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Sennheiser Launches the HD 490 PRO Reference Studio Headphones

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Sennheiser today launched its brand-new open-back HD 490 PRO reference studio headphones, purpose-built for producing, mixing and mastering. The circumaural, dynamic headphones feature highly precise sound reproduction and a very wide and realistic sound stage. This superior accuracy and range give producers, mixing and mastering engineers, as well as musicians, the transparency they need for critical mixing decisions and for confidently resolving any panning placement issues. The HD 490 PRO and HD 490 PRO Plus (includes additional accessories) will be available from the end of January 2024.

“If you compare today’s music productions with that of ten, 20 years ago, you will notice how the massively increased computing power and complex parameter automation have changed how music is made,” shares Jimmy Landry, Category Market Manager for MI at Sennheiser. “In every genre, engineers and music creators are continuously pushing boundaries, creating extremely complex mixes that can be prone to so-called ‘audio blind spots’. Mixes can be crowded and muddy, with too many instruments sitting at the same position and their frequencies competing. For the engineer or musician, it becomes difficult to hear each instrument or voice distinctly. This goes to show the importance of a good pair of studio headphones.”

To tackle this complexity, the Sennheiser engineers have given the HD 490 PRO an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage for precisely localising the components of a mix. Ultralight voice coils ensure a fast and authentic sound reproduction. The frequency response is uncoloured and honest across the entire audio spectrum, with the low end being full, accurate, and clearly defined thanks to a special low-frequency cylinder. The open-mesh ear cup covers reveal Sennheiser’s Open-frame Architecture, which minimises resonances and distortion. For an optimal listening experience, the transducers sit at a slight angle, thereby emulating a typical monitor loudspeaker setup.

“All these features combine to enable music professionals to identify and resolve any panning placement issues and troublesome low-end frequencies – ensuring clear mixes and superbly refined masters,” explains Gunnar Dirks, Sennheiser Product Manager. “The HD 490 PRO studio headphones put you in full control of every detail.”

An excellent pair of studio headphones would only be half as good if it were uncomfortable. Therefore, the Sennheiser engineers have put decades of experience in professional headset design into the HD 490 PRO. Their lightweight, ergonomic design eliminates any pressure points, as the headband does not press on the sensitive parts of the head. Also, the circumaural ear pads feature a Sennheiser-patented soft comfort zone for the temples of glasses while maintaining good sealing.

A patent has also been applied for regarding the special axes geometry of the HD 490 PRO. This design makes sure that the headphones optimally adapt to the head when they are put on, and maintain an equal contact pressure no matter what the shape of the user’s head.

“When you’re creating music, the last thing you want is to be focusing on the fit of your headphones. The HD 490 PRO lets you feel the music and forget about the headphones,” says Landry. “The development of the HD 490 PRO was preceded by the biggest professional headphone survey we ever did, where users voted neutral and flat reference audio as the most important feature,” explains Dirks. “However, when we took a look at market figures, we discovered that a slightly warmer sound was preferred over a 100% neutral response. Therefore, we decided to give our customers two headphones in one – by providing two different sets of ear pads that were carefully designed to shape the sound differently.”

The producing ear pads (velour) of the HD 490 PRO have a slightly warmer response to create perspective and help users make a holistic judgement of the sound. The mixing ear pads (fabric), on the other hand, allow for a very flat, neutral sound that helps dive into detail when a sound reference is needed in finishing off a mix. Both ear pads are washable – a solution that is both hygienic and sustainable.

The HD 490 PRO includes a free licence for the innovative dearVR MIX-SE plugin from Dear Reality. The plugin turns a DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment, simulating the carefully designed acoustics of ideal mixing studios. Not only is the engineer or musician placed in the sweet spot, but dear VR MIX-SE also helps them ensure a balanced and consistent translation of their mixes on different systems.

The meticulous design of this top-of-the-range studio model does not stop with the accessories. For example, the headphone cable can be plugged into the right or left earpiece of the HD 490 PRO to cater to different studio setups and preferences. A patented cable coil structure ensures that the headphone cable does not transmit any noise when it hits the desk or rubs against the clothing. The left/right designation is visible on the inside dust covers of the transducers, while for the visually impaired, the ear cups carry braille information.

Each HD 490 PRO is delivered complete with two different sets of ear pads (mixing and producing) plus a 1.8 m headphone cable and a dearVR MIX-SE licence. It retails at AED 1503 ex-Vat. The HD 490 PRO Plus, priced at AED 1803 ex-Vat, additionally includes a 3 m cable, a transport case, and an extra fabric headband pad in addition to the standard velour headband. All Plus extras are also available as individual accessories. A balanced headphone cable (EUR 39 MSRP, USD 39 MAP) is available as an optional. “If you are looking for studio headphones that give you the transparency and excellent localisation needed for crafting outstanding mixes, the HD 490 PRO are your choice,” says Jimmy Landry.

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Audio Devices

Marshall Intros Emberton III and Willen II Portable Speakers

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Marshall has revealed exciting updates to their most loved portable speakers, offering powerful 360° sound to take on the road. Emberton III delivers 32+ hours of battery life in a dust and waterproof format to outlast any party. Meanwhile, the tiny but mighty Willen II is the perfect companion to bring on an adventure, with its rugged design and 17+ hours of portable playtime.

“It’s been a pleasure to see this generational update come to life. As always, with our iconic design and Marshall sound in focus, we’ve created something unique in the portable speaker category. On the outside of the speaker, the focus has been on improved material choices and usability, but the biggest update is on the inside. Both these products come ready for the next Bluetooth technology LE Audio, enabling Auracast. They also continue to deliver surprisingly heavy sound for the size, especially Willen II,” says Hanna Wallner, Product Manager.

The slightly larger Emberton III features True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall. True Stereophonic is stereo sound, but not as you’ve heard it before. Available exclusively with Marshall products, you can now experience superior spatial and binaural sound that flows around you, filling any space. Although smaller in size Willen II makes a huge impact. It has a slightly larger frame than its predecessor, to maximise bass and the overall acoustic performance. Improved drivers mean that every frequency gets its time to shine so you’ll hear a balanced sound at any volume you choose.

Both Emberton III and Willen II come with an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, meaning you can submerge it in 1 m (3 ft) of water for a period of up to 30 minutes. The speakers are also Bluetooth LE Audio-ready. Auracast is the latest Bluetooth technology that soon will be available as an over-the-air update in the Marshall Bluetooth app. One of the benefits that Auracast gives you is a “share audio” feature. With this new feature, you’re no longer dependent on a source device with Auracast. Instead, Emberton III and Willen II will act as source devices, allowing you to broadcast music to multiple Emberton III and Willen II units simultaneously. You simply have to connect your phone to one speaker via Bluetooth, and it will sync audio to the others.

Emberton III features Marshall’s signature sound with Dynamic Loudness that adjusts the tonal balance of the audio to ensure your music sounds brilliant at every volume. Emberton III features True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall. Experience superior spatial and binaural sound that flows around you and fills any space.

Emberton III offers 32+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge, so you can keep listening all day and into the next. Marshall’s on-the-road spirit lives on in our Emberton III speaker, boasting a rugged design that can battle dust and rain. Emberton III now comes with a built-in microphone, making hands-free talking much simpler and clearer. Emberton III is built to be Bluetooth LE Audio-ready. This future-proof technology will open a new world of audio-sharing possibilities with Auracast.

Featuring a balanced Marshall signature sound and harder-hitting bass, Willen II punches above its size in more ways than one. Willen II offers 17+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge, so you can keep listening and never run out of steam. Willen II is always ready for the road – rain or dirt won’t stop the session. Willen II is the ultimate multi-purpose speaker. Stand it up, lay it down, fix it to an object or let it hang thanks to its rubber fastening strap.

Willen II lets you do the talking. It comes with a built-in microphone so that you can take calls completely hands-free. Willen II is built to be Bluetooth LE Audio-ready. This future-proof technology will open a new world of audio-sharing possibilities with Auracast.

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Audio Devices

Honeywell Launches Aviator Hi-Fi Speaker

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Secure Connection a provider of electronic products based in Hong Kong and a Honeywell licensee, has announced the launch of its latest innovation—the ultra-premium Hi-Fi Speaker, the Honeywell Aviator. This state-of-the-art speaker delivers an extraordinarily immersive listening experience combined with unparalleled elegance.

Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the Honeywell Aviator seamlessly merges cutting-edge technology with superior craftsmanship, setting a new benchmark in audio excellence. This sophisticated speaker is designed to captivate both audiophiles and enthusiasts alike, offering exceptional sound quality paired with an exquisite design that enhances any home entertainment setup.

The Honeywell Aviator redefines luxury in home audio products, combining a sophisticated aesthetic with premium quality to establish a new standard for high-end home audio systems. At the heart of the Honeywell Aviator is its Proprietary True-Lossless 1MBPS+ Audio Codec and an impressive 240 watts of power, delivering unmatched clarity and fidelity for every note. With Bluetooth V5.3, the speaker provides a robust 30-meter range, ensuring seamless connectivity without interruptions.

A standout feature of this product is the advanced Lossless Dongle Connectivity, featuring Type C and Lightning connectors. This allows for exceptional audio quality and flexibility in connecting various devices, from the latest smartphones to a range of entertainment equipment. The sophisticated design ensures high-fidelity audio transmission, offering superior sound performance regardless of the device.

To further enhance the experience, the Honeywell Aviator includes Ambient Lights that add a soothing visual ambience, perfectly complementing its premium audio quality to create an immersive listening environment. The product supports Multi-Mode Audio-In, enabling effortless switching between Lossless Dongle, Bluetooth, and AUX inputs to match any listening preference.

Engineered for excellence, the Honeywell Aviator incorporates patented acoustic and audio technologies. Its All-Digital Processing for 5 Drivers creates a rich, layered audio profile, while the 5 Channels of the Amplifier and 3 Independent Sound Cavities work together to deliver dynamic and high-fidelity sound.

Mohit Anand, Co-Founder & CEO, Secure Connection, said, “In the rapidly evolving world of consumer electronics, innovation is not just our ambition but the very foundation for every product that we set out to design and build. With the introduction of Honeywell Aviator, we are redefining the essence of luxury in-home entertainment. “This state-of-the-art device stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to blending pioneering technology with exquisite design, delivering an unparalleled audio experience with stunning visual appeal. The Honeywell Aviator is more than just a product; in our view, it sets a new standard of sophistication with an unmatchable and immersive listening experience. This product has been crafted for those who demand the finest in both audio quality and aesthetics.”

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Audio Devices

Sony Expands its LinkBuds Range with the LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Speaker

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Sony has today added to its LinkBuds range with the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open wireless earbuds, and LinkBuds Speaker. Since the LinkBuds series first launched in 2022 with a unique ring design, its focus has been on comfort and linking the online and offline worlds. This continues within the new LinkBuds range with improvements made based on valuable customer feedback to offer a seamless always-on experience, without compromising on great sound. Comfortable, smart and designed for real life, the latest LinkBuds earbuds and speaker keep you connected to the people and entertainment you love and embody “Keep every world on”.

Designed for those with an active lifestyle, the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open feature new and light Fitting Supporters for all-day wearing comfort. The LinkBuds Open lets you experience a new kind of earbud with a newly developed open-ring design that keeps you connected to your surroundings. Plus, both models come in a range of colours to suit any style with different colour cases and supporters to tailor your look. Alongside these new earbud models, the LinkBuds Speaker is also being introduced. The LinkBuds Speaker is a seamless addition to the LinkBuds family. Auto Switch swaps playback between LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds S with the LinkBuds Speaker automatically depending on the situation for a seamless listening experience.

Sony is also continuing its collaboration with three-time GRAMMY-winning, multi-Platinum-selling, singer/songwriter Olivia Rodrigo on the LinkBuds series as part of Sony’s For The Music audio campaign. Following a successful collaboration on the LinkBuds S last year, LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open are also available in Olivia’s signature violet colourway. They have been designed in collaboration with the singer-songwriter herself and were designed with one thing in mind: her fans. Offering custom EQ settings to deliver an optimal listening experience as well as an EQ user interface selected by Olivia as well.

LinkBuds Fit
The LinkBuds Fit offer unrivalled comfort with newly developed Fitting Supporters and Earbuds Tips, seamless noise and ambient sound control and a range of colours to suit your style.

  1. Comfortable fit for an active lifestyle – For an even more secure and comfortable fit, even when exercising, Sony has developed new Air Fitting Supporters for LinkBuds Fit. The Fitting Supporters have a tail that is soft and hollow to reduce ear contact and therefore pressure, while the point of attachment is hooked and hard, to prevent accidental dislodging. This means in larger ears they fit nicely at the tip of the ears and in the middle for smaller ears. Combined, these encourage both comfort and security. The Soft Fitting Earbud Tips for LinkBuds Fit are included for reduced pressure and increased comfort.
  2. Stay connected with Ambient Sound Mode – Combined with excellent noise cancelling, Auto Ambient Sound Mode automatically adjusts ambient sound to match your surroundings so you can comfortably enjoy your music anywhere.
  3. Noise cancelling – LinkBuds Fit are equipped with the Integrated Processor V2, the same as in the award-winning WF-1000XM5. The chip optimises noise cancelling in real time according to your environment.
  4. Colours to suit your style – Available in black, white, green and Olivia Rodrigo’s violet colour, the LinkBuds Fit can suit any style. Plus, with a range of accessories including Fitting Supporters and Case Covers for LinkBuds Fit4 in a variety of style and colours, you can truly customise your earbuds to compliment any outfit.
  5. High quality sound – LinkBuds Fit provide exceptional audio and call clarity. Thanks for a specially designed driver unit Dynamic Driver X, also seen within noise cancelling earbuds the WF-1000XM5, the LinkBuds Fit offer richer, more details vocals. The diaphragm structure combines several different materials for the dome and the edge, achieving low distortion and clear sound quality. LinkBuds Fit also supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless and DSEE Extreme. Also, with Precise Voice Pickup Technology that optimally controls microphones on the outside and inside of the earbud, and advanced audio signal processing, conversations are ultra clear, even in noisy environments.
  6. Easy operation – With Auto Switch, Auto Play, Quick Access enabled features such as Amazon Music Play Now or Spotify Tap and voice control it’s even easier to access and enjoy your entertainment. Plus with Wide Area Tap, you can use double or triple taps in front of either of your ears to control your music playback so there’s no need to touch the LinkBuds Fit themselves to operate.
  7. Convenient, everyday use – LinkBuds Fit also features Multipoint Connection, instant play and pause, control with head gestures, built-in voice control and Speak-to-Chat. They also have a battery life of up to 21 hours of total playback and an IPX4 water resistance rating.

LinkBuds Open
Experience a new kind of earbud with the LinkBuds Open, with an open-ring design that keeps you connected to your surroundings. The new and light Fitting Supporters for LinkBuds Open provide all-day wearing comfort and are also available in a range of colours to match your style.

  1. Live in the moment – Featuring a newly developed ring driver, LinkBuds Open’s design lets you stay connected to your surroundings. The open ring driver unit at the centre of the diaphragm maintains audio transparency, so you can hear the world around you. You will hear when someone calls your name while you are on a call and stay connected to your friends while you listen to music. LinkBuds Open also feature Adaptive Volume Control, a smart feature that automatically optimises the volume based on where you are. You can enjoy lower volumes in quiet places and higher volumes in noisier places.
  2. All-day comfort – Like the LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open also feature Sony’s newly developed Fitting Supporters for a comfortable and secure fit. Plus, LinkBuds Open are built with an evolved geometric form that fits comfortably in the ear.
  3. Curate your look – LinkBuds Open are available in black and white as well as Olivia Rodrigo’s violet colour. You can tailor your look with customisable accessories including Fitting Supporters and Case Covers in a variety of colours and styles.
  4. Authentic, high-fidelity sound – LinkBuds Open offers well-balanced, high-quality audio with clear mid to high ranges, powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V2 and a specially designed 11mm ring-shaped driver unit. A high-compliance diaphragm and powerful neodymium magnet were specifically selected to reproduce clear mid and high frequency sound. LinkBuds Open also support DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) and features precise voice pick up technology for ultra-clear, noise-free calls.
  5. Convenient, everyday use – LinkBuds Open are packed of intuitive features and controls such as Auto Switch, Auto Play, Quick Access, voice control and Wide Area Tap. Other features include Multipoint Connection, a long battery life of up to 22 hours of listening from your earbuds and an IPX4 water resistance rating.

New Sound Connect app
LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open are compatible with the renewed Sound Connect app. By using this app, you can personalise the earbuds by adjusting various settings such as the equalizer. The simple interface lets you dial in your ideal sound and shortcut settings and can even keep track of your recent listening history in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) healthy listening habits. When activated, Background Music Effect uses DSP to make audio sound as though it’s playing in your space, rather than feeling like it’s localised in your head – perfect for when you’re doing other tasks or want something a little less intense.

LinkBuds Speaker
Stay connected to your music all day long with smart features including Auto Switch that offer enhanced connectivity as well as excellent, well-balanced sound quality, despite its size. Talk and listen in total clarity and enjoy the freedom of mobility with a long battery life and a convenient carrying strap.

  1. Seamless sounds – Auto Switch swaps playback between LinkBuds earbuds and LinkBuds Speaker automatically, depending on the situation. What’s more with Quick Access you can enjoy one touch listening and Auto Play plays music according to your routine, for an even smoother experience. The clear, well- balanced sound is delivered with an X- Balanced Speaker Unit, a tweeter and passive radiators allowing for an enjoyable listening experience.
  2. Call quality – The LinkBuds Speaker has the best in class call quality of any Sony wireless speaker, articulating their speech for a clear conversation and using echo cancellation to ensure conversations flow smoothly.
  3. Your music on the move – The handy, detachable strap lets you take your LinkBuds Speaker wherever you go, whether that’s into another room or to the kitchen. Plus it’s dedicated charging cradle ensure convenient charging.
  4. Durable – With an IPX4 water-resistance rating, you can use it around water without worrying about splashes. And with a battery life of up to 25 hours, it can keep your music going all day long.
  5. Timeless design – LinkBuds Speaker is available in light grey and black to seamlessly blend into your home.
  6. Sound Connect App – LinkBuds Speaker is also compatible with the renewed Sound Connect app. New features such as Auto Switch, Quick Access, and Auto Play can be controlled through the Sound Connect app.

LinkBuds Fit is available from October with a suggested retail price of AED 899. LinkBuds Open is available from October with a suggested retail price of AED 899. LinkBuds Speaker is available from March 2025.

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