Overview Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset - headphones for recording ASMR-Audio

Specifications

Equipment

We got a test sample without extra ear pads. Included are headphones, cloth bag to carry and instructions.

Appearance and ergonomics

The device is sold in two colors: white and black. We tested the white model. In my opinion, it is much better suited to the iOS-devaysa: Historically, Apple releases headphones only in white.

Ambeo Smart Headset - in-ear monitor. They have quite a tight fit, but subjectively they are still very comfortable.

Due to the angular BTE Ambeo Smart Headset held even more reliably.

On the reverse side are bowls lattice them hidden stereo microphones.

At the end of the cable - Lightning-connector, a certified Apple. These headphones can be connected only to the iOS-device.

On the wire is a small module with a monaural microphone and remote control with a sound card inside.

Headphones can hardly be called superudobnymi: Remote is bulky, it is not hidden. Apple fans who are accustomed to AirPods or even EarPods, may find Ambeo Smart Headset heavy. But, given the features that we look further, it's easy to forgive.

Remote controller

The remote is really great: on it are the playback controls and recording, and hidden inside the sound card from Apogee. This company is best known for minimalist, but serious external audio interface for iPad and Mac.

In the center there are three classic button - "Pause", "Next" and "Back", using different taps on which you can answer calls, switch tracks and control the volume. There were no surprises.

But the sides are unusual switches. One of them helps control the level of mixing of sound from the outside. In addition to the classic mode with passive noise reduction, there are two functions, which are often found in urban headphones: active noise reduction and "clear hearing."

In active noise cancellation microphones embedded sound from outside is removed and duplicate his headphones wave with the same amplitude but inverted phase. As a result, two waves, and a preview of the emitters, cancel each other, turning to the listener in the silence. Active noise cancellation is often felt, and many it creates discomfort. Here it is almost imperceptible.

"Transparent ear" - a feature which we have already discussed in the review Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless. It works like this: microphone picks up the sound from the street and duplicate it in the headphones. With this feature you can include audio tracks in the usual volume, and do not be afraid, you do not notice the approaching car. By this mode, too, do not complain about: listen to music comfortably with him. It affects the work of good microphones.

On the other hand there are the recording indicator and assignable button. Action for it can be selected in the application.

application

Looking ahead, we say that the default sound headphones rather verhasty. Smart Headset app allows you to adjust the shade by a three-position EQ. There are several presets and the ability to manually adjust.

Also here it is possible to remove the voice prompts, adjust the level of "transparency" of the sound, and assign a function to the slider on the remote. For example, assign a full-time switch applications camera - so you can quickly jump to record video with a 3D-sound.

Sound

In Ambeo Smart Headset good stock volume and potential for customization. Default headphones emphasize conversational part of the range with a slight off-scale in the upper frequencies. In my opinion, with the following settings on the top of the EQ loudness above average sound unpleasant.

On the one hand, to the sound does not find fault. On the other - these headphones everything from design and ending frequency color, gives them unmusical. It seems that they are designed for bloggers and other content creators. For music lovers and audiophiles Sennheiser does differently.

Binaural recording

The main feature that makes Ambeo Smart Headset is not just headphones - the sound recording in 3D. It is made using the built-in microphone of the bowl. They take off the sound exactly as you hear it: the preservation and study of the scene.

This function can be used not only to create ASMR-video (Although these headphones are ideal), but also for shooting any commercials. Concerts with live sound, city festivals and just the human voice in an open environment - everything sounds better with a strong sense of presence when recording "out of his ears."

Here is an example. Frames with stereo microphones recording on iPhone XS - black and white. Excerpts from recording to Ambeo Smart Headset - colored. Example is not the most indicative: after all iPhone XS good writing sounds in stereo. But on the second street scene can be seen as just the sound on the sides turned into a full auditory a space where you can "hear" the distance to the cars on the avenue, pipe storm sewer along the houses and the people, passing by. Listen getting better with headphones.

Binaural recording is available in any application, including a full-time program of the camera and voice recorder, and on any device running iOS 10.3 and higher management. This means that the recording of the audio ASMR-suitable, for example, the fifth iPhone. Play a sound can be any source with stereo speakers or headphones.

Total

Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset is not just the headphones. And perhaps, as the headphones are not quite justify its price: a wired model and does not work with Android-devicesNor even with the MacBook.

First Ambeo Smart Headset - device that turns the iPhone into an advanced recorder with binaural recording function. Typically, such devices and professional stationary. A Sennheiser product - is the ability to record the sound in 3D for everyone.

Official store Sennheiser It offers Ambeo Smart Headset for 19,590 rubles, but in other stores you can find the options at a price of 13.5 thousand rubles.

Buy

The author expresses his gratitude to the company Sennheiser for providing the test device.