PSB TO STIR UP ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONE MARKET
Svelte speaker brand, PSB debuted its M4U 2 noise cancelling headphones a while back. This model did so well PSB have taken the tech further, releasing the now wireless M4U 8 active noise cancelling headphones.
Shown at the recent CES in Las Vegas, the new model also supports PSB’s Tri-Mode and Room Feel technologies.
Tri-mode allows wearers of the M4U 8 to dip into their music in three different ways: ANC mode is just dandy when in places where there’s tons of noise or Active Mode for when there's not. And the third way to employ the new PCBs is in Passive Mode.
The latter will come in handy when the rechargeable NiMH batteries bundled with the headphones are depleted. This is helpful if they give out when you are travelling and a power point cannot be found.
The M4U 8 is Bluetooth enabled and will run for 15 hours in ANC or Active mode.
Selecting one of these three listening modes is as simple as deploying the toggle switch built into the fascia of the right channel earcup.
A largish model, the M4U 8 is marketed to appeal to mobile users whom PSB anticipates will like the asking price. Locally the price has not been confirmed yet, but it is expected to be competitive against Bose' QC35 and the newly-released Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones.
The M4U 8, like all previous PSB headphones is equipped with RoomFeel technology. This feature uses a Digital Signal Processing chip to give what PSB calls "the kind of more natural, richer sound users would normally hear using high-end loudspeakers."
The latest PSB is aptX HD enabled allowing it to deliver 24-bit music quality used in wireless Bluetooth mode.
The new headphones can be used with a 3.5mm wired connection or via a computer USB port that neatly recharges the batteries as well.
Other features of this large but light 13-ounce model are two-way adjustable earpads and an expandable headband.
The M4U 8 is supplied with a travel case and a couple of cables. Two built-in hands-free microphones will also come in handy as they allow wearers to hear incoming calls with a great level of clarity.
The PSB Speakers M4U 8 Active Noise Cancelling headphones will be available in February. Samples are en-route to StereoNET for an upcoming product review, and local pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
For more information visit PSB Speakers.
Further reading: Ultimate Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Shootout | Headphones Discussion Forum
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