic controls are handy, and the microphone captures commands without needing to be held close to the mouth, as is sometimes required with wired earbud microphones.

The earbuds use Twistlock technology, which requires twisting them into your ears for a perfect fit. They may feel uncomfortable at first, but once positioned correctly, they’re barely noticeable, even during extended gaming sessions.

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Linsoul BLON BL01

Key features

• Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
• Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
• Sound quality: 10 mm Biology Fiber Diaphragm Drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency
• Microphone: Inline mic (optional)
• Comfort: Ergonomic design; over-ear hooks
• Durability: 4-strand anti-tension cable; metal shell; gold-plated plug; wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant; 1-year warranty
• Additional features: Detachable cable

For budget Xbox earbuds, consider the Linsoul BLON BL01 offer excellent value. They offer decent sound quality with a durable, stylish design that looks premium.

The sound quality is balanced and clear, with strong bass. The cable includes a functional mic that does the job well. You can also opt for a cable without a mic, but that means the earbuds will be less versatile.

Users will likely appreciate the Linsoul BLON BL01’s ergonomic design. While they’re comfortable to wear, the cable ear hooks are stiff and might bother you after extra long gaming sessions. Additionally, those with small ears may find it challenging to get a snug fit, even with five ear tip options.

The standout feature is the sturdy build, including a polished metal shell and a detachable braided cable for easy replacement. You also get a range of accessories in the box, including a soft pouch.

All in all, these are a solid choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much on earbuds but still wants to get some bang for their buck, especially in terms of sound quality.

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Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed Earbuds

Key features

• Type: Wireless (2.4GHz USB-C dongle; Bluetooth 5.2)
• Compatibility: Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices
• Sound quality: 10 mm drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency; ANC
• Microphone: Dual environmental noise-canceling (ENC) microphones
• Comfort: Lightweight build; multiple ear tips
• Durability: Flip-top case; solid build; 2-year warranty
• Additional features: Razer Audio app

If you’re a fan of untethered freedom, the Xbox-licensed Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed Earbuds are for you. They connect to your Xbox via an included USB-C dongle for lag-free gaming, and their 10 mm drivers provide accurate sound with optional active noise cancellation (ANC).

The earbuds deliver crisp, immersive sound with excellent directional audio for games that need it. Plus, the ANC effectively isolates the outside world.

The microphone is clear and loud, even for soft-spoken users. However, it doesn’t reject environmental sounds well, which may only be an issue for on-the-go phone calls. However, it’s above average for home gaming.

The earbuds’ battery life is limited, lasting about 2 hours with ANC on when connected to Xbox. Turning off ANC and lighting extends it to around 3 hours per charge, with the case providing four additional charges. While insufficient for avid gamers, casual players shouldn’t have too many reasons to complain.

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Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds

Key features

• Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
• Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
• Sound Quality: 22 Hz–17.5 kHz frequency
• Microphone: N/A
• Comfort: Multiple ear tips, over-the-ear design
• Durability: Kevlar reinforced cable, sweat-resistant construction, 2-year warranty
• Additional features: Detachable cable

If you don’t need a mic for gaming but want earbuds that’ll help keep out noisy distractions, look no further than the Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds. Though designed for music, they’re compatible with any 3.5 mm jack gaming platform, including Xbox.

The SE215 PROs offer exceptional passive noise isolation, blocking up to 37 dB of noise for an immersive gaming experience. The earbuds also deliver detailed, bass-enhanced sound, ensuring you won’t miss in-game audio cues.

Comfort-wise, the over-ear design suits long gaming sessions. They also come with three sizes of silicone and memory foam tips for a perfect seal. And though the cable may feel stiff initially, it becomes unnoticeable after 20-30 minutes of use.

The build is robust and likely to last a long time, thanks to a detachable Kevlar-reinforced cable and gold-plated connector.

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ASUS ROG Cetra II Core

Key features

• Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
• Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
• Sound Quality: 9.4 mm Neodymium drivers, 20 Hz – 40 kHz frequency
• Microphone: Inline, omnidirectional mic and controls
• Comfort: Multiple ear tips and ear fins
• Durability: Aluminum housing, 2-year warranty
• Additional features: N/A

The ASUS ROG Cetra II Core earbuds are designed for comfort, ideal for gamers who lose track of time. Their ergonomic build features slightly tilted earbuds for a better fit, multiple ear tip pairs, and soft ear wings for stability during gameplay, making them ideal for fidgety players.

The liquid silicone rubber drivers in the earbuds ensure stable speaker performance. You get incredibly strong bass and an impressive level of passive noise isolation. The inline mic, equipped with noise-suppression technology, ensures clear voice communication.

While the lightweight metal housing looks striking, the paint may chip over time, which is frustrating, given the price. However, this doesn’t affect functionality and is a minor inconvenience if you prioritize comfort over aesthetics.

As a drawback, users report that the volume controls don’t work when you use the earbuds with a PS5 console. If you only have an Xbox, however, it won’t be an issue.

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1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones

Key features

• Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
• Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
• Sound Quality: Three drivers, 20 Hz – 40 kHz frequency
• Microphone: MEMS Mic with inline controls
• Comfort: Ergonomic design, multiple ear tips
• Durability: Lightweight aluminum alloy design, Kevlar cable, 1-year warranty
• Additional features: THX® Certified

Gamers seeking clear, high-quality sound will love the 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones. With two balanced armatures and a separate dynamic driver in each earbud, they deliver a stunning audio experience featuring deep bass and sizzling highs.

The earbuds reproduce sound with exceptional fidelity. In fact, they were tuned by Luca Bignardi, an award-winning sound engineer, making them ideal for both gaming and music. Unfortunately, they do suffer from sound leakage, even at moderate volume levels.

The 1MORE earbuds feature oblique angles that fit well into your ear canals and come with multiple ear tips, ensuring a secure fit. Moreover, the microphone is located right below your jawline and captures your voice well, with the inline controls a welcome addition.

Constructed from aluminum, the earbuds are durable. They also have a fabric-sheathed cable up to the Y-connector. The cables from the connector to the earbuds are rubber, which can snag on clothing but is a minor drawback considering the impressive sound quality.

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Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro

Key features

• Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
• Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
• Sound Quality: 4 balanced armatures and one dynamic driver per side, 7 Hz – 40 kHz frequency
• Microphone: Inline mic (optional)
• Comfort: Multiple silicone ear tips
• Durability: Stainless steel faceplate, raising cavity, gold-plated cable, 1-year warranty
• Additional features: Detachable cable

While all earbuds on this list are durable, the Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro earbuds take the cake. Made from resistant materials, they should appeal to users who like to deal with game-related tension by fiddling with their equipment.

The earbuds are durable and stylish, with a stainless steel faceplate and a cavity made from imported resin. They feature a detachable gold-plated cable with plastic sheathing for extra protection, which boasts a premium feel.

In terms of audio, these earbuds deliver powerful, dynamic bass and accurate sound across the board. However, the upper frequencies might be too sharp at high volumes for some users. Luckily, the ergonomic design offers excellent passive noise isolation, allowing you to lower the volume while still enjoying audio nuances.

On the same note, the earbuds are comfortable to wear, even for hours on end. Like the Linsoul BLON BL01 earbuds, you can opt for a cable with or without an inline mic. Choose wisely, as you’ll likely be using these for years to come.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON

The post 8 Best Xbox Earbuds [2023] appeared first on Headphonesty.

Douglas Stephens (DMS) is a popular YouTube headphone audio reviewer currently working with Headphones.com. In a recent (Aug 13, 2023) video entitled “They’re trying to PAY reviewers (KZ Krilla[sic]),” he calls out the Knowledge Zenith (KZ) company for approaching him with a financial incentive to review their latest ultra-budget IEM, the Krila.

Overview

The DMS Video

The concern is, of course, that ‘paid for’ reviews inherently can’t be trusted. Is the reviewer simply a shill for the company, and the review is little more than an advertisement in disguise? This is a common concern raised in online forums.

The Krila Controversy

Part of the reason that these issues tend to gain momentum and spiral is the unapologetic tone that KZ representatives take on social media. Rather than accepting and professionally addressing the concerns, the official KZ response is often adversarial, further fueling the fire.

In response to the DMS video, the KZ Official Store on Facebook posted a long response entitled “WHO IS LYING.” They deny ever paying for any review videos and accuse DMS of defamation.

KZ stated their official social media email is brand@kzhifi.com and asked for evidence proving that DMS received the offer from this official source.

Fair enough. But it didn’t stop there.

In the post, KZ goes on to call out other ‘famous influencers’ as being on the payroll of IEM brands. “Take the influencer named Crin***… for their collaborations, a commission of 15% of the product’s retail price is a standard requirement… These so-called ‘influencers’ simply squander the money you provide.”

It would be refreshing to see KZ take the higher ground and simply speak towards their merits rather than retaliating and engaging with seemingly knee-jerk inflammatory responses.

In the comments under KZ’s post, when questioned, they responded with “for hater, they don’t care what’s the truth, they just share the post, enjoy drama, and spread the hatred everywhere, and call for boycott the brand.”

Is it enough that there is no official proof that the request to DMS came directly from KZ? Would a court of law convict KZ? How about the court of popular opinion?

TRUTHEAR Joins the Fight

TRUTHEAR, another Chinese-based IEM manufacturer and a direct competitor to KZ, weighed in as well after KZ criticized the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero in their response.

KZ and Controversy

KZ is no stranger to controversy. We covered the ‘fake multi-driver IEM scandal’ in depth just last year. And since then, it has begun to feel like it’s just one KZ drama after another.

This is not the first time that KZ has tangled with influential headphone reviewers on Youtube. After partnering with Crinacle (Corin Ako) to produce the KZ x Crinacle CRN, Delta Fyre, known for his IEM teardowns, questioned if the EST driver in the CRN was functional on Reddit and Facebook.

This subsequently led Crinacle to boycott KZ publicly, going so far as removing KZ IEMs from his lists and refusing future reviews.

Another influential YouTube reviewer, Hawaii Bad Boy (HBB) of Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews (BGGAR), also collaborated with KZ to produce the DQ6S. HBB released a video addressing the concerns after unsuccessfully waiting for KZ to make an official response.

More recently, it was discovered that there were batch differences on another HBB collaboration KZ PR2, with some early units sent to reviewers having a mesh cover over the driver and later models sold to consumers missing the cover – significantly impacting the sound.

Can Reviewers Be Trusted?

In my experience, I haven’t run into it, but others I work with have. In discussing this issue, one of my fellow Headphonesty reviewers informed me that they declined when offered $100 for a written review in the past.

Headphonesty makes money via advertising and not from the manufacturer or provider of the headphone products we review. We pride ourselves on honesty (it’s in our name, after all) and report all the good and bad we run into.

We have no interest in being anything but truthful and helpful to our readers.

The fact is, this goes for all the reviewers I’ve had the chance to interact with. We reviewers got into this because we love the music and associated gear – not for a misguided attempt to get rich. I relate to DMS’ outrage and his concerns in the video. We all should.

Some companies do provide their products for review, but the understanding must always be that the reviewer is free from influence. That being said, the accusation of asking for a paid review is a serious one that crosses the line between independent reviewers and the companies interested in selling their products.

Admittedly, this line is sometimes blurry. Is it ok if a reviewer keeps a product after a review? Does this influence the review? Is the line crossed when the reviewer is paid directly by the manufacturer? What about if the review isn’t positive? How about reviews with affiliate links? Are collaborations ok?

These are all issues we need to decide for ourselves. Reviewers and review sites must make enough money to survive. Companies need to advertise and sell products. Knowing who you can trust for honest, independent recommendations is essential.

The Cost of Bad Press

Is KZ a scrappy underdog company that is being unfairly maligned by influencers and reviewers? Or are they unapologetically trying to get away with anything they can to help drive sales?

The truth is, we don’t know for sure.

You’ll see lots of speculation and will likely reach for the popcorn when you see that KZ has engaged in the post war. Looking in from the outside, the drama can be seen as a fun diversion. From inside the review segment of the industry, it’s frustrating to see things like this happen.

Is there really no such thing as bad press? If people are talking about the brand, does it ultimately help drive sales despite negative buzz? I guess we will find out as the next chapter in this developing drama unfolds.

Updates

August 17, 2023

Tyvan Lam, a KZ representative involved in the above posts and replies, posted an update on Facebook outlining his concerns with Crinacle, including a screenshot of their conversation when negotiating a collaboration.

Tyvan also contacted me directly to express these concerns.

August 16, 2023

DMS released an update video, stating that he’s been in contact with KZ, and they have assured him that he was contacted by a third-party distributor rather than directly by the company. They confirmed to him that they do not support paid reviews and that internal communication has occurred so this does not happen again in the future.

KZ released an official statement detailing their position on the issue.

The post DMS Exposes KZ’s Alleged Paid Review: A Controversy Recap appeared first on Headphonesty.

Simgot is fairly renowned in the world of IEMs. My audiophile journey started with the single dynamic driver Simgot EN700Pro. They really opened my eyes, or rather ears, to the novel experience of what kind of sound a single DD can achieve. They remain a favorite.

Simgot has moved into focus again recently with the release of a few new single DD models – the EA500, EN1000, and EA2000, in the range of USD$80-$300. They entered the budget market with the EW100P. Their next and latest model in the budget section is the EW200.

Simgot EW200

How We Score ⧉

Bottom Line

I have never been so incredibly impressed by a pair of IEMs in this price range. The highly revealing tuning is perfectly balanced with a healthy dose of bass. The note weight is not compromised to extract the finest details. The open and well-articulated stage, precise imaging, carefully constructed three-dimensional notes, and sheer resolution are unparalleled in this price range. And on top of it, the EW200 have the build to match the sound! The mirror-finish solid metal construction looks very premium, and the small size ensures a comfortable fit. They are the best of both worlds, and my love for them will likely never wane.

Available at Official Website

What We Like

• Controlled, powerful, and wonderfully textured bass slam
• Highly transparent and detailed midrange
• Brilliant and well-extended treble
• Sharply defined crisp notes with a nearly life-like presence
• Airy, spacious, and well-rounded soundstage with a very clean background, meticulous imaging, and outstanding separation
• Exceptionally dynamic, engaging, and overall stupendous presentation
• The full metal construction with mirror-finished surface feels very premium
• Very easy to drive

What We Don't Like

• A slightly better assortment of ear tips would be welcome
• Carrying case does not offer any actual protection

Given my already unforgettable experience with the EN700Pro, I was really looking forward to experiencing the EW200. And to say the experience was merely impressive would be an understatement.

Unboxing and First Impression

Technical Specifications

• Driver: Single 10mm dynamic driver with double-sided vapor deposited silicon crystal polymer diaphragm, N52 dual-magnetic-circuit, and dual-cavity design
• Construction: Closed
• Shell: Mirror-finished alloy metal
• Impedance: 16Ω
• Frequency Range: 10-50kHz
• Sensitivity: 126dB@1kHz
• Cable: 2-pin High-purity silver-plated OFC Cable

Packaging

The packaging is small but attractive.

Simgot does not just mark their models with a model number. They also assign a unique name to each of them (which is seldom used in discussions.) The EW200 are named Maze.

The name, model number, and an actual maze are printed on the box’s top cover. On the back, the vital information is listed in both English and Chinese, along with a sample FR curve.

In the box

• EW200 IEMs
• 2-pin cable
• 3 pairs of narrow-bore semi-transparent white silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
• Soft cloth carrying case
• Warranty, user manual, and other literature

Inside the box, the IEMs sit inside a foam cutout. The carrying pouch is in a cardboard box below, along with some literature, and the cable and the ear tips are in a small box on the side.

The soft cloth carrying pouch carries no branding. It does not offer any actual protection from external impacts, but it is sufficient for carrying the IEMs in my pocket.

The ear tips are generic with narrow long bores, but the material is high quality.

Cable

The stock cable is constructed of two strands, with one silver and one golden-colored wire inside each strand. The combination has a touch of luxury around it. The transparent insulation is very soft and pliable. The hardware is relatively cheap plastic though.

This is a well-built, lightweight, and high-quality cable for the price.

The cable is tangle-free.

Design

Simgot has made the EW200 with absolute finesse. The mirror-like finish and the subtle brandings make them all the more gorgeous. The full metal build is sturdy but is on the heavier side.

There are two vents, one on the side and one near the nozzle. The nozzle is of medium length and diameter.

Comfort and isolation

The overall size of the IEMs is relatively small, and they sit inside my ears quite snugly. The fit is comfortable, and I can barely feel their weight. The isolation is good, and I note no pressure build-up in my ears.

Internals

Simgot has used a dynamic driver with a new type of ‘Revolutionary SCP (silicon crystal polymer) Diaphragm.’

This DD also has a powerful N52 dual-magnetic circuit and dual cavities, supposedly enhancing the dynamic range and transient response.

Sound

The EW200 left me slack-jawed in bewilderment with their incredible sound quality!

This pair of IEMs have a sound that, although following the immensely popular Harman-2016 target frequency response curve, is unlike anything I have heard before. The sound signature is highly revealing, exceptionally dynamic, and wonderfully composed. It won me over almost immediately.

The tonality is largely neutral with a slightly boosted bass but never boring. The tuning is bright yet quite refined. I have yet to experience this sound for USD$100, much less around $40—moreover, the low impedance and the high sensitivity guarantee efficient driveability across all sources.

Bass

The bass is controlled yet wonderfully textured and vigorous.

The released FR curve of the EW200 did not prepare me for the magnificently textured and robust bass slams they deliver. And yet somehow, they never really get into your face. Instead, the rumble and slam mark a definitive, justly timed, and very satisfactory presence.

The sub-bass goes really deep and has a wonderful timbre and clearly defined textures. The midbass slams hard but never feels bloated. The notes have proper weight to make them sound natural. Furthermore, every last bit of detail is produced clearly. The amazing dexterity evident in this section is quite magical.

Even in the busiest tracks, I can clearly distinguish between the powerful kickdrum slams and deep basslines. The electronic bass drops generate the correct amount of pressure without masking the rest of the frequency range. The double bass generates a guttural and reverberating response. The energy in this section is transpired properly without any exaggerated focus.

Midrange

The midrange is portrayed in breathtakingly ultra-HD resolution.

The midrange is exquisite. It stunned me from the very first track. The level of transparency is outstanding. The notes are sharply defined, suitably bodied, but devoid of unnatural spikes – making them surprisingly palpable and refined. This is no lush midrange; the tonality is neutral, yet it is highly engaging overall.

Male vocals sound appropriately throaty and distinctly textured. They do not sound overly full for that extra organic touch but remain sufficiently real. The grittiness in the voice is exposed quite appreciably without being unduly grainy. Despite being sharply defined, the vocals sound pretty analog to my ears.

Female vocals are considerably vibrant. The raw power, the underlying emotions, the rough textures, the silky tune – all of them are brought forward effortlessly. They sound unrestrained, presenting everything they have to offer with no holds barred. Uncomfortable peaks are kept in check as well.

Instruments are recreated with sharp precision. The notes are crisp, crunchy, and three-dimensionally defined. Despite the knife-like edge definition, they never feel thin or wispy. The EW200 play the organic notes of cello and acoustic guitar, the funky electric guitar riff, the elegant tunes from violins and saxophones, and the melodic notes of lute with equal proficiency.

Treble

The EW200 have a brilliantly sparkling, well-extended, and awe-inspiring treble response.

The treble has an exhilarating presence. It sounds slightly forward and bright but not overly in your face. Both the lower and upper treble are equally and abundantly energetic. The notes have a tactile presence. Together they create the most ethereal treble response I have ever encountered below USD$100.

Cymbal strikes sound unapologetically clear and thrilling. Hi-hat rolls are prominent in the mix. The notes are well-defined, which, combined with the impressive energy, provides a magical thrill. I really cannot get enough of them.

Soundstage, imaging, and details

The soundstage is well-proportioned and clean, with sharp imaging.

The EW200 stun with an amazingly open and airy presentation. The background is absolutely spotless. The width, height, and depth of the stage are all extended, creating an excellent, well-rounded holographic presentation. The separation is outstanding, and the imaging is very accurate in the headspace.

In my previous experience, Harman-2016 curve-based tuning almost always comes off as boring or uninspiring. The EW200 are a complete departure from that. The sound is exceptionally dynamic, with quite prominent macrodynamics and remarkable microdynamics. The notes are very much tangible, and the details are meticulously recreated.

Comparisons

Vs. Shozy T1 Pro

The T1 pro are a single DD IEM from Shozy priced at around USD$50, with a unique, almost open-back construction. The shell is made of transparent plastic with three big vents on the rear. The driver unit is directly mounted behind the nozzle. The DD has a composite PU/PEEK diaphragm.

The T1 pro have a darker and bassier sound, with a slight peak at the lower treble, making them sound spicy. The upper treble is more rolled off. The bass is considerably bigger than the EW200 but has less prominent textures. The midrange is more recessed and has a smaller body.

The EW200 have a more clean and more three-dimensional presentation. The notes of the EW200 also feel more real. Overall they have a much more refined tuning compared to the T1 Pro.

Vs. NF Audio RA10

The RA10 are a budget single DD IEM from NF Audio, consisting of a 6mm micro dynamic driver with a polymer diaphragm. The tuning is based on the optimized diffusion field and HRTF (Head Correlation Transfer Function). They are priced at around USD$50.

The RA10 majorly lack low-end. The bass extends well but lacks the body to exert a definitive presence. Textures are reproduced fine, though. The midrange is pushed forward, with slightly bigger notes. The Treble has a tiny bit more body and a more forward presence. The soundstage feels rather two-dimensional, with width and height but little depth.

The EW200 have a wondrously delightful low-end with more voluminous slam and rumble. The midrange is slightly pushed back in comparison, but the details, presence, and note definition are similar. Treble has slightly less body but comparable extension and energy. The soundstage is more spacious and three-dimensional.

Overall, they sound more engaging than the RA10’s relatively dry presentation.

Where to Buy

• Linsoul

Conclusion

I have never been so incredibly impressed by a pair of IEMs in this price range. The highly revealing tuning is perfectly balanced with a healthy dose of bass. The note weight is not compromised to extract the finest details. The upper midrange might sound a bit shouty to some, but it sounds tastefully energetic to me.

The perfect balance between the macro and micro-details is also surprising for the low price. The open and well-articulated stage, precise imaging, carefully constructed three-dimensional notes, and sheer resolution are unparalleled in this price range. How has Simgot pulled off this unbelievable tuning at an outrageously low price?

And on top of it, the EW200 have the build to match the sound! The mirror-finish solid metal construction looks very premium, and the small size ensures a comfortable fit. They are the best of both worlds, and my love for them will likely never wane.

The Simgot EW200 are an enigma. They are currently my most preferred pair of IEMs below $150. Frankly, none of the IEMs I have heard in this region stand up to the EW200 in terms of resolution, musical engagement, and dynamics. Simgot has created a true benchmark that will likely go unchallenged for quite a while.

The post Review: Simgot EW200 Maze – Nearly Flawless appeared first on Headphonesty.

How to Choose the Best Wireless Headset for Nintendo Switch

For Nintendo Switch gamers, the convenience and freedom of movement offered by wireless headsets can significantly enhance the gaming experience.

While the benefits are clear, choosing the right headset isn’t as easy as it looks. There are many factors to consider, such as compatibility, audio quality, battery life, and more.

Fortunately, when you know which features are relevant to your needs, choosing the right headset is a simple process. In the following section, we’ll explain every factor you should consider and how it relates to your gaming experience, so read on!

6 Best Wireless Headsets for Nintendo Switch in 2023

SteelSeries Arctis 1

Key features

• Connectivity: Wireless (2.4 GHz USB dongle), wired (3.5 mm)
• Driver size: 40 mm
• Frequency range: 20 Hz-20 kHz
• Additional features: N/A
• Battery life: 20 hours (4 hours for full charge)
• Build: AirWeave ear cushions, steel-reinforced and well-padded headband

The SteelSeries Arctis 1 headphones are our top pick because they provide all the essential features for a quality gaming headset. They have a lossless sound quality, low-latency audio transmission, and a lightweight but durable build and comfortable materials.

One great feature of the SteelSeries Arctis headset is that you can use the mic to voice chat, as the headset uses a 2.4 GHz wireless connection instead of Bluetooth. The mic is detachable, so it can be removed when it’s not needed, and equipped with Discord-certified ClearCast noise-canceling for clearer communication.

However, this isn’t the only advantage. Another plus of the 2.4 GHz connection is its ultra-low latency, resulting in less delay than standard Bluetooth headphones.

These headphones come with AirWeave ear cushions– an ultra-breathable material designed to be gentle on the ears and ideal for long gaming sessions. However, you can purchase replacement ear cushions in various other materials, such as vegan leatherette and velour.

The headband is adjustable, well-padded, and reinforced with flexible steel. It’s extra-durable while still being lightweight and low-profile.

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Razer Barracuda X

Key features

• Connectivity: Wireless (2.4 GHz USB dongle), wired (3.5 mm)
• Driver size: 40 mm Razer TriForce drivers
• Frequency range: 100 Hz-10 kHz
• Additional features: N/A
• Battery life: 20 hours (3 hours for full charge)
• Build: Breathable memory foam, oval-shaped for a better fit, lightweight and extra-padded headband

Similarly to the SteelSeries Arctis 1, the Razer Barracuda X headset has excellent features all around for gaming. While it might even top the Arctis 1 in terms of comfort, we’ve put it in second place because of its higher price point.

Like the Arctis 1, the Barracuda X uses a high-speed 2.4 GHz wireless connection, enabling the headset’s removable microphone. However, you can also switch to a Bluetooth connection using a button on the headset. This makes the headset a little more versatile, in our experience, as it’s easy to set up a Bluetooth connection with your other devices.

A great feature of these headphones is their swiveling, oval-shaped earcups. Everyone’s ears are different sizes and positioned a little differently on their head. The angle and rotation of the earcups let you fit them perfectly to your proportions.

The headphones’ design is quite subtle, so you can wear them out and about without looking like you’re wearing a gaming headset. They’re also lightweight, weighing only 250 g, despite their extra-padded headband.

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Gtheos Captain 300

Key features

• Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.4 GHz USB dongle), wired (3.5 mm)
• Driver size: 50 mm
• Frequency range: 20 Hz-20 KHz
• Additional features: N/A
• Battery life: 35-40 hours (3 hours for full charge)
• Build: Memory-protein ear cushions, well-padded adjustable headband

The Gtheos Captain 300s are our top budget pick because they have all the crucial features necessary for a gaming headset at a low price. They’ve got large custom drivers for stronger audio and more accurate gunshot sounds, as well as two different wireless connectivity options you can switch between for convenience.

With this headset, you can connect to your Switch using the integrated Bluetooth option when you don’t need to voice chat. Then you can attach your mic, dock your Switch, plug in the USB dongle, and start talking without changing your headset.

Another great feature is their memory-protein ear cushions, which are great at isolating noise without stifling your ears. Combined with their long battery life, the headset is an excellent choice for long gaming sessions.

The headset comes with an omnidirectional detachable microphone, equipped with noise canceling for clearer voice chat. It’s attached by a flexible arm, so you can adjust the mic to the angle you want.

One cool feature of this headset is the RGB lighting that can further immerse you in the game’s atmosphere. You can turn this on and off with the push of a button, so the headphones are still usable in public without it looking like you’re wearing a gaming headset.

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NUBWO G06

Key features

• Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz USB dongle), wired (3.5 mm)
• Driver size: 50 mm
• Frequency range: 20 Hz-20 KHz
• Additional features: N/A
• Battery life: 47 hours (4 hours for full charge)
• Build: Foam/cloth ear cushions, steel reinforced adjustable headband

The NUBWO G06 headset is our second budget pick, as it has a lower Bluetooth version than the Gtheos Captain 300s, is slower charging, and is a bit more expensive. Nonetheless, it’s still a solid headset for a low price point.

Fortunately, Bluetooth isn’t the only connectivity method of the NUBWO G06. It has 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, letting you use the included mic with the Switch when it’s docked. The mic isn’t detachable, but you can swivel it out of the way when you’re not using it.

With imitation-protein foam ear cushions covered by cloth, you get the comfort of foam ear cushions without the potentially irritating surface texture. The ear cups are also large and spacious, relieving clamping pressure on the ears.

The headband is steel-reinforced for extra durability, comfortably padded, and adjustable in length. It also has clear markings to indicate the left and right ear cups, which can be convenient when you’re in a hurry.

A notable feature of this headset is the long battery life– the second-longest on this list, which is impressive for a budget pick.

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Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2

Key features

• Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz USB dongle)
• Driver size: 50 mm Nanoclear drivers
• Frequency range: 20 Hz-20 kHz
• Additional features: Superhuman Hearing® sound setting
• Battery life: 20 hours (3-4 hours for full charge)
• Build: Aerofit Cooling Gel-Infused Memory Foam Ear Cushions, metal-reinforced adjustable headband

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 headset is our most comfortable pick due to its lightweight, glasses-friendly design and gel-infused memory foam ear cushions.

Weighing only 325 g, this headset won’t cause any discomfort after long periods of wear. Additionally, thanks to the cooling gel-infused ear cushions, no humidity or air pressure will build up inside the ear cups. This makes them ideal for lengthy gaming sessions.

Another factor contributing to their comfort is the ProSpecs™ Glasses Relief System. This easily adjustable channel in the ear cushions allows gamers with glasses to wear the headset without discomfort.

However, this headset isn’t just listed because of its comfort. The Stealth 700 Gen 2 is also an excellent headset in terms of sound quality. Using Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing® technology, you’ll be able to hear every detail of the virtual world around you. With 50 mm Nanoclear drivers, the audio will come through loud and clear.

Furthermore, with a flip-to-mute omnidirectional microphone and 2.4 GHz wireless capabilities, you can switch to voice chat by simply lowering the mic and plugging in a USB dongle.

Compared to their earlier model, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 headset, the Stealth 700s have an additional 5 hours of battery life. They also use improved memory foam ear cushions covered by synthetic leather instead of fabric.

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HyperX Cloud Alpha

Key features

• Connectivity: Wireless (2.4 GHz USB dongle)
• Driver size: 50 mm Dual Chamber drivers
• Frequency range: 15 Hz-21 kHz
• Additional features: DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio
• Battery life: Up to 300 hours
• Build: HyperX memory foam and leatherette ear cushions, aluminum-reinforced adjustable headband

If you’re looking for a long battery life, there’s no better headset than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. With up to 300 hours of active battery life, you can get weeks of gaming with just one charge.

However, you’re not just getting an exceptional battery life with this headset. The DTS Spatial Audio feature fully immerses you in your game’s soundscape. This gives you a tactical advantage against approaching enemies. With 50 mm Dual Chamber drivers and a low-latency 2.4 GHz connection, the headset can communicate all that information clearly and without lag.

The memory foam and leatherette ear cushions are plush and breathable. Additionally, the headband is easily adjustable and very durable, thanks to the aluminum reinforcement. Though the headset comes at a high price point, we found it’s durable enough to withstand years of use.

The detachable mic has an LED indicator, which lets you know at a glance whether you’re muted. This can be handy when gaming, as you don’t need to worry about accidentally broadcasting yourself to your teammates via voice chat.

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The post 6 Best Wireless Headsets for Nintendo Switch [2023] appeared first on Headphonesty.

In August 2023, a Reddit post re-ignites criticism over the AirPods Max’ build quality, with the headband mesh losing elasticity over time. The original poster (OP) wonders if there’s anything they can do to return their AirPods Max to tip-top shape. Turns out, they’re not alone in this dilemma.

Apple’s AirPods Max hit the market in December 2020, boasting a hefty price tag but enough appealing features to catch the eye of Apple enthusiasts. Since then, however, users who invested in the headphones have found reasons to complain – ranging from the “ugly carrying case” to the dreaded condensation issue.

The AirPods Max Headband Issue, Explained

The criticism poured in after Reddit user TumbacholaPR posted a photo of their AirPods Max headband in which you can notice the mesh falling apart. They admit they thought it was dirt at first but soon realized that the issue was more serious:

TumbacholaPR quickly got a reply from another Reddit user, jayessmcqueen, who experienced a similar problem:

Unfortunately, a quick search reveals this is a common AirPods Max wear-and-tear problem that can occur after around a year of moderate use. Reddit poster spmcewen writes:

Aesthetics aside, this is the major downside of the AirPods Max mesh falling apart as the headphones become less comfortable to wear.

An AirPods Max Headband Replacement Might Cost You

The issue doesn’t seem to affect all users, with some stating that their AirPods Max still look flawless years after purchase. User OpenMind5474 writes:

But if you’re one of the unlucky ones dealing with a damaged AirPods Max headband, you might wonder if it’s reason enough for Apple to issue you a replacement. Sadly, the odds aren’t in your favor.

AirPods come with one year of hardware repair coverage through Apple’s limited warranty. Given that the issue seems to occur after about two years of use, your limited warranty likely expired before the mesh began to fall apart. In that case, you’ll have to pay for a replacement headband yourself.

Your chances are better if you purchased Apple Care+. The plan extends your coverage to two years from your AppleCare+ purchase date for “unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection.”

Read the fine print, though, and you’ll notice that Apple doesn’t provide coverage for cosmetic damage, the category under which the crumbling headband mesh most likely falls.

According to the Terms and Conditions, Apple will not provide service “to protect against normal wear and tear, or to repair cosmetic damage not affecting the functionality of the Covered Equipment.”

As a sample, user Fresh-Advice-3455 didn’t manage to get a replacement:

However, multiple Reddit users report getting their AirPods Max headband replaced under AppleCare+. Axl35 writes:

All in all, it’s worth inquiring about getting the headband replaced for free if you have AppleCare+. You have nothing to lose.

Possible Fixes for a Crumbling AirPods Max Headband

Apple doesn’t sell replacement headbands for AirPods Max, only ear cushions, so you can’t purchase one and replace it yourself.

That said, you can invest in an inexpensive headband silicone cover. Not only does it protect the headband from further damage, but it might also increase your comfort level.

Even if you’re not dealing with deteriorating mesh, a protective cover should prolong the life of the headband. The Amazon reviews are almost universally positive:

For a DIY fix, one user recommends wrapping a rubber band around the headband so that the mesh no longer sags, theoretically making the AirPods Max more comfortable to wear. They also suggest wrapping the headband in a thick cloth for extra softness.

One thing’s for sure: everyone agrees that Apple should fix the headband problem by the time the AirPods Max 2 hit the market. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.

The post A Meshy Situation for AirPods Max Owners: Headband May Not Stand the Test of Time appeared first on Headphonesty.

HarmonicDyne, a relative newcomer to the audio game, has already logged a few hits with the Helios and the Zeus. These two open-back headphones gained some traction within the headphone community.

Both headphones were known for a very warm sound signature. Their unabashed mid-bass emphasis elicited comparisons to the now out-of-production AudioQuest Nighthawk.

Of course, such a sound isn’t for everyone, but they covered a niche left open in the mid-fi market. There are plenty of warm-tilted options on the pricier side from companies like Audeze, ZMF, and Meze, but many of the most acclaimed products from the mid-fi sector just aren’t that warm, opting instead for “clear” or “neutral” tunings.

So when I was offered the opportunity to review the newest HarmonicDyne product, I jumped at the chance. I had to know what this manufacturer was cooking.

HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite

How We Score ⧉

Bottom Line

Relative to the Zeus, they improve on matters like bass response but may not be overall better due to their odd tonality. Overall, the HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite are respectable for what they attempt, but they need more refinement to justify their price to me. To be blunt, I don’t find them particularly pleasant to listen to. HarmonicDyne should consider evening out the midrange. However, for those who want a V-shaped sound signature in an open-back form factor, the HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite may be the best option around the ~USD$350 price point.

Available at Official Website

Available at Amazon

What We Like

• Relatively clear sound
• Excellent bass extension
• V-shaped sound signature creates unique position in the market
• Grill looks cool

What We Don't Like

• Bass lacks texture
• Unbalanced, recessed midrange
• Incoherent sound signature
• Not enough padding on the headband
• No single-ended cable or adapter

This new pair of headphones abandons the beryllium-coated dynamic driver of the original Zeus in favor of a “suspension diaphragm” consisting of two layers of “inert composite film” bonded by an “acoustic adhesive.”

Company Overview

HarmonicDyne seems to be a brand operated and supported by audio distribution website Linsoul.

It’s no secret that Linsoul has made itself a major fixture in the audio community, largely by being one of the most reputed vendors of Chi-fi products overseas. They’re kingmakers, and HarmonicDyne is one of the latest of this company’s darlings.

HarmonicDyne’s headphones look and sound distinctive, with complex grill designs and warm tunings.

Technical Specifications

• Form: Over-ear, open-back
• Driver: Composite dynamic driver
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity (dB): 105 dB/mW
• Frequency Response (Hz): 10Hz – 70kHz
• Removable Cable: Y
• Source Plug: 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm balanced included
• Cup Jack: 3.5mm
• Weight (g): 360g

Packaging

The Zeus Elite, like their predecessors, come in a rather official-looking briefcase filled with foam. However, unlike their predecessors, the front of this briefcase is a piece of clear plastic or plexiglass. I’m unsure why they made this decision, as it makes the whole assembly feel less “official.”

Nonetheless, the briefcase is a nice touch and provides a great start to the unboxing experience.

Accessories

It’s a relatively no-frills affair inside the briefcase: the headphones are nestled in a headphone-shaped cutout, with the cables in a small box off to the side. It’s a standard formula, but one that works.

HarmonicDyne made some “interesting” choices with the cables. Buyers are treated to a 4-pin XLR balanced cable and a 4.4mm 4-pole balanced cable. I can’t help but ask, “why?” The Zeus Elite are very easy to drive, and a balanced source is unnecessary.

No single-ended cable is included!

Design

Looking at pictures of the Zeus Elite, I was struck by their intricate grill design. This is something that the folks at Harmonicdyne like to do, and I believe the Zeus Elite’s grills are the coolest yet. They’re made of machined aluminum, and they feel very nice.

But I can’t help but think that some parts of the Zeus Elite’s design reflect somewhat poor taste. For example, the top of the headband seems to be a textured plastic emulating vinyl faux leather, which reminds me of the inside of my economy car.

The wood paneling on parts of the headband also seems somewhat incongruous, as it doesn’t match the wood on the earcups.

On the other hand, the stainless steel that’s revealed as one adjusts the headband is a nice touch.

Comfort

The Zeus Elite are fairly light, clocking in at 360g.

This doesn’t translate to a comfortable experience.

I would like to see more padding on the headband, which has the potential to generate hotspots.

The earpads, also, are functional but not luxurious. The material doesn’t feel very premium, and the foam used is a bit stiff. However, they didn’t create any serious comfort issues, and I can easily use the headphones for a reasonably lengthy period of time.

Zeus Elite Sound

While the original Zeus have been described as an overall warm-sounding pair of headphones, the Zeus Elite go a different direction with their tonality.

These headphones are fairly V-shaped in sound.

This means that the midrange – i.e., the frequency band that voices and instruments mostly fall into – is pulled back relative to the bass and treble. The benefit of this frequency response is an increased bass presence, leading to engagement and a greater sense of detail from the elevated treble.

When done right, this can be a very fun, engaging sound signature. We don’t usually see it attempted in lower-cost open-back dynamic-driver headphones because achieving a good bass response can be difficult without spending more on a higher-end driver.

The Zeus Elite achieve good bass extension but at the cost of certain side-effects that negatively impact other areas of the sound signature.

Bass

Bass is the star attraction of the Zeus Elite and is the primary reason you should consider these headphones.

It’s no secret that manufacturers have had issues in the past with achieving good bass performance with the open-back dynamic-driver form factor. There is usually a mid-bass hump followed by some degree of roll-off on the low end.

The good news for the Zeus Elite is that there is fairly little roll-off in the low end. There is roll-off below 40 Hz, but above that, everything is audible. That’s quite good for the category.

However, the bass on offer here is not the most textured or resolving. The Zeus Elite’s bass is a little woolly and one-note. So while you get an incredibly deep rumble in tracks like Burial’s Archangel, instruments like the bass guitar in Yes’s Roundabout can get vague and lumbering.

For those looking for that rumble, the Zeus Elite outdo all their open-back competition. Due to the textural shortcomings of the bass, though, I’d accept some roll-off (e.g., the Drop x Sennheiser HD6XX or Beyerdynamic DT880) or less emphasis (e.g., the Hifiman Sundara) to achieve greater clarity.

Midrange

In keeping with the V-shaped tuning, the midrange of the Zeus Elite decidedly takes a back seat to the bass and treble.

The issue I’ve always had with the V-shape tuning is that the transition between bass and midrange can create an incoherent or disjointed, and that problem is present to an extent with the Zeus Elite.

While instruments that play fundamentals in the bass or midbass like bass guitar, male vocals, or cello feel full and warm, instruments that play higher fundamentals feel cold and get pushed back in the mix.

This imbalance has me reaching for the volume knob more often than I’d like, as the track’s overall volume can shift depending on whether the instruments playing fall into the recessed areas of the sound signature. Most acoustic music and a good chunk of rock simply sounds off with these headphones.

The overall sound of the midrange is not entirely natural, resulting in severe genre restrictions.

However, this type of response can work well with genres like techno and dub. In King In My Empire by Cornell Campbell and Rhythm & Sound, the voice floats like a ghostly presence over the throbbing kick drums and synth bass. In Golddust, the percussion and bass are able to lend full support to Danny Brown’s voice.

Treble

While the upper midrange is subdued, the Zeus Elite compensate to an extent with a small peak at 5 kHz. It’s never piercing or overtly bothersome, but I don’t really like this peak – it only adds further unevenness to an already choppy frequency response, and it’s narrow enough that it can affect different tracks quite inconsistently.

Overall treble performance is simply unexceptional.

Sounds in the treble can often come off as smeared or imprecise. This is common among headphones at this price range but not desirable.

Oiran I by Meitei contains a cornucopia of samples from different origins with different treble signatures. A good transducer can separate out these samples and reveal the harmony between them. With the Zeus Elite, the sources jumble together, and some of them are rendered nearly unintelligible, with an artificial timbre.

Violet Monumental II by Tim Hecker contains some sounds in the treble that are derived from the sounds of clarinet keys clicking. The Sennheiser HD600 and, to a lesser extent, the Sivga Luan resolve these sounds naturally, making the source clear. With the Zeus Elite, they sound more like bursts of static.

Technicalities

All of these issues might be acceptable if the Zeus Elite had very good technicalities. But compared to other similarly-priced headphones, like the aforementioned Sennheiser HD600, the Zeus Elite are a step down in every regard.

Low-level detail is noticeably absent, with sounds often being robbed of texture. They are still resolving compared to most cheap consumer headphones, but I would like to see better at this price.

The bass provides a sense of dynamics and slam, but transients are quite rounded-off and lack definition, even relative to the HD600, which are not known to be that dynamic.

Imaging is not great, and the soundstage is quite flat. The “3-blob” effect is very noticeable. This is where sounds can be pinpointed to the center, left, or right of the stage, but there’s no real space in between. Again, the lack of detail may account for this.

Where to Buy?

• Official store
• Amazon

Conclusion

The HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite attempt to fill a role in the market that perhaps doesn’t need to be filled. Those looking for powerful bass at this price should probably be looking at closed-back options like the Meze 99 Classic.

Relative to the Zeus, they improve on matters like bass response but may not be overall better due to their odd tonality.

Overall, the HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite are respectable for what they attempt, but they need more refinement to justify their price to me. To be blunt, I don’t find them particularly pleasant to listen to.

HarmonicDyne should consider evening out the midrange.

However, for those who want a V-shaped sound signature in an open-back form factor, the HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite may be the best option around the ~USD$350 price point.

The post Review: HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite – One Step Forward, Two Steps Back appeared first on Headphonesty.

FiiO is no newcomer to the personal audio scene. Founded in 2007, they started with electronics for the budget-minded headphone enthusiast and since have moved to more upper echelons of the hobby.

However, FiiO isn’t exactly a veteran in terms of full-size headphones. Their previous attempt was a set of ANC wireless headphones, the EH3 NC. FiiO wasn’t able to carve a place in the market with them, which isn’t a surprise considering the fierce competition.

FiiO FT3

How We Score ⧉

Bottom Line

While the visual design is a bit hit or miss, the sonics are more than enough to make up for it. On top of that, the accessory kit is top-notch and makes the FT3 compatible with almost every desktop audio setup out there. My only major gripe with the FT3 is the treble peakiness which can induce ear fatigue faster than one might get with darker headphones.

Available at Official Website

Available at Amazon

What We Like

• True sub-bass reproduction
• Very low distortion
• The U-shaped tonality works well
• Superb accessories
• Captures recording ambiance
• Great soundstaging

What We Don't Like

• The earcup design can be divisive
• Treble at times too hot
• A bit bass-heavy
• Cable too long for desktop

The FT3 are FiiO’s first shot at full-fat audiophile over-ear headphones. While not crowded, the price bracket here is dominated by the European old guard – Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and AKG have long held the fort. Read on whether FiiO has what it takes to challenge Fortress Europe.

Technical Specifications

• Form factor: Open-back, over-ear
• Drivers: 60mm dynamic drivers
• Nominal impedance: 350Ω
• Sensitivity: 105dB/V at 1kHz
• Frequency response: 7 – 40 000Hz
• Cable entry: 3.5mm TS jacks
• Weight: 391g without cable

Packaging

Once I picked the box up, I was surprised. Has FiiO shipped me a brick? The customs agents may have taken the FT3 for a ride and replaced it with sand or confiscated soap. No such thing – the box is very big, very black, and positively heavy.

Once you get the cardboard out of the way, a nice brown leatherette carrying case presents itself. Inside lay the FT3 headphones. Under the case, I find extra pads and an assortment of cable end connectors.

If I hadn’t noticed the FiiO logo, I would have thought to have received a pair of Focal headphones.

In the box

• The FT3 headphones
• 3m copper cable
• A pair of pleather pads
• 3.5mm connector
• 4.4mm connector
• 6.35mm adaptor
• 4-pin XLR adaptor
• A hard leatherette storage case
• Paperwork

Design

If I needed to be more explicit in the previous section, FiiO isn’t pulling any punches.

As for the actual design of the headphones, I can’t say that I was too crazy about them when I saw the product photos. Luckily, they look leagues better in real life and feel nice and weighty in hand.

The build quality seems very good, and there’s no play in any hinges. The outer grill structure uses a mesh commonly found in loudspeakers. I was initially unsure of how I felt about the squiggly spoked element, but in person, I find it pretty okay.

Even the accessories share the same attention to detail. Most of the connectors use CNC machined shells, and the coupling via screw-on endcap is very smooth. The hard case looks very nice.

Cable

The FT3 come with a 3m long braided 4-conductor copper cable. FiiO lets everyone know that the cable uses mono-crystalline copper made by Furukawa. I’m a cable agnostic and find very little wrong with it.

Generally, the cable is more like the one you’d get with the Sennheiser HD800S than the Focal Clear. It’s twisted and isn’t too stubborn to remember any kinks and bends I’ve put it through to make it shorter.

I think the real star of the show here is the 4-pin proprietary connector which allows for swapping the 3.5mm TRS and 4.4mm balanced pentaconn input jacks. To further expand its connectivity, a 6.35mm adaptor can be put on the smaller TRS jack, and a nice 4-pin XLR can be worn over the TRRS.

Comfort

I find the FT3 very easy to wear, if a bit awkward at times. The headphones use a spring-loaded “hammock” headband which doesn’t put much strain on my head and doesn’t rely on clamping force alone to stay on.

I find the earpads nice and cushy, yet the way they sit on my ear-cheek area is sometimes strange. It feels like there isn’t enough force on the lower parts, and they struggle to find a good seal. I fix it by pressing them down a tad.

Even if the FT3 doesn’t pull the vanishing act the HD800S can, I find them miles more comfortable than the HD660/650/600 trio. Wearing the FT3 for a whole day is more than doable. The alternate pleather-velour pads are as comfy as the default pure velour ones.

Internals

The FT3 are dynamic driver headphones with two interesting features. FiiO claims that the huge 60mm driver has a beryllium-plated gasket and diamond-like carbon (DLC). How much of that is true and how much is lost to translation, I’ll leave to transducer engineers.

At first glance, the driver doesn’t look too different from other mylar diaphragm headphone transducers. Again – I can’t prove it, however, my gut tells me that the diaphragm is actually DLC-coated instead of made from crystal material. Similarly, the surround that holds the diaphragm in place appears vapor-coated with beryllium.

The aforementioned treatments make a lot of sense when you consider the gargantuan 60mm diameter of the FT3 driver. Most dynamic headphones use drivers in size of around 40mm. Is bigger better? Only if you know how to mitigate the shortcomings.

Large drivers aren’t without their flaws. They start to lose uniform pistonic motion much earlier than smaller ones, so their high-frequency response can become uneven. A larger driver also exhibits “beaming” at a lower frequency. A 60mm driver starts to beam at 5730Hz.

The difficulty to maintain a uniform motion is exactly what FiiO tries to solve with their DLC and beryllium coatings. Does it work? Only one way to find out – let’s give the FT3 a listen!

FiiO FT3 Sound

The question everyone probably can’t wait to get answered – are the FT3 better than the legendary Sennheiser HD650?

Well, in many ways they are! Better low end, overall resolution, and soundstaging. But not as neutral, in my opinion.

The catch, however, is that this description can be applied to headphones costing in the thousands. Focal Clear MG are also technically more proficient than the HD650, yet less neutral. The same goes for most high-end headphones.

Luckily the coloration on the FT3 isn’t unpleasant. At least not for most of the recordings out there. Overall the tonal balance leans a tad U-shaped, a crowd favorite since graphic EQs became commonplace.

Bass

The low end is plentiful and extended, if a bit too happy at times.

I can immediately tell the 60mm driver is firing on all cylinders. James Blake? The latest Hans Zimmer OST? The FT3 doesn’t limit my love for sub-bass. It goes as low as the recording tells it to and doesn’t fall apart under stress.

Upper bass is where it gets more interesting. The impact is all there – great dynamics and no sign of any noise or distortion. Yet the region around 100Hz is a tad too hot in my opinion. With some recordings, the coloration is similar to the slight ‘room-boom’ found in most domestic speaker systems.

I absolutely adore the FT3 with electronica, where vast soundscapes rely on a nice low-end foundation. Untrue by Burial hits all the right lows, and the FT3 don’t break a sweat. With the HD600 or HD650, I would hear resonant noises and doubling caused by excessive harmonic distortion.

Midrange

The mids are true to the recording, if a bit dry.

These are HD600 mids instead of the more sweetened midrange of the HD650. The linearity is there, as is the low distortion that makes mids magic. Classic rock with exemplary guitar-ship shines and distorted guitars from early Opeth bite just the right amount.

Highs

There’s some peakiness in the treble regions – they’re not completely neutral.

The peakiness imbues the higher registers with a sort of sheen that’s detectable either by comparing the FT3 to more neutral headphones or by listening long enough when it becomes more apparent. Luckily it only becomes a nuisance with very aggressive music like more abrasive industrial or metal.

I’m also impressed by the 60mm driver’s ability to resolve detail in the treble. Those fancy diaphragm coatings must really be pulling their weight! There’s no veil or any other kind of obstruction going on. I have heard better treble from dynamic driver headphones, but usually, they’re on the level of Sennheiser HD800S in price. Or electrostatic.

Technicalities

Welcome to the 21st century, the FT3 is a resolution and dynamics powerhouse!

When I had the HD650 as my daily driver, I’d always crave cleaner bass and a more spacious soundstage which nowadays is present in other headphones at that price bracket. The FiiO FT3 is a marked upgrade over the old guard in these regards.

The low distortion across the audible range makes the FT3 very resistant to congestion with busy tracks and reveals the recording ambiance as it’s captured. It makes for a very atmospheric listening experience.

Where to Buy?

• Official store
• Amazon

Conclusion

I think FiiO has created a winner here.

While the visual design is a bit hit or miss, the sonics are more than enough to make up for it. On top of that, the accessory kit is top-notch and makes the FT3 compatible with almost every desktop audio setup out there.

My only major gripe with the FT3 is the treble peakiness which can induce ear fatigue faster than one might get with darker headphones. I’d take care to partner it with more warm and dark equipment and steer clear from all-opamp designs that rely on deep negative feedback.

The post Review: FiiO FT3 – a Gauntlet, Thrown Down appeared first on Headphonesty.

Just when I thought the driver wars were ending, KZ released the AS24 with 12 balanced armature drivers per side. Then KZ upped the ante in the tuning switch wars with eight tuning switches per side, further fueling the competition.

KZ AS24

How We Score ⧉

Bottom Line

The AS24 are an easy recommendation, especially with such a favorable price-performance ratio. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with the AS24 unless the size and fit do not work or someone is looking for IEMs with a distinct signature strength (e.g., powerful, ear-drum rattling bass). The AS24 are mature, balanced, and highly flexible if you have the time and patience to experiment with myriad subtle sound difference possibilities.

Available at Official Website

Available at Amazon

What We Like

• Eight tuning switches!
• Excellent fit and finish
• Unique, easily recognizable, and attractive design
• Comfortable for long listening sessions
• The stock tuning is very well done (more neutral than KZ has a reputation for)
• The tuning will have broad appeal; the AS24 performs well across most genres
• Overall technical performance is highly competitive in the price range
• Crossover implementation is shockingly smooth, with excellent coherence
• No noticeable BA timbre or harshness
• Detail without fatigue
• Excellent bass texture and musicality for an all-BA IEM
• Fantastic value for performance

What We Don't Like

• Eight tuning switches!
• Lack of premium accessories for a flagship product; no carry case
• Ear tip options are far too limited
• Bass authority and impact are highly ear tip dependent

Are the driver and tuning switch wars ending? Or just beginning?

Unboxing and First Impression

Company Overview

KZ (Knowledge Zenith), based in Dongguan City, China, began as a distinct brand in 2013. In 2018, KZ gained complete independence in research and development with their own factory and provided customers with a full complement of OEM/ODM products and services, including wired and wireless IEMs and headphones.

Technical Specifications

• Style: In-ear monitor
• Drivers: 12 balanced armatures per side; 29689 BA x2; 31736 BA x4 (each 31736 BA = 30019 BA x2); 30019 BA, 22955 BA
• Impedance: 20-50 ohms
• Sensitivity: 109±5 dB/mW
• Frequency Response Range: 20Hz – 40kHz
• Plug Type: 3.5mm gold-plated connector
• Pin Type: 0.75mm 2-pin
• Cable Length and Type: 1.2m (4 ft) high-purity silver-plated OFC (Oxygen-free Copper core) wire and pre-shaped ear hooks
• Color: Gunmetal/Silver
• Weight: 8g per IEM (including ear tip)

Packaging

The small, plain black box is functional and efficient. KZ claims that the box and materials are a more environmentally friendly solution. Small, simple, neat, and efficient. Accessories are minimal, with a few ear tips, a cable, and a tool to adjust the tuning switches. There is no carry case included.

In the box

• KZ AS24 IEMs
• Three pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
• One pair of foam tips
• SIM card removal tool
• Pamphlet/quick start guide

Cable

The 1.2m high-purity silver-plated OFC flat cable is attractive and light in weight and appearance. The cable seems high-quality, a significant step above the usual functional yet flimsy cables accompanying most entry-level IEMs. The 2-pin connection fits perfectly and is secure.

There are zero microphonics, which is literally music to my ears and yours.

The “flat” cable is two wires bound side-by-side from the plug to the splitter, resulting in a feel of being flat. The left and right cables then separate into single round wires. The cable is relatively tangle-free and feels quite strong. Unlike braided cables, there is nothing to come loose with regular use.

The cable’s ear hooks are highly secure, if a bit stiff, resulting in a snug fit. Until they soften a bit, the ear hook pressure can compromise a good IEM seal. I experienced this until I found the best-fitting ear tips and used the cable enough to soften up the hooks.

Build & Design

The build feels well-made, and the fit and finish are excellent. There are no rough edges. The ergonomic shape is helpful to offset the size and weight. The AS24’s face is attractive in person and doubles as ear jewelry.

The AS24’s body is comprised of several main pieces: a DLP 3D printed lightweight, skin-friendly resin body, and high-precision integrated acoustic filtering nozzle, a sparkling diamond-cut bracket, and a light metal front cover.

The nozzle is of average-long length, with a notched collar to secure the ear tips, which helps with deeper insertion to offset the physical size of the bodies. A metal acoustic filter is positioned at the end of the nozzle.

Two versions of the AS24 are available – tunable and non-tunable.

The tunable edition will be a great source of debate for the AS24. There are four primary (Main) and four secondary (Auxiliary) switches per side. If you have a hawk’s eyesight (or a jeweler’s loupe), and a surgeon’s steady hand with the provided SIM card removal tool, you can adjust them.

Comfort

Their low weight (for their size) and ergonomic shape make them manageable. The form gives me no discomfort by itself, other than adjusting them periodically to keep them from angling out and compromising the seal.

The AS24 are not for small dainty ears.

The upside of the size is that the bodies are easy to handle and adjust. The shells feel substantial in hand. Thanks to excellent ergonomics, the body makes no contact with my outer ear, and they do not feel heavy in my ears. I can wear them for hours without bother or fatigue.

Internals

The AS24 has 12 BA drivers per side of varying types and specific jobs to perform:

• 29689 BA x2 = 2 BA for mid-frequencies
• 31736 BA x4 = 8 BA (each 31736 BA = 30019 BA x2) for high and ultra-high frequencies (treble and “air”)
• 30019 BA x1 = 1 BA for high-frequencies (treble)
• 22955 BA x1 = 1 BA for low-frequencies (bass)

KZ AS24 Sound

For evaluation, I listen to a great variety of music through numerous sources, including:

• Sony DVP-S7000 CD Player
• LG V20 & LG V60 phones (both have Quad DAC and headphone jacks)
• Google Pixel 7 Pro
• Lenovo IdeaPad 3
• Khadas Tone2 Pro
• Khadas Tea
• S.M.S.L SP200 Headphone Amplifier
• HIFIMAN EF400 Headphone Amplifier
• HELM Audio Bolt and DB12 AAAMP

• TempoTec Sonata E44
• FiiO M15S Digital Audio Player (DAP)

With a low impedance of 20-50 ohms and a high sensitivity of 109±5dB, the AS24 are very easy to drive. Insertion depth is average and will yield above-average passive sound isolation with adequately seated and sealed ear tips.

I have not had success with the provided tips, especially the foam. Comfort came at the cost of choking off the sound transfer into my ear canals. My preferred tips are a borrowed pair of silicone tips from the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 and silicone YINYOO Tri Clarion tips.

After listening to the AS24 with all switches off, I began the tedious (for me) task of toggling through myriad combinations. Now, I am happiest and most engaged with all switches on.

The tuning switches don’t radically alter the sound or timbre.

As a result, my opinions apply to the overall sound of the AS24, regardless of switch configuration.

The frequency response is well done in all configurations. The sound signature is mature and balanced. The AS24’s sound is highly detailed with crisp clarity, better than most dynamic drivers can manage. All the while, transitions remain smooth. The crossovers are so well executed that the resulting coherence is truly surprising.

If you like to tinker, the tuning switches will let you make small changes to the frequency response to your heart’s content.

The AS24 exhibit excellent dynamics with nuance. The soundstage is spacious, and the imaging is precise. Well-timed attack and decay make for realistic timbre and good tonality, which is quite an accomplishment for all-BA driver IEMs (especially with 12/side!).

For this review, I visited the following artists and their home locations:

• Moldova: Dying Light by Infected Rain
• Morocco: Amour – Ou Trop Tard Me Suis Pris by Amina Alaoui
• England: Il Mio Cuore Va by Sarah Brightman
• United States: Mirror Haus by Lindsey Stirling
• Netherlands: Wireless by Within Temptation

A fascinating collection from several continents, these diverse musical productions range in ethnic origins, musical styles, and explorations in audio.

Bass

For a BA driver, the bass reproduction is authoritative and rich while remaining clean and well-defined. When all switches are on, the upper bass can slightly step on the midrange with specific compositions. Note weight is slightly thin if you prefer warm, thick, bass-heavy sound signatures.

What the bass lacks in sheer quantity, it easily makes up for in quality and musicality.

Bass delivery is satisfying and appropriate for almost all genres. The bass extension is deep with no roll-off. I heard no distortion when listening at moderate to loud volumes (for testing). They remind me of planar drivers with a slightly less sharp attack.

Resolution and texture are excellent for natural instruments such as cello, upright bass, and timpani.

Midrange

The midrange sounds natural, clear, and full-bodied in all music. You will be delighted with the AS24 if you primarily listen to vocal-centric music. Despite what the graph may suggest, the mids never shy toward the back. They are smooth and do not come across as shouty.

Treble

I am impressed with the treble tuning and capability. The treble is lively, revealing, and detailed without causing fatigue. I have yet to be offended by sibilance, odd BA sharpness, or unwanted shimmer. The treble brings perfect balance to the rich, musical bass.

Where to Buy

• KZ
• Amazon

Conclusion

The AS24 are genuinely excellent, with few reservations. They are an easy recommendation, especially with such a favorable price-performance ratio. I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed with the AS24 unless the size and fit do not work or someone is looking for IEMs with a distinct signature strength (e.g., powerful, ear-drum rattling bass).

KZ is entering a new era of maturity in its product development and tuning to appeal to a more discerning audio-enthusiast audience of prolific buyers who add new IEMs regularly to their collections.

For tinkerers, the tuning switches will provide countless hours of fun. Toggling switches on and off will be incredibly engaging, entertaining, and satisfying. For others, this may be an irritating chore that could be more quickly accomplished through software-based EQ.

The AS24 are mature, balanced, and highly flexible if you have the time and patience to experiment with myriad subtle sound difference possibilities.

The post Review: KZ AS24, 6, 8 – Who Do We Appreciate? KZ! KZ! appeared first on Headphonesty.

The Spotify Lyrics feature enhances the listening experience in many ways. It helps you understand the meaning behind the melody and is handy when singing along.

Yet, not everyone knows how to access Spotify’s lyrics since the process varies based on the device. Additionally, missing or wrong lyrics can take you out of the moment of enjoying a song.

Luckily, you can easily view Spotify Lyrics with a tap or click on the mobile and desktop apps. We’ll also explain what to do about incorrect lyrics, including tips on sharing and adding lyrics to your favorite songs. Let’s go!

Spotify Lyrics: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Spotify first introduced a lyrics feature in 2016 following a partnership with Genius, a self-proclaimed “music encyclopedia” that enabled users to provide annotations and interpretations of song lyrics. This feature, called Behind the Lyrics, showcased lyrics for select songs, insights into a tune’s meaning, and fun facts about the artist. A few years later, however, the feature was discontinued.

Fast-forward to today, the Spotify Lyrics feature is going strong. Here’s a quick look at what you can do with lyrics on Spotify:

• Enjoy time-synced lyrics while a song is playing in the Spotify app or web player.
• View lyrics in full-screen mode if you’re in the mood for an impromptu karaoke session. Lyrics appear in black and change to white as the song plays.
• If you don’t know a song’s title but remember some of the lyrics, you can search Spotify by lyrics. Simply input at least three words in the Search box on Spotify, and songs with matching lyrics will come up as results.

How to View Song Lyrics on Spotify

You can access Spotify Lyrics using a simple swipe gesture on the mobile app or by clicking a button on the web player or desktop app. You can also quickly check if lyrics are available for the song you’re interested in by looking for the lyrics label, which appears underneath the song title in a playlist.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown for viewing Spotify Lyrics on your favorite device:

On mobile devices

To view song lyrics in the Spotify Android or iOS app, you only need to scroll up on your phone while the song is playing. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Spotify app on your mobile device.

   

2. Play your desired song.

   

3. Tap the Now Playing bar at the bottom of the screen to maximize it.

   

4. Scroll down, and you should see the lyrics box under the main player buttons.

   

5. If you want to see full-screen lyrics, tap the lyrics box again. Alternatively, you can also tap the two arrows in the top right corner of the lyrics box.

   

On desktop

Accessing Spotify Lyrics is similar via the web player and Spotify desktop app. Follow these steps to sing along:

1. Open the Spotify web player or desktop app and play your desired song.

   

2. Click the microphone icon in the Now Playing bar at the bottom of the screen.

   

3. You can click on the full-screen icon (two arrows) to see the lyrics in full-screen mode.

   

How to Edit Lyrics on Spotify

Regular users can’t modify lyrics directly on Spotify. However, you can report errors, such as wrong or unsynced lyrics, by clicking on the flag icon in the top right corner.

You can also report errors via Musixmatch and contribute to the lyrics database as long as you’re willing to sign up for an account. Here’s how:

1. Access the Musixmatch website and tap the Sign In button in the top right corner of the page.

   

2. Select Community.

   

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to create an account. You can sign up with your email address or Google, Facebook, or Apple accounts.
   You may be required to confirm your email address depending on your chosen sign-up method.

   

4. Once signed into your account, tap the Community tab.

   

5. Use the Search bar to find the song you’re interested in.

   

6. When you locate the song in question, scroll to the bottom of the lyrics and click the Report a problem button.

   

7. Click on the Wrong lyrics button.

   

8. Choose the correct option from the list of possible mistakes and select Next.

   

9. In the following screen, select the lines containing errors. Click Next again.

   

10. Add any additional comments and click Send.

    

Once you have a Musixmatch account, you become part of the Musixmatch Community and can contribute by transcribing, reviewing, or translating lyrics on the platform when those options are available.

Additionally, if you take a few video lessons on Musixmatch writing guidelines and pass a test, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Curator. The role comes with additional perks like greater publishing power, a free subscription to Musixmatch Premium, and access to paid tasks.

How to Share Spotify Lyrics

Besides seeing lyrics in real-time on Spotify, you can share them on social media from the Spotify mobile app.

As a millennial who grew up sharing cryptic song lyrics in her Yahoo Messenger status, I find this option an absolute delight. If you want to take advantage of it, follow these steps:

1. Open lyrics as described in the previous section and tap the Share button.

   

2. Select the lyric lines you want to share and tap Continue.

   

3. Review the post preview, then choose a social media app from the bottom of the screen. You’ll be redirected to the platform, where you can finish sharing the lyrics post with your friends or followers.

   

Frequently Asked Questions About Spotify Lyrics

• Can I add lyrics to Spotify?
• Why did Spotify remove the ‘Behind the Lyrics’ feature?
• Why is my ‘Lyrics’ button missing?
• Why can’t I see lyrics on Spotify?

Can I add lyrics to Spotify?

If you’re bummed that one of your favorite songs doesn’t have lyrics on Spotify and would like to add them, we have bittersweet news: only verified artists or publishers with Musixmatch can add lyrics to Spotify.

All you need to do is sign into your verified account and transcribe your lyrics via the Musixmatch Pro website or mobile app.

Why did Spotify remove the ‘Behind the Lyrics’ feature?

Spotify likely removed the Behind the Lyrics feature because it offers its own version, Storyline. If you scroll down while playing a song, you’ll see the Storyline box under the lyrics box. The feature is like Instagram Stories for artists, allowing them to share tidbits about the tune or creative process.

Why is my ‘Lyrics’ button missing?

If you can’t see the lyrics button on Spotify, it may be because the platform is testing new features. Usually, if you see something on the app that doesn’t look right or get access to a new feature, it’s because you’re part of a test Spotify is performing. When that happens, other features might be unavailable.

Why can’t I see lyrics on Spotify?

When Spotify Lyrics don’t appear for a song, it’s usually because the lyrics haven’t been added to Musixmatch yet. The song is either a new release or an older song for which the artist or publisher didn’t upload lyrics to the Musixmatch database. Either that or the song is purely instrumental (just kidding).

Conclusion

By now, we hope you know how to take full advantage of the Spotify Lyrics feature. You can ensure you have the words right, sing along, and even share your favorite lines on social media.

To end on a fun note, which line from a famous song did you mishear for an embarrassing amount of time in the vein of Starbucks lovers? Let us know in the comments!

The post Spotify Lyrics: How to View, Edit, and Share [A Complete Guide] appeared first on Headphonesty.

Spotify Premium is the paid version of Spotify Free. It offers a range of benefits, including higher-quality audio and song downloads for offline listening.

However, some users hesitate to upgrade to Spotify Premium. They fear the process might be complicated or the benefits may not justify the subscription cost.

Fortunately, the upgrade process is user-friendly, regardless of the device you’re using. Plus, the ad-free experience makes upgrading worthwhile. This guide will provide step-by-step procedures for upgrading to Spotify Premium. Whether you’re on Android, iOS, or PC, you can ensure uninterrupted access to your favorite music and podcasts. Let’s dive in!

How to Get Spotify Premium on Android

Getting Spotify Premium on Android is very convenient as the process can be completed directly from the app. You can upgrade with just a few clicks without needing to open a browser window.

Follow these simple steps to upgrade your Spotify Premium on Android:

1. Open the Spotify app.

   

2. Tap the Premium icon in the bottom right corner.

   

3. Scroll down and choose from Individual, Duo, Family, or Student plans under Pick your Premium.

   

4. Tap the Get Premium button.

   

5. Fill out your payment information to complete your subscription.

   

How to Get Spotify Premium on iPhone and iPad

If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, you might have noticed that you can’t upgrade to Spotify Premium directly through the Spotify app. This isn’t a limitation of Spotify, but rather due to Apple’s restrictions that prevent such in-app upgrades.

But don’t worry, you can still upgrade to Spotify Premium via a web browser on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how:

1. Open your Safari browser then go to the Spotify website.

   

2. Log in to your Spotify Free account, or create one if you don’t have one.

   

3. Tap the three lines symbol in the upper right corner.

   

4. At the top of the list, tap Premium.

   

5. Choose a plan and tap Get Started.

   

6. Choose a mode of payment, then enter your payment details and tap Buy Now.

   

How to Get Spotify Premium on the Web Player and Desktop App

Upgrading to Spotify Premium can be done via the Spotify web player or desktop app as well. However, similar to the previous method, you will be redirected to a web browser to complete the upgrade process.

Here’s how to upgrade to Spotify Premium via the web player or desktop app:

1. Open the Spotify website or desktop app.

   

2. Log in to your Spotify account.

   

3. Click the Profile Icon in the upper right corner.

   

4. Select Upgrade to Premium from the drop-down menu.

   

5. Click on View All Premium Plans or scroll down to see the different plans.

   

6. Click Get Started on the Premium plan you want to subscribe to.

   

7. Choose a payment mode then enter your payment details.

   

8. Click Continue Purchase or Buy Now to complete the subscription process.

   

FAQs on How to Get Spotify Premium

• Can I use the same email for a new Spotify Premium account?
• What do I do if Spotify Premium isn’t showing up after purchasing?
• Can I get Spotify Premium for free?

Can I use the same email for a new Spotify Premium account?

No. Spotify does not allow the creation of a new account with an email address that’s already linked to another account.

However, an email address can become free 14-30 days after deleting the Spotify account associated with it. This “lock out” period prevents users from creating duplicate accounts under the same email. Afterwards, the email address should become available for registration again.

What do I do if Spotify Premium isn’t showing up after purchasing?

If Spotify Premium doesn’t show up after purchasing it, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. Here’s what you can do:

• Log out and back in: Logging out and back into your Spotify account can force the app on your device to refresh and sync up with your account.
• Check your plan status: If you’re using Premium Family or Duo, ensure the plan manager has not removed you from the account by viewing your plan status in Account Settings.
• Check your payment status: Review your bank statement or payment method to verify if the payment for your Spotify Premium subscription was successful.
• Check with a 3rd-party provider: If you obtained Spotify Premium through a third-party company promotion, contact the provider to inquire about the status of your payment and resolve any potential issues.
• Update your app: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Spotify app to avoid compatibility problems that may affect the Premium features.

Can I get Spotify Premium for free?

You can get Spotify Premium for free through bundled deals with other services. Some deals vary by location and availability and may have specific terms and conditions.

Here are some currently available deals:

• PayPal: New users can enjoy Spotify Premium with ad-free music for three months.
• AT&T: Eligible AT&T users who sign up for the AT&T Unlimited &MoreSM plan can get Spotify Premium for a six-month free trial without any additional cost.
  If you already have a standalone Spotify Premium subscription, you must cancel it before taking advantage of the AT&T offer.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Subscribers can get six months of Spotify Premium as part of their package.
  Users must be a new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, eligible for Spotify Premium, and reside in the U.S. or the U.K. Existing Spotify Premium or Unlimited subscribers are not eligible.
• OnePlus Red Cable Club: Customers who have linked their OnePlus device to Red Cable Club can avail of a Spotify Premium subscription free for six months.
• Microsoft Rewards: New joiners of Microsoft Rewards get three months of Spotify Premium for free.
• Starbucks: Partners are eligible for a free Spotify Premium subscription upon hire.

Conclusion

By now, you should clearly understand how to upgrade to Spotify Premium on different devices. This knowledge can significantly enhance your music listening experience, allowing you to enjoy ad-free music, offline listening, and high quality audio.

Imagine how much more enjoyable your daily commute or workout session could be with uninterrupted access to your favorite tunes.

We hope this guide has helped you navigate the process of getting Spotify Premium. What do you think of the information we’ve provided? Was it helpful? Is there anything else you’d like to know about Spotify Premium? Leave a comment below!

The post How to Get Spotify Premium: An Easy Guide for Mobile and Desktop Apps appeared first on Headphonesty.

Mobile Joy.

It’s right there in the name. Of all the portable products that have come and gone in my life, only one has remained. The original Mobile Joy, or Mojo to its friends, has been my go-to source for evaluating scores of IEMs and headphones and for just about all my pleasure listening on-the-go.

That is, until now. Out with the old Mojo, in with the new Mojo 2!

The Mojo 2 looks very similar to the original. It’s got the same quirky black aluminum case, although now there are 4 glowing multi-colored balls of various sizes vs the original 3. All the same inputs and outputs are there, with a new USB-c data port stuck on.

But it’s not the outside where the Mojo has really changed.

Chord Mojo 2

How We Score ⧉

Bottom Line

Chord added significant features and acted on critiques of the original product. Better battery management, a USB-c port, and DSP controls are tangible improvements. For those that use them, the new features are unquestionably a reason to upgrade. The Mojo 2 has improved clarity, tonality, and impact over its forerunner. It sounds natural and ‘high-end,’ and yes, it simply does sound better. The Mojo 2 is a subtle step up from the first Mojo.

Available at Official Website

Available at Amazon

What We Like

• Clear and transparent sound
• Compatible with nearly every headphone and IEM
• Improved dynamics over the original
• Full-featured EQ
• Crossfeed
• The distinct Chord design language
• Impeccable build quality
• Two headphone outputs

What We Don't Like

• Deciphering the menus and colors requires the manual
• Still using micro-USB for Poly compatibility
• USB-c port awkwardly added

Inside we still find an FPGA chip programmed by Chord designer Rob Watts, but this time we also get DSP crossfeed and EQ. The battery controller gets a much-needed upgrade with an ‘intelligent desktop’ charge management mode to improve lifespan and reduce heat when plugged in full-time for desktop use.

Those of us (and there are many) who love the Mojo were very excited to hear a revised version was in the works. Well, the Mojo 2 came out in 2022, and I’ve been living with it for many months now.

Austin Powers references aside, the film industry has taught us that sometimes the sequel doesn’t always live up to the original. (In Don LaFontaine’s best movie trailer voice): “In a world where inexpensive portable audio keeps churning out redundant sequels… one company dares to redesign their masterpiece.”

Company Overview

Chord Electronics Limited, located in Kent, England, was founded in 1989 by Chief Engineer and Owner John Franks. John took his aviation electronics knowledge and began to design high-end audio amplifiers, with his products ending up in the BBC, Abbey Roads Studios, and Skywalker Sound.

In the late 1990s, with the addition of Rob Watts to the company, Chord pivoted into the digital audio world with Rob’s unique FPGA DAC designs. In 2014, the release of the Hugo drove Chord’s popularity and success, and the 2015 release of the Mojo tripled their sales.

Technical Specifications

• Form: Portable DAC, Amp
• Output impedance (Ohm): 0.06 Ohm
• Dynamic range: 125 dB
• THD: 2.5 V@300 Ω: 0.0003 %
• Output power: 300 Ω: 90 mW, 30 Ω: 600 mW
• Headphone outputs: 3.5mm x2
• Inputs: Optical, 3.5mm coaxial, USB-C, Micro USB
• Charging port: Micro-USB
• Charging current: 1.5 A
• Battery life: 8 hours (approx.)
• Weight: 185g
• Dimensions: 83 mm x 62 mm x 22.9 mm

Packaging

The Mojo 2 comes in an understated white box with black lettering. Plain but classy and a welcome change to the ubiquitous black box for electronics.

Under a vellum flap, the Mojo 2 is cradled in white foam, with a short micro-USB cable nestled underneath.

In the box

• Mojo 2
• USB-b to micro-USB charging cable
• Quick Start guide
• Link to video instructions
• Warranty card
• Safety instructions

Design

The original Mojo is iconic. No other product looks like it. In my opinion, Chord was smart to build on this icon with the redesigned 2 and not abandon what makes the Mojo special.

From first glance, you know the 2 is a Mojo.

Returning for the sequel is a black aluminum case that shares the original’s dimensions and is only about 10g heavier. The addition of a USB-c data port is welcome, although the implementation is surprisingly inelegant.

In order to maintain Poly streamer compatibility, the original’s 3.5mm COAX, dual micro-USB (data and charging), and SPDIF optical ports are maintained. To fit the new USB-c port on as well, it’s housed in a rubber cover that bulges slightly from the bottom and serves as the 4^th rubber foot.

The input is auto-selected when plugging in cords and prioritized in order of USB, COAX, and optical input (i.e., if the USB input is plugged in, the SPDIF inputs aren’t active.) The micro-USB input takes priority over USB-c.

The opposite end houses two 3.5mm SE headphone outputs. Note that the volume cannot be independently adjusted for each output.

The most obvious design change is the move from 3 equal-sized glowing spheres to 2 smaller spheres flanking two center spheres. These are, of course, the color-changing buttons that folks seem to love or hate (left to right: menu, volume down, volume up, power).

It’s exactly this quirky design language that defines Chord’s products.

The power button color indicates the sample rate of the file being played. The menu button color indicates volume range, brightness, crossfeed mode, button lock, and bass/treble shelves. The volume button colors indicate the current playback volume.

The new menu button allows access to the EQ (18 steps in 4 audio bands: lower bass, mid bass, lower treble, upper treble), crossfeed (4 settings), LED brightness control (2 settings), and button lock.

Thankfully, simultaneously pressing the + and – buttons from the DSP or crossfeed menus resets the Mojo 2 to the default settings (DSP and crossfeed disabled), so it’s easy to start over if you get lost in the menus.

Internals

Under the hood, you’ll find an ATSAM3U1C microcontroller handling USB duties and an ARTIX-7 FPGA chip controlling DSP and oversampling. Coupling capacitors have been removed from the design.

Improvements over the original include the 104-bit custom DSP running at 705/768 kHz with internal noise-shaping, touted as not producing any sound degradation and providing greater neutrality.

Additionally, the filter has been updated to the new WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filter, with 40,960 taps and using 40 DSP cores.

Battery

Battery life is roughly 8 hours, depending on volume, settings, and file type played.

Charging is now handled by an FPGA chip, reducing charging times. An ‘Intelligent Desktop’ mode isolates the battery and, beyond better battery health by avoiding overcharging, reduces heat and improves filtering and isolation. Great news for those who want a Mojo for desktop use.

Chord Mojo 2 Sound

There is no question that Chord has made many technical improvements to the Mojo 2 – obvious stuff like battery management and the new DSP features.

Do the technical improvements equal improved sound?

Let’s be clear. I love the original Mojo. It’s a terrific all-around performer, and it’s been my preferred portable audio device for years. It sounds great, so the Mojo 2 has to deliver big to outshine its predecessor.

Much like the physical design of the Mojo 2, the sound is not a reinvention of the original’s strengths. Rather, the changes are relatively subtle, building on an excellent foundation, but are undeniably an improvement.

Refinement rather than reinvention.

In direct comparison, the Mojo 2 sounds less intimate and constrained. The music simply sounds ‘bigger.’ The soundstage depth feels more spacious and with more air to breathe. It’s tough to put into words and is more evident with some audio tracks than others, but you will know it when you hear it.

Additionally, clarity and resolution seem to have improved. The Mojo has always been an easy-to-listen-to device without a digital or sharp personality. It’s neutral and natural sounding without veering into overly warm or soft coloration. To me, it’s the sound signature I equate with high-end audio.

Mojo 2 keeps this base character but dials up the detail. Subtle nuances in the sound are easier to pick out. This imbues a liveliness and energy to the music that improves the listening fun factor over the original.

I never thought I was missing anything with the Mojo 1, but the 2 is able to capture my attention and immerse me in the music even more.

Power

The Mojo 2 is clean sounding with a black, noise-free background. There is no audible hiss with extremely efficient IEMS, yet it has enough power for almost any pair of headphones out there.

The ultimate power test is the woefully inefficient HiFiMan HE6se v2 headphones (impedance: 50 Ohms, sensitivity: 83.5 dB). Lesser amps merely deliver enough grunt to make these behemoths audible but fail to drive them near their potential.

While the visceral impact of the HE6se v2 is not the same when driven by the Mojo 2 (600 mW@30Ω) as it is by the Burson Conductor 3R (5000mW@32Ω), the overall sound is remarkably good. The HE6se v2 sound mostly as they should, showcasing their effortless airy high-end, and flat, controlled low frequencies.

For those that don’t want to buy dedicated desktop gear in addition to portable gear, the Mojo 2 provides a great alternative to a phone dongle + desktop DAC/amp setup. It’s flexible enough to do justice to nearly anything you plug into it.

The Mojo 2 really can be a one-and-done type of device.

Crossfeed and EQ

Crossfeed is intended to create a more natural ‘speaker-like’ listening experience by playing some of the left channel’s audio in the right driver (and vice-versa) after a short delay. It lessens the all-or-nothing stereo separation experience of headphone listening and changes the listener’s impression of the soundstage.

It should be subtle – the intent is to sound natural.

The Mojo 2 handles crossfeed with gentle gloves and, as is my experience with crossfeed circuits in the past, is more effective or obvious with some tracks than others. It’s worth playing around with to see if it matches your sound preferences, but ultimately I leave it disabled.

My experience with EQ is much the same. I like to play around with it initially, but since I switch headphones and music genres so frequently, a setting that works best for one setup is unlikely to suit another.

With the manual in hand to interpret the glowing colored balls, tweaking the audio settings is relatively easy. The range of adjustments is more than generous enough to tune things to your preference. I can hear no distortion or any reduction in power output or dynamics with the EQ enabled.

Where to Buy

• Official Store
• Amazon

Conclusion

Far be it from me to stand in the way of progress.

While I admit my jaded self starts looking at the endless revisions of popular portable audio products (v2, v3, nano, stealth, LTD, etc.) as a way of further milking sales from owners of the previous generation, I have to admit that sometimes change is significant and welcome.

Chord waited seven years between the Mojo 1 and 2. They didn’t just make subtle internal changes and release it with the tagline “It sounds better, trust us.” Rather, they added significant features and acted on critiques of the original product. Better battery management, a USB-c port, and DSP controls are tangible improvements.

For those that use them, the new features are unquestionably a reason to upgrade. But what if you don’t use EQ or crossfeed? Are the sound improvements reason enough?

The Mojo 2 has improved clarity, tonality, and impact over its forerunner. It sounds natural and ‘high-end,’ and yes, it simply does sound better. Does this mean the Mojo 1 suddenly doesn’t sound as good as it used to? Nope, still great. The Mojo 2 is a subtle step up.

The Mojo 2 is a premium product with a premium price tag – so for many, it isn’t an easy buy. Mojo 1 devotees will adore the 2. Those folks get the eccentric design language and embrace the glowing ball control scheme. However, if Chord’s products leave you nonplussed, the Mojo 2 design isn’t likely to win you over.

That is, at least, until you hear it.

The post Review: Chord Mojo 2 – The International DAC/Amp of Mystery Who Shagged Me appeared first on Headphonesty.

Many people use their mobile phones for watching videos, sharing music with friends, or setting timers and alarms. As such, it’s imperative that their speakers work.

However, some Android users have had issues with their speakers malfunctioning. This can be hard to fix, as many factors affect your device’s sound. And sometimes, there’s no clear indicator of what’s causing the problem.

Fortunately, there are several ways to address this issue, such as clearing your data cache or rebooting your phone in Safe Mode. In this article, we’ll explain ten different methods you can try, so read on!

1. Turn Up Your Phone’s Media Volume

One reason your phone’s sound is not working could be the media volume. Android phones have separate volume sliders for Ring & Notification, Call, Alarm, and Media. So, if you’re not getting sound on your videos, games, music, and other forms of media, it could be that your media volume is muted or too low.

Here’s how to adjust your media volume on Android:

1. Press either volume button to bring up the volume slider on your screen.

   

2. Tap the three-dot menu icon beneath the slider to open a pop-up menu.
   On Android 11 or earlier, you might get a downward arrow instead of a three-dot icon. Tap the arrow, then select Media Volume from the drop-down menu to switch the volume type controlled by your buttons.

   

3. Check that your Media volume–typically symbolized by a music note–isn’t muted. Then, adjust the sliders to where you want them.

   

2. Toggle on the Video Volume

If your sound doesn’t work when using specific apps, it might be the in-app settings that are muting your sound.

Some apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit have a separate mute button in their video interface. To see this, check for a speaker or microphone icon in the lower left or right corners of a video on your feed.

You can also check your user settings for any accidental modifications you might have made. For example, YouTube has a Muted Playback function that mutes video previews in your feed so you can scroll without sound turning on and off.

To make sure this feature isn’t affecting your audio, go to Settings > Data Saving and look for Muted playback in feeds over Wi-Fi only.

If you’ve accidentally turned this on, video previews will be muted when you’re using Wi-Fi, which can make it seem like your speakers are not working.

3. Turn Off Do Not Disturb Mode

Do Not Disturb is a mode available on your Android phone that will turn off interruptions. This mode will mute notifications, alarms, calls, and other media when turned on, which might be why your volume isn’t working.

Here’s how to turn off Do Not Disturb mode:

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.

   

2. Look for the Do Not Disturb icon. It should look like a minus sign inside a circle.

   

3. If it is toggled to the On position, tap the icon to turn it off.

   

4. Disconnect Your Phone From External Audio Devices

Sometimes your phone will automatically connect to the last Bluetooth audio device you used, which is easy to miss–especially if your headphones or speaker is in another room.

If your phone is connected to an audio output device, the sound will be automatically diverted there. As a result, no sound will come out of the phone speakers.

To ensure that your phone isn’t connected to any Bluetooth audio devices that could be hijacking your sound, try toggling your Bluetooth off to disconnect it from any paired devices.

5. Clean Your Phone’s Headphone Jack

As mentioned in the section above, if your phone detects a connected audio device, the speakers will be disabled. Similarly, if there’s dirt in your headphone jack that mimics the resistance of a plug, your phone might mistake it for a pair of headphones and divert audio to the non-existent device.

That said, you can remedy this by cleaning your headphone jack using cotton swabs and 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Here’s how:

1. Turn off your phone, then take three cotton swabs and dampen one with alcohol.
   Tip: If the cotton swabs are too large and fluffy to fit the headphone jack, you can pull off some of the cotton and smooth it down to create a slimmer tip.

   

2. Insert the cotton swab into the jack and rotate it to wipe the walls and remove any dirt.

   

3. Repeat the above step with a second alcohol-dampened cotton swab, then switch to a dry one to remove excess moisture.

   

6. Clean Your Phone’s Speaker

The speakers on your phone are small and vulnerable to dirt accumulation. If there’s too much dirt or debris clogging up the speaker mesh, it can block sound from escaping.

You can clean your speaker in two ways–manually or by using an app.

To clean your phone’s speaker manually, you will need a cotton swab, Blu-tack, and a soft/medium hardness toothbrush. Here’s what to do:

1. Remove surface dirt by using the cotton swab to wipe in and around the speaker holes until the swab comes back clean.

   

2. Form the Blu-tack into a ball and press it against the speaker holes. Wait about a second, then pull it free. The dirt inside the speaker holes should have stuck to it and been pulled out. Repeat this until there’s no more dirt attached to the tack.

   

3. Take the toothbrush and gently scrub in and around the holes. If more dirt is freed, you might need to repeat the first two steps to remove it.

   

Alternatively, you can use an app like Speaker Cleaner. It works by turning your phone’s volume to the max and using sound waves to push water and dirt out of the speaker mesh.

7. Clear Your Phone’s Cache Partition

One thing that could cause your speakers to malfunction is a software glitch caused by corrupted or malfunctioning data. Removing the corrupted files can fix your speakers, but that usually means wiping all your data and resetting your device, which might be inconvenient for some.

That’s where the data cache comes in. The cache partition on your phone is a smaller, faster part of the memory that stores recently or frequently used data for quick access.

Fortunately, important user data isn’t held here, meaning you can clear it without wiping your phone of all your apps and files. If this is where the corrupted files are stored, clearing the cache should fix your speakers.

Here’s how to clear the cache partition on an Android phone:

1. Turn your phone off.
   If you’re running Android 11 or later, you’ll need to connect it to a PC using a USB cable.

   

2. Press and hold the power and the volume-up buttons until the Android Recovery menu appears.
   If an Installing system update screen appears instead of the recovery menu, release the buttons and wait for it to appear. It shouldn’t take more than a minute.

   

3. Use the volume-down key to navigate the recovery menu until you’re highlighting the Wipe cache partition option.

   

4. Select this option by pressing the power button, and confirm your choice.

   

5. Wait a few seconds for the cache to be cleared, then press the power button to select Reboot system now.

   

8. Try Rebooting in Safe Mode

Some apps can cause glitches in your phone’s software, leading to lags, crashes, and audio issues. Fortunately, you can switch to Safe Mode to determine if this is the cause of your problem without removing all of your apps.

Safe Mode deactivates all your downloaded apps and runs your phone on only the original software. If switching to Safe Mode fixes your speakers, you’ll know it’s a glitch caused by a downloaded app. You’ll need to uninstall each app in turn to figure out which one it is.

Here’s how to enable Safe Mode:

1. Press and hold the power button until the Power Off screen appears.

   

2. Tap and hold Power off until the Safe Mode option appears.

   

3. Tap on Safe Mode. Your phone will power off and restart in Safe Mode.

   

9. Factory Reset Your Phone

Resetting your phone to factory default will resolve any software issues that could cause your speakers to malfunction. Glitches and bugs build up over time as you use a device, so resetting it clears these bugs and gives the code a fresh start.

The exact steps for resetting can vary depending on your brand of phone. These steps below will work for Samsung phones but should at least give you an idea of what to do.

Here’s how to reset your Android phone to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings > Google > Backup and tap Back up now.

   

2. In Settings, choose General Management.

   

3. Select Reset, then Factory data reset.

   

4. Choose to Reset.

   

10. Consult a Tech Expert

If none of these solutions have worked, there could be hardware damage to the audio IC chip. You’ll need to have the phone repaired by a tech expert to fix this issue.

A good way to get help is by contacting customer support on your device manufacturer’s official website or posting on the Android Help Community.

Keep in mind that warranties usually cover manufacturing defects. Any user-caused damage, such as accidental drops or water immersion, or DIY repair related issues, will void the warranty.

FAQs About ‘No Sound’ Issues on an Android Phone

• Why is my phone’s sound suddenly not working?
• Why can’t I hear audio while playing games on Android?
• How do I get my Android out of headphone mode?

Why is my phone’s sound suddenly not working?

Aside from the causes mentioned in the steps above, there are a few other reasons that your sound might stop working:

• Accidental damage: If you’ve recently damaged your phone, especially if it’s come into contact with water, it could have damaged your speakers or the audio IC chip. You can try to dry your device with a desiccant (though you shouldn’t use rice, as small particles can damage the phone).
• Outdated Android OS: OS updates replace outdated system patches and fix compatibility issues, ensuring smooth performance. To keep your OS updated, go to Settings and choose About Phone or Software Update. Then, tap on System Updates > Check for Updates.
• Outdated firmware: Firmware is a layer of permanent programming built into your device alongside the OS. You should be notified when a major firmware update is released for your device, but you can also check your Settings app using the steps above to ensure there isn’t something you missed.

Why can’t I hear audio while playing games on Android?

If the audio on your games doesn’t work, it could be that your Dolby Atmos settings are incompatible with the installed games.

Dolby Atmos is a surround-sound technology used to configure audio objects and create the illusion of 3D sound. If it’s set to an option such as Movie or Voice, it could be messing with your game audio. Changing the settings to Auto mode will let Atmos automatically adjust to whatever media is playing.

Here’s how to change your Dolby Atmos settings:

1. Open Settings and choose Sound and Vibration.

   

2. Tap on Sound quality and effects, then Dolby Atmos.

   

3. Choose Auto.

   

How do I get my Android out of headphone mode?

Android phones can sometimes get stuck in Headphone mode, even when all headphones have been disconnected. If you can see a headphones icon in the taskbar even when no headphones are connected, this could be what’s stopping your speakers from playing audio.

Aside from cleaning your headphone jack, you can use a 3rd-party app to turn off headphone mode. Apps like Disable Headphones and Disable Headphones Fix Earphones can let you manually decide when to switch to headphone mode. Simply download the app and allow it to make changes to your device, then you can then set the default output to Speakers.

Conclusion

Hopefully, our troubleshooting steps worked for you, and your speakers are working. At least you now know what to do if your Android device is experiencing sound issues again!

Did you fix your phone, and if so, which method worked for you? Did you find a solution that we missed? Make sure to tell us in the comments below.

The post 10 Ways to Fix No Sound on Android Phone [The Ultimate Guide] appeared first on Headphonesty.

Bose earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. On top of this, their compact design and decent battery life make them a valuable companion when you’re on the go.

However, their portability also presents a drawback: they’re much easier to misplace. This can be stressful, as looking for missing earbuds is quite challenging.

Fortunately, there are tools you can use to help you track your Bose earbuds. Keep reading as we discuss how to use Bose’s Find My Buds feature and other third-party apps to locate your Bose earbuds when they get lost.

How to Find Bose Earbuds Using Bose Connect App

Find My Buds is a feature in the Bose Connect app that stores your earbuds’ location using their active connection with your mobile device. This shows your earbuds’ last known location, allowing you to find them when they get misplaced.

Here’s a list of headphones and earbuds compatible with the Bose Connect app:

• ProFlight Aviation Headset
• ProFlight Series 2 Aviation Headset
• QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
• QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II
• QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset
• QuietControl 30 Wireless Headphones
• SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
• SoundSport Free Wireless Earbuds
• SoundSport Pulse Wireless Headphones
• SoundSport Wireless Earbuds

Unfortunately, in order to use this, you have to enable the Find My Buds before you lose your Bose earbuds.

Follow these steps to enable Find My Buds:

1. Download the Bose Connect app from the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android).

   

2. Go to your device Settings > Bluetooth to pair your earbuds with your device.

   

3. Launch the Bose Connect app, then tap on the menu button.

   

4. Select Find My Buds, then click Continue. Swipe right to read through the introduction and tips that will be shown.

   

5. Tap on Enable Find My Buds and Enable Location Services. Then, on the pop-up window that appears, select While using the app.

   

How to use Bose’ Find My Buds

To locate your Bose earbuds using Find My Buds, follow these steps:

1. Open the Bose Connect app. Tap the menu button, then select Find My Buds. You should see your current location on a map and your earbuds’ last location.

   

2. Head over to your earbuds’ potential location.

   

3. If your earbuds are within range and still powered on, you should be able to play a sound through each earbud, allowing you to find them more easily. Choose which earbud to locate first, then press Play Sound.
   If both earbuds are missing, and you remember using them in the same location, you can play sound through either earbud.

   

4. Look for the source of the sound to find your missing earbud. Press Mute Sound once you’ve found it.

   

5. If your other earbud is still missing, repeat Steps 2-4 to locate it.

How to Find Bose Earbuds Using Third-Party Apps

Newer Bose models, like the QuietComfort Earbuds, aren’t compatible with the Bose Connect app. Instead, they use the Bose Music app, which offers a broader range of features compared to Bose Connect. However, a significant drawback to Bose Music is its lack of a Find My Buds feature.

This means you won’t be able to use either the Bose Music app or the Bose Connect app to locate newer Bose earbuds models when they go missing.

In these cases, third-party apps offer a possible way to find your missing earbuds. These apps detect the signal emitted by Bluetooth devices, allowing you to pinpoint their location.

Here are three third-party apps you can use to locate your lost Bose earbuds:

• Find My Bluetooth Device
• Wunderfind: Find Lost Device
• Bluetooth Finder: Track Device

Find My Bluetooth Device

Find My Bluetooth Device is a free Android app that detects nearby Bluetooth devices, including wireless earbuds and speakers. This uses the signal from your Bose earbuds to determine their proximity, which is then shown through a radar.

This radar points to “cold” when your earbuds are far away and to “hot” when they’re near. The app also gives you an estimated distance from your Bose earbuds to help you locate them easier.

To use Find My Bluetooth Device to track down your Bose earbuds, follow these steps:

1. Launch the app, then tap Search devices.
2. Grant the app access to your location and nearby Bluetooth devices.
3. The app will provide a list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Tap on your Bose earbuds.
4. The app will give you an approximate distance from your device. It will also show a radar pointing to hot if your device is nearby. Follow this to locate your Bose earbuds.
   For most detected devices, the app only shows their IP addresses, not their names. So, if you have multiple Bluetooth devices within range, turn off their Bluetooth before using this app to avoid mistakenly picking them up while tracking down your earbuds.

Wunderfind: Find Lost Device

Wunderfind is an app that locates nearby Bluetooth devices. Despite emphasizing Apple products on its app page, Wunderfind works with all sorts of devices, including your Bose earbuds. It’s also available for both Android and iOS.

This app scans for and displays all Bluetooth devices within your vicinity. Once you select a device, the app calculates a distance score (in percentage). A higher score indicates that your earbuds are close by.

This score then goes higher or lower as you move, giving you an idea if you’re getting nearer or farther from your earbuds.

To find your Bose earbuds using Wunderfind, do the following:

1. Launch the Wunderfind app and give it access to your device’s location and nearby Bluetooth devices.
2. You will see a list of nearby devices. Tap on your Bose earbuds.
3. The app will give you a score to estimate your proximity to your earbuds. To get to your earbuds, move around with the goal of increasing your proximity score to 100%.

Bluetooth Finder: Track Device

Bluetooth Finder: Track Device is an app for Android and iOS users that scans for nearby Bluetooth devices, allowing you to find your missing Bose earbuds.

Bluetooth Finder comes with free and paid versions. With the free version, you can locate your earbuds using the signal score shown in the app. Your goal is to get this score to 100%, which should lead you to your earbuds’ location.

With the paid version, you can access extra features such as playing a sound through your earbuds or making them vibrate. You will also see the earbuds’ location on a map, facilitating their easier discovery.

Here’s how you can locate your Bose earbuds using Bluetooth Finder:

1. Open the Bluetooth Finder app and grant it access to your device’s location and nearby Bluetooth devices. Tap on Continue to move through the tutorial, and Get Started to initiate scanning for nearby devices.
2. The app will show a list of nearby Bluetooth devices with their corresponding distance.
   Most devices appear as “Unknown device” on Bluetooth Finder unless they’re already paired with your device. To find your Bose earbuds more quickly, make sure to use this app on the phone they’re already paired with.
3. Tap on your Bose earbuds. You’ll see a number reflecting the strength of the device’s Bluetooth signal. Move around until you reach a score of 100%. This should be the area where your earbuds are located.

FAQs on Finding Lost Bose Earbuds

• Can you use Bose Music App to find the Bose earbuds?
• Can you find lost Bose earbuds case?
• Can you get a replacement for lost Bose earbuds or charging case?

Can you use Bose Music App to find the Bose earbuds?

Unfortunately, the Bose Music app currently doesn’t support the Find My Buds feature. This means you can’t use this app to find your misplaced earbuds.

Can you find lost Bose earbuds case?

Finding a lost Bose earbuds case is a manual task. The case doesn’t have Bluetooth functionality, a key technology used by tracking apps to locate lost items. If your case is missing, your best option is to retrace your steps to find them.

Can you get a replacement for lost Bose earbuds or charging case?

Bose’s warranty policy primarily covers returns, replacements, and refunds for products with defects in materials and workmanship. This policy doesn’t usually extend to products that have been lost or stolen.

Nonetheless, some users have reported success in getting replacements for lost items.

According to user experiences shared on Reddit, Bose support may offer replacements for lost earbuds at a reduced price or even for free. However, this varies on a case-to-case basis, so it’s best to contact Bose support directly to inquire about potential replacements.

To do so, visit the Bose website, head to Support, then click Contact Us to chat with their support agents or reach them via SMS to inquire about replacements.

Conclusion

Losing your earbuds can be pretty stressful, but luckily, there are many tools you can use to find them. As you can see, apart from the Beats Connect app, various third-party apps can help you track your Bose earbuds if they go missing.

We hope this article has helped you find an effective way to locate your Bose earbuds. Now, you won’t have to worry about misplacing them anymore.

Did these methods help you find your Bose earbuds? Think we didn’t get to include an app that worked for you? Let us know in the comments!

The post How to Find Bose Earbuds: Complete Guide for All Models appeared first on Headphonesty.

Hiby is well-known as a portable audio device manufacturer. They started with USB DAC/amps and graduated to producing DAPs in different price brackets that are widely acclaimed by audiophiles worldwide.

I have had respect for Hiby for quite a while. And it began not with any of their sources but with a pair of IEMs, the Lasya. I got the R3 Pro Saber afterward, which was my trusted on-the-go partner for quite a while.

Hiby FC4

How We Score ⧉

Bottom Line

The Hiby FC4 is a smooth operator. There are no flashy characteristics that will immediately amaze you. But, it most surely does its sole purpose efficiently - creating music. Explicitly tuned as laid back, the FC4 dexterously preserves the technicalities within the music. Granted, the lack of macrodynamics may initially make the presentation sound less engaging. But with time, your ears will attune to its refined tonality. From there on, the FC4’s smooth yet clear personality will grow on you. The other highlight of the FC4, besides its unique musical presentation, is the independent hardware level volume control and memory.

Available at Official Website

Available at Amazon

What We Like

• Powerful output with low battery consumption
• Neutral to warm, laid back tonality, decent transparency
• Crispy notes with slightly rounded edges
• Comfortable sound with controlled and clean bass, organic mids, and clean treble
• Nice separation and airiness, impressive soundstage width and height, competent imaging
• Independent hardware volume control with volume memory
• Lightweight, sleek, and attractive build

What We Don't Like

• A bit too long
• Slightly lacking soundstage depth Lack of macrodynamics – making the sound sometimes boring
• The cable is a bit stiff

Hiby entered the portable DAC/amp sector with the FD1, following up with the FC3 dongle DAC/amp. The sub-USD $100 FC4 was released in 2022, and its massive power output and sleek design caught my attention immediately.

Technical Specifications

• Format: Portable DAC/amp
• Output Power: 110mW(SE); 340mW(BAL)
• Output Level: 1.9Vrms (32Ω SE); 1.9Vrms (32Ω BAL)
• Input Mode: USB Type C
• Output Mode: 3.5mm + 4.4mm Headphone
• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz (32Ω)
• THD+N: 0.0008%(32Ω SE); 0.0006%(32Ω BAL)
• SNR: 120 dB (32Ω SE); 123 dB (32Ω BAL)
• Noise: 1.7μVrms (32Ω SE); 2.2μVrms (32Ω BAL)
• Crosstalk Rejection: 72 dB (32Ω SE); 98 dB (32Ω BAL)
• Playback Rate: PCM up to 32bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD256, MQA 16x
• DAC Chipset: ES9219*2
• Material: Tin Alloy
• Device Weight: 21.7g
• Dimensions: 65.3*22.1*11.9 mm

Packaging

The packaging of the FC4 is spartan. A tiny cardboard box (which is not exactly sturdy) contains all the accessories and the DAC/amp. The accessories are stowed away inside a separate small paper box.

In the box

• FC4
• USB-C to USB-C cable (120 mm)
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• User manual
• Warranty

Design

The FC4 looks really classy. Absolutely minimalistic in a sleek rectangular design. The weight is surprisingly small compared to its size – making it easy to carry. The premium matte finish and rounded edges make it comfortable to handle.

As per the general norm, the 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports are on one short side, and the USB-C port is on the opposite side. One longer side has the clearly marked + and – volume buttons. A long LED indicator light is housed on the top.

The short USB-C to USB-C cable is of decent quality but a bit stiff. A more pliable cable would be better since it is meant to be used on the go. The USB-C to USB-A cable is of acceptable quality.

Internals

The main components of the FC4 are Dual ES9219 DAC chips from ESS. I came across this before in the Qudelix 5K, quite a wonderful DAC/amp, but the implementation was different.

The FC4 supports playback of PCM up to 768kHz/32bit, up to DSD256 files, and MQA unfolding up to 16x natively.

The 123 dB signal-to-noise ratio is quite impressive in this price range.

The FC4 is rated for a maximum output of 340mW @32ohms via the 4.4mm balanced output and 110mW @32ohms via the 3.5mm SE output. This is sufficient to power most IEMs and earbuds on the go.

The independent hardware volume control function makes the FC4 an instant favorite.

You do not see this feature often in this price range. It offers much greater control over the volume level and assures a more comfortable listening experience. The hardware volume function remembers the last volume level it was set at – another win for me.

LED indicator

The LED indicates the following:

• Red: Connected, not playing
• Yellow: Playing 32K-48K
• Cyan: Playing 64K-192K
• Orange: >352.8K
• White: DSD (64-256)
• Green: MQA
• Blue: MQA Audio
• Purple: MQA Core (MQB)

Battery consumption

USB dongle DAC/amps must minimize smartphone battery consumption to be sustainable.

I used the FC4 with my new Oppo Reno 7 5G(4500mAH), playing on-board 16/44 FLAC files, connected to a pair of 32 ohm earbuds. The FC4 consumed 3% of the phone’s battery over 20 min. Hiby’s claim of low power consumption seems to be valid.

Sound

The FC4 presents the sound very refined and smoothly. It pulls off a laid-back tonality while preserving decent technicalities.

The FC4 does not surprise me with its sound. But one aspect that immediately stands out is how refined the sound is. There are no rough edges or boost in any section of the complete frequency range. The tonality does not tilt towards dark or bright, yet it never becomes boring.

The bass region is controlled but is not particularly scaled down. The midbass slams and sub-bass rumbles are reproduced well. The decay is natural, and details are not smeared. Textures are present but are not pushed forward.

Basslines and bass guitars sound sufficiently deep and textured. Drums sound punchy and fun. The notes do not lack body nor are overly full-bodied – just right.

The midrange has decent transparency and a very lush tonality. The notes have somewhat smooth edges but also a crisp nature – the details are preserved despite the comfortable listening experience. There is a slight hint of warmth that elevates the overall musicality.

The lower midrange sounds quite rich. Male vocals, brass wind instruments, acoustic guitars, and cellos sound pleasantly full and organic. The upper midrange sounds amply vibrant but has the peaks under control – making even the coarsest vocals and sharp electric guitar riffs sound musical. Female vocals sound mellifluous and powerful.

The treble representation of the FC4 is wonderful. While not pushed forward, this region still has abundant sparkle and brilliance. The notes have quite prominent textures, but they are not unnaturally enhanced.

Both the lower and upper treble have about equal amounts of energy. Cymbal strikes are quite prominent in the mix but never piercing. Hi-hat rolls have distinct shimmers. The upper treble extends well enough. The FC4 portrays this region with a deft finesse – clear yet reserved.

I find the FC4 technically quite capable. While it does not boost the details, it certainly reproduces them reasonably well while maintaining a smooth tonality. Textures are easy to pick up. The notes are crisp with slightly rounded off edges.

The soundstage extends well in width and height – slightly less in depth. The background is clean, and separation is acceptable. However, the laid-back tonality makes the microdynamics noticeably compromised.

The presentation is more refined than fun.

Comparison

Vs. Shanling UA3

An AK4493SEQ DAC chip and dual Ricore RT6863 amps power the Shanling UA3. It supports playback of DSD512 and PCM up to 32bit/768kHz. The LED status indicator indicates the file type, similar to the FC4.

The UA3 is shorter than the FC4 but is thicker, with a similar weight. The volume control buttons of the UA3 are larger with an additional play/pause button, which is a nice addition and functions as expected. But the volume buttons control the source volume, so the FC4 wins this round with its independent hardware volume control.

The UA3 sounds a bit smoother than FC4 but is also more dynamic. The background is darker. The stage is more spacious with more depth and width. Notes are a bit more rounded on the UA3 and it sounds more organic than the FC4. Treble has slightly more sparkle on the FC4.

Vs. Fosi Audio DS1

The DS1 is equipped with an ES9038Q2M DAC. It offers playback of 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD512 files with sampling frequencies up to 5.6MHz. The small LED status indicator indicates the file type being played along with the power mode (low/high).

The DS1 sounds more dynamic and slightly raw compared to the FC4’s somewhat laid-back and more refined tonality. Please refer to my review of the DS1 for more details.

Where to Buy

• Official Store
• Amazon

Conclusion

The Hiby FC4 is a smooth operator. There are no flashy characteristics that will immediately amaze you. But, it most surely does its sole purpose efficiently – creating music.

Explicitly tuned as laid back, the FC4 dexterously preserves the technicalities within the music. Granted, the lack of macrodynamics may initially make the presentation sound less engaging. But with time, your ears will attune to its refined tonality. From there on, the FC4’s smooth yet clear personality will grow on you.

The other highlight of the FC4, besides its unique musical presentation, is the independent hardware level volume control and memory. This performs excellently and provides the freedom to choose the optimal volume. It also acts as the perfect source to compare IEMs or earbuds by maintaining equal loudness.

Hiby has excelled on both the technical and musical fronts with the FC4. They uphold their reputation of making music more musical with every product.

The post Review: Hiby FC4 – Smooth Operator appeared first on Headphonesty.

Connecting your AirPods to your TV lets you watch content on the big screen without compromising sound quality. You can savor movies at any volume and receive no noise complaints.

However, the pairing process varies depending on the TV brand, which may be confusing for some users. Plus, the sheer abundance of remote buttons might leave you wondering where to start.

Thankfully, it all boils down to navigating your TV’s Settings menu. Read on for detailed instructions on how to connect AirPods to a TV, with brand-specific tutorials included.

How to Connect AirPods to a TV via Bluetooth

In an episode of The Big Bang Theory, the characters ask themselves how to make flower hair barrettes appealing to men. The answer? “Add Bluetooth!”

Besides being funny, the quip highlights how ubiquitous Bluetooth technology was in the early 2000s and continues to be today. As such, it’s not surprising that many newer gadgets like smart TVs come equipped with it, making connecting your AirPods to your television a breeze.

To check if your TV has built-in Bluetooth, go to the Settings menu and look for a Bluetooth section. Alternatively, consult the TV user manual or check the manufacturer’s website for your model’s technical specifications.

After confirming your TV is Bluetooth-enabled, follow these steps to connect your AirPods:

1. Navigate to Remotes & Accessories under Settings on your TV.
   Depending on the TV model, you might also be able to access Settings directly via the remote.

   

2. Enable Bluetooth on your TV and select Add accessory or a similar option to search for available Bluetooth devices.
   If you’re in the Sound Output menu, you should be able to choose Bluetooth device or Wireless device as an option.

   

3. Put your AirPods in pairing mode.
   Open the charging case with the AirPods inside. Then long-press the setup button until the status light flashes white. If you have AirPods Max, long-press the noise control button.

   

4. Select your AirPods from the device list and follow the on-screen prompts to connect them to your smart TV.

   

How to Connect AirPods to a TV via a Bluetooth Adapter

If you have an entry-level or older smart TV model, it might not have Bluetooth functionality. In this case, you’ll need a Bluetooth adapter to connect your AirPods to the TV.

To get started, make sure that you purchase a Bluetooth adapter compatible with your TV model. Double-check which audio output ports are available on your TV to find a suitable option.

Once you have a Bluetooth adapter, you can use it to connect your AirPods to the TV by following these steps:

1. Connect your Bluetooth adapter to your TV.
   Check the adapter’s user manual for instructions on how to set it up. The process generally involves plugging the adapter into a power source and connecting it to the audio output port on your TV.

   

2. Put your Bluetooth adapter in pairing mode.
   Again, you can check the user manual for instructions. It’s likely as simple as pressing a Power or Bluetooth button for a few seconds.

   

3. Put your AirPods in pairing mode and place them near the adapter until they connect.

   

As a final note, remember that the touch volume controls on AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) don’t work when the AirPods are connected to a non-Apple device.

You can adjust the volume with the TV remote when the AirPods are connected via Bluetooth. However, this might not be possible when using the adapter as a go-between. To cover all your bases, we recommend investing in a Bluetooth adapter with a function for volume control.

How to Connect AirPods to a TV via Apple TV

Apple TV turns any “dumb” TV into a smart one. The streaming box connects via an HDMI cable and requires an internet connection. With this setup, you can access streaming apps or rent and buy movies just as you would on any smart TV.

Given the seamless connectivity between Apple devices, the Apple TV and AirPods should pair automatically when signed into the same iCloud account.

Simply open your AirPods case with the AirPods inside and go to your Apple TV’s Home screen. Long-press the Play/Pause button on your Apple TV remote until the Audio option appears, then select your AirPods.

If the method above doesn’t work, you can pair them manually. This also works when connecting your AirPods to someone else’s Apple TV. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings on your Apple TV.

   

2. Go to Remotes and Devices, then select Bluetooth.

   

3. Put your AirPods in pairing mode.

   

4. Below Other Devices, select your AirPods.

   

How to Connect AirPods to a TV: Brand-Specific Tutorials

With the basics out of the way, we can get down to the nitty-gritty of how to connect AirPods to your TV and enjoy a more enveloping viewing experience. This section will guide you through the process of pairing AirPods with specific TV brands:

• Connect AirPods to a Samsung TV
• Connect AirPods to an LG TV
• Connect AirPods to a Sony TV
• Connect AirPods to a Roku TV

Connect AirPods to a Samsung TV

You can connect your AirPods to your Samsung TV like any other Bluetooth device. Simply follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Samsung TV.
   Depending on the model, you should see the Settings button on the lower left side of your remote.

   

2. Navigate to Sound.

   

3. Go to Sound Output.

   

4. Navigate to Bluetooth Speaker List and press OK or Select. Your TV should start searching for Bluetooth devices.

   

5. Put your AirPods in pairing mode.

   

6. Select your AirPods and press Pair and connect to pair them with your Samsung TV. A pop-up message will confirm the two devices are connected.

   

Connect AirPods to an LG TV

You’ll need to access the Settings menu when connecting AirPods to an LG TV. Follow these steps to pair the two devices:

1. On your TV’s remote control, click Settings (gear icon).

   

2. Select the three dots icon, then go to Sound.

   

3. Select Use Wireless Speaker.

   

4. Select Bluetooth Device.

   

5. Put your AirPods in pairing mode.

   

6. Select your AirPods on-screen to pair them with your LG TV. You should see a pop-up message confirming the two devices are connected.

   

Connect AirPods to a Sony TV

For those using a Sony TV, the pairing process is quite seamless. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Press the Home button on your remote and go to Settings.

   

2. Select Bluetooth Settings.
   Bluetooth settings may be under Remote & Accessories.

   

3. Turn Bluetooth on by pressing Enter on your remote.

   

4. Select Pair accessory. Your TV should start searching for Bluetooth devices.

   

5. Put your AirPods in pairing mode.

   

6. Select your AirPods when they appear on-screen, then confirm your choice to pair them with your Sony TV. You should see a pop-up message confirming a successful connection.

Connect AirPods to a Roku TV

The Roku Plus Series TV and certain Roku streaming devices support Bluetooth private listening, so you can connect your AirPods directly to the television. If you have the Roku Plus Series TV, follow these steps to connect your AirPods:

1. Press the Home button on the remote and navigate to Settings.

   

2. Go to Remotes & devices.

   

3. Select Wireless headphones.

   

4. Tap Add new wireless headphones.

   

5. Put your AirPods in pairing mode.

   

6. Select your AirPods once they appear on-screen to pair them with your Roku TV.

   

Unfortunately, not all Roku TVs and streaming devices support this feature. In that case, you can use a workaround via the Private Listening feature in the Roku mobile app.

First, install the Roku app on your phone and link your Roku TV. Then, connect your AirPods to your phone and follow these steps:

1. In the Roku app, tap Remote from the navigation bar.

   

2. Select the Headphones icon.

   

3. You’ll see a message saying Private Listening Activated. Tap OK. You should now be able to play content and listen to the audio through your AirPods.

   

FAQs About Connecting AirPods to a TV

• How to connect AirPods to previously paired Apple TV?
• Why won’t my AirPods connect to my TV?
• Can I connect my AirPods to a TV soundbar?
• How do I disconnect my AirPods from the TV?

How to connect AirPods to previously paired Apple TV?

Once your AirPods are paired with your Apple TV, they should connect to the device whenever you open the charging case, or you can reconnect them by following the steps described in the section above. Alternatively, you can try this method:

1. Go to Settings on your Apple TV and select Video and Audio.

   

2. Select Audio Output.

   

3. Go to Temporary audio output and choose Select.

   

4. Open your AirPods case, and your AirPods should appear on the list of available devices. Tap their name, pop them in your ears, and enjoy.

Why won’t my AirPods connect to my TV?

If you followed the steps listed in this article, but your AirPods still won’t connect to your TV, it could be due to the following reasons:

• Bluetooth interference: Bluetooth signals can be blocked by walls, furniture, or other devices, resulting in poor connectivity or inability to pair. Ensure the AirPods are close to your TV and no obstructions are blocking the connection.
• Low battery: If your AirPods are low on power, it can cause connectivity problems and frequent disconnections. As such, charging your AirPods before connecting them to your TV is advised.
  We have an article on how to check the AirPods’ battery life in several ways.
• Software glitch: Performance glitches can occur if your AirPods have outdated software. To fix this, simply update your AirPods’ firmware. If that doesn’t work, resetting the AirPods might do the trick.

If you’re still experiencing problems after trying these solutions, contact Apple support. A representative could shed light on the root cause of the problem.

Can I connect my AirPods to a TV soundbar?

No. A soundbar is an audio output device you connect to devices that play audio. As such, connecting AirPods to a soundbar is essentially like trying to connect two pairs of speakers.

However, you can use the Live Listen feature to turn your iPhone or iPad into a microphone that sends sound to your AirPods. This way, you can listen to audio from the soundbar and AirPods simultaneously. Here’s how to enable Live Listen:

1. Connect your AirPods to your device.

   

2. In Settings, select Control Center.

   

3. Select the Add button next to Hearing to add Live Listen to Control Center.

   

4. Open Control Center and tap the Hearing button, which looks like an ear.

   

5. Select Live Listen.

   

6. Place your device next to the soundbar, and you should hear the audio via your AirPods.

   

How do I disconnect my AirPods from a TV?

You can disconnect the AirPods from your TV by following the same steps required to connect them. Once you navigate to the list of Bluetooth devices, select the AirPods, and a Disconnect option should appear.

For instance, on a Samsung TV, you can navigate to Bluetooth Speaker List, select the AirPods, and tap Disconnect. If you want to disconnect the AirPods from an Apple TV, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth. Then, select your AirPods and choose Disconnect.

Conclusion

By now, we hope you’ve managed to connect your AirPods to your TV. With these methods, you can now watch your favorite shows or movies while the rest of the household is asleep without struggling with low volume or subtitles.

Did you encounter any issues following the step-by-step instructions in this article? Do you have additional tips for users experiencing connection errors? Sound off in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!

The post 3 Easy Ways to Connect AirPods to a TV [Plus Brand-Specific Tutorials] appeared first on Headphonesty.

Keeping wireless earbuds charged is essential to enjoying their convenience. After all, there’s nothing worse than getting ready to listen to your music and finding that your earbuds are dead.

However, charging wireless earbuds isn’t always straightforward. The different charging methods may be confusing for some, leading to improperly-charged or damaged earbuds.

Fortunately, a good understanding of the correct methods of charging your earbuds simplifies the process. Read on as we explain how to charge your earbuds using a standard charging case, wireless charging pad, USB cable, and reverse charging. Let’s dive in!

How to Charge Wireless Earbuds via a Charging Case

Most wireless earbuds (such as AirPods and AirPods Pro) come with a charging case. This rechargeable case protects your earbuds and stores enough power to fully charge them multiple times, ensuring they’re always ready for use.

To charge your wireless earbuds using the charging case, follow these simple steps:

1. Ensure the charging case is on and has the power to charge your earbuds. This is usually indicated by a LED indicator on the case that will turn on when you open the lid.

   

2. Place the earbuds in the charging case.

   

3. If necessary, connect the case to a power source using the USB cable that’s included with the earbuds.

   

4. The earbuds will begin charging automatically. You’ll know they’re ready to use when the charge indicator light on the case turns green.

   

How to Charge Wireless Earbuds via a Wireless Charging Pad

Some wireless earbuds support Qi wireless charging, an industry-standard interface for wireless charging technology. These earbuds can be charged using a wireless charging pad– an electronic pad that can charge any compatible device placed on it without the need for cables.

Qi charging works by using electromagnetic induction. Electric current is passed through conductive coils within the charging pad, creating an electromagnetic field around the charger.

Qi-compatible devices then convert the electromagnetic field into an electric current using a built-in receiver. When you place your earbuds on the charging pad, the receiver starts generating a current that can be stored as charge within the device.

To charge your wireless earbuds using a wireless charging pad, follow these steps:

1. Connect the wireless charging pad to a power source.

   

2. Place your earbuds on the wireless charging pad.

   

3. The earbuds will start charging automatically and will be ready to use when the indicator light on the earbuds or case turns green.

How to Charge Wireless Earbuds via a USB Cable on a PC or Laptop

While a charging case is a common method for charging wireless earbuds, some models can be charged directly using a USB cable. This is a useful alternative when you cannot access a power outlet, as you can use your laptop or PC as a power source.

However, this method only works for wireless earbuds with a built-in micro-USB charging port, such as the Beats Flex or Sony WI-XB400s.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to charge your wireless earbuds using a PC or laptop:

1. Locate the charging port on your wireless earbuds. This is usually located on the remote control on the neck wire or on the earbud itself.

   

2. Connect the charging cable to the earbuds. A cable is usually provided with wireless earbuds when you buy them.

   

3. Plug the other end of the cable into a USB port on your PC or laptop.

   

4. The earbuds will begin charging. You can check the LED indicator to see when they’re fully charged.

How to Charge Wireless Earbuds via Reverse Charging

As mentioned above, many modern devices, like smartphones, have wireless charging capabilities. Some compatible phones, like the Samsung S10 Series, also feature reverse charging. This allows the phone to act as a power bank to charge other devices like earbuds.

Reverse wireless charging is not brand-specific, nor do you need to pair your earbuds to the device. This means any compatible earbuds can reverse charge from any phone with this feature.

How to charge wireless earbuds using a smartphone

Most earbuds with a neck cable can’t use wireless charging. So, you must ensure that your earbuds can support wireless charging for this method to work.

That said, here’s how to use this feature to charge your earbuds:

1. Enable wireless charging on your phone by going into Settings > Battery > Wireless power sharing and toggling it to the On position.

   

2. Put your earbuds in their charging case and place them on the back of your phone. The exact location may vary depending on the phone model.

   

3. The earbuds will begin charging automatically.

How to charge wireless earbuds via an OTG cable

Another method to charge your earbuds using your phone involves an OTG (On The Go) cable. This type of cable has an extra pin on the micro-USB plug that allows your phone to act as a host for other devices. This lets you use your phone as a power bank.

Here’s how to use an OTG cable to charge your wireless earbuds:

1. Plug the OTG cable into your phone. The type of OTG cable you’ll need (micro USB or USB-C) depends on your phone’s charging port.

   

2. Connect your earbuds (or their charging case) to the other end of the OTG cable.

   

3. The earbuds will begin charging automatically. You can check the color of the LED to see when your earbuds are done charging.

   

FAQs on How to Charge Wireless Earbuds

• Can you charge individual true wireless earbuds without the case?
• Is it bad to fully charge your earbuds multiple times a day?
• Can you charge wireless earbuds with a mobile charger?
• How do you know if your wireless earbuds are charging or fully charged?

Can you charge individual true wireless earbuds without the case?

Charging individual true wireless earbuds without their respective charging case is not possible. True wireless earbuds don’t have a charging port and thus rely on the pins inside the charging case to connect with a power source.

Wireless charging won’t work for individual earbuds either. True wireless earbuds must be small and light, so the receiver required for wireless charging is usually built into the charging case. This means that you’re not charging the earbuds themselves wirelessly, but rather the case, which then charges the earbuds.

While there may be myths and hacks circulating on the internet about charging earbuds without their case, it’s important to note that these methods are not recommended. They can potentially damage the earbuds and may even pose safety risks. Therefore, charging your wireless earbuds using the provided charging case is always best.

Is it bad to fully charge your earbuds multiple times a day?

Many people use their earbuds for short periods, then return them to their charging case. This practice is quite common and does not necessarily harm the earbuds. On the contrary, repeatedly draining your earbuds’ battery to below 20% can harm their battery life.

Lithium-ion batteries will fast-charge up to 80% capacity for convenience, then trickle-charge with a lower electrical current for the final 20%, which is better for your battery life. Draining your earbuds only a little way before recharging them to full will mean less time is spent fast-charging, which is better for your battery life.

It’s also worth noting that modern earbuds with lithium-ion batteries have a built-in battery management system that stops charging as soon as your earbuds reach 100%. This means the batteries won’t overcharge even if you leave your earbuds charging overnight.

Can you charge wireless earbuds with a mobile charger?

Yes, it is possible to charge wireless earbuds with a mobile charger. This is due to the IC chip found in most wireless earbuds that oversees the battery. This circuitry is designed to manage the power input the earbuds receive, ensuring they get the correct amount of power for charging.

However, it’s important to note that while most earbuds can handle charging from a mobile charger, it’s always best to use the charger that came with your earbuds or a charger recommended by the manufacturer.

These chargers are designed to be compatible with your earbuds. They also prevent circuit damage by delivering only the recommended amount of power needed.

How do you know if your wireless earbuds are charging or fully charged?

To check the battery status of your wireless earbuds, look at the color of the indicator LED on the charging case or the earbuds themselves.

When your earbuds are charging, the LED light will typically light up. The color of the light often varies depending on the brand and model of the earbuds. It’s usually red or orange when the earbuds are charging.

Once fully charged, the LED light will change color, often to green or white, depending on the specific model of your earbuds. This color change or switch-off indicates that the earbuds have reached their full charge and are ready for use.

Conclusion

Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to charge your wireless earbuds properly and alternative methods for on-the-go situations. Hopefully, you’ll never be caught unprepared by uncharged earbuds again!

What charging method do your earbuds use, and which do you think is most convenient? Make sure to leave a comment below for other readers with the same type of earbuds!

The post How to Charge Wireless Earbuds: An Easy Guide to 4 Different Methods appeared first on Headphonesty.

The versatile Galaxy Buds line generally has a bass-boosted audio quality to them. And while their overall sound is nowhere near audiophile levels, they’re excellent for casual music listening.

However, they’re not exempt from the occasional audio glitch. A commonly reported issue is that one earbud can become quieter over time, whether due to dirt accumulation or a software issue.

Fortunately, there are several ways to remedy this – from cleaning your earbuds to adjusting your sound settings. We’ve compiled six solutions on how to fix Galaxy Buds that are quiet on one side, so keep reading to learn more!

Galaxy Buds Are Quiet on One Side Due to Poor Fit

The ear is a complex structure, and no two ears are exactly alike. These differences in anatomy can affect how each earbud fits in your ear and their perceived volume.

For instance, a larger ear canal requires a bigger earbud tip to ensure a snug fit. Similarly, a smaller or unusually shaped one will need a smaller tip, possibly in a different material like memory foam.

When the earbud fits well, it seals the ear canal completely, preventing sound leakage. Meanwhile, a poor fit can cause air gaps, which allow sound to escape and can make one earbud seem quieter.

Solution: Try different ear tips

If one side of your Galaxy Buds is quieter, it’s worth exploring different ear tip sizes, styles, and materials.

The default sizes that come with your earbuds (L, M, S) may not be enough to provide a good fit. As such, you can try looking for replacement tips that come in extra small or extra large sizes.

Additionally, you can also opt for double flange ear tips, which give you better noise isolation. Using this type on the quieter earbud may help balance out the volume discrepancy.

The material of the ear tip can also affect sound quality. Silicone tips are common, but they don’t always provide the best seal, especially during physical activity when sweat makes them slippery. Foam ear tips, on the other hand, conform to the shape of your ear canal, offering better isolation and a tighter fit.

Here are some optional ear tips to consider:

• ALXCD ear tips and ear wings kit (Galaxy Buds)
• SpinFit CP1025 ear tips (Galaxy Buds2)
• COMPLY memory foam ear tips (Galaxy Buds2 Pro)
• Delidigi double flange eartips (Galaxy Buds2 Pro)
• Luckvan ear tips and adapter wings (Galaxy Buds Live)

Galaxy Buds Are Quiet on One Side Due to Dirt or Earwax

Dirt build-up is a common and often overlooked cause of one of the Galaxy Buds sounding quieter.

Earwax, dust, and other particles accumulate on the earbud over time, particularly on the mesh or speaker grill. As a result, they can cause an obstruction that makes one of the earbuds sound muted.

Solution: Clean your earbuds

Besides addressing hygiene concerns, regularly cleaning your earbuds also prevents a dirt-related deterioration in sound quality. You can clean them with materials you likely have around the house:

• Cotton swab
• 70% isopropyl alcohol
• Toothbrush or a small cleaning brush
• Cleaning putty (optional)

Once you gather the supplies, follow this step-by-step guide to give your earbuds a thorough clean:

1. Dampen a cotton swab in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
   Be careful, as the alcohol may cause the paint on the earbuds to come off.

   

2. Gently clean the ear tips and earbuds with the damp cotton swab, focusing on areas where you see visible dirt or earwax.

   

3. Use a small cleaning brush or a toothbrush to clean stubborn earwax from the inside part of the ear tips and the speaker grill.

   

If cleaning with the cotton swab and brush alone doesn’t solve the issue, try using adhesive putty on the speaker grill. It morphs to the shape of the grill and can remove dirt from deeper into the speaker. However, don’t push the putty too deep, or you risk causing damage.

Galaxy Buds Are Quiet on One Side Due to Hardware Damage

Earbuds are delicate electronic devices. If you handle them carelessly by dropping them on the ground, submerging them in water, or haphazardly throwing them in your bag, you could cause physical damage.

For example, a damaged speaker in one earbud may produce a quieter sound on that side. Similarly, if the wiring inside the earbud is frayed or broken, it can interrupt the audio signal, causing low volume or muffled audio.

To inspect your earbuds for damage, look for visible signs of corrosion or degradation like scratches, dents, or rust.

Solution: Try your earbuds with a different device

To diagnose a hardware issue, try using the earbuds with other devices. If one earbud still sounds quiet when paired with different devices, the problem is likely with the earbuds themselves.

In this case, you may need to repair or replace your earbuds. If they’re still within the warranty period, contact Samsung for assistance.

The company generally offers a 1-year Standard Limited Warranty for wearables that covers manufacturing errors. However, if the hardware damage is caused by wear and tear, improper use, or exposure to water, you’ll likely have to pay for the repair yourself.

Galaxy Buds Are Quiet on One Side Due to Outdated Firmware

Firmware is essentially software that controls the hardware of your earbuds, enabling them to communicate with your device and function optimally. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that your earbuds work well.

Generally, the manufacturer releases firmware updates to address bugs or improve specific aspects of performance, such as sound quality and connectivity. If the firmware on your Galaxy Buds is outdated, you can experience various issues, including poor audio and volume discrepancies between the two earbuds.

Solution: Update your Buds’ firmware via the Galaxy Wearables app

The good news is that you can update your Galaxy Buds’ firmware through the Galaxy Wearable app. Here’s how to do it:

1. Connect your Galaxy Buds to your device.

   

2. Open the Galaxy Wearable app.

   

3. Select Earbuds settings.

   

4. Tap on Earbuds software update.

   

5. Select Update, then follow the prompts to complete the update.

   

It’s also important to regularly check for software updates on your connected device:

• For iOS, you can do this by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
• For Android, navigate to Settings > System > System Update.

If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. Remember: regular updates ensure your device’s compatibility with your earbuds and enhance overall performance and security.

Galaxy Buds Are Quiet on One Side Due to Software Glitches

A software glitch could also be why your Galaxy Buds are quieter on one side. Glitches can occur seemingly out of nowhere and may be due to Bluetooth interference, connectivity errors, or temporary conflicts that cause performance problems in the earbuds. Luckily, there’s an easy way to deal with them.

Solution: Reset your earbuds

Resetting your Galaxy Buds can help clear the earbuds’ cache and address glitches and connectivity issues.

However, resetting disconnects the buds from all your devices, which can be a hassle. A simple restart may solve the glitch, so give this a go first.

Follow these steps to restart your earbuds:

1. Place your earbuds in the charging case.

   

2. Close the lid and wait for at least 7 seconds.

   

3. Remove your earbuds from the case. They should automatically reconnect to your phone.

   

If the issues persist, proceed to a factory reset, which will delete any settings or configurations but won’t remove software or firmware updates.

You can perform a factory reset using the Galaxy Wearable app. Here’s how:

1. Place both earbuds in the charging case.

   

2. Keep the case lid open and hold the earbuds near your Android or iOS device.

   

3. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your device.

   

4. Scroll down to locate and select About earbuds.
   For Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds Live, and Galaxy Buds Pro, tap Earbud settings instead. Similarly, go to the Settings tab and select About Gear for Gear IconX.

   

5. Choose Reset.

   

6. Tap Reset again to confirm your choice.

   

Galaxy Buds Are Quiet on One Side Due to Audio Balance

The Audio Balance setting, a feature found in most devices, allows users to adjust the volume level between the left and right channels. This setting is particularly useful for those with hearing impairments in one ear, as it enables them to balance the audio output to their preference.

That said, if the setting is inadvertently adjusted, it can cause one Galaxy Bud to sound quieter than the other. This issue is often reported as the left Galaxy Bud not working or Galaxy Buds having low volume in one ear.

Solution: Adjust the audio balance settings

Adjusting the sound balance settings can rectify the issue of one Galaxy Bud sounding quieter. The procedure varies depending on the device:

• Via Android
• Via iOS
• Via Mac
• Via Windows

Via Android

To adjust Audio Balance on Android, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Settings.

   

2. Select Accessibility.

   

3. Tap Hearing enhancements. You can now adjust the Balance slider to the left or right.

   

Via iOS

The process is similar on iOS:

1. Go to Settings.

   

2. Select Accessibility.

   

3. Tap Audio/Visual.

   

4. Adjust the Balance slider to the left or right.

   

Via Mac

If you’re using a Mac, you can adjust Audio Balance in only a few clicks:

1. Open System Settings.

   

2. Go to Sound in the sidebar.

   

3. Click on Output.

   

4. Select your earbuds from the list of output devices and drag the Balance slider to the left or right.

   

Via Windows

Finally, Windows users can also adjust the sound balance with ease:

1. Go to Settings.

   

2. Select System.

   

3. Navigate to Sound.

   

4. Select your earbuds’ name from the list of output devices..

   

5. In the next screen, adjust the Left and Right Balance sliders to your preference.

   

Additional Solutions to Try

If you went through the solutions above and one Galaxy Bud is still quieter than the other, don’t despair. We have a couple more suggestions you can try:

• Disable Absolute Volume
• Use the “Find My Earbuds” feature

Disable Absolute Volume

Absolute Volume lets Android users simultaneously control the volume of their Bluetooth device and phone, eliminating the need for separate volume sliders.

But, while the feature is useful, some Bluetooth-enabled devices aren’t fully compatible with it. If that’s the case, the device won’t synchronize with the phone, which may lead to audio issues like one earbud being quieter.

If the Galaxy Buds have volume problems when connected to your Android phone, disabling Absolute Volume might do the trick. Simply follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Android phone.

   

2. Select About Phone.

   

3. Look for Build number and tap it seven times until the message “You are now a developer!” or the “Developer mode has been turned on.” appears on the screen.

   

4. Go back to the main Settings screen and go to Developer options.

   

5. Scroll down until you find Disable absolute volume.

   

6. Tap the toggle to turn off the feature.

   

Use the “Find My Earbuds” feature

The Find My Earbuds feature is a handy tool designed to help you locate misplaced earbuds. Once you activate it, it plays a loud beeping sound through the earbuds, so you can follow the sound to find them.

Interestingly, some users have discovered that the beeping can help equalize the audio in both earbuds. Not only that, but the feature progressively increases the volume of the beeping sound, which might even clear any debris stuck in the speaker grill.

You can activate Find My Earbuds from the Galaxy Wearable app. Here’s how:

1. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your device.

   

2. Tap on Find My Earbuds.

   

3. Select Start to begin the search.
   Your earbuds will start beeping progressively louder for 3 minutes.

   

4. Once you’ve found your earbuds, tap Stop.

   

Conclusion

By now, we hope you have managed to get to the root of the problem and that your Galaxy Buds operate at the same volume. As a bonus, you no longer have to wonder whether to have one of your ears checked.

Which solution worked for you? Did you stumble upon any other hacks that help with unbalanced volume? Please let us know in the comments!

The post Galaxy Buds Are Quiet on One Side: 6 Possible Reasons and Fixes appeared first on Headphonesty.

The Logitech H570E boast features like acoustic echo cancellation and digital signal processing to ensure clear voice communication in noisy environments.

Logitech H570e

How We Score ⧉

Bottom Line

The Logitech H570E's microphone takes center stage. Its exceptional performance ensures your voice remains clear, whether in a bustling café or busy office. In terms of audio, the H570E offer a decent enough low-end and crystal-clear highs, rendering vocals, bass guitar, and kick drums with admirable clarity. While enhancing clarity, the highs exhibit a sibilance that might lead to listener fatigue over extended periods. The sound quality isn’t recommended for audiophiles but good enough for some side music listening while working. The build quality exceeds expectations for this price point and suggests a reassuring durability and longevity.

Available at Official Website

Available at Amazon

What We Like

• Crystal clear calls in a quiet environment
• Decent microphone performance in a noisy, busy environment
• Headband is quite sturdy due to the metal reinforcement
• Plug and play design
• Replaceable ear pads allow for easy replacement when they wear out
• The sound is good for individuals who like bass-heavy headphones

What We Don't Like

• The packaging is not strong enough to keep the headphones safe during shipping
• For people with large ears, the earpads may not be comfortable due to their small size
• Not for individuals who prefer clear mids in their music tracks, such as those with guitars
• For those with sensitive ears, the highs or “s” of the person speaking are slightly sibilant and piercing at high volume

Given their modest price tag, do the Logitech H570E fulfill their claim as a headset crafted for modern office workers?

Let’s find out today.

Company Overview

Logitech, a global technology company with over 40 years of experience, is recognized for its innovative design and commitment to sustainability.

Their eco-conscious approach is evident in their packaging, which uses 90% less plastic and reduces fossil fuel usage by 45% over its lifecycle. Logitech’s product range, spanning music, gaming, streaming, video, and computing, are designed to enhance user interaction with the digital world.

Their products are sold worldwide, reflecting their global reach and influence in the industry.

Technical Specifications

• Form: On-Ear
• Driver Size: 30 mm
• Microphone Sensitivity (dB): -47 dB +/ -3 dB
• Microphone Frequency Response (Hz): 100 Hz-18 KHz
• Microphone Distortion: < 2% @ 1 kHz, 94 dB SPL
• Speaker Sensitivity (dB): 94 dB ±3 dB at 1 KHz, 0.01 m, 0.01 W
• Speaker Frequency Response (Hz): 31.5 Hz-20 KHz
• Speaker Distortion: < 5% @ 1 kHz, 10 mW, 1 kHz
• Removable Cable: (N)
• Source Jack: USB-A
• Cable Length: 1.5 m
• Mic: Y
• Microphone type: Bi-directional ECM noise-cancelling mic
• Weight (g): 85 g

Packaging

The Logitech H570e arrive in packaging that is as straightforward as it gets. The headphones are housed in a thin brown cardboard box, snuggled within a soft cardboard cutout. While functional, this minimalist approach to packaging doesn’t necessarily inspire a sense of anticipation or excitement that often accompanies the unboxing of a new tech gadget.

In terms of aesthetics, the packaging of the H570e leaves much to be desired. The design and color of the box are rather plain, suggesting that aesthetics weren’t a priority in the packaging design process. This is not entirely surprising for a budget-friendly pair of headphones.

In the box

• Logitech H570E
• Setup Guide manual
• Warning/Caution manual

Design

At first touch, the headband might seem a bit cheap. But despite its seemingly flimsy exterior, there’s a reinforced metal band inside that gives it a surprising amount of sturdiness.

The adjustability of the headband strikes a fine balance, providing just enough tension to stay in place when adjusted but not so much that it’s difficult to move.

The microphone is also impressively flexible, rotating up to 270 degrees, allowing me to tuck it away when not in use. The silicon-like material also makes it easy to bend, letting me position it optimally for the best call quality. Whether I need it closer or farther from my mouth, the H570e are up to the task.

Moreover, the H570e come with replaceable ear pads, a feature I really appreciate. This allows for easy swapping if they wear out, or even an upgrade from a third-party vendor if you’re so inclined. However, the earpad foam is a bit thin and overly soft, contributing to the headset’s overall cheap feel.

One of the more practical features of the H570e is their in-line controls. They’re a real boon for quickly adjusting the volume, answering calls, and toggling the microphone’s mute function. The controls are tactile and clearly labeled, making them intuitive to use even for a first-time user.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing with the H570e. The wires, unfortunately, are not tangle-free. They twist and turn so easily that untangling them can quickly become frustrating. This is a minor inconvenience but one that’s worth noting.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, the Logitech H570e present a bit of a mixed bag. At first glance, the small size of the ear pads had me concerned, especially given that my ears are larger than average.

They’re soft enough to avoid causing irritation, but their size does make for a somewhat awkward fit, with noticeable pressure on the sides of my ears.

The clamping force of the H570e hits a sweet spot – it’s neither too tight nor too loose, ensuring the headphones stay securely in place on my head.

A standout feature in terms of comfort is the lightness of the H570e. Weighing in at a mere 85 grams, these headphones are light enough to forget you’re wearing them, at least for a while.

However, after about an hour of use, I found that they started to feel hot, causing my ears to sweat. This seems to be due to the leather material of the earpads.

That said, when I used them in an air-conditioned environment, they remained reasonably comfortable throughout the entire workday. So, your mileage may vary depending on your specific use case and environment.

Internals

Delving into the internals of the Logitech H570e, the simplicity of its design becomes apparent. These headphones are a straightforward office accessory, providing just the basics with their plug-and-play design.

The inclusion of a USB-A plug is a key feature, enabling me to connect the headset to my PC and start using it almost instantly. The absence of a need for drivers or additional software is a significant convenience.

However, I found myself wishing for more plug options or a separate adapter, which would have allowed for greater versatility in using the headset with other devices like tablets or phones.

The H570e carry a UC certification and are compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Microsoft Lync, Cisco, and Skype. This compatibility is a major advantage for office workers and call center agents, as it allows for seamless use of the headset for office calls. Simply plug it in, and you’re ready to go.

A noteworthy feature is the volume limit of up to 115 dB. Although this exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 80 dB, it’s a thoughtful addition that helps prevent accidental exposure to excessively loud audio. It’s these small but significant touches that enhance the overall user experience.

Microphone

The Logitech H570e’s microphone is a standout feature, demonstrating an impressive ability to pick up my voice with remarkable clarity.

This was particularly evident in the mic tests, where the microphone didn’t pick up any of the background noise despite a heavy downpour during the recording. It was as if the microphone had a laser focus on my voice, disregarding any extraneous sounds.

However, this sensitivity is a double-edged sword. The microphone picks up even the subtlest of lip movements, which could potentially be distracting for others on the call. But don’t worry; a simple adjustment can mitigate this issue. By positioning the mic slightly farther from your mouth, you can keep these minor sounds from becoming an unintended part of your conversation.

In noisier environments, the microphone continues to perform admirably. It rejects background noise effectively, ensuring my voice remains the primary focus. Yes, the background noise is still audible, but my voice consistently comes through clearly, as if it’s on top of the noise.

Regardless of the environment, my speech remains understandable.

A key player in this performance is the microphone’s Digital Signal Processing (DSP) noise cancellation. This feature works like a charm, almost completely blocking out unwanted noise. The result is clear conversations without any compromise on sound quality.

There is, however, a slight trade-off when the background noise is particularly loud.

My speech can take on a somewhat processed tone, akin to a radio broadcast.

But it’s worth noting that this didn’t seem to affect the clarity of my speech. During my calls, the person on the other end had no complaints and understood me perfectly. So, while it’s something to be aware of, it doesn’t detract from the overall performance of the microphone.

Logitech H570E Sound

The Logitech H570e headphones have a V-shaped sound profile. This means the bass is strong, the highs are bright, and the middle tones are more subdued. The highs can sometimes feel a bit sharp, but overall, the sound is balanced and enjoyable.

While the soundstage is small, one must consider these headphones’ price point. The H570e don’t promise an expansive, concert-hall-like soundstage, and they don’t deliver one. You can easily tell if a sound is coming from the left or right, but there’s not much sense of depth.

The small soundstage doesn’t take away from the clarity of the sound.

Depending on the mix of the track, I found myself able to discern individual instruments with relative ease.

Shifting gears to their utility as a communication tool, the H570e perform admirably. I tested them out on several phone calls, and the sound was consistently crisp and intelligible, making them a reliable companion for business calls.

Bass

While listening to “Mercy” by Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz on the Logitech H570e, I noticed that the bass was very strong. The low sounds were full and loud – louder than the midrange sounds.

But even with this strong bass, the sound didn’t become too loud or lose quality. It still had a good beat and energy. I could easily hear the kick drum, which made the music feel more alive.

Midrange

As I ventured into the midrange territory with the Logitech H570e, I chose “Mugatu” by Toms Story, a track that’s purely instrumental, as my test piece. The mids, while slightly laid back, retained a level of clarity that was commendable.

When it came to vocal quality, there was a slight nasal characteristic, but not to the extent that it detracted from the overall listening experience. This was also the case during calls. Despite the nasal undertone, the clarity remained intact, ensuring that vowels and consonants were easily discernible.

However, it’s important to note that the Logitech H570e lean towards a V-shaped sound signature. This means that the bass and treble are more pronounced than the midrange.

Treble

Turning my attention to the treble, I decided to put the Logitech H570e through its paces with “Paradise” by Coldplay. The highs were noticeable, particularly on the “s” sounds in the vocals, which had a sibilant quality. However, the hi-hats managed to avoid being piercing, maintaining a level of comfort for the listener.

The pronounced highs had the effect of enhancing the clarity and detail in the vocals.

The emphasis on the high frequencies could lead to listener fatigue over extended periods.

Where to Buy

• Official Store
• Amazon

Conclusion

As we wrap up this review, the Logitech H570E’s microphone takes center stage. Its exceptional performance ensures your voice remains clear, whether in a bustling café or busy office. The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) noise cancellation effectively picks out the noise and makes my voice shine on calls, ensuring that conversations remain crystal clear.

In terms of audio, the H570E offer a decent enough low-end and crystal-clear highs, rendering vocals, bass guitar, and kick drums with admirable clarity.

However, the mids section and guitars could use a bit more presence. While enhancing clarity, the highs exhibit a sibilance that might lead to listener fatigue over extended periods. The sound quality isn’t recommended for audiophiles but good enough for some side music listening while working.

The build quality exceeds expectations for this price point and suggests a reassuring durability and longevity.

However, the packaging is purely utilitarian, arriving in a simple, medium-thin brown carton. And for those with larger ears – the compact size of the ear pads might not be the best fit.

All in all, the Logitech H570E stand as a solid choice for those prioritizing microphone performance, sound quality, and build, with a few minor caveats to bear in mind.

The post Review: Logitech H570e – Low Cost, Clear Calls appeared first on Headphonesty.

The convenience and ever-evolving technology of true wireless earbuds (TWS) have led to their rise in popularity since their debut in 2015.

But connectivity problems, audio lags, and syncing issues between the two earbuds can still happen and negatively impact your listening experience. And no brand is immune to this.

Such problems are usually remedied by just resetting the TWS earbuds. This gives their software a fresh start, removing any bugs along the way. Read on for detailed instructions on how to reset any brand of true wireless earbuds below.

General Guide to Resetting TWS Earbuds With Button on Charging Case

The button on the charging case of your TWS earbuds, known as the setup button, serves a crucial role in the functionality of these devices.

True wireless earbuds have to be small enough to fit in your ears and light enough not to cause discomfort, which means there isn’t much space for controls. Because of this, user interface controls and troubleshooting options are often placed on the larger charging case– hence, the setup button.

The setup button is typically used for two primary functions: resetting the earbuds and activating manual pairing.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset most TWS earbuds with a button on the charging case:

1. Go to the Bluetooth settings on any paired devices. If your earbuds haven’t connected to any device yet, you can skip to step 4.

   

2. Look for the name of your earbuds in the list of connected Bluetooth devices and tap on it.

   

3. Choose to Forget this device.

   

4. Place your earbuds into their charging case and leave the lid open.

   

5. Hold down the setup button for 10-15 seconds. There should be a change in the color of the indicator light, which signals a successful reset.

   

General Guide to Resetting TWS Earbuds Without Button on Charging Case

Not all true wireless earbuds have a button on the charging case, such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds. If you can’t find a setup button on your case, you next need to look at the earbuds themselves.

True wireless earbuds fall into two categories– those with buttons and those with touch controls.

How to reset earbuds with button controls

Here’s how to use button controls to reset your earbuds:

1. Go to the Bluetooth settings of any paired devices.

   

2. Tap on the name of your earbuds from the list of connected Bluetooth devices.

   

3. Choose to Forget this device.

   

4. Hold down the power button until the LED indicator changes color. This means the reset has been successful.

   

How to reset earbuds with touch controls

Resetting earbuds without buttons can be more complicated. Here’s a general guide on how to reset TWS earbuds using touch controls:

1. On any paired devices, go to Settings > Bluetooth.

   

2. Tap on the name of your earbuds from the list of connected Bluetooth devices.

   

3. Choose to Forget this device.

   

4. Place the earbuds in their charging case and leave the lid open.
   If you’re using Samsung Galaxy Buds, ignore this step and put the buds in your ears instead.
5. Press the sensors on both earbuds simultaneously for about ten seconds until the LED indicator changes color or you hear a chime indicating that the earbuds have reset.

   

How to Reset TWS Earbuds According to Brand

If our general methods didn’t work for you, it could be because of the brand of your headphones. Every brand uses its own set of steps designed to work best with the features of its earbuds, so you might need more specific instructions.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the reset process for some of the top TWS brands. Make sure to remove the earbuds from the Bluetooth settings of any paired devices before following these steps.

• Apple AirPods
• Anker
• Beats
• Bose
• EarFun
• Edifier
• Jabra
• JBL
• JLab
• Samsung
• Sony
• Skullcandy

Apple AirPods

Apple products are designed for convenience and cohesion, so all models of AirPods follow the same steps to reset, no matter the generation.

To reset your Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro, follow these steps:

1. Put your earbuds into their case and open the lid.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light changes.
   The status light will flash white, then amber, indicating that your AirPods have been reset.
3. Reconnect your AirPods to your devices.

For more details and troubleshooting tips, you can read our article on how to reset AirPods and AirPods Max.

Anker

Anker Soundcore earbuds mostly follow the same process for resetting, though some models vary slightly from this method. The location of the setup button can also vary depending on the model.

Here’s how to reset most Anker true wireless earbuds:

1. Place the earbuds in the charging case and open the lid.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the charging case for about 10 seconds.
3. The LED indicator on the earbuds will flash red three times, then white once, indicating that the earbuds have been reset. You can now resync your earbuds to your device.

If this method doesn’t work for your Anker earbuds, you can check out the FAQs on their product page.

Choose your model of earbuds from the sidebar and scroll down to the FAQs section. Search for reset, and you’ll get an instructional article for your model of earbuds.

Beats

Beats TWS earbuds all follow the same reset method. Here’s how to reset true wireless Beats earbuds:

1. Place the earbuds in the charging case.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the case for about 15 seconds.
3. The LED indicator will flash red and white, indicating that the earbuds have been reset.
4. Reconnect your Beats earbuds to your devices.

For other Beats models, you can check out our comprehensive guide on resetting all models of Beats headphones.

Bose

The method for resetting Bose TWS earbuds can vary depending on their model. For model-specific instructions, you can read our article on how to reset every model of Bose headphones.

However, to give you some idea of the brand’s methods, here’s how to reset the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds:

1. Plug your charging case into a power source.
2. Place the earbuds in the charging case and close the lid.
3. Wait at least five seconds, then open the lid.
4. Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the case for about 30 seconds.
5. The LED indicator will blink white, glow a solid white, then blink blue, indicating that the earbuds have been reset.

EarFun

Though the varying models of EarFun true wireless earbuds look very different, all models but the Air Pro SVs use the same method of resetting:

1. Put the earbuds in their charging case and leave the lid open.
2. Press and hold the setup button for at least eight seconds.
3. The LED indicator will flash purple, indicating that the earbuds have been reset.

Edifier

If you have access to the Edifier Connect app, you can use the same method for any model of Edifier earbuds:

1. Open the Edifier Connect app on your device and go to the device screen of your TWS earbuds.
2. Tap the Settings icon in the upper right corner. This will open a menu of settings and customization options for your earbuds.
3. Tap on Factory Settings and confirm that you want to reset the earbuds.
4. The earbuds will be reset and can be put back in the case.

Without the Edifier app, the method for resetting Edifier earbuds varies massively according to their model.

You can head to the Edifier TWS earbuds support page for specific instructions. Select your model of earbuds and open the user manual. The resetting instructions are usually the third section in the document.

Jabra

The method for resetting Jabra TWS earbuds varies according to the model. But, this method works for most models, such as the Jabra Elite series and the Jabra Evolves:

1. Place the earbuds in the charging case and leave the lid open.
2. Press and hold the Left and Right buttons on the earbuds for about ten seconds until the LEDs flash pink/purple.
3. Close the lid and wait at least five seconds before opening it again. Your earbuds are now reset.

If this doesn’t work for your earbuds, you can go to the Jabra Support page for instructions.

Search for your model of earbuds, or filter by Wireless Headsets and choose your earbuds. Scroll down and open the FAQs tab. Search for reset, and choose How do I manually reset my Jabra buds to the default settings? to open the instructional article.

JBL

The majority of JBL earbuds can be reset with the following method:

1. Take the earbuds out of the charging case.
2. Tap the button on the back of one of the earbuds three times. On the third tap, hold the button for about five seconds.
3. Put the earbuds back in their case. If the LED flashes blue, the reset is successful.

If this method doesn’t work for your earbuds, you can check out our complete guide on resetting every model of JBL headphones.

JLab

All JLab earbuds follow the same reset method:

1. Place the earbuds inside the charging case.
2. Go to your Bluetooth settings and remove JLab Earbuds from your list of paired devices.
3. Tap seven times in quick succession on one earbud. The earbud should blink blue four times.
4. Tap quickly seven times on the other earbud. It should blink blue four times.
5. Take the earbuds out of the case. If the reset is successful, one will glow solid white, and the other will blink blue/white.

For more detailed instructions, you can check out our guide to resetting JLab GO Air earbuds and their variants.

Samsung

Samsung earbuds can all be reset using the Samsung companion app (Galaxy Wearable for Android and Samsung Galaxy Buds for Apple). However, the method does vary depending on the model.

Here’s what to do:

1. Place both earbuds in the charging case and leave the lid open.
2. Hold the earbuds near your Android or iOS device.
3. Open the companion app on your device.
4. Scroll down and tap on About Earbuds for Galaxy Buds or Earbud Settings for their variants.
5. Choose to Reset, and confirm your choice. Your earbuds will now be reset.

For more details and for instructions for the Gear IconX, you can read our article about resetting Galaxy Buds and their variants.

Sony

Sony headphones can all be reset from the Sony Headphones Connect app. Here’s what to do:

1. Make sure your earbuds are securely connected to your device.
2. Open the Headphones Connect app. From the Headphones page, choose the System tab.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Initialize Settings.
4. Choose to Initialize Headphones to Default State. This will open an informational pop-up.
5. Tap on Initialize, then Start.
   When the headphones are successfully reset, you’ll get a pop-up saying that the initialization is complete.

If you can’t connect your earbuds, you’ll need to reset them manually. The method for this varies depending on the model.

For instructions on how to reset your model of earbuds, you can read our guide to resetting Sony Headphones.

Skullcandy

The method for resetting Skullcandy earbuds varies depending on the model. But one common method is this:

1. Press and hold the Power buttons on both of the earbuds for about six seconds to turn them off.
2. Hold down the Power buttons again, but this time for ten seconds.
3. Put the earbuds in their case. When the light flashes red, they have been reset.

If this method doesn’t apply to your model of earbuds, you can check out our article on resetting Skullcandy wireless earbuds for instructions on every model.

FAQs on Resetting TWS Earbuds

What does resetting the TWS earbuds do?

Resetting your earbuds will revert them to factory settings, which gets rid of any bugs or glitches that have built up as you use them.

As you use a device, bugs can start to pile up in the software and affect your user experience. You might experience connectivity issues, stuttering audio, audio lag, or only one earbud playing audio.

Resetting a device will wipe its memory and force all of the software to go back to square one. This gives your earbuds a fresh start and removes any issues you might have run into.

What to do when TWS earbuds won’t reset?

If your TWS earbuds won’t reset, you can take two primary troubleshooting steps: checking the battery and contacting manufacturer support.

First, ensure your earbuds have sufficient charge. The reset process requires power, and if the battery is almost or completely dead, the earbuds might not have enough charge to reset.

If charging your earbuds doesn’t resolve the issue, consider contacting the manufacturer’s support team. They have the knowledge and experience to help you through more complex troubleshooting steps and can provide repairs or replacements.

Remember, it’s always better to seek professional help when dealing with complex issues to avoid causing further damage to your earbuds.

Conclusion

Now you know how to reset true wireless earbuds and some troubleshooting steps you can take. Hopefully, the reset fixes your earbuds, and you can get back to your audio without connectivity issues or lag.

Did the general method work to reset your earbuds, or did they need more complicated steps? Is there an easier method that we missed? Make sure to tell us in the comments below!

The post How to Reset True Wireless Earbuds [Ultimate Guide for Any Brand] appeared first on Headphonesty.

I raised an eyebrow when I learned the Audirect Beam 4 contained the new ES9281 AC PRO audio chipset. ESS’s higher-grade chip seems to be a rarity among available audio gear.

Despite having a somewhat rocky experience with Sabre DACs, lately, I’ve grown to like them generally. Most of the units I’ve tried out use the now-ubiquitous ES9219 chip, and they do their job admirably – they offer a marked upgrade over the built-in audio electronics contained in smart devices.

Audirect Beam 4

How We Score ⧉

Bottom Line

It looks elegant enough not to be out of place on any desk and provides a great listening experience with the right headphones or IEMs. In my opinion, the most important thing missing from the Beam 4 is a Bluetooth module to allow for much more convenient portable use. If you need a rather versatile transportable desktop system, then the Beam 4 might be the thing for you. Just note that you may run into noise issues with long headphone cables.

Available at Official Website

What We Like

• Elegant and practical build
• Great sound quality for the price
• Long battery life
• Accessories have the same elegant look and feel

What We Don't Like

• No Bluetooth
• Form factor awkward for wired portable use
• Noise issues with longer cables
• Stability issues on some desktop machines
• Priced relatively high

Gone are the days when lower price range Delta-Sigma DACs would make me wince with grating highs. Now they’re fine more often than not, but is the Audirect Beam 4 an exception to that rule? Read on to find out!

Technical Specifications

• Form: Portable battery-powered USB DAC/amp
• DAC Chipset: ESS Technology 2xESS9281 AC PRO
• Amplifier: 2xESS9281 AC PRO
• Microphone: Omnidirectional MEMS
• Analog Outputs: SE: 3.5mm, BAL: 4.4mm
• Power Output: SE: 141mW@16Ω, 122mW@32Ω, 7mW@600Ω; BAL: 110mW@16Ω, 230mW@32Ω, 27.78mW@600Ω,
• SNR: -119dB
• THD+N: 0.0003%
• Battery Capacity: 1200 mAh
• Battery Charging: USB-c
• Dimensions: 72 × 37 × 13mm

Packaging

The Audirect Beam 4 comes in a relatively small and understated black cardboard box. The outside shell is firm and nicely textured. Sliding off the lid reveals the unit sitting snugly in a foam cutout.

Taking out the cutout lets one access the included USB-c to USB-c cable and the USB-c to USB-a adaptor. I will note that both the cable and the adaptor aren’t off-the-shelf units and surprised me with their high build quality. Due to its short length, the USB-c cable is intended to work with a phone or other portable device.

In the box

• Audirect Beam 4 DAC/AMP
• 5cm USB-c to USB-c cable
• USB-c to USB-a adaptor
• Manual

Design

The Beam 4 is very well-made and exudes elegance.

After opening up the box, I took the Beam 4 for a test drive and was immediately wowed by the superb build quality. The enclosure is made from milled aluminum, finished in matte black anodizing. All of the buttons are easy to push as they stick out nicely from the smooth enclosure.

The indicator LEDs shine from milled pinholes and are never annoying. The problem, however, is that pinhole lights aren’t easy to read from the side or in bright sunlight. Not the end of the world for me because I don’t mind being a fashion victim occasionally.

The form factor of the Beam 4 is awkward when paired with a smartphone. The unit is a bit too short to be fastened with rubber bands. I found the best way to keep it close is to use sticky Velcro, nano tape, or something similar.

Battery life

The Beam 4 comes equipped with a sizeable 1200 mAh LiPo cell. The battery management system ensures that with portable devices, you’re not draining the host’s battery and risk tripping current limits. It’s a great system that easily yields a full day’s listening for me.

Of course, the actual battery life depends on many factors. The less efficient your headphones are, the more energy it takes to drive them to a particular sound pressure level. The same goes for the music you’re listening to – a minimalistic jazz recording will ask for less juice than blasting Bleed by Meshuggah on repeat for hours.

Internals

At the heart of the Beam 4 is the ESS Technologies ES9281 AC PRO.

As someone who builds (and occasionally sells) headphone amplifiers, I often find these small DAC/amp units boring. There’s not much going on electronics design-wise, as ESS provides all the info to get their all-in-one audio chips going.

The Audirect Beam4 is one of the very few devices on the market that uses the aforementioned ES9281 AC PRO chip.

Aside from being a relative rarity, the ES9281 AC PRO is a hair higher grade chip than the ES9219. It beats me why it never gained the popularity of its smaller brother. It probably has something to do with the availability and boring stuff like cost.

Aside from the balanced and single-ended outputs, the Beam 4 also has a built-in microphone. It is active when the unit connects to a phone. When connected to a computer, the mic input doesn’t show up.

Output Power

All IEMs and most modern dynamic headphones can be driven from the Beam 4 just fine.

I’m confident the Beam 4 must use a pair of ES9281 AC PRO chips. After all, only one cannot do proper differential drive with double the available voltage if the load permits. To gauge the actual limits of Beam 4, one needs to look at the rated power in various loads.

• Single ended: 141mW@16Ω, 122mW@32Ω, 7mW@600Ω
• Balanced: 110mW@16Ω, 230mW@32Ω, 27.78mW@600Ω

At low impedance loads found in many IEMs, the 3.5mm output will net the best performance as it’s the least current limited. Doing the Ohm’s Law math, we can deduce that 0.094A is the current limit of the Beam 4 – plenty for almost any pair of IEMs out there.

The balanced 4.4mm output comes in handy for high-impedance loads like higher-end dynamic headphones. Doubling the available voltage allows for four times the power on tap, which is exactly what the specs show us. Almost 13 volts is the ceiling for two ES9281 AC PRO chips working in unison.

The Beam 4 has three gain levels so there’s enough for most sane loads. Even at the highest setting, there was no noise on IEMs, and my 350Ω FiiO FT3 had more than enough swing to throw a party.

Audirect Beam 4 Sound

I will start with the bad to get it out of the way. The Audirect Beam 4 would often lose signal lock when I opened the Chrome browser on my PC. No other DAC would display the same behavior on this machine.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only issue I encountered.

Plugging the FiiO FT3 in with its 3m long cable caused the right channel of the Beam 4 to exhibit a strange noise.

As I shifted the cable in my arms, the noise changed in amplitude and character. The same happened with every host device I tried.

The sound was fine when using the FT3 from the single-ended 3.5mm output, and there was no sign of any trouble. Similarly, plugging any of my IEMs in the 4.4mm output with their 1.5m cables would also give a noise-free listening experience.

As for the actual sound signature of the Beam 4 – it is very similar to the Qudelix 5K. At least as far as tone goes. In terms of technicalities, it is a step up and exhibits that with just about every headphone and IEM I tried.

Overall I am rather impressed with what I hear from the Beam 4. I don’t think it can go toe-to-toe with many desktop setups, but as far as transportable all-in-ones, it is certainly good enough.

Where to Buy

• Shenzen Audio

Conclusion

I used the Audirect Beam 4 as my transportable desktop system, which is where it excels. It looks elegant enough not to be out of place on any desk and provides a great listening experience with the right headphones or IEMs.

In my opinion, the most important thing missing from the Beam 4 is a Bluetooth module. Gone are the days of multi-story portable gear sandwiches. A Bluetooth connection would allow for much more convenient portable use than using the cable to put extra mileage on the single connector our phones are left with.

If you need a rather versatile transportable desktop system, then the Beam 4 might be the thing for you. Just note that you may run into noise issues with long cables. For portable use, I recommend going with the Qudelix 5K or the venerable iFi xDSD Gryphon if the best is what you need.

The post Review: Audirect Beam 4 – Rough Around the Edges appeared first on Headphonesty.

Big Picture: The Be Fox Headphone Stand is a sleek headphone stand that also functions as a 4-in-1 wireless charger. It is capable of charging your Qi-compatible devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds all at the same time, with built-in safety features to prevent overheating.

Key features:

• Simultaneous Wireless Charging for Multiple Devices
  • The Be Fox Headphone Stand reduces the need for multiple chargers for your different devices.
    • This can charge up to four gadgets at the same time through its wireless charging base, including your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds, provided that they are compatible with wireless charging.
• Secured and Safe Charging
  • Offers peace of mind with its built-in safety features that prevent overheating and overcharging, ensuring the longevity of your devices.
    • This uses heat dissipation technology and advanced temperature control. It automatically pauses charging when it detects that your smartphone has become too hot and resumes charging when the temperature returns to normal, allowing you to charge your device safely.
  • This is said to have passed a variety of certifications that prove its safety, including:
    • Qi Certification: This has passed rigorous independent laboratory tests for compatibility with other Qi-certified devices, safety, and energy efficiency.
    • CE and FCC certification: This headphones stand has been approved to be used in Europe and US.
    • RoHS certification: This device does not have any hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, etc.

• Wide Compatibility
  • The Be Fox Headphone Stand’s wireless charger is compatible with practically all iOS and Android smartphones, as well as other smart devices that can be charged wirelessly, like your AirPods or Samsung Buds.
  • The stand itself is also said to support most headphones with up to 8.6 in. height and 500 g weight.

• Space saving
  • Eliminates the hassle of dealing with multiple chargers and cables, making it easier to keep your devices powered and ready to use.
  • The headphone stand is also built compactly, so it will not take up much space and can be placed anywhere like your computer desk, bedside table, or TV console.

    

• Detachable parts
  • This headphone stand’s components can be detached easily, making it lightweight and portable enough to take with you wherever you go.
• Aesthetic design
  • With its design, the can match the minimalist or modern aesthetics of your entertainment system, PC, or even your whole bedroom.

    

    • The design also matches the clean aesthetics of AirPods, Macs, and other Apple devices.
    • It comes in a white or black color scheme so you can choose which one matches your theme better.

Between the lines: The Be Fox Headphone Stand is designed for people who own more than three smart devices that can be charged wirelessly and are looking for an accessory that will help declutter their workspace.

Where to buy: You can purchase the Be Fox Headphone Stand for $45.99 at Amazon.

The post A Peek at Be Fox Headphone Stand – 4-in-1 Accessory for Wireless Devices appeared first on Headphonesty.