Yet another headphone thread

Anyone tried a pair of headphones that uses Audiodo?

It sounds kinda neat. An app that tries to measure your personal hearing and adjust your headphones accordingly.

Curious if it's just buzzwords and marketing speak, or if it actually seems to help.

https://www.audiodo.com/

FiveIron wrote:
Jonman wrote:
ccoates wrote:
Jonman wrote:

Just checking, you're not planning on using those as gaming headphones are you? Cos they've got waaay too much latency for htat.

I guess for gaming he could use a wire, worst-case scenario.

Yes, but the NC doesn't work if they're wired (at least not with my XM2's).

not for gaming, mostly for music and plane rides.

well the XM3's are pretty fantastic, especially compared to the beats i was using. I'm currently home with my GF and she keeps stealing them from me, after about a week though i convinced her to buy her own XM4's. it will be interesting to see the difference between the two, but i hope it isn't so big that it makes me sad i have the older model.

Jonman wrote:
ccoates wrote:

Ahhh, thanks! That makes sense.

So I think what folks are trying to say is that those dials won't work with PS5, but you might still be able to use the popup onscreen menu thing. Maybe I'll roll the dice.

Reddit suggests that master volume still works as expected, but the mixer dial won't do anything to chat when used on PS5.

Received my Arctis 7x and not only does it work with PlayStation, there's even a page in the manual that specifically mentions it works with PS, lol.

I guess since they sell a PS5 specific headset, they want to downplay that. But judging from their site I wouldn't have known the 7x is compatible if I hadn't gone looking elsewhere.

Like you said the Chatmix dial doesn't work, but everything else does. Volume, mute, etc. And you can adjust the mic levels via the PS dashboard and settings.

The headband is kind of odd, like some reviews mention (it's a "ski strap" that goes across your head and keeps the actual headband suspended above your head). but at least as a person with a bigger head who sometimes feels like headbands are strained to their breaking point, it feels solid so far. It's not as easy to adjust as a traditional headphone headband.

I also wish there was another way to check the battery level. The color indicators can be hard for me to distinguish.

It sounds pretty good and seems to be working well. Even the PlayStation 3D audio works. I haven't tested buying the Dolby/DTS codes to see how that sounds on Xbox. So I guess if anyone else wants a headset that can do triple duty on Xbox, PS, and PC (quintuple duty if you count Android and even Switch), it seems like a solid choice so far.

The companion software app will also display battery level if the headset is switched on.

I wanted a second pair of multi-point in-ears that I could use while working. I have the Jabra 75Ts but those are my running headphones, which already get a ton of use, and feel kinda gross to where when not working out. Also their noise cancelling is software based and not great.

I was able to score the Soundcore Liberty Pro 3's for $100 on a BestBuy flash sale yesterday and have been messing around with them this evening. After messing around with the fins, tips, and EQ presets they sound fantastic. They are basically the in-ear version of the Q35 cups (LDAC support). The only two knocks I have is touch controls (which I never like) and a bit of the Frankenstein look.

WizKid wrote:

Ankler Soundcore Q30
Or the Q35 if you can find them on sale.

rtings.com

Surprisingly good for the money.

EvilDead wrote:

I wanted a second pair of multi-point in-ears that I could use while working. I have the Jabra 75Ts but those are my running headphones, which already get a ton of use, and feel kinda gross to where when not working out. Also their noise cancelling is software based and not great.

I was able to score the Soundcore Liberty Pro 3's for $100 on a BestBuy flash sale yesterday and have been messing around with them this evening. After messing around with the fins, tips, and EQ presets they sound fantastic. They are basically the in-ear version of the Q35 cups (LDAC support). The only two knocks I have is touch controls (which I never like) and a bit of the Frankenstein look.

Good to hear you like them. I came VERY close to buying a set yesterday myself, but had bought what I really needed for work right before Christmas in a set of OpenComms from AfterShokz (now Shokz). (Bone Conducting headset with a very good flip up mic.) I can see myself possibly buying the Liberty Pro 3's (or successor model) at some point on a sale.

Nice, I have a few friends who swear by Shokz. They seem to be a great solution if you don't want to be blocked out of environmental / local sound. One of them wears them for road biking.

I've got a pair that I use for work, they're pretty great. The sound quality is only okay for music-- bone conduction gets you virtually zero bass-- but for podcasts and audiobooks they're amazing.

I've had a regular set for at least a couple of years that I wear walking the dog and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. You pretty much can forget they're own your head except this time a year the hoop around the neck will bump on a hood or coat. Really comfortable once you're used to them.

OpenComms have a really good mic and are much more comfortable for me to wear on my gazillion conference calls a day. Pricey, but I got a decent sale. The mic on my other ones pick up too much background noise.

EvilDead wrote:

I wanted a second pair of multi-point in-ears that I could use while working. I have the Jabra 75Ts but those are my running headphones, which already get a ton of use, and feel kinda gross to where when not working out. Also their noise cancelling is software based and not great.

I was able to score the Soundcore Liberty Pro 3's for $100 on a BestBuy flash sale yesterday and have been messing around with them this evening. After messing around with the fins, tips, and EQ presets they sound fantastic. They are basically the in-ear version of the Q35 cups (LDAC support). The only two knocks I have is touch controls (which I never like) and a bit of the Frankenstein look.

I had some Best Buy credit and decided to finally get a set of these. Do you have drop outs? Mine are the worst bluetooth devices I've bought in years for drop out, to the point where I swapped them and the second set has the same problem. They're actually worse outdoors than indoors.

I'm not using LDAP, which the app says may cause "instability in some environments". I've tried turning off dual device and wearing detection to no effect, either.

Like everything else about them. Sound good. Decent fit on my difficult ears. Reasonably comfortable. ANC is nice. They work just well enough I can't decide if I want to just take them back and try to see if I can get recredited for my reward points that were expiring.

I have the Q30's and have had other Anker sound stuff with no problems. I've got multiple sets of cheap Mpow earbuds. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, etc. None are this bad, so I don't see how it's my phone.

Hmm, no dropouts for me. Are you using multipoint when this happens or just connected to one device? I've noticed when I'm using multipoint, and on the max range of connection to my computer, it will cause sputtering on audio from my phone. But that also happens with the Jabras.

I'm assuming you updated to the latest firmware?

Edit: Also, try them in a completely different location. When I first got my Jabra Elite Actives I was getting crazy dropouts at and around my home but noticed it stopped when I went on runs after about 500 ft or so. Eventually I was able to determine that my aftermarket ebike battery charger was the culprit. It didn't have one of the "UL" certification stickers on it and I think it wasn't shielded properly. Strangely enough it only affected the Jabras.

Also check the app to make sure that both the units are getting fully charged. I noticed that they don't always magnetize to the right spot. The light should come on for each one after inserting them into the case.

EvilDead wrote:

Hmm, no dropouts for me. Are you using multipoint when this happens or just connected to one device? I've noticed when I'm using multipoint, and on the max range of connection to my computer, it will cause sputtering on audio from my phone. But that also happens with the Jabras.

Both ways. I turn off multipoint and it still has issues. I've tried every setting to see if it affects this.

I'm assuming you updated to the latest firmware?

Yep. Both pairs.

Edit: Also, try them in a completely different location. When I first got my Jabra Elite Actives I was getting crazy dropouts at and around my home but noticed it stopped when I went on runs after about 500 ft or so. Eventually I was able to determine that my aftermarket ebike battery charger was the culprit. It didn't have one of the "UL" certification stickers on it and I think it wasn't shielded properly. Strangely enough it only affected the Jabras.

Also check the app to make sure that both the units are getting fully charged. I noticed that they don't always magnetize to the right spot. The light should come on for each one after inserting them into the case.

They're charged, and this happens all over. There a walk I take the dog on where there's a sidewalk between two houses where it almost always drops out. Nothing else I own does this in that spot. I had been wondering if it might be the powerline that runs between those houses. It's possible, but that's far from the only place it happens. There might be some recurring spots, but it can happen about anywhere. Like I said, strangely more outside that in, and it doesn't seem to depend on where my phone is.

Frustrating.

That's so bizarre. I don't really use mine outside as they are primarily used as my work from home set. I'll check what firmware mine are running tonight. Maybe there is an issue with new firmware and I could still be on an older one. I have used mine with Galaxy S20, S22 and a Asus 5.1 PC BT dongle.

If you have paired them with your PC I would try unpairing them in the PC BT settings too.

EvilDead wrote:

That's so bizarre. I don't really use mine outside as they are primarily used as my work from home set. I'll check what firmware mine are running tonight. Maybe there is an issue with new firmware and I could still be on an older one. I have used mine with Galaxy S20, S22 and a Asus 5.1 PC BT dongle.

If you have paired them with your PC I would try unpairing them in the PC BT settings too.

I'm using them with my S20+. I actually completely reloaded my bluetooth on the PC.

I really want to like these. Just frustating.

Why would being outside make for worse connections? Should be less interference and less bouncing of signals.

Yeah, you would think outside would be better. I can do my workout in them tonight for a Bluetooth signal test. FWIW R-tings reviewed them and didn't find any issues with the signal.

I workout in the basement and my phone goes in a side / back pocket on my thigh. When I lie on my back to stretch the phone gets pressed against my body and the mat. It usually causes cutouts in my other headsets (Samsungs and Jabras). Must be something with the tile / cement and the signal having nowhere to go. I'll see how these handle that.

Did the workout test last night and surprisingly they didn't cut out at all. I did disconnect them from my PC first but didn't unpair them. The last two headsets I've used in the basement did when lying on my back. Galaxy Buds Plus & Galaxy Buds Pro.

They did not pass the microwave test though. (Where I put the microwave on and stand within 5 feet from it) Although I don't think any of my wireless in-ears don't cut out when the micro is on.

When yours drop out what is it just a full audio cut out or does one drop then the other? During the micro dropout I get like a staticky sound followed by 1-2 seconds of no audio on either bud.

EvilDead wrote:

Did the workout test last night and surprisingly they didn't cut out at all. I did disconnect them from my PC first but didn't unpair them. The last two headsets I've used in the basement did when lying on my back. Galaxy Buds Plus & Galaxy Buds Pro.

They did not pass the microwave test though. (Where I put the microwave on and stand within 5 feet from it) Although I don't think any of my wireless in-ears don't cut out when the micro is on.

When yours drop out what is it just a full audio cut out or does one drop then the other? During the micro dropout I get like a staticky sound followed by 1-2 seconds of no audio on either bud.

Mine will drop one or both ears completely. No static or fade. They just go. If you look at the phone, the audio continues playing for awhile before it stops (if the earbuds don't reconnect). Was just out in the garage with my phone in my pocket and they kept doing it. Back in the house and after a few minutes they've settled down (and are connected to both my phone and PC).

I rotate through several earbud sets and bone conducting headsets almost daily. These are the ONLY ones I have a problem with unless I get to extreme ranges from the device. And it's happened with two sets.

So weird. With my Jabras they were the only ones that would drop but the issue would go away when I went far enough away from my house. So at least that made sense. Maybe there is a bad batch of the Liberty 3 Pros.

I just checked and I'm on 3.75 firmware and it says it's up to date.

EvilDead wrote:

I just checked and I'm on 3.75 firmware and it says it's up to date.

Same firmware here.

That's a good thought about a bad batch. I guess I need to go to Soundcore instead of the store where I got both sets.

EDIT: Also I'll point out I have Q30's without these issues.

MannishBoy wrote:
EvilDead wrote:

I just checked and I'm on 3.75 firmware and it says it's up to date.

Same firmware here.

That's a good thought about a bad batch. I guess I need to go to Soundcore instead of the store where I got both sets.

EDIT: Also I'll point out I have Q30's without these issues.

New firmware is out that supposedly works to fix drop outs. Was initially disappointed working in the garage last night when one ear wanted to repeatedly drop out, but walked the dog down a sidewalk between two houses that has a powerline running overhead that ALWAYS caused drop outs, and it hasn't dropped there today.

So maybe some improvement? We'll see. Too early to tell.

EDIT: Scratch my prior comments. Still drop out near overhead powerlines. So weird. Annoying. Guess I need to complain to the company. I like everything else about them.

That is really bizarre. I have done many more workouts with them since I last posted and they are, by far, the most stable buds I have. I don't take them outside much though.

Update: My Liberty 3 Pros and Jabra 75Ts started both cutting out in proximity to my driveway. Coincidentally we also just had a electric car charger put in there. My old ebike charger used to do the same thing. Usually one ear cuts out first then the other and they don't come back for a bit.

It could be that Soundcore and Jabra sets are more susceptible to electric/magnetic fields. I will need to test with my other sets.

I'm going to post this here instead of the exercise thread because it's sorta more headphone oriented. I just bought some refurbished Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport headphones after loving the non-sport versions for $79 instead of $199. I really like the wing things they have, and they seem to stay in my ears a little better, so I'm looking forward to going on a run. I just got the Garmin Forerunner 255S Music that recently came out. I was waiting on this newer version of that particular watch after owning the Garmin Forerunner 45S which has been great, but has fallen apart a bit and had no music capability (I don't bring a phone with me running).

Haven't got it all set up yet, but I'm super excited. I previously used some Sony running headphones that have a 2-4 GB of space on them for MP3s and just load podcasts on them. Been doing this for years. Excited to play music from my watch to tiny headphones and have no heavy phone to deal with and no wires. Should be a lot more comfortable.

EvilDead wrote:

Update: My Liberty 3 Pros and Jabra 75Ts started both cutting out in proximity to my driveway. Coincidentally we also just had a electric car charger put in there. My old ebike charger used to do the same thing. Usually one ear cuts out first then the other and they don't come back for a bit.

It could be that Soundcore and Jabra sets are more susceptible to electric/magnetic fields. I will need to test with my other sets.

Interesting. Thanks for the update. Will likely swap mine under warranty to try one more time.

MannishBoy wrote:
EvilDead wrote:

Update: My Liberty 3 Pros and Jabra 75Ts started both cutting out in proximity to my driveway. Coincidentally we also just had a electric car charger put in there. My old ebike charger used to do the same thing. Usually one ear cuts out first then the other and they don't come back for a bit.

It could be that Soundcore and Jabra sets are more susceptible to electric/magnetic fields. I will need to test with my other sets.

Interesting. Thanks for the update. Will likely swap mine under warranty to try one more time.

Further investigating this turned out to be a combo of charger station interference with multi-point thing. My Jabras and Soundcores are the only ones that support multi-point. After turning off (not just disconnecting) the bluetooth on my PC it no longer happend. I know you disabled multi-point on your headset so your issue might still be different.

EvilDead wrote:
MannishBoy wrote:
EvilDead wrote:

Update: My Liberty 3 Pros and Jabra 75Ts started both cutting out in proximity to my driveway. Coincidentally we also just had a electric car charger put in there. My old ebike charger used to do the same thing. Usually one ear cuts out first then the other and they don't come back for a bit.

It could be that Soundcore and Jabra sets are more susceptible to electric/magnetic fields. I will need to test with my other sets.

Interesting. Thanks for the update. Will likely swap mine under warranty to try one more time.

Further investigating this turned out to be a combo of charger station interference with multi-point thing. My Jabras and Soundcores are the only ones that support multi-point. After turning off (not just disconnecting) the bluetooth on my PC it no longer happend. I know you disabled multi-point on your headset so your issue might still be different.

Lately most of the time both of my Soundcores are a struggle to get to even play audio on my PC if I'm connected, multipoint or not (Q30 and LP3's). Not sure if I've got an audio driver problem or a bluetooth driver issue. They both worked fine a week ago.

EDIT: Update, got the new ones, same problem. Do not recommend if you want to use them near any kind of powerlines. And the multipoint sometimes works, sometimes drives me insane. Otherwise, they sound good, have reasonable ANC, and I can kind of make them fit (I've got weird ears where the ear canal goes the slightly in the wrong direction to what most people's do).

I should have returned them but I really wanted them to work. Maybe the next version they'll figure out their radios.

Recommend me: A cheaper headphone with the nice seal around your head/ears of Sony WH1000xm3

I bought this great headphone about 3 years ago and its still great, but my wife has stolen them (the noise cancelling is great for her situation, so I hardly blame her). I had gotten her the Sony WH-CH700N thinking it might be close enough for her, she refuses to let me buy her good things, so we traded and I hate these.

I dont need all the fancy features, even the active noise cancelling of the WH1000xm3, I dont even power them on when I use them, but I do need that solid closure around my ears so that I hear the drum sounds on my edrums, rather than TAP TAP TAP.

Suggestions? I'm hoping for around $100-$125

polypusher wrote:

Recommend me: A cheaper headphone with the nice seal around your head/ears of Sony WH1000xm3

I bought this great headphone about 3 years ago and its still great, but my wife has stolen them (the noise cancelling is great for her situation, so I hardly blame her). I had gotten her the Sony WH-CH700N thinking it might be close enough for her, she refuses to let me buy her good things, so we traded and I hate these.

I dont need all the fancy features, even the active noise cancelling of the WH1000xm3, I dont even power them on when I use them, but I do need that solid closure around my ears so that I hear the drum sounds on my edrums, rather than TAP TAP TAP.

Suggestions? I'm hoping for around $100-$125

Soundcore Q30 or Q35.

https://smile.amazon.com/Soundcore-C...

If you really don't need ANC, Sennheiser has several sets in that price range that will do. Just look for closed back models. Since you say you're not powering them on, I assume you're using them wired.

Yeah, just do one of the soundcores that Mannish recommended. They are solid.

Mannish, that sucks about the buds for you. They are so solid for me. If they didn't look like oversized Frankenstein earplugs they would be my fav set.

EvilDead wrote:

Mannish, that sucks about the buds for you. They are so solid for me. If they didn't look like oversized Frankenstein earplugs they would be my fav set.

I lost my old bone conducting set a few weeks ago, so upgraded to the much newer Shokz Open Run, so have gone back to using those when walking the dog. While the magnetic charger cable is nice when in use, now I have to keep up with a proprietary cable.

You're right, I do get a lot less dropouts on the Liberty Pro 3's if I leave off multipoint. Doesn't eliminate it, but maybe drops the problem 60-70%, depending on where I am outside. So I guess they might as well not have multipoint and I just use them like older buds and assume occasional drops.

So close.

MannishBoy wrote:

Soundcore Q30 or Q35.

https://smile.amazon.com/Soundcore-C...

I got the Q35 and am impressed. The default sound settings are MUCH better for drumming, I hear the depth of the floor tom and the reverb far better than with the Sony's. Its probably down to default sound settings, I havent messed with the EQ on the Sony's. The 'fit' and seal around my ears is a little better with the Sony's but not $200 better.