23 Jul
Blog

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review: Budget Audiophile Buds

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Earphones.

Sennheiser CX True Wireless

RRP $ 130.00

"They offer the best sound you can find in an affordable set of earbuds."

advantages

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Customizable EQ

  • Precise and customizable controls

  • Sidetone for telephone calls

  • Good battery life

disadvantage

  • No in-ear sensors

  • No transparency mode

  • Could be difficult to get a secure fit

True wireless earbuds have always been a dilemma. Unlike their wired cousins, wireless earbuds require a variety of components such as batteries, charging cases, bluetooth radios, amplifiers, etc. All of these drive up costs and make it difficult to deliver high quality sound at affordable prices. Sennheiser – a brand with an enviable reputation for great sound – is experimenting with the line between quality and affordability.

Its first recording was the $ 200 CX 400BT it launched in 2020, a set of true wireless earbuds that did deliver sound but missed a lot of the features we'd expect at this price point. Sennheiser's second act is the $ 130 CX True Wireless. Are these buds achieving that magical balance between price and performance? We put them to the test to find out.

What's in the box?

Scope of delivery of the Sennheiser CX True Wireless earphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sennheiser is one of a growing list of companies that have made their packaging highly recyclable. The box of the CX True Wireless consists of plain printed cardboard and even the small packaging that protects the included earplugs is paper-based. You won't find a hint of plastic or foam anywhere. Inside you will find the earphones, their charging case, earbuds in four sizes, a short USB-A to USB-C charging cable and some paper documentation.

design

Sennheiser CX True Wireless earphones next to the Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless earphones.Sennheiser CX 400BT (left) and CX True Wireless Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Visually, the CX True Wireless can hardly be distinguished from the CX 400BT. Both the charging case and the earphones have identical proportions. On closer inspection, there are small differences: the CX True Wireless have a more subtle branding that some will no doubt prefer, and their charging case has removed the dedicated pairing button from the case of the CX 400BT. The touch controls now use a matte plastic surface instead of a glossy surface.

If you pull one off this review, here it is: The CX True Wireless are a sound bargain.

The earbuds stay a bit bulky and won't win any awards for style. But the rounded box shape makes it easier than many other earbuds to insert into your ears without accidentally triggering a control path – it also makes it easy to remove and reinsert in their charging case.

One thing that has changed from the CX 400BT is the addition of an IPX4 rating for water resistance. This means that the CX True Wireless is on par with other earphones such as the AirPods Pro. They won't survive a swim in the pool, but now you can at least take them to the gym, on the track, or wherever you sweat without worrying about your earplugs.

Comfort, controls and connections

Unfortunately, since the CX True Wireless inherited its size and shape from the CX 400BT, they also inherited the fit of these earbuds, meaning they may not be comfortable. In order to get a really comfortable and secure fit, I have set myself a set Comply foam earplugs – the same ones I ended up using on the CX 400BT to deal with the same situation.

Sennheiser is still one of the few companies that really understands what is important when it comes to touch control.

To be fair, the silicone earbuds that Sennheiser included with the CX True Wireless are likely to work for a lot of people and I would never say they are uncomfortable. But they definitely don't fit as securely as foam, nor do they seal your ear canals as effectively. If you run into the same thing, just buy some comply tips from Amazon for a few dollars – you'll thank me for that.

The touch controls on the CX are excellent. Sennheiser is still one of the few companies that really understands what is important when it comes to touch control. The control surfaces are large and clear – it's effortless to get consistently accurate taps. As a bonus, a subtle tone confirms that you typed correctly.

You can adjust these controls with the Sennheiser Smart Control app. Single, double and triple taps can all be assigned to the function you want, and you can choose a different function for each earbud – handy when you want to use the earbuds independently (which you can do for both music and calls). You get everything you need: play / pause, skip tracks forwards / backwards, trigger your voice assistant and increase / decrease the volume. The only feature that can't be changed is the volume, which the long tap gesture requires when you want to use it.

Pairing with iPhones or Android devices is easy, even if the CX doesn't come with Google's Fast Pair – a few taps and you're done. If you're on an iPhone, you're limited to the good but lossy AAC codec, while Android users can enjoy the slightly higher quality aptX codec. But regardless of your source device, you can't hike very far. The CX has one of the shortest wireless signals I've ever tested – they started to dissipate when I placed just 6 meters between me and my phone. If you have your phone with you, this shouldn't be a problem. But if you want to leave your phone in a pocket or locker, be ready to stay around.

Sound quality

Sennheiser CX True Wireless earphones next to the charging case.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

With the included silicone earbuds, I found the CX True Wireless a bit anemic for the bass, but that was a purely fit function. After I swapped them for the foam tips, the sound improved dramatically. If you pull one off this review, here it is: The CX True Wireless are a sound bargain. They deliver impressively detailed and precise performance that comes incredibly close to earbuds from Sony, Bose, JBL, and Master & Dynamic, which can cost anywhere from $ 250 to $ 350.

The soundstage is wide and deep, and purists will like that Sennheiser's factory EQ settings give you a flat / neutral signature. But I usually find neutral EQ sounds boring at my preferred volume levels, so I love that the Smart Control app gives you two ways to visualize and change the emphasis of lows, mids, and highs, and create presets when You can find a setting that you like. You can clearly energize the lows and highs without losing details in the mids.

I've spent quite a bit of time switching from one genre to another, and whether it was jazz, pop, metal or hip-hop, the CX True Wireless did them wonderfully. If you've never really listened to decent earbuds, the CX will also bring you one of my favorite experiences: hearing a detail on one of your favorite tracks that you've never heard before, or rendering it to make a smile on your face.

When conditions are relatively calm, your voice will be nice and clear, with very little compression or wobble.

One track that certainly did this for me is Melanie Martinez ’High School Sweethearts. After a minute, Martinez goes from her breathy and F-bomb-laden intro to the main part of the track, and at this point you can hear someone writing on a blackboard. The CX places this unmistakable scratchy sound behind Martinez's voice so precisely, as if you could look over her shoulder and see the person writing. It gave me goosebumps.

Battery life

Sennheiser CX True Wireless earphones next to the charging case.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The CX 400BT promised seven hours of battery life per charge, with a total of 20 hours including the charging case – acceptable, but hardly worth mentioning, especially for earphones without Active Noise Canceling (ANC). But the CX True Wireless are a step up, with nine hours on a full charge and a total of 27 hours on the case.

With a quick charge of 15 minutes you get an extra hour of playtime. This puts the CX True Wireless on par with some of the best earbuds in terms of endurance – a welcome improvement.

Call quality

Making calls with the CX True Wireless is about average for True Wireless earbuds. When the outside conditions are relatively calm and there is no wind, your voice will be nice and clear, with very little compression or wobble. This must be the “voice-optimized sound” that Sennheiser refers to in its description of the earphones.

However, this does not apply to times when wind or loud noises are nearby. At these times, the microphones struggle to keep your voice consistently clear. Since so few earbuds do this excellently, I can hardly blame Sennheiser for anything, but remember: These are earbuds for making phone calls at the desk or when waiting for the flight – not for jogging, cycling or walking near heavy traffic.

These were also my observations when testing the CX 400BT, but here the CX True Wireless improves its more expensive predecessor once again: The CX True Wireless has an adjustable sidetone, which means that you can hear your own voice much more clearly when making calls. It works really well, but I found it difficult to adjust the amount of sidetone during a call.

Something missing?

The CX True Wireless really hit a sweet spot in terms of price and sound performance, and even managed to deliver really good battery life, but there are still some features you may be missing. There is no listening mode (transparency), which is surprising given the eavesdropping feature – these two often go hand in hand.

There are no in-ear sensors that can automatically pause your music when you pull out an earbud. Given the lack of transparency mode, this is what you will often do when you want to talk to someone in real life.

The charging case lacks wireless charging – maybe a minor annoyance, but it's becoming standard on many earbuds that cost less than the CX.

ANC does not exist either, but that is a feature that Sennheiser will do without at this price.

Our opinion

For people who love high-end sound quality but don't have the money to indulge in the best of true wireless earbuds, the CX True Wireless are a great buy. As long as you can forego a few features like the transparency mode and are willing to buy third-party earbuds if the sound or fit doesn't work for you, I think you'll be really happy.

Is there a better alternative?

There are tons of great True Wireless earbuds available anywhere between $ 100 and $ 130 that can outperform the CX True Wireless in terms of features. The Second generation Amazon Echo Buds come to mind as well as that Soundcore Life P3, and the Jabra Elite 75t. But none of these can beat the CX in terms of sheer sound quality.

Ironically, Sennheiser now apparently has that CX 400BT to just $ 100 – it just might be the best alternative. Same great sound, but with a shorter battery life, no water protection and no audible tone for calls. If you're willing to give these up for a $ 30 savings, you're cheating!

How long will they last?

While hard to predict, the CX True Wireless looks better than many other True Wireless earbuds. The fit and workmanship are excellent and Sennheiser supports them with a two-year guarantee, which speaks volumes for the company's confidence in its product. The industry standard is only one year. With IPX4 protection and a good starter battery capacity, they should last you for years to come.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The CX True Wireless solves the problem of getting great sound on a budget.

Editor's recommendations



11 Sep
Blog

Sennheiser CX 400BT review: Great Sound, But Not Much Else

Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless

Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless

"The sound is incredible, but the cost for a lower price is a number of missing features."

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Responsive and customizable controls

  • Highly adjustable onboard EQ

  • It lacks features for the money

  • Possible problems with fit and comfort

Sennheiser is known for top-notch sound, and both the Momentum True Wireless and its sequel, the Momentum 2 True Wireless, scored very good results on sound quality when reviewed.

But when you add that excellent sound, it comes at a pretty steep price – you'll pay $ 300 for these earbuds. This of course eliminates a lot of potential buyers.

So the challenge for Sennheiser was to create a range of true wireless earbuds that cost less without sacrificing the main reason they bought them: high quality sound.

The answer to this challenge is the $ 200 True Wireless CX 400BT.

Their price point is definitely more palatable, but do their overall features and performance make them a worthwhile investment considering how many other excellent earbuds are available for the same or similar buck?

Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

Sennheiser CX 400BT True WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The CX 400BT's relatively simple cardboard box contains the earbuds, their charging case, a set of four sizes of silicone earbuds (large, medium, small, and extra small), a short USB-C charging cable, and some printed paper documentation.

All of the packaging is highly recyclable except for the black foam inner padding that is glued to the inside of the box.

design

Sennheiser CX 400BT True WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Big and box-shaped are the words that best describe both the CX 400BT and its charging case.

While Sennheiser has tried to downsize these earbuds by giving them a rounded rectangle shape (the word "squircle" comes to mind), the fact that they are large cannot be hidden.

To be fair, while they stand out more than Apple's AirPods or AirPods Pro, they're not as gigantic as Soundcore's Liberty 2 Pro or Sony's WF-1000XM3 or the WF-SP800N.

The size of the CX 400BT has one advantage: the earphones can be pulled out of the charging sockets relatively easily, despite the strong magnets that prevent them from falling out. They're also a little easier to put in your ears.

The shiny outer surface of the earphones with the stylized Senn logo from Sennheiser serves as a touch control.

There are tiny LED indicator lights on the inside of the earbuds. They will show you the performance and / or pairing status of the earbuds. Solid red means power on, blinking blue / red means pairing mode, and blinking green / red means the earbuds are paired.

The small LED on the charging case near the hinge shows the battery status of both the case and the earphones in different colors (depending on whether the earphones are docked or not). This can be a little confusing.

The lid of the charging case is well built and has a wide hinge that can snap into place between the open and closed positions. A strong magnet keeps the lid firmly closed, but is easy to open.

Unfortunately there is no wireless charging option, just USB-C.

Comfort, fit and control

The CX 400BT are comfortable to wear, but have one caveat: To get the best sound quality from true wireless in-ear earbuds (used with silicone earbuds), you need to bring the tips deep enough into your ear canals to to create a really good seal.

This equation has two parts: you need to find the right size of the ear tip and be able to physically get that silicone tip all the way into your canal.

I found that the sheer size of the CX 400BT prevented me from achieving this comfortably. It was doable, but I had to apply quite a bit of pressure while twisting the earbuds into position.

This had a real impact on my ability to wear them for more than an hour before I felt tired.

This problem is exacerbated by the very defined groove that runs around the body of the earbuds. It has surprisingly sharp edges that I became aware of when moving and pushing the buds around to get a good seal.

The controls on the CX 400BT are possibly the best touch controls I've ever used.

Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless AppSennheiser Smart Control App Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Given that Digital Trends rep Nick Woodard didn't have this problem with the Sennheiser Momentum 2 True Wireless (with a nearly identical ear profile), I can only assume that this isn't a problem for everyone, but it does worth thinking about whether you have small ears or have experienced this problem with other models.

Out of curiosity, I tried the earbuds with a set of Comply Foam tips that came with a different set of buds and they helped tremendously. So there are options if you're willing to go the extra mile and buy third-party earplugs.

The controls on the CX 400BT are possibly the best touch controls I've ever used. I'm not a fan of touch controls because they are so difficult to achieve with a consistent response. Sometimes the taps register, sometimes not. Physical buttons are far more predictable.

However, the touch controls of the CX are exceptional and keep responding. I particularly liked the fact that a subtle confirmation tone is generated when registering a faucet. This is a great way to tell if the faucet worked or not.

The existing typing scheme is easy to remember and gives you control over volume, answering / ending / dropping calls, skipping forward / backward and access to voice assistants (Siri / Google Assistant). If you don't like how it works, you can use the Sennheiser Smart Control app to assign any function to any tapping sequence on one of the earphones – something that all real wireless earphones should offer.

Speaking of the Smart Control app: The CX 400BT does not have to be used (without it, it is paired with your device). However, I strongly recommend using it anyway. Not only can you use it to configure the controls, but you can also access the earphones' built-in equalizer and quickly switch between previously paired devices.

This is not the same as Bluetooth Multipoint, which allows two devices to be paired at the same time, but it is the next best thing.

Battery life

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Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sennheiser-cx-400bt-true-wireless-00006- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAASennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless (above) and Jabra Elite 75t Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

There seems to be a question about whether the CX 400BT should get 6.5 or 7 hours of battery life when fully charged. The box says 6.5, but the Sennheiser website says 7.

I set it to 75% and ran it on a radio stream. Seven hours later they were still on the road, so I'm confident the seven-hour claim is realistic.

In both cases, however, the average for true wireless earbuds is currently in the lower range. The $ 150 AirPods and $ 230 AirPods Pro get you just a little over five hours. Jabra's $ 200 Elite Active 75t gets 7.5 hours. The $ 200 Sony WF-SP800N can deliver up to 13 hours with active noise cancellation turned off, and the RHA TrueConnect 2 can last 9.5 hours. Samsung's Galaxy Buds + are only $ 150 but can run for 11 hours.

The loading case is of greater importance. It can only add your playtime to a total of 20 hours, making the CX one of the shortest earbuds with total duration at any cost. Since the charging case isn't exactly small, I'm not sure why Sennheiser wasn't able to provide a little more portable power.

The quick charge option is a bit better than the competition: with 15 minutes you get an hour. This corresponds to that of the Jabra Elite Active 75t, but is not as fast as the AirPods and AirPods Pro, which can also do this for only five minutes. Meanwhile, the Sonys will get you almost 90 minutes on a 10 minute charge.

Sound quality

Sennheiser CX 400BT True WirelessSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Do you remember how focused I was on getting a good fit? It's not just about comfort.

It's good that I tried these comply foam tips. From the moment I used it, I was in a sonic ecstasy.

With the factory-shipped earbuds, I began to doubt Sennheiser's claim that the CX 400BT uses the exact same drivers and equalizer technologies as the top-rated Momentum 2. What I heard was not close to the praises of Digital Trends writer Nick Woodard: “I heard some pretty powerful earbuds, but that's just a completely different experience. The sound pulls you into the music and devours you as you record notes and instruments that competitors simply don't have. "

It's good that I tried these comply foam tips. From the moment I used it, I was in a sonic ecstasy.

Sure enough, the CX 400BT can rival the best of true wireless earbuds from head to toe, and when paired with an aptX-enabled sound source, they're very hard to beat.

Stereo imaging, precision, depth and breadth of the soundstage – all are superb. Bass, midrange and treble are treated first-class, with everyone being allowed to shine without stepping on the other's feet.

This type of sound quality arguably helps all genres to perform at their best, but you'll really appreciate it when tracks require fidelity across a range of frequencies. Little Something, a duet by Sting and Melody Gardot – a song I just discovered about Tidal – is a perfect example. It features two singers who are supported by a rich mix of acoustic guitar, bass, drums and synth. But the musicians all apply a subtlety to their playing that a lesser set of earphones would attenuate or mask. With the CX, you can appreciate every detail.

If you're not crazy about the factory EQ, the Smart Control app lets you tweak it using one of two equalizer formats. Regardless of your choice, the changes you make will be saved onboard the earbuds, so you can enjoy the results regardless of the music source or the device you are using for playback.

Call quality

The CX 400BT are supposedly optimized for voice calls, but I've found that they generally do no better than many of the less expensive models I've tested.

The lack of a listening mode proved frustrating.

Voice quality was good when conditions were calm, but as is the case with so many true wireless earbuds, they struggled when other sounds vied for attention.

Cars going by, building noises in the distance, helicopters – each of these noises had a tendency to push the speaker's voice around. At no point did this prevent the speaker from being understood, but it was quite distracting at times.

These Comply Foam earbuds, which created such a wonderful seal on sound quality, also blocked a good chunk of my own voice on calls. The lack of a listening mode proved frustrating.

I would say the CX 400BT is perfectly adequate for the occasional call, but quieter locations should be preferred for something longer than a brief "I'm late for our meeting" message.

What is missing?

Given that Sennheiser managed to give the CX 400BT True Wireless the same sound quality as earphones, which cost $ 100 more, corners had to be cut elsewhere.

There's no wear sensor that can automatically pause music when you remove an earbud. There is no active noise cancellation (ANC). There's no sneak-in mode for introducing outside noise when you need to have a conversation, and there's no IPX rating for water or dust resistance.

And we've already talked about the CX's overwhelming overall battery life.

Our opinion

The Sennheiser CX 400BT offers great sound for its price of $ 200. If they had just a few more bells and whistles, we'd be in wireless earbud heaven.

Is there a better alternative?

I don't think another set of real wireless earbuds for $ 200 will get you better sound quality, but you can get close to that. The Jabra Elite Active 75t and Sony WF-SP800N both cost $ 200. While they may not quite match the CX 400BT's sonic purity, they outperform all other features like comfort and fit, audibility, battery life and ANC (in the case of the Sonys) and water resistance.

How long will they last?

With no official protection from water, you may need to be extra careful with the CX 400BT, but it (and its charging case) are very well built and should last for many years. Sennheiser grants a two-year guarantee on them, which is twice as long as with some other brands.

Should you buy it?

It's a tough call. If getting the absolute best sound quality for your money is your number one priority, and you can make peace with the CX 400BT's extensive list of missing features and potential customization issues, then I recommend it. But I would take a close look at the many strong competitors at this price point before buying them.

Editor's recommendations




02 Sep
Blog

Sennheiser MKE 200 Review: An Almost Idiot-Proof Rookie Mic

sennheiser mke 200 review 12

"The Sennheiser MKE 200 does little to record a video or to the weight of the camera, but it can significantly improve the audio quality."

  • Easy to use

  • Compact

  • Inside shock mount

  • Reduces background noise

  • No batteries required

  • Only good for short or medium distances

  • No indicator light

Nothing ruins video faster than bad audio, but sound is often neglected or completely forgotten by new videographers. With the Sennheiser MKE 200, newcomers to videography can simply plug it in and then keep forgetting the audio, but with less disastrous consequences than if they didn't use it.

Weighing less than 3 ounces, the microphone itself adds little to the weight of the camera. With no controls or batteries, the microphone also keeps the actual recording process simple and is as good as dummy-safe for newbies. The microphone developed for videos contains the right cables for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras as well as for smartphones with a headphone jack or a jack adapter.

As a photographer with minimal video experience – the MKE 200 is just the second video microphone I've tried – I'm exactly who the microphone is made for. While the MKE 200 doesn't have some of the higher quality features, it makes recording better audio almost as easy as plugging in headphones. I took the Sennheiser MKE 200 out for a quick jaunt to see if a $ 100 mic could really deliver better sound through an audio novice.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

What is a directional microphone?

The basic microphone integrated in many cameras is omnidirectional in nature. That means it picks up sound from all directions. A directional microphone like the MKE 200 picks up the sound coming from a certain direction. With a directional microphone pointed forward away from you, sounds behind the camera will be much quieter, if they are detected at all. Directional microphones deliver audio that focuses more on the content of the video than any direction. This particular microphone uses a supercardoid pickup pattern. This is a technical way of saying that it picks up sounds immediately surrounding the microphone best, with a larger area coming from the front and sides.

The MKE 200 is Sennheiser's most basic microphone from the MKE series. The other, more expensive options are not directional microphones, but so-called shotgun microphones. A shotgun microphone is an even more powerful directional microphone and reduces the noise behind the camera and on the sides. This captures even more focused audio than the MKE 200, but at a higher price.

The MKE 200 is not as ideal as a shotgun microphone, but by reducing background noise it delivers significantly better audio than the microphone integrated in cameras. Additional microphones are also usually more sensitive to noise and easier to equip, since you cannot put a windscreen on a built-in microphone.

Compact, palm-sized design

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The barrel-shaped housing of the Sennheiser MKE 200 is shorter than that of many additional microphones – the entire microphone could fit in the palm of my hand. Less than 3 inches long, the microphone does not increase the width of the camera, even with a mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z 5, and it stays within the distance between the viewfinder and the handle. It fits easily in a camera bag and takes up much less space than most lenses.

The microphone barely tips the scales to less than 2.5 ounces and obviously doesn't weigh the camera down. The biggest strain is simply the cable, but its spiral design and placement at the front of the microphone largely keep it out of the way on most cameras.

The MKE 200 is a real plug-and-play accessory – there are no controls or even batteries, which creates a minimalist look. The cable, which is exchanged between a cable designed for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras and a cable intended for smartphones, is held securely on the front of the microphone with a twist lock. A simple plastic dial locks the microphone's cold shoe into the camera mount. A tripod socket is also built into the bracket. If you're shooting with a smartphone, you'll need a case, gimbal, or some other type of shooting setup that offers a cold shoe or tripod mount.

Nothing protrudes from the microphone other than the cable and bracket, which creates a slimmer design and possibly adds to its durability. The shock absorber mount of the microphone, which muffles the noises when touching the camera itself, is located on the inside of the capsule. According to Sennheiser, this design not only helps increase durability, but also prevents balancing when working with gimbals.

The plastic construction isn't surprising for a budget accessory, but it doesn't seem like it breaks easily with typical use. A puffy windshield (or a dead cat for the audio) is also included and feels great too.

A novice friendly experience

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

As an audio novice, the MKE 200 was easy to set up for me. The three-step instructions are right on the box: slide the microphone into the hot shoe, plug the cable into the microphone and lock it. Then plug the other end into the camera.

The only possible mishap I can think of is installing the microphone backwards and accidentally amplifying everything behind the camera. Because of the shorter design, it's not that obvious which direction the microphone is going. The cable comes out from the front and the name is on the back, which may feel a little contrary to what was expected. Even most audio novices will install it correctly. When it's backwards, the longer part of the barrel points backwards and the cable covers the viewfinder and raises red flags that something is not quite right.

The plug and play design makes using the MKE 200 a pleasure. You can plug it in and forget about it, so you can focus on the content of the video instead. I forgot to turn on the other battery powered microphone that I tried before, and the MKE 200 doesn't even allow for that beginner mistake.

While the lack of any controls is a good thing overall, there is no indication that the microphone is working properly either. A simple green indicator light would have been a helpful addition.

Amplified audio

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Although I was designed to boost audio in front of the camera and soften audio behind the camera, I was still impressed with the audio quality and reduced background noise of the MKE 200. The volume quickly decreased behind the camera, while the noise in front of the camera were kept intact.

While the background noise was reduced, the MKE 200 picked up more subtle nuances than the camera's built-in microphone. I was able to catch my cat's purr, which was barely noticeable without a microphone, and the hum of the bees.

The windshield eliminates the crackle normally associated with large gusts of wind. I was able to blow directly on the microphone and only heard the sound of the air moving without the typical wind distortion.

The main disadvantage of the MKE 200 is that as a directional microphone and not as a shotgun microphone, noises that are further away from the camera can also quickly become quiet at the front. It's not a microphone that I'd use to record video with a zoom lens, but it's perfect for pairing with a 24-50mm lens and subjects that are relatively close to the camera.

The MKE 200 is easy to use and offers good audio quality to the non-professional ear. But to be clear, as a photographer, I may have lower standards than an audiophile. I found the MKE 200 less susceptible to echoes than the last budget microphone I used, as background noise was better eliminated. However, vloggers and beginners should be satisfied with the audio from this simple microphone.

Our opinion

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The easy-to-use MKE 200 is a great microphone for vloggers and avid videographers who find learning audio daunting. The plug-and-shoot design means that no settings need to be made or batteries charged. The compact microphone still manages to reduce background noise and pick up more subtleties than a camera's built-in microphone. It's not ideal for working with longer zoom lenses, but that's not unexpected for the price.

Is there a better alternative?

The MKE 200's biggest competition likely comes from the $ 100 Rode VideoMic Go, but there are a few key differences. The Rode's shock mount is external and may not be as durable in the long run as the MKE 200's. Cell phone users will also need to purchase an accessory for smartphone compatibility. On the flip side, the Rode also has a slightly different polar pattern that picks up less sound directly behind the microphone. This could be a more ideal solution for videographers who also want to cut down the sound recording from the sides.

How long it will take?

The MKE 200 comes with a two-year guarantee. The internal shock mount is mostly plastic, making the microphone more durable than other budget options.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you're new to audio or just looking for a cheap microphone, the Sennheiser MKE 200 should be at the top of your list. It's small, incredibly easy to use, includes a smartphone option, and has an internal shock mount for added durability.

Editor's recommendations




23 Mar
Blog

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 Earbuds Review

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

"Sennheiser has managed to make the best-sounding earphones even better."

  • Unsurpassed sound quality

  • Stellar active noise cancellation

  • Easy setup and control

  • Revised battery life

  • Lean aesthetics

  • Expensive

  • Comparatively bulky design

In our humble opinion, the original Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless were the best sounding real wireless earbuds you could buy. But the excellent audio quality was costly, not just the high price that went with it. Sennheiser's first crack in real wireless simply didn't have the features that justified its price, with poor battery life being the biggest mistake.

Fortunately, two years turned out to be enough to fix some shortcomings. Sennheiser's recently announced $ 300 Momentum True Wireless 2, which is slated to hit stores in April 2020, are the five-tool stars we wanted from their predecessor. Thanks to the significantly improved battery life and the additional active noise suppression, Sennheiser has combined its incomparable sound quality in one overall package. Or at least damn close.

Out of the box

Aside from a few changes, nothing much has changed in terms of design from generation to generation. Sennheiser has shrunk the new buds by almost 2 mm to reduce weight and improve comfort. However, they have the same sharp aesthetics as the originals and have the silver Sennheiser logo on each end cap. The same applies to the supplied charging case; It maintains the pill form of the first version and is wrapped in a familiar, sleek fabric.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 case

Aside from the buds themselves and the case, the package included a quick start guide, three additional pairs of silicone earplugs, and a charging cable that is just as short as the previous iteration. I exchanged the earbuds that came with the buds for a slightly smaller option, and then put them in to get a firm but secure fit. With a quick glance at the manual, I went seamlessly through the setup process, in which both buds were touched simultaneously to put them in pairing mode, find them in my phone's Bluetooth settings, and connect.

design

I registered with these buds within the first few hours and noticed the size. Don't get me wrong, they're not the bulkiest earbuds I've dealt with, but they certainly won't go away in your ear like lighter options like the Samsung Galaxy Buds + do.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Sennheiser has made progress by making Momentum 2 smaller than the originals, and I can confirm that this helped balance the load. Overall, they're comfortable earbuds, and I haven't noticed any major concerns when I wear them for extended listening sessions. However, if larger buds bother you more, I would take this into account when considering Sennheiser.

characteristics

The highlight in the converted bag with functions for the Momentum True Wireless 2 is the battery life. The originals offered disappointing four hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 12 hours on the case, neither of which could compete with much cheaper options like Apple's AirPods or Jabra's Elite Active 75T. It was a glaring flaw in an otherwise outstanding pair of buds and clearly something Sennheiser had to correct.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

The second generation of Momentum offers seven hours per charge and a total of 28 hours in combination with the charging case. Using active noise canceling and listening at louder volume usually affects these numbers, but for the most part, these juiced buds have kept the end of the battery bargain.

As is common today with wireless earbuds, the Momentum True Wireless 2 has customizable touch controls and detection features that pause playback when you remove an earbud. This "smart pause" function, as Sennheiser calls it, was slightly different from others that I auditioned because it stopped playing more gradually than a more abrupt pause in the sound. It's a small detail, but it became more and more important to me over time.

The Momentum 2 was easy to use with the touch controls. It takes a little trial and error to put all the commands into memory – things like volume controls are separated by buds, and more than once I've cranked up the volume instead of dampening it – but when I did, it was easy that control experience without reaching for my cell phone.

Like its older relatives, the Momentum 2 have IPX4 weather resistance. Essentially splashproof, but not completely waterproof. They were good for the light workouts I could do while practicing social distance, but I can't speak for how they would do in repeated sweaty sessions.

App optional, but not required

The Momentum True Wireless 2 have their own app called Sennheiser Smart Control. Since the earphones won't be available to the general public until next month, I've interacted with a beta version of the app so your mileage may vary. But for my money, the app itself was a decent compliment, but it wasn't necessary to enjoy these buds.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

They offered the opportunity to customize your touch controls, although after learning the standard controls, I didn't want to go back to the drawing board. There is also a tab where you can toggle the buds 'transparent hearing' function on and off so that you can record the sounds of the environment around you if you wish. But I could do that with a few blows to my right bud.

From my point of view, the most useful functions in the app were the settings that you could use to deactivate things like smart pause or the option to answer calls automatically. The equalizer provided with the app was useful for getting a little deeper or more heights out of the buds, but I always wanted to reset the buds to their original mood.

The audio quality is increased with ANC

At the expense of repetition, the first generation Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless were the best wireless earbuds we've ever heard. The company, widely known as a leader in audio quality, shouldn't have had to add much to the next edition to maintain the status quo.

Instead, they added active noise cancellation to the Momentum 2. In my opinion, this is a pretty big deal.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Everything that has been applauded about the original is still there. The clarity, the impressive low-end, the breathtaking stereo images. I was impressed with how listening to selections like George Ezras Shotgun, the earbuds could easily keep up with the song's tight bass notes while refusing to overwhelm the singer's tremendous vocals. I've heard some pretty powerful earphones, but this is just another experience. The sound draws you into the music and devours you when you record notes and instruments that simply are not available from competitors.

Now take all of that and add active noise cancellation. With properly fitting earplugs, the earphones can solidly exclude ambient noise without this function. My morning dog walk along a busy road has never been so calm.

By tapping my right bud three times to activate active noise cancellation, I only heard Bill Burr's giggles during the Monday Morning Podcast. While I was working on the couch a few meters from my partner, I couldn't understand a word when she tried to communicate. Not ideal from a relationship point of view, but ideal for suppressing office noise, and probably very effective for travel.

Our opinion

Sennheiser has managed to make the best sounding earbuds even better by adding active noise canceling and significantly improving battery life. Earphones were previously available at a premium price and don't make a mistake, they still do. But with everything they have to offer, the Momentum True Wireless 2 offers remarkable value for money.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Sony WH-1000XM3 does most of what the Sennheiser do for around $ 70 less. They don't quite match in terms of audio quality, but are a viable option for those who aren't interested in the Momentum True Wireless 2.

Another cheaper model, the Samsung Galaxy Buds + for $ 149, offers solid sound and an industry-leading 11-hour playback time. They just lack the active noise cancellation function and they cannot keep up with the premium audio quality.

How long will they last?

Sennheiser has a history of exceptional workmanship with its products and there is no reason to believe that the Momentum 2 will be an outlier. It remains to be seen how fast the true wireless audio world moves, how long it takes for the technology behind the buds to become obsolete.

Should you buy them

Yes. They're still a bit tall and one of the more expensive pairs out there, but you won't find anywhere else earphones that sound so good with this wealth of quality features.

Editor's recommendations




01 Mar
Blog

Sennheiser HD 450BT Headphones Review: Affordable Cans

Sennheiser HD 450BT ANC headphones

Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones Review: Good value for money, with some limitations

"Impressive features, style, and noise cancellation are an affordable option for price-conscious buyers."

  • Sleek, understated style

  • Excellent battery life

  • Good build quality

  • Solid noise cancellation

  • Smooth, clean bass reproduction

  • Inconsistent tone signature

  • No automatic pause or ambient noise mode

  • App / EQ not useful

High-end travel cans like the indelible WH-1000XM3 from Sony are becoming an essential necessity for commuters and travelers. But if you can't spit out $ 300 to $ 400 (or can't find a good sale), it's possible to purchase a pair of wireless cans that offer the same benefits – from active noise canceling to deadly battery life and sound – , for less?

Headphones like the Sennheiser HD 450BT hope to make the argument that you can spend less and still get a lot. And on paper, the latest iteration is a good case. The magic value of $ 200 (450 BT) offers noise reduction, a full 30 hours of battery life and many other functions with a capital letter "V". However, before you click the "Buy" button, you want to know exactly where the rubber for these middle-class cans meets the proverbial road.

The look (and feel) of luxury

If there's one thing you can clearly say about the HD 450BT, it's that it looks like this. The 450BT is in matt black and has soft silver accents to break up the monotony. It makes the "business traveler" look cold and offers just enough style points to keep you from falling asleep. In other words, their aesthetics match most of the flagship headphones, including the Sony pair mentioned above.

Sennheiser HD 450BT ANC headphones Riley Young / Digital Trends

In addition, the matt plastic ear cups and headband of the 450BT feel just like the comfortable ear cushions, which are wrapped in inviting synthetic leather. The only limitation is the padding on the underside of the headband, which feels much less comfortable when touched than you would like for a long flight or constant commuting. That said, although the band didn't rock my head in pillow-like goodness, it never felt uncomfortable even after I had worn them for a few hours. The only little problem I am going to offer is that I wish the ear pads were only a shade wider, but it didn't bother me.

Keys on keys

Instead of adding expensive touch controls, the HD 450BT uses an all-button control system. Overall, it works relatively well, but there is a real learning curve. Technically speaking, there are only four buttons on the right auricle. However, this includes three multipurpose buttons, including a power / ANC button, a volume rocker, and a multi-button that does everything from answering calls to skipping tracks.

It is this last key that turns out to be the most annoying as you move through the sequence. Not only is it a bit of a hassle when skipping songs (I found that a quick flick of the thumb works best), skipping backwards from what is logical. If you move the key forward – towards your face – you actually jump back and vice versa. After more than a week I usually don't have it anymore, but I still mix it occasionally.

The voice assistant feature is a great addition, but there is something strange to keep in mind. I'm actually glad Sennheiser made this the only single-function key, but it seems to happen to do two things. When you tap for voice support, the headphones also pass on ambient noise. The strange part, however, is that there doesn't seem to be any other way to do this, which means you have to take off your headphones if you want to hear things like train or flight attendant announcements. I hope this is something that Sennheiser addresses in a firmware update.

The entire range of functions would have been reserved for first-class headphones just recently.

Even without transparent sound, a number of features are impressive, including instant access to the voice assistant, battery life for a longer flight (and more expensive headphones like the 700 from Bose), solid noise cancellation, aptX support for compatible devices and much more , Such a range of extras would have been reserved for top-of-the-range headphones recently.

What you don't get

While the HD 450BT is above its weight in the feature section, there are some useful ones that you will definitely miss. First, there is no automatic pause that is useful for quickly pausing music when you remove an ear cup, and you can also thoughtlessly turn off the headphones without worrying about battery drain.

After getting used to this feature from the WH-1000XM3 to Apple's AirPods, I had to keep reminding myself to pause the music.

In addition, the Sennheiser Smart Control app is pretty useless for these headphones anyway. The only real function is an EQ, but I'll give you my audio engineer certificate (I have it somewhere, I think) if you can figure out how to use it. As an esoterically shining band, it is not manageable to properly tune the sound. How about a basic parametric or graphic EQ, folks?

A mixture of passive and active noise reduction keeps outside interference out.

noise control

Although I couldn't use the HD 450BT for the traveling Holy Grail – a long flight – I can report that they do a solid job in a variety of settings to keep unwanted noise away. This seems to be due to a clever combination of passive isolation and active noise cancellation, which keeps your listening sessions unrestricted and outside annoyances at bay.

Sennheiser HD 450BT ANC headphones Riley Young / Digital Trends

The comfortable cushions in themselves block a lot of unwanted hustle and bustle, while noise cancellation adds an extra layer to fairly effectively suppress engine humming and other booming noises. While they're not a replacement for the WH-1000XM3 – which even offers additional pressure control for extra points – or one of Bose's top picks in the genre, the 700 or the QC35 II, the HD 450BT is sure to give your trips some peace and quiet ,

Decent (albeit inconsistent) sound

Since these are Sennheiser headphones, the strangest part of my HD 450BT experience was the inconsistent sound quality that I experienced during my listening sessions. First of all, let me say that the headphones offer a balanced, relatively detailed sound and also present instruments without "masking" well, which means that instruments are rarely lost in the mix.

I particularly like the bass reproduction of the 450BT. For someone who hates bass-heavy cans, they are perfectly reserved, yet present the tone and color from kick drums to bass guitar with power and clarity. Paul McCartney's exquisite bass tone on Something shows itself in all its soft, chocolatey splendor. And while the bass never gets overwhelming, it hits hard where it is needed for hip-hop and electronic tracks.

The presence that I expect from Sennheiser in the medium and high range is missing here.

The strangest thing about the 450BT is the mixture of a bright shimmer on acoustic instruments and vocals and a lack of presence in the middle range. The combination gives some recordings too much tinsel (and too little body) in instruments and vocals, while others are draped with a foggy taste.

While the lighter color affected most of the tracks, a prime example of the latter can be heard in Vampire Weekends Married in a Gold Rush. Danielle Haim's voice is depressed in the mix, while her first appearance sounds much more like "Fshared a moment in a cafe" than "Shared".

Riley Young / Digital Trends

This was also not always the case. Some songs were played so clearly that I had to pause over my previous grades. But overall, the presence that I expect from Sennheiser in the middle and high range is missing, as is the reddish warmth of the lower mids, which is something of a Sennheiser specialty.

You could say that I find the sound quality of the HD 450BT hard for its price, and if so, I'll take the heat. In fact, you can often buy a pair of our favorite wireless cans in-store right now, the WH-1000XM3, which rightly sneaks into this test over and over again for just $ 250. And frankly, they outperform the HD 450BT in terms of clarity, instrumental definition, soundstage and level of detail.

For most titles, the HD 450BT does a good (if limited) job of delivering the goods, and less picky listeners are likely to be happy.

warranty

Sennheiser grants a generous two-year warranty on most products, including the HD 450BT. More information is available on the Sennheiser website.

Our opinion

The Sennheiser HD 450BT isn't the best value in the industry, but at just $ 200, the impressive features, stylish look, and solid noise cancellation are a good option for those in high-end travel cans want to dive in without high end price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you can look for a business, yes. Whether it is the WH-1000XM3 or the QC35 II, it is the aging guild of travel boxes that offers the best value for money these days. Is that Sennheiser's fault? I would say no, and every new pair of cans will charge a premium for headphones that have been in the tooth for a long time. With a 30 hour battery and plenty of style and comfort, the HD 450BT is worth considering.

However, if you want to make a splash in this highly competitive segment, you have to give people every reason to throw the flagships away, and the HD 450BT isn't quite there.

Should you buy them

If $ 200 is your ultimate budget cutoff (or even a stretch), yes. Their noise cancellation and extra long battery alone are enough to get them talking. However, if you can sneak a little higher, it is worth looking for a sale of the flagship models, as this is where the serious value lies. At least until the next models arrive and they are discontinued.

Editor's recommendations