Category: Audio

  • Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Headphones: Enhanced ANC & Touch Bar

    Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Headphones: Enhanced ANC & Touch Bar

    Anker has introduced its latest wireless headphones known as the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro. These headphones promise impressive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) thanks to a setup that includes seven sensors—six microphones and a barometer. They can recalibrate every 0.3 seconds, which helps them adjust swiftly to changes in the surrounding environment. While they claim a 12.2-decibel improvement in noise reduction in the frequency range of 600 to 700 Hz, the true effectiveness of the ANC will only be revealed through testing.

    Charging Case Features

    In addition to focusing on ANC, Anker has also enhanced the charging case. This case features a display and a touch bar, allowing users to modify settings directly on the case instead of just using an app. The display provides information on the charging status, and the battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours with additional charges.

    Sound Quality and Specifications

    The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro utilize a sound generation system that includes two drivers: a 10.5 mm driver for rich bass and a tweeter. To ensure excellent sound quality during calls, the headphones are equipped with six microphones that effectively filter out wind noise. They also support spatial audio and come with an IPX5 rating for water resistance. In the USA, the Liberty 4 Pro can be purchased for US$130, and buyers will receive a travel bag as a complimentary gift.

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  • Sony Launches LinkBuds Speaker with 25-Hour Battery Life

    Sony Launches LinkBuds Speaker with 25-Hour Battery Life

    Sony has introduced its initial LinkBuds speaker, named the ‘LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker’. This announcement comes alongside the release of the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open; for more information on these earbuds, check out our related launch article.

    Battery Life and Charging Features

    According to Sony, the LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker can provide up to 25 hours of playtime on a single charge. Additionally, it includes a charging station that allows it to function as a wired speaker when needed. The speaker is also rated IPX4, meaning it is resistant to water splashes. However, it’s important to note that the ‘X’ indicates that it hasn’t been tested for particle protection.

    Design and Compatibility

    As illustrated in the video below, the LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker features a tweeter and an X-Balanced woofer, all housed in a compact design measuring 110 x 84 x 90 mm and weighing 520 g. The speaker can be used in stereo pairs, similar to Bose’s latest SoundLink speaker. Furthermore, this new LinkBuds speaker is compatible with Sony’s Sound Connect app.

    Availability and Pricing

    At present, the LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker can be purchased directly from Sony or Amazon for $179.99, available in both black and white color options. For further information, please visit Sony’s official website.

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  • Sony LinkBuds Open and Fit Launch: All You Need to Know

    Sony LinkBuds Open and Fit Launch: All You Need to Know

    The latest additions to Sony’s lineup are the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open. Sony claims these models provide "improved wearability," primarily due to their newly designed wings. Dubbed "Air Fitting Supporters," these wings help to minimize pressure points, enhancing the comfort of the wireless earbuds.

    Design Features

    Among the two models, the LinkBuds Open share a design reminiscent of the first wireless earbuds released in this series. They feature an "open ring design" that allows ambient sound to enter, promoting better awareness of the surroundings. Although these newer earbuds are notably smaller, they are equipped with a new 11 mm driver.

    Sony highlights that this driver enhances bass performance and delivers louder sound compared to the previous version. Additionally, the LinkBuds Open introduce voice controls that do not rely on any smart assistant. The processing occurs directly on the device, allowing users to execute voice commands for actions like skipping tracks and adjusting volume.

    Upgrades in Fit Model

    On the other hand, the LinkBuds Fit serve as an upgraded iteration of the LinkBuds S that Sony launched in 2022. These earbuds are lighter and more compact, but their reduced size does come at the cost of battery life. The LinkBuds Fit offer a runtime of up to 5.5 hours, whereas their predecessors provided 6 hours.

    However, there is a positive aspect to the LinkBuds Fit, as they can achieve up to 21 hours of battery life when used with the charging case, marking an improvement over earlier models. Another significant feature is the inclusion of the same V2 processor found in the flagship Sony WF-1000XM5.

    Additionally, they incorporate the Dynamic Driver X technology from the premium models, ensuring high-quality audio performance. The LinkBuds Fit also come with built-in voice controls.

    Pricing and Availability

    In terms of pricing, both the LinkBuds Fit and the LinkBuds Open are priced at $199.99. The Open variant is available in black and white, while the Fit comes in black, white, and purple. Both models are currently open for pre-order.

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  • Soundcore C40i: Anker’s Clip-On Wireless Earbuds with Big Drivers

    Soundcore C40i: Anker’s Clip-On Wireless Earbuds with Big Drivers

    Wireless earbuds have taken on various shapes and styles. Recently, a new design has become quite popular. These are clip-style earbuds, which don’t fit snugly inside the ear or use ear hooks; instead, they are simply ‘clipped’ onto the ear. While Huawei offers these types of headphones at a higher price, Anker also has options available. Anker’s C30i is set to be replaced with a new version. Although Anker has not yet officially detailed this release, some information has surfaced on Reddit.

    Insider Information

    This information seems to come from someone inside the company and has been proven accurate in the past. The upcoming C40i model is identified by the code A3331, featuring relatively large drivers that measure 12 x 17 millimeters. Since these headphones do not need to sit inside the ear canal, the drivers can be larger, which might enhance sound quality.

    Connectivity and Features

    The earbuds will connect to smartphones, tablets, and other devices using Bluetooth 5.3, which supports Multipoint connectivity. This allows the earbuds to connect to multiple devices at once, simplifying the pairing process. While this information is not yet confirmed, it’s reported that the Soundcore C40i will have an IPX4 rating, meaning they offer some protection against dust and water. The battery life is expected to last up to 25 hours, based on intermittent charging with the case.

    Charging Case and Controls

    The charging case has a straightforward design, featuring an operating light that likely indicates when the earbuds are charging and shows battery status. There are also buttons for controlling common functions like music playback and managing calls without needing to grab your smartphone.

    So far, there has been no official announcement regarding the launch date or pricing. The previous model, the Soundcore C30i, is currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon, and it is also available directly from the manufacturer at a discount (10% off in the US and 25% off in Europe).

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  • Bose Launches New SoundLink Speaker with Bluetooth and USB-C Audio

    Bose Launches New SoundLink Speaker with Bluetooth and USB-C Audio

    Bose has introduced a fresh addition to its lineup: the ‘SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker.’ This speaker made its first appearance in China a couple of weeks ago and features a design that sets it apart from earlier SoundLink models. The SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker appears to hover within its casing, thanks to a fabric mesh that conceals its internal components.

    Compact Design and Specifications

    The dimensions of the speaker are 215.9 x 111.2 x 58.4 mm, and it has a weight of 875 g, making it relatively small compared to other Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately, Bose has not disclosed specifics about the speaker’s driver. However, it has confirmed that this model supports Bluetooth 5.3 and offers up to nine hours of battery life.

    Connectivity Options

    In addition to Bluetooth, the SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker includes a USB Type-C port for those who prefer a wired audio connection. The speaker is also equipped with a built-in microphone, allowing users to handle calls and voice assistant commands. Additionally, two speakers can be connected together to provide a stereo sound experience.

    Intended Use and Pricing

    It’s important to note that the SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker is designed for indoor use only. Therefore, it does not come with any water or dust resistance features, unlike the SoundLink Flex, which is currently priced at $149 on Amazon. At present, Bose is only selling the SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker in China and North America, with a price tag of $219 in the US. The company has not yet announced plans for its availability in other regions.

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  • Sound Blaster GS5: Compact Gaming Soundbar with Bluetooth 5.3

    Sound Blaster GS5: Compact Gaming Soundbar with Bluetooth 5.3

    Creative Technology has launched a small soundbar, the Sound Blaster GS5, designed to occupy minimal space. This makes it perfect for desktop setups, but it can also be used with televisions and other devices.

    Impressive Audio Features

    The Sound Blaster GS5 features advanced full-range racetrack drivers along with an integrated port tube. It boasts a peak power of 60W, which is adequate for desktop applications. Thanks to its SuperWide technology, the soundbar enhances the audio experience by broadening the soundstage for a more immersive and lifelike listening experience. There are two distinct SuperWide modes available: "Near Field," which is optimized for close-range desk use, and "Far Field," which suits larger rooms.

    Customizable Design and Connectivity

    Underneath the Sound Blaster GS5, Creative Technology has added adjustable RGB lighting, allowing users to customize it to their preferences. The soundbar includes a variety of connectivity options at the back, such as USB-C, AUX-in, and an optical input. It also supports Bluetooth 5.3, enabling wireless connections not only to desktop PCs and laptops but also to televisions, gaming consoles, smartphones, and other devices. A remote control is also included with the soundbar.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Creative Technology Sound Blaster GS5 soundbar is now available for pre-order directly from the manufacturer at a price of $69.99. For those who prefer immediate options, soundbars from Rythflo are recommended.

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  • Bop Spotter Music Detection Project Aims to Catch Vibes

    Bop Spotter Music Detection Project Aims to Catch Vibes

    Project creator Riley Waltz has recently initiated a "cultural surveillance" project aimed at discovering the music tastes of one of San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods, the Mission District. The project cleverly utilizes an old Android phone, although Waltz has not specified the model, along with a solar panel and a microphone positioned towards the street to collect data on the music playing nearby. Music identification is achieved through the well-known Shazam app, and once a song is identified, the details are uploaded to the live Bop Spotter website. This site, featuring a charming classic Gameboy-inspired design, has already cataloged over 100 tracks since its launch a few days ago. Visitors to the site can also see that each identified song comes with a pixel art version of the album cover and links to listen on Spotify and Apple Music. Moreover, the site includes a battery life indicator for the phone powering Bop Spotter, currently at 100 percent, indicating the project is in good shape and ready for more music discoveries.

    Inspiration Behind Bop Spotter

    Waltz notes that Bop Spotter was primarily inspired by ShotSpotter, a system of computers equipped with microphones that utilize AI to analyze sounds when a gunshot occurs. However, there have been doubts regarding the effectiveness of such technology, and Bop Spotter acknowledges this similarity. Thankfully, the focus of Bop Spotter is not on identifying criminals but rather on providing "a constant feed of what’s popping off in real-time."

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  • Fiio CP13 Cassette Player vs Sanyo M4440, Sony WM-10, Technics RS-M24

    Fiio CP13 Cassette Player vs Sanyo M4440, Sony WM-10, Technics RS-M24

    The review on MySKU begins with the author questioning some of Fiio’s promotional claims, particularly the assertion about the "high-voltage 4.2 V power supply." The reviewer wonders how much this actually benefits consumers, especially when the well-regarded Sony WM-10 functions perfectly with just 1.5 V. They note that both devices use a single motor for reference.

    Haptics and Controls

    Moving on to the controls and haptics, the Sanyo player features essential buttons like Play, Stop, Forward, and Rewind. It also includes options for adjusting pitch, volume, treble (important for different cassette types), and left/right balance. The Stop button also works as an Eject button, and all buttons, knobs, and switches are user-friendly. In contrast, the Fiio player has fewer controls, lacking channel balance and treble adjustment. Its volume knob sticks out too much for comfortable daily use. Additionally, the Fiio’s red Play button is confusing, as that color usually indicates Record. To access the cassette compartment, Fiio CP13 users must use their nails, and the buttons are noted to be stiff and noisy, with the design appearing overly angular, seemingly prioritizing looks over functionality.

    Sound Quality

    When it comes to sound performance, the Fiio player lacks a "track search" mode, which means audio cannot continue to play while pressing both Play and Forward, a feature present in the older Sanyo model. The mechanical components of the Fiio player produce noticeable noise during cassette playback, while the Sanyo remains quieter, despite being older.

    The more affordable Technics RS-M24 full-size player is even quieter than both portable devices, with its built-in amplifier generating less static.

    Listening Experience

    A listening test with ATH-M50xBT2 headphones (currently priced at $189 on Amazon.com) indicates that the CP13 struggles with bass and has an excess of treble. The sound from Type 1 and Type 2 cassettes is largely similar on the Fiio player.

    In contrast, the Sanyo player offers improved bass and allows for treble adjustments based on personal preference and cassette type. It also makes fine details easier to hear.

    The Technics RS-M24, on the other hand, simply sounds "nice," showing no weaknesses in any area.

    Lastly, the reviewer tested the frequency response of each cassette player by playing audio segments at various frequencies, including 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 1,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 Hz. The Fiio player did not perform well in this assessment.

    As a small positive note, the reviewer mentions an appreciation for the sound quality of most digital Fiio players.

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  • Zoom H2essential: Versatile Handheld Recorder with 32-bit Audio

    Zoom H2essential: Versatile Handheld Recorder with 32-bit Audio

    Among the highly popular handheld recorders from Zoom, the H2n (currently priced at $125 on Amazon) has always been regarded as an underestimated but powerful tool, thanks to its multi-microphone setup that provides various useful pickup patterns. Now, Zoom has introduced the H2essential (or H2e) as part of its newly updated ‘essential’ series. This model features 32-bit float audio, a higher-resolution color LCD, and an upgraded 3-mic array with a new pickup configuration. Before diving into the details, let’s briefly explain 32-bit float audio and its benefits.

    Understanding 32-bit Float Audio

    In traditional 16-bit or 24-bit audio recording, it is essential to set the right gain before recording to avoid missing quieter sounds or experiencing distortion when the audio levels peak. However, with 32-bit float audio, the dynamic range is significantly expanded, reducing the chance of losing soft or loud recordings. This means that adjustments can be made later on, prior to converting to 24-bit for the final mix. This technology is particularly beneficial for filmmakers and for outdoor recordings in unpredictable and noisy settings. For more information about this technology, continue reading here.

    Features of the H2e

    The H2e is equipped with three internal microphones: two cardioid mics positioned at the front and back, and one bi-directional mic that captures sound from the sides. A newly designed top-mounted button interface allows users to select either the front or rear mics, or both, along with adjusting the stereo width to 90°, 120°, or mono. This results in a total of nine pickup patterns, making it suitable for various applications, such as recording solo musicians, ensembles, interviews, or podcasts.

    Additionally, users can combine the front microphone with an external mic through the 3.5 mm input for ambient sound recordings and sound design. The built-in mixer allows for individual channel level adjustments, and a mid-side recording mode permits stereo width adjustments during post-production.

    Display and Connectivity

    The 1.3-inch full-color LCD screen enables users to monitor the waveforms of each channel. There are also dedicated buttons for accessing the mixer, applying low-cut filters, and inserting marker points in recordings for easier editing.

    The H2e can function as a USB microphone (or audio interface when an external mic and headphones are connected) for streaming, video calls, or music production. It can also record directly onto its microSD card (supporting SDXC up to 2 TB) while being used in this manner. Additionally, it can connect to a smartphone via USB-C or to a camera using the 3.5 mm headphone output.

    Practical Design

    For added convenience, Zoom has included a small speaker in the H2e for quick playback of recordings, as well as a standard tripod mounting thread. This portable recorder can be powered by two AA batteries for up to 11 hours (or 4 hours when using both the onboard and an external mic) or via USB bus power.

    The Zoom H2essential handheld recorder is priced at $170 and is expected to start shipping by late October, although pre-orders are already available at retailers like Adorama and B&H Photo. For those looking for a simpler XY stereo recording option, the Zoom H1essential is available for $100, while the Zoom H4essential, priced at $200, offers 4-channel recording with additional XLR inputs.

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  • Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Earbuds: Launch Date & Colors Leaked

    Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Earbuds: Launch Date & Colors Leaked

    Anker is set to release the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro wireless earbuds on Thursday, October 3, 2024. New details about their features, color choices, and pricing options have emerged. These earbuds will be available in Glossy Black, Glossy Light Blue, and White, with a potential green variant in development that may not be ready for launch. A key highlight is the charging case, which features a built-in display to show the battery levels for both the case and the earbuds. This case is also likely to serve as a camera control for connected devices. Most of the features and specifications were highlighted in an earlier leak, which is summarized below.

    Pricing and Availability

    The pricing for the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro is not officially confirmed but is anticipated to be around $129.99 in the U.S. (down from $149.99 as noted in earlier leaks), £129.99 in the UK, and €149.99 in Europe, based on the same source. These earbuds are expected to support Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC, which facilitates high-quality audio streaming, and will feature dual drivers. Additionally, they are equipped with six microphones that offer adaptive noise cancellation, claiming to diminish ambient noise by up to 50 decibels.

    Battery Life and Features

    Previous leaks suggest that the earbuds could achieve up to 30 hours of playback time (using the case) with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) activated. Given all these features, the Liberty 4 Pro’s wireless charging capability positions them as strong competitors in the market, particularly against premium options like the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd generation, which are currently priced at $248.99 on Amazon. Furthermore, the earbuds come with an IPX5 water resistance rating, making them suitable for daily use, including during exercise. It will be fascinating to see how consumers respond when these earbuds are released.

    @AnkerInsider via X/Twitter

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