Redaktion

Urbanista celebrates 10-year brand anniversary

By Editor 5 months ago

Swedish lifestyle audio brand Urbanista is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a campaign of 10 unique city guides designed to tie in with the brand’s tradition of naming its products after the world’s greatest cities.

Urbanista was founded in 2010 and has since launched 21 audio products dedicated to metropolises around the world.

CEO Anders Andreen comments, “I am very proud to have reached this 10-year milestone with a company that I have watched grow from the beginning. Our tagline is ‘Designed for Life in Motion,’ and we are dedicated to providing audio products that complement those who live active lives. Our goal is to offer products at an affordable price that are feature-rich while allowing our customers to express their personal style. Thanks to a passionate team with a culture of always achieving, we have grown over 1900% in the last six years and have ambitious plans for the coming decade.”

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Urbanista has called on ten influencers from ten cities around the world to create individually curated City Guides. In addition, the London model (for review) will be released on October 19 in Burgundy Red – a perfect color match for the fall-winter season.

More info at: https://www.urbanista.com/de/

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Shure expands Aonic portfolio with new headphones and earphones

By Editor 5 months ago

Shure introduces the new generation of its ever-growing portfolio of AONIC earphones – the AONIC 3 Sound Isolating Earphones, the AONIC 4 Sound Isolating Earphones and the AONIC 5 Sound Isolating Earphones.

Each model is said to have been developed for specific needs. The new AONIC lineup is said to offer first-class sound and absolute reliability, no matter where you are – whether in the home office, on the way to work or just enjoying music.

High-resolution sound for individual listening experiences
The new AONIC earphone line is based on decades of experience in professional audio. They offer superior sound quality, unique comfort and durability. Sound Isolating Technology reduces ambient noise by up to 37 dB. All AONIC earphones have a detachable cable, so you should be able to quickly switch between wireless and wired operation thanks to the separately available True Wireless Secure Fit Adapter (189 EUR). With this adapter, all Shure Sound Isolating earphones with a detachable cable can be used over a Bluetooth connection. The AONIC 3, AONIC 4 and AONIC 5 models come with a detachable earphone cable with 3.5mm jack for interference-free phone calls and direct connection to laptop, iOS and Android device.

The AONIC 3 earphones are said to be based on years of experience with legendary musicians. They are said to offer rich full-range sound with a single balanced-armature driver with bass reflex port. The AONIC 3 are said to deliver clear, natural sound in Shure’s smallest earphone design and are said to be inspired by the classic shape and performance of the Shure E4 earphones. The slim and compact design is also said to be perfect for listeners who want a smaller in-ear format. AONIC 3 is available in two colors (black and white) for EUR 215. A limited edition bundle with AONIC 3 and True Wireless Secure Fit Adapter is available at a promotional price of EUR 379.

The AONIC 4 earphones are the first Shure earphones to feature dual hybrid drivers – a combination of a dynamic driver and a balanced-armature driver – as well as a unique sound channel. The hybrid driver design is said to provide dynamic bass response and detailed, extended highs with precise, clean instrument reproduction and transparent vocals. The AONIC 4 earphones are available in two color options in a two-tone design (Smoke Gray + Black, Smoke Gray + White) for EUR 319. A limited edition bundle with AONIC 4 and the True Wireless Secure Fit Adapter is available at the promotional price of 489 EUR.

For listeners who want a cinematic audio experience, the AONIC 5 earphones are said to deliver outstanding spatial sound with precise, natural bass response from three high-resolution Balanced Armature drivers. They feature two dedicated woofers and a separate tweeter for extended highs, a warm midrange and precise, natural bass response. The frequency response can be adjusted with removable sound tubes for full control over the sound experience. Three unique sound characteristics are available: balanced, warm and bright. AONIC 5 aims to be a continuation of the legendary design of the Shure SE535 Sound Isolating earphones, and has the premium customization features of the SE846 Sound Isolating earphones (for review). AONIC 5 earphones are available in three color variants in two-tone design (Transparent, Red High Gloss + Transparent, Black Matte + Transparent) for 529 EUR. A limited bundle with AONIC 5 and True Wireless Secure Fit Adapter is available at the promotional price of 689 EUR.

The AONIC 3, AONIC 4 and AONIC 5 earphones complement the existing AONIC series to create a comprehensive portfolio for all needs.

Performance, durability and reliability have long been key attributes of Shure’s portfolio,” said Matt Engstrom, senior category director, global product management at Shure. “We’ve tailored the new AONIC models to meet the needs of today’s music listeners – audiophiles, commuters, casual listeners and more. For our latest innovative earphone line, we’ve combined Shure’s detachable cable design and outstanding sound quality with a modern industrial look.”

Availability

Included with the AONIC 3, AONIC 4 and AONIC 5 earphones are a Shure RMCE-UNI universal headphone cable with microphone and remote control, a fit kit with various earpieces for a perfect fit, and a sturdy carrying case.

All AONIC Series products are available at select retailers and at www.shure.de.

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Sound United acquires Bowers & Wilkins

By Editor 5 months ago

Sound United LLC, Muttergesellschaft von Denon, Polk Audio, Marantz, Definitive Technology, HEOS, Classé und Boston Acoustics, gab heute den Abschluss der Übernahme von Bowers & Wilkins, einem führenden Entwickler und Hersteller von Präzisionslautsprechern, Kopfhörern, kundenspezifischen Hi-Fi-Installationen, drahtlosen Lautsprechern und Marken-Audiosystemen im Automobil- und Fernsehmarkt, bekannt.

“With the acquisition of Bowers & Wilkins, we are combining Bowers & Wilkins’ industry-leading audio design, engineering and craftsmanship with Sound United’s technical sophistication, high standards and broad user base. This will ensure that Bowers & Wilkins can continue to grow successfully,” said Kevin Duffy, CEO of Sound United. “Sound United has a strong track record of protecting the identities and core competencies of each of its brands. We are taking the same approach with Bowers & Wilkins. We believe the entire Sound United portfolio will benefit from the addition of Bowers & Wilkins, which will translate into innovative products and technologies for our customers, distributors, dealers, as well as audio enthusiasts around the world.”

Geoff Edwards, CEO von Bowers & Wilkins, wird künftig als Präsident von Bowers & Wilkins bei Sound United die Kontinuität der Marke wahren. Die Übernahme umfasst alle weltweiten Vertriebs- und Lizenzvereinbarungen mit Dritten, unter denen derzeit Premium-Audioprodukte von Bowers & Wilkins verkauft werden. Investitionen in zusätzliche Marken ermöglichen es Sound United künftig noch innovativere Ansätze hinsichtlich verschiedener Produktkategorien, Featuresets, Technologiepartnerschaften und Verbrauchersegmenten zu verfolgen. Als Teil der Übernahme ist Sound United bestrebt, die Entwicklung neuer Bowers & Wilkins Produkte zu unterstützen, um deren Position auf dem Markt für Premium-Heim-Audiosysteme zu stärken.

“This acquisition ushers in a new era for Bowers & Wilkins and provides an opportunity to focus on what we do best: building the best loudspeakers in the industry,” said Geoff Edwards, CEO of Bowers & Wilkins. “We look forward to uniting our organizations and becoming part of the industry’s strongest portfolio of premium audio brands.”

Sound United is a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC. Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to Bowers & Wilkins.

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Amazon Prime Days – here are your Anker headphone deals!

By Editor 5 months ago

Previous
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Amazon Prime Day kicks off at midnight on Oct. 13, 2020, and offers a ton of discounted Anker brand (Soundcore) products.

Our overview shows you the highlights of Prime Day along with our links to the respective tests, if available.

Soundcore Life P2: Wireless Earbuds with CVC 8.0 noise isolation

• https://amzn.to/2SJPPBB (affiliate link)
• regular price: 49,99 €
• reduced price: 34,99 €
• saved: 30
• discount code: not necessary
• valid from 13.10.20 00:00 o’clock until 14.10.20 23:59 o’clock

Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro: In-Ear Studio Performance, Black

• https://amzn.to/3diTuQd (affiliate link)
• normal price: 129,99 €
• reduced price: 89,99 €
• saved: 30
• discount code: not necessary
• valid from 13.10.20 00:00 o’clock until 14.10.20 23:59 o’clock
• to our test report: https://www.kopfhoerer.de/test/soundcore-liberty-2-pro-by-anker/

Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro: In-Ear Studio Performance, White

• https://amzn.to/2GXsB8t (affiliate link)
• normal price: 129,99 €
• reduced price: 89,99 €
• saved: 30
• discount code: not necessary
• valid from 13.10.20 00:00 o’clock until 14.10.20 23:59 o’clock
• to our test report: https://www.kopfhoerer.de/test/soundcore-liberty-2-pro-by-anker/

Soundcore Spirit Dot 2: Bluetooth headphones for sports and fitness

• https://amzn.to/33NXt40 (affiliate link)
• normal price: 75,99 €
• reduced price: 52,99 €
• saved: 30
• discount code: not necessary
• valid from 13.10.20 00:00 o’clock until 14.10.20 23:59 o’clock
• to our test report: https://www.kopfhoerer.de/test/soundcore-spirit-dot-2-by-anker/

Soundcore Spirit X2: TWS Headphones IP68 Sweatproof & Waterproof

• https://amzn.to/2IiNcVf (affiliate link)
• normal price: 99,99 €
• reduced price: 69,99 €
• saved: 30
• discount code: not necessary
• valid from 13.10.20 00:00 o’clock until 14.10.20 23:59 o’clock
• to our test report: https://www.kopfhoerer.de/test/soundcore-spirit-dot-2-by-anker/

Soundcore Spirit X2: TWS Kopfhörer IP68 Schweißfest & Wasserdicht

• https://amzn.to/2IiNcVf (Partnerlink)
• normaler Preis: 99,99 €
• reduzierter Preis: 69,99 €
• gespart: 30 %
• Rabatt-Code: nicht nötig
• gültig ab 13.10.20 00:00 Uhr bis 14.10.20 23:59 Uhr
• zu unserem Testbericht: https://www.kopfhoerer.de/test/soundcore-spirit-dot-2-by-anker/

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ULTRASONE and Antlion create home office bundle

By Editor 5 months ago

ULTRASONE’s bundle promotion turns the PRO 480i and 580i headphones into perfect companions for the home office.

Together with the ModMic USB (for review) from Antlion, this should result in headsets with convincing sound and an unbeatable price-performance ratio.

The microphone is also sold separately – so those who already own headphones from ULTRASONE or other manufacturers can also enjoy better call quality. The closed over-ears are ideal for the office and rely on proven technologies from ULTRASONE. The unique spatiality of S-Logic can thus enrich the everyday working life of even more people.

Whether on a PC, a Mac or the Playstation: The ModMic USB from Antlion is compatible without an additional adapter and also already has a preamplifier built in. In conjunction with the high-quality ADC chipset, a maximum sampling rate of 16 bit/48 kHz is thus possible. The adjustable directional characteristic of the microphone guarantees the best possible call quality at all times – no matter how disturbing the surroundings are at the time. As a user, you can choose between the omnidirectional and cardioid shape depending on the situation. Directly on the cable, there is also a quick-to-find mute button with a red status LED. This mutes the ModMic with a flick of the wrist. The PRO 480i (for review) and PRO 580i (for review) headphones with the plug-in Antlion microphone are thus the direct answer to new challenges in the office or home office.

ULTRASONE has always focused on the fidelity of every pair of headphones. Antlion represents the same high standards with its pluggable microphones, making it the perfect partner for great-sounding collaboration. The PRO 480i and PRO 580i are thus transformed into an outstanding headset with the ModMic USB. The magnetic holder for the mic is simply attached to the headphones. The microphone cable can then be bundled with the cable of the headphones using an enclosed clip – the microphone is also adjustable in several grids in the tilt.

General information, prices and availability
The ULTRASONE PRO 480i and PRO 580i bundles with the Antlion ModMic USB are available now from ULTRASONE’s online store. The recommended retail price is 139.00 euros for the PRO 480i bundle and 179.00 euros for the PRO 580i bundle (all prices include VAT).

Further information at: https://ultrasone.com/homeoffice/

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Rupert Neve Designs makes its debut in the high-end hi-fi sector with Fidelice

By Editor 5 months ago

The company, based in Wimberley, Texas, draws on more than 50 years of development history in the professional recording studio sector – in fact, the name Neve has been synonymous with quality and excellent sound for recording professionals since the 1960s.

Finally, the Neve sound is now available to audiophile music listeners.

The Precision Digital-to-Analog Converter embeds an AKM converter chip in a flawless circuit to deliver the very highest level of sound. Multiple connection options and an integrated amplifier for balanced and unbalanced headphones make the Precision DAC the control center of the home stereo system. The Precision Headphone Amplifier enables the operation of a wide variety of headphones in excellent quality. Finally, the Precision Phono Pre-Amplifier transfers the Neve sound to vinyl playback.

Fidelice: Crowning of a legend

Three products make up the Fidelice series from Rupert Neve Designs, bringing together the combined expertise of over half a century of audio development. The core of the series is the Precision Digital-to-Analog Converter, a top-of-the-line DA converter with integrated preamplifier and headphone amp. The Precision Headphone Amplifier is a reference-class headphone amplifier, while the Precision Phono Pre-Amplifier brings legendary Neve sound to vinyl playback.

High-end audio from the recording studio icon.

All three components are designed to bring the high standards of Rupert Neve Designs to home users. In the recording studio world, Rupert Neve has an unparalleled status, with his microphone preamps and equalizers featured on countless legendary albums. Neve mixing consoles have always been considered the gold standard and still enjoy enormous popularity today. There is hardly a music production that does not come into contact with Neve technology at some point – or does not at least try to imitate the unique sound of Neve consoles. This unique sound stems primarily from the specially designed transducers for which Rupert Neve has always been famous. This Neve sound is so ingrained in our listening habits that we don’t even perceive it as sound – that’s just how things sound. With Fidelice, they now sound like that in your living or listening room at home.

The Converter: Precision Digital-to-Analog Converter

The flagship of the Fidelice series from Rupert Neve Designs is undoubtedly the Precision Digital-to-Analog Converter. The high-quality AKM converter chip is integrated into a circuit that uncompromisingly follows the goal of best sound and provides an unparalleled listening experience. The system works with PCM sampling rates up to 384 kHz at 32 bit or with DSD data up to 22.4 MHz via USB. But the Precision DAC is more than “just” a converter: its multitude of analog and digital connections make it an excellent control center for great-sounding entertainment at home. In addition to USB as well as coaxial and optical S/PDIF, one balanced and one unbalanced analog input each even allow the use as a pure preamplifier before the signal is output again balanced or unbalanced. The Precision DAC also offers an analog filter option for adaptation to the respective loudspeakers or spatial conditions. As a headphone amplifier, the Precision DAC operates balanced models via jack connection or unbalanced models via 4-pin XLR or Pentaconn.

The headphone amplifier: Precision Headphone Amplifier

The high-quality amplifier circuitry from the Precision DAC by Rupert Neve Designs refines the circuitry of the RNHP Headphone Amp, which has established itself in professional recording studios. The Precision Headphone Amplifier also makes this particularly precise and refined circuitry available independently of converter and preamp technology for driving headphones of various types. This amplifier was designed with the express purpose of fully exploiting the potential of any headphone model. A balanced input as XLR jack combo jacks, an unbalanced RCA input as well as a 3.5 mm stereo jack input offer a variety of connection possibilities. All inputs can be fed simultaneously, and switching between sources is conveniently done from the front panel of the Precision Headphone Amplifier.

The Phono Pre-Amplifier: Precision Phono Pre-Amplifier

For the first time, the Neve circuit knowledge in the Precision Phono Pre-Amplifier of the Fidelice series by Rupert Neve Designs also benefits the reproduction of vinyl records. Separate gain paths for moving-magnet or moving-coil systems allow uncompromising calibration for different requirements. For MM amplification, the capacitance can be switched between 110 and 220 pF to optimally adjust the gain to the respective cartridge. A special rumble filter also removes low-frequency components below 11.4 Hz from the signal if desired. With breathtaking technical measurements, the Precision Phono Pre-Amplifier underlines its particularly linear operation and presents the sound of your favorite records exactly as it should be.

Sound legend in a noble retro design

The sonic expertise of Rupert Neve Designs is beyond question; Neve has proven it thousands of times over decades of professional music and audio production. With the Fidelice series, however, Neve technology now also presents itself in an extremely noble design. Solid aluminum combines aesthetic values and material stability, while the mahogany top plate with the engraved signature of the master creates an exciting visual counterpoint. With accentuated styling, elegant materials, and refined technology inside, the three models in the Fidelice Series crown Rupert Neve’s fifty-plus years of creation with a look as outstanding as it sounds.

Pricing and availability

The Fidelice Series models from Rupert Neve Designs are distributed in Germany exclusively by Mega Audio. They are available immediately. The suggested retail prices are 5,794.00 Euro for the Precision Digital-to-Analog Converter, 1,386.00 Euro for the Precision Headphone Amplifier, and 1,386.00 Euro for the Precision Phono Pre-Amplifier, each including VAT.

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OnePlus shows Buds Z: New True Wireless In-Ears for 59 euros

By Editor 5 months ago

In addition to the launch of the OnePlus 8T, the smartphone manufacturer OnePlus also has a new headphone in the bag: Welcome OnePlus Buds Z!

After the release of the Buds (review) just a few months ago, OnePlus is unusually quick to follow suit and offers another true wireless model in the form of the Buds Z.

This comes as an in-ear, which should ensure a better fit and thus sound than the Buds with their EarBuds design.

With 10 mm drivers, Dolby Atmos support, and a bass boost function, the four-gram EarBuds will provide you with a rich sound that will always accompany you during sports activities thanks to IP55 certification. Two built-in microphones are also supposed to ensure clear speech intelligibility.

The Buds Z connect to your devices via Bluetooth 5.0. The manufacturer is again silent about the codec, so it can be assumed that this model also works with SBC and AAC. About five hours of runtime (for pure music playback – three hours when only talking on the phone) should be possible with one charge, the charging case can supply another 15 hours of power thanks to a capacity of 450 mAh. Thanks to “Fast Charge”, a charge of 10 minutes is enough to listen to music for three hours.

The headphones can be operated via a touch interface, Google Assistant and an auto-pause function are also among the features.

Technical data (manufacturer’s specifications):

• Product color: White
• Dimensions: Earbuds: 3.798cm x 2.335cm; Charging Case: 7.5cm x 3.59cm x 2.905cm
• Weight: ear tips 4.35g each; charging case: 40g
• Driver: 10mm dynamic
• Driver sensitivity: 97 dB ± 3dB at 1 kHz
• Sweat and water resistant: IP55
• Bluetooth version: BT 5.0
• Wireless range: 10 meters
• Charging interface: wired, USB Type-C (for charging case).
• Play time (fully charged): up to 5 hours (music playback); up to 3 hours (phone call); up to 20 hours (combined playback)
• Quick charge: 10 minutes for 3 hours (charging case + earbuds combined)
• Battery capacity: per earbud: 40 mAh; charging case: 450 mAh

The Buds Z should be available in white from 4. 11. 2020.

More info at: https://www.oneplus.com/de/product/oneplus-buds-z

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Bluetooth market analysis: Hearing aid market mixes with consumer electronics

By Editor 5 months ago

The market for hearing aids and hearables is changing – this is the conclusion of a market analysis by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) conducted by Juniper Research.

The new Bluetooth LE audio standard, for example, significantly improves the performance of audio devices. Now a new audio codec, LC3, has been released.

From hearing aid to multifunctional hearing system

Hearing aids that support a wide range of additional functions thanks to sensor technology and Bluetooth connectivity already make up a large proportion of the hearing systems available on the market today. In addition to medical hearing aids that compensate for hearing loss, over-the-counter hearing aids with adjustable hearing amplification are increasingly coming onto the market. According to Juniper Research, their market share worldwide will rise from 43 percent today to 71 percent in 2024.

In Germany, the situation is different: The German Medical Devices Act stipulates that hearing aids are not for sale over the counter and must be individually fitted by a hearing care professional. Moreover, since hearing aids are fully reimbursed by health insurance, such over-the-counter and low-cost devices do not yet play a significant role in this country.

Nevertheless, the market for hearing systems is on the move. Technological advances through Bluetooth LC3 make it possible to integrate functions into wireless headphones that support people with hearing loss. By enhancing headphones to compensate for certain frequency ranges that can no longer be perceived due to hearing loss, headphones will be a useful complement to medical hearing aids – for example, for listening to music while playing sports. Directional microphones and improved noise-canceling are also a major advance for the hard of hearing.

Bluetooth SIG releases LC3: Interoperability with all smartphone operating systems

The new Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3) offers higher audio quality at reduced data rates. To enable wireless transmission of the audio signal, it must be compressed. While the previous Classic Audio standard allowed a reduction from 1.5 MB to 345 Kbps, the new Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3) reduces the audio stream to 190 Kbps. Thanks to LC3, Bluetooth LE Audio can therefore transmit higher quality audio at half the bit rate, which also means half the energy consumption. Hearing aid manufacturers can use the energy savings achieved by LE Audio to develop hearing instruments with longer battery life and durability, or to design the devices to be even more discreet by using a smaller battery.

Another innovation is true interoperability for networking hearing aids with smartphones. Previous support for Bluetooth in hearing aids was based on proprietary implementations by hearing aid manufacturers. As a result, compatibility with different smartphone operating systems may be limited. LE Audio will enable true global interoperability by providing standardized support for Bluetooth technology in hearing aids, as users know it from other audio devices.

From entertainment to real-time audio mix

The ability to use hearing instruments to separate all incoming desirable sound sources, such as at concerts, from background noise and create an EQ balance extends the devices beyond hearing correction. From a niche use case today, this functionality will become increasingly common. It is enabled by the increasing amounts of data that can be transmitted to and from devices, as well as more energy-efficient signal processing via the LC3 codec in Bluetooth LE Audio.

For example, thanks to audio sharing, LE Audio will enable the transfer of audio tracks into headphones and hearing aids in public venues, such as theaters or conferences. While medical hearing aids compensate for hearing loss in everyday life, Bluetooth-based hearables complement the care of hearing impaired people in such scenarios and make it even easier to cope with everyday life with a hearing loss.

More information about Bluetooth LE Audio can be found here.

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Life Q30: Soundcore by Anker introduces new over-ear with ANC and Hi-Res Audio

By Editor 5 months ago

With the Soundcore Life Q30, Anker’s audio brand Soundcore launches a new over-ear that is said to be able to suppress up to 95% of all noise with its active noise cancelling.

Features (manufacturer’s specs):

• HI-RES AUDIO: Balanced midrange, crystal clear highs with 40mm audio drivers for deep, intense Hi-Res sound profile. Even frequencies of up to 40 kHz are covered.
• ACTIVE NOISE REDUCTION: Effectively reduces up to 95% of all outside noise, such as cars and planes – ideal for music while traveling or in noisier environments.
• INDIVIDUAL MODI: “Transport” for airplane noise, “Outdoor” for road traffic and wind, and “Indoor” for office noise and background conversations – the perfect solution for every situation.
• NON-STOP MUSIC: Enjoy 40 hours of wireless playback time in noise isolation mode or even 60 hours of playtime in standard mode! And if you’re ever in a hurry, your headphones are charged in 5 minutes for 4 more hours of music!
• COMFORT FIRST: The Life Q30 headphones’ velvety soft memory foam ear cushions, integrated with soft leather, give you flexible comfort while working or listening to music.
• BATTERY: 40-hour playtime
• NFC Fast Pairing
• BLUETOOTH: Multi-Point Connection
• CONNECTION: Soundcore app
• CHARGING TYPE: Type-C charging

With the launch of the new Soundcore Life Q30, there is even a 25% discount offered by Soundcore:

• Just go to: https://amzn.to/3dISGV9 (partner link*)
• Thanks to discount code DESCLIFEQ30, the price is reduced from €79.99 to €59.99 (25% discount)
• Code validity: 20 October, 12:00 clock – 25 October, 23:00 clock

More info at: https://www.soundcore.com/de/products/variant/life-q30/A3028011

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Huawei introduces first over-ear: The Freebuds Studio comes with intelligent ANC

By Editor 5 months ago

Freebuds Studio is the name of the new headphones from smartphone manufacturer Huawei and will be available in black or gold from mid-November 2020 at an RRP of 299 Euros.

With its dynamic 40 mm drivers, the over-ear has a frequency range of 4 Hz to 48 kHz and is thus easily able to reproduce high-res audio material accordingly – Huawei promises here, thanks to Premium Audio Codec Chip, a pure, multi-faceted sound with less distortion, lower noise level and a wider dynamic range.

On the codec side, SBC, AAC and the new L2HC algorithm are supported. This is supposed to enable fast and stable audio transfers with a speed of up to 960 KB/sec and thus can easily transfer audio material in 96 kHz and 24 bit.

Intelligent dynamic adaptive noise cancelling.
Thanks to IMU sensor and a four-microphone system – Huawei calls it the “intelligent multi-scene detection system” – the headphones are said to perform environment detection 200 times a second to automatically adjust the cancellation mode in different environments for a more suitable and comfortable active cancellation effect. This is said to be able to lower noise by up to 40 decibels. The degree of noise reduction can be adjusted accordingly through presets such as Ultra, General, or even Comfort mode.

In addition, the headphones naturally also offer a hear-through mode, which can work in attention mode and allow ambient noise to pass through, or as a speech mode that amplifies human voices and reduces ambient noise. However, the latter has to be set up via the AI Life app first, according to the manufacturer.

Six built-in microphones are also said to deliver top voice quality when making calls, with four of the microphones facing outward and two facing inward.

Up to 24 hours of music playback time (20 hours with ANC) is what the Freebuds Studio are said to be able to deliver, and thanks to fast-charging mode, just ten minutes should be enough to deliver eight hours of listening pleasure.

Prices and availability
The new Freebuds Studio are to be available from mid-November 2020 at a price of 299 euros in the colors Graphite Black and Blush Gold. Those who pre-order the headphones directly from Huawei will get the Band 4 Pro (79.99 euros), six months of Huawei Music (9.99 euros per month) including a 50-euro shopping voucher for the Huawei online store for free. Those who pre-order at amazon.de will also receive the Band 4 Pro as a free addition.

More information at: https://consumer.huawei.com/de/accessories/freebuds-studio/

By Editor

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Guide – everything to do with headphones

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