Audio Devices
Sony Inzone H5 WH-G500 Review: A Deep Dive for Discerning Gamers
Sony has entered into the competitive gaming headsets industry by launching the new Inzone H5 WH-G500. This headset promises an immersive audio experience, long-lasting comfort, and clear communication – all crucial aspects for the dedicated gamer. But how well does it deliver on these promises?
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Let’s deep dive into the promises H5 brings along to understand its functionalities and strengths.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The H5 arrives in a sleek, PlayStation-inspired package. Inside, you’ll find the headset itself, a boom microphone, a 2.4 GHz wireless USB dongle with a PC/PS5 toggle switch, a short USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a user manual.
The design leans towards minimalism, with a matte black plastic build and white accents adorning the earcups and headband. While not the most visually striking, the materials feel sturdy and lightweight at 260 gms.
Comfort and Fit
The H5 prioritises comfort for extended gaming sessions. The plush earcups are crafted from soft, breathable nylon fabric that conforms well to the ears. The headband padding is generous, and the clamping force is gentle, ensuring minimal pressure on your head. However, individuals with larger heads might find the earcups slightly snug.
Technical Specifications and Connectivity
The H5 uses a 2.4 GHz wireless connection for low latency and a stable connection. The included dongle offers a convenient plug-and-play experience for both PC and PS5. You also get Bluetooth connectivity. A 3.5mm jack is also available for wired connectivity to other devices if needed.
Battery life is impressive, boasting a maximum of 28 hours on a single charge, on paper. In real-world tests, we were able to clock a bit longer than 24-hour battery life, which is great. This translates to a day’s worth of worry-free gaming before needing to reach for the cable.
Audio Performance
The H5’s core feature is its 360 Spatial Sound technology. This software-driven solution aims to recreate a surround sound experience, allowing you to pinpoint the direction and distance of in-game sounds. While effective for enhancing immersion, there is a slight lack of detail and a somewhat “hollow” sound compared to traditional stereo setups.
The bass response leans towards the neutral side, which might not be ideal for those seeking a punchier sound profile. However, the H5 comes with the “Inzone Hub” software, offering an equaliser with several presets and the ability to create custom profiles. This allows for some level of sound personalisation depending on your preference.
Microphone
The boom microphone features noise cancellation technology to filter out background noise and ensure clear voice communication. During our tests, the microphone performed brilliantly by eliminating most background noise.
There is a dedicated volume rocker, which allows you to easily access controls located on the left earcup for quick adjustments during gameplay. The left earcup also includes the 3.5mm audio jack and the USB-C port. The right earcup includes the Game and Chat buttons. The microphone automatically mutes when flipped upwards, offering a convenient way to mute yourself.
The H5 seems tailor-made for PC and PS5 gamers seeking a comfortable headset with a strong emphasis on in-game spatial audio. Its lightweight design and long battery life cater to marathon gaming sessions.
Verdict
The Sony Inzone H5 WH-G500 offers a compelling package for a specific audience. Its focus on comfort, long battery life, and 360 Spatial Sound makes it suitable for dedicated gamers seeking an immersive audio experience during extended gaming sessions. Its compatibility with both PC and PlayStation makes it a versatile choice for gamers across platforms.
Price: AED 549
Sony Inzone H5 WH-G500 AED 549
Summary
The H5’s core feature is its 360 Spatial Sound technology. This software-driven solution aims to recreate a surround sound experience, allowing you to pinpoint the direction and distance of in-game sounds.
User Review
( votes)Audio Devices
Sony Expands its LinkBuds Range with the LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Speaker
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Timeless design – LinkBuds Speaker is available in light grey and black to seamlessly blend into your home.
- 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.
Audio Devices
Sennheiser Intros the MD 421 Kompakt
Sennheiser has introduced the MD 421 Kompakt, a versatile microphone that offers the legendary performance of its predecessor, the MD 421, in a more compact form factor. The MD 421 Kompakt features a cardioid pickup pattern, a remarkable dynamic range, and a redesigned mounting clip. It is designed to deliver crystal-clear sound reproduction in live sound and recording applications.
“The MD 421 is an incredibly versatile microphone. Since its inception in 1960, it excelled as a studio and a vocal microphone but was also used a lot in broadcasting, where it appeared with many celebrities of the time. Today, its successor, the MD 421-II, launched in 1998, is an all-rounder for multipurpose miking and well known to be used on drums, guitar cabs and horns,” says Bertram Zimmermann, Manager Live Sound & Studio. “It works on anything, capturing the sound source with precision, detail, and rich sound.”
The MD 421 Kompakt’s compact design is achieved by eliminating the bass roll-off switch found in previous models. This allows for a smaller microphone body without compromising on sound quality. The microphone’s frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz faithfully reproduces both high and low frequencies, with a bass tube ensuring an accurate and extended low-end response.
“With the MD 421 Kompakt, we’re offering the same legendary sound and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, but with an incredibly compact form factor,” adds Jimmy Landry, Category Marketing Manager MI. The MD 421 Kompakt also features a new clip design that is integrated into the microphone housing for easy and secure mounting. The optional drum clamp securely screws into this clip, ensuring fail-safe mounting on drums.
The MD 421 Kompakt is designed to withstand the rigours of touring and heavy studio use. It features a rugged frame with a stainless-steel basket, a gold-plated XLR-3 connector, and a protective inner chassis enclosure. The MD 421 Kompakt is now available for AED 1099 with VAT, and the MZH drum clamp included is available for AED 1129 with VAT.
Audio Devices
SoundPEATS GoFree 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds Review: Worth the Investment?
The SoundPEATS GoFree 2 open-ear wireless earbuds offer a compelling combination of affordability, comfort, and decent sound quality, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers. These earbuds have gained popularity for their ability to deliver a good audio experience without breaking the bank.
Design and Comfort
The GoFree 2 earbuds adopt an open-ear design with a compact charging case. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fit comfortably outside the ear using ear hooks to keep them in place. The charging case is small enough to easily slip into your pocket or purse, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
The SoundPEATS GoFree2 boast a sleek design and comfortable fit, even during prolonged wear. While they offer IPX5 water resistance, they may not withstand complete submersion. However, they should be able to handle splashes, sweat, and light rain, making them suitable for outdoor activities.
Each earbud features touch-based controls for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and managing calls. While they are quite responsive, the company also offers a companion app that comes with an option to completely disable touch controls.
The companion app also provides detailed information, including the battery level of each earbud. You can also customise your listening experience by adjusting volume, selecting a preset equaliser, or enabling Adaptive EQ. Adaptive EQ conducts a personalised hearing test to optimize sound quality based on your hearing profile.
To control playback and volume, simply tap the earbuds. A double tap pauses playback, while single taps on the right or left earbud increase or decrease volume. Long presses on the left or right earbud skip tracks backwards or forward. These gestures also apply to managing phone calls.
Sound Quality
Given their budget-friendly price point, the Soundpeats GoFree 2 earbuds offer surprisingly decent sound quality. The bass is punchy and satisfying, providing a solid foundation for various genres of music. The mids are clear and well-balanced, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through.
The highs are crisp and detailed, although they may occasionally sound slightly harsh at higher volumes. Overall, the sound quality is more than adequate for everyday listening and casual gaming. The SoundPEATS GoFree2 offer independent earbud functionality, allowing you to wear either bud individually or both together. Each bud connects to your phone or laptop separately, which is a value-add.
The SoundPEATS GoFree2’s open-ear design places the driver unit outside your ear, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings. This means you can easily hear traffic, other cyclists, or noises around your home such as the doorbell, children, or pets.
Battery Life
The GoFree2 earbuds feature a 60mAh battery, providing up to 9 hours of continuous listening before requiring a charge. The included charging case offers an additional 35 hours of playback and features a USB-C charging port for convenient recharging. The compact charging case securely holds the earbuds and is easy to open.
A single LED indicator on the front of the case displays the charging status, while the USB-C port is located on the back. A full charge from zero takes approximately 90 minutes, and the GoFree2 does not support fast charging.
Verdict
The SoundPEATS GoFree 2 earbuds offer excellent value for money. Considering their affordable price, decent sound quality, comfortable fit, and respectable battery life, they are a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable pair of wireless open-ear wireless earbuds without spending a fortune.
Price: AED 215
Buy Now: https://amzn.to/4dLOu4G
SoundPEATS GoFree 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds AED 215
Summary
The GoFree 2 earbuds adopt a open-ear design with a compact charging case. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fit comfortably outside the ear using ear hooks to keep them in place.